A Parallel Universe 

Every once in awhile we get to take an epic journey to what seems like a different world yet meet people with the same sense of community we feel here at Smith Mountain Lake. This spring, Laker graphic artist Josh Ashton and I delivered the old SML X-Star to its new owners, the Dobbins family of Whitefish, Mont. Selling the boat was a bit like sending a child away to college, but the free room and board (and lift tickets to Big Mountain Resort) made the 48-hour trip all worthwhile.

When I first saw Flathead and Whitefish lakes with their beautiful shorelines abutting the Rocky Mountains, it made my heart pound with excitement. It reminded me of the day in 1992 when I first laid eyes on Smith Mountain Lake. In addition to exceptional hospitality, the Dobbins family showed us local landmarks, how to snowboard Big Mountain, and the area’s nightlife and eateries. Ironically, Flathead had its own lifestyle and entertainment magazine called Flathead Living that was founded in 2001, the same year as the Smith Mountain Laker. We ended up sharing more similarities than differences and realized the people out west are quite cool.

Back at SML, the remaining Laker staff members were busily (albeit peacefully) putting together another record-breaking issue. At 160 pages, it’s 16 more than we’ve ever produced. Inside this issue we tackle the eternal questions burning in your mind: If I wanted to, could I drive around this Lake? Who is the area’s best internet service provider? And what the heck does “maintenance-free living” really mean, anyway? Other great stories you don’t want to miss include the 2007 SML wake boarding preview and the Laker’s list of best bets on things to do this summer.

Be safe, and stay to the right,

Micah J. Gaudio

Publisher

P.S. The views and opinions expressed by the publisher are those of the publisher only and do not necessarily reflect the views of Laker employees or advertisers (but probably do).