Blind Love, Leo Lakes Story

Blind Love.....

For 11 years, I've done Lake, River and Bay decor maps. It is such a great business and the customers are wonderful folks. Over the years, I have collected a lot of interesting storys. This story, I call "Blind Love". You will understand after you read this post.

Lake Conroe Map

Interestingly, a few weeks ago, I got an order for a lake map from a nice lady. It was an anniversary gift for her husband. Two days later, I recieved an order from a nice man for the same Lake. however the shipping address was to the same address as as the nice lady's map. 

Was this a double order? Nooo, it was  a "blind Love" order. You see, both were giving each other one of my maps as an anniversary gift. I called to let them know and they were so surpised that each were ordering the same gift. They did cancel one of the orders and the lady said that it made the anniversary more special. The only thing that I didn't tell them is, they both named their lake house with a different name. Anyway, I got a kick out of this and think of it as Blind Love".

Eleven years ago, I got to follow my dream, a dream of having my own studio and creating the art that I love. After some wandering around on exactly what I wanted to produce, then putting all my creative and artistic ability in to it, I can now say that I have found it, "producing creative decor maps of places that folks love." I think this email below, from one of my customers pretty much sums it up, I have found my calling!" 

Here's an email from one of my customers, I received my custom, Hammock Lake decor map yesterday and was like a kid opening it on Christmas Day.  I could not wait to see it, and it definitely did not disappoint! It it stunning!!  Thank you so much for working with me to create this amazing focal point of my home. Your work is gorgeous and is just what I had been looking for!! I absolutely love the barn wood frame!! Thank you also for your promptness on answering your emails and for the super quick delivery.  Your business is more than 5 star and is so much appreciated!!! Thank you. Makes a great Christmas gift for the lake lover. Check-out my website: LeoLakes.com

Remember "Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream.

Lake Junaluska

Let me tell you about this great little gem that I stubbled upon called Lake Junaluska. This lake has a little humor, but more about that later. Anyway, we were looking for a middle point to meet our daughter for a mini-vacation. We live in Nashville and she is in Richmond.  For us, this was about a five hour drive and a six hour drive for her. You have probably have never heard of Lake Junaluska. It sounds like it is located in Alaska, however it is not. It is located in North Carolina, near the Great Smokey Mountains. It is a beautiful small, man made lake, about 200 acres. It's ringed with well maintained homes, mostly built in the 30s, 40s, and 50s. It's almost like you have stepped back to an earlier time.

There are a few bed & breakfasts, inns and hotels around the lake that are reasonablely priced. The lake is a conference and spritual center. You can just feel the serenity and calmness in these photo. 

I saw a lot of folks canoing, and kayaking, which you can rent. While I was on one of the small walkways, I saw a couple fishing and asked "how is the fishing going?" They said they had already caught two small fish in about a half an hour. Looks like a great place for kids to fish.   

When you walk around the lake there are some interesting stops. One neat stop was the gift shop, which was better than average. 

This is a view of North Eaglenest Mountain. The mountain is 5,075 ft high and use to be named Mount Junaluska after a chief that lived in the area. I actually like Mount Junaluska as a better name.

Early mornings are spectaculer! There is a 3.5 mile trail that goes around the lake and has some beautiful views of the lake and mountains. On a few mornings, I got up and jogged around the lake. A wonderful time to run. Early mornings and evenings are called the golden hour by photographers because the lighting is perfect. Mornings and evenings did not disappiont.

We stayed at the Lambuth Inn. It was a nice surpise for a hotel that was built in 1921. The room was up-to-date, clean and quite. The view was amazing. The hotel is in the National Register of Historic Places. The landscaping and view points around the hotel were well done. We enjoyed our stay here.

One of the fun things to do is cross the dam to go sightseeing, It's a narrow, one lane bridge. You must look to the other side to ensure that no other car is coimg before you proceed. If a car is coming, you wait until the other car has passed. Traveling across the bridge is an interesting and fun experience because of it's nearness and height. 

I will say that there are very few eating places around the lake, but very near is Waynesville. There are some excellent choices in Waynesville. One evening we ate at "Bogart's", a long proven restaurant, which was established in 1977. A great place to eat, everyone in our party loved their meal. The next night we stop by "The Sweet Onion", another great choice. It's located in downtown Waynesville. The wait time was long at one hour, but the food did not disappoint.  

Interestingly, there's some humor around Lake Junaluska. Take a look at this big puppy dog. His name is Bushy. What a perfect name. Also, while riding around Lake Shore Drive, you will notice a small plaque hanging above the entry of most homes that face the lake. Most folks name their homes. Some of the names are pretty clever.

I would have never stayed at Lake Junaluska if I didn't stubble upon it. I will say, it was a most pleasant experience and will stay here again. Hey, paddle over to website to see my Lake, River, and Bay Maps. I have hundreds of maps on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalizes  maps, too. Lake maps will add beauty to your Lake House Decor! Find out more interesting facts about my treasured maps by going to LeoLakes.com.