Autumn means winterizing, holidays; can boat  

       shows be far behind?

It seems like fall's rush of cool air always brings with it a rush of tasks that must be done. The October issue is all about gadgets, shopping and boat shows. Because it's our last print issue of 2011, we'll continue to publish this newsletter during the winter to help you remember the  

joy of boating.

 

Gary Kramer gets everyone in a seasonal mood when he tells about tours arranged to view tree-covered hills along the Tennessee River in their full autumn glory. Take a gander at these shots by Wayne Smith.

  

Northbound in canyon

Tennessee River shore Photos by Wayne Smith

Lee Braff talks about Mariner's Pier 31, a marina sited on the "quiet side" of Lake of the Ozarks. The area is particularly appealing right now.

Near the Water, this month by Linda Aksomitis, showcases the town in Georgia that's transformed itself into a tiny part of Bavaria: Alpine Helen, Ga. Take a look at a typical street; what mountain area would you guess it shows?

Scene in Alpine Helen - Photo by Linda Aksomitis

What else will you find? Kate Godrey-DeMay introduces you to "The Women of Grand Rivers, Ky.," and a remarkable group they are, too. Paul Mohme returns with an account of a trip he and his wife and son and grandson took at this time last year. A two-day cruise, they accomplished it in just five days.  

Arrived at last - Photo by Paul Mohme

Sandy Lindsey's column talks about waterproof sport and video cameras, and Cliff Steele shows step by step how he installed a new head in 4's Enough. He also put down some new Holly Vinyl Teak flooring by PlasTEAK on the platform, which as you can see, made the whole project look better.

The new flooring - Photo by Sandy Steele

Capt Fred Davis talks about buying a classic boat, such as this one that still had not undergone its sea trial when he photographed it.

Grandpa Craft on display at show Photo by Capt Fed Davis

Davis found it on display at the 35th Antique & Classic Boat Society show up in Petoskey, Mich. Look for the listing of boat shows with Molly Lightfoot Blom's column, or click here to find the most up-to-date listing online.

And we squeeze out the last of the summer fun, such as this pair riding a Bandwagon towable from Sportsstuff. Their family won it at the HeartLand booth during this year's St Louis Boat Show. Now it's time to schedule visits to the boat shows coming up soon. Who knows, you might win something fun!

Tubing on Lac Shayne Photo by Dorene Black