Don’t Rock the Boat

Returning to my series of mural musings, this month’s featured mural is the one portraying a kayak on the retaining wall next to 7-Eleven. At 58 feet in length and 18 feet tall, this is the largest one yet on Lake Drive. By the way, did you know the word kayak is a palindrome? Well, it is since it is written the same way forwards and backwards.

This mural, which was championed by the Crestline-Lake Gregory Chamber of Chamber of Commerce, depicts kayakers (not a palindrom) enjoying the wonderfully smooth and calm waters of Lake Gregory and serves to remind city folk that they can have the whole lake to themselves.

As for me, personally, I have an aversion to water, ‘cept for floatin’ in my hot tub, so I plan to steer clear of any kayaks, ‘cept for watchin’ them float on the lake. I should have more respect for boats, though, especially since I was a Sea Scout when I was in high school. But even then, I had a negative experience concerning boats, when I got bopped on the side of my head by the mainsail boom, while navigating the turning basin in Newport Bay. I haven’t been quite the same since, if you know what I mean. But, if you plan on kayaking (also not a palindrome), please don’t rock the boat.

“So, I’d like to know where you got the notion to rock the boat, don’t rock the boat, baby, don’t rock the boat. Don’t tip the boat over, don’t rock the boat, baby, don’t rock the boat.” (“Don’t Rock the Boat” The Hues Corporation – 1973)

Those wanting to launch their own canoes or kayaks (yet again, another non-palindrome) on the lake will first need to visit the Lake Gregory boathouse to check for Quagga muscles and to pay a fee or they can purchase a yearly pass. By the way, while the Lake Gregory Company currently has two-person kayaks available for rent, they have single-person ones on order. Also, currently available for rent are electric Duffy boats, with protective sun canopies. Gasoline-powered boats are not permitted.

And, there’s something quite romantic about rowing a boat across a body of water, as evidenced by this final verse of “Don’t Rock the Boat.”

“Your touch has thrilled me like the rush of the wind and your arms have held me safe from a rolling sea. There’s always been a quiet place to harbor you and me. Our love is like a ship on the ocean, we’ve been sailing with a cargo full of love and devotion, so I’d like to know where you got the notion. Don’t rock the boat, baby, don’t rock the boat.”

Row, row, row your boat, gently down the… oh, never mind….

Keep it flyin’, Uncle Mott