Next, down to the dam at the bridge across the gorge in Tallulah Falls, GA, and as expected, water was being released over the dam.  I was hoping to get some video of Tempesta Falls in Tallulah Gorge since it can be quite impressive during a flood.  Walking out on the bridge, I noticed one of the flood gates hanging unusually over the dam with large amounts of water pouring out from underneath.  The lake was going to have to drain considerably, and uncontrollably, before this could be fixed.

Monday morning Tallulah Falls Lake was about 10 feet low and Georgia Power crews were attempting to remove a tree lodged in the gate.

The story from Sky104 News:

A family out of North Carolina thanks God for keeping one of their relatives safe after the weekend rescue at Burton Dam.
Fred Cook says his brother, Eddie Cook of Murphy, NC, called him just before 6 a.m. Saturday morning when he realized he could be in danger.
Cook says he steered his boat towards his little brother’s and threw him a rope.
However, the rope broke because of the strong currents and Cook says, “The boat went over the spillway and he jumped towards me. I tried to throw him a rope, but I couldn’t get a rope to him. I saw when he went over the spillway. All I could say was ‘it was a miracle’. All I could say was ‘God, help him. I can’t.”
Cook says that’s when he called 911 and then went looking for his brother on the other side of the dam.
“By then the emergency workers had gotten there and some of them were up on the dam. I was standing down in the river looking for him, and one of the guys hollered at me and said ‘are you Freddie?’ I said ‘Yes, sir I am.’ And he said ‘Your brother has hollered and said to tell Freddie that I’m all right.”
Cook says his brother slid down a rusty cable but came out of the ordeal without a single scratch.
He says he thanks God, the emergency crews and particularly Deputy EMA Director Marty Dixon who rappelled down to bring his brother to safety.
“That guy that was hanging over the wall on the rope was watching them shut the water down until they could see him. Then when they could see him good, and had enough water shut off, he swung around in there and put the rope and the straps and stuff on him and pulled him out.”
Cook says he and his brother will be back next year to fish the lake, but will not go near the dam.

This photo from Rabun Rescue

Pictures of the rescue and the boat that went over the open gate at Lake Burton dam this past Saturday, August 14th.

Photos by Mountain Patrol

267 Turkey Mountain Road, Clayton, GA 30525 would make an excellent weekend getaway with guest cottage, hunting/fishing camp, artist’s retreat, or investment property.  Offered at appraised value $315,000.  Please call Jon Barnwell with RE/MAX of Rabun at 706-490-0326 to schedule a visit to this special place.

If you are looking for a deal on Lake Burton real estate, be sure to take a look at these and others on my Lake Burton home page.

I was pleasantly surprised when I pulled up to list 22 West Pond Lane in the Rabun Gap community of Sylvan Lake Falls.  So many buyers have a picture in their mind of what they want in a mountain log cabin. When you consider an old-growth forest setting with a view, creek, and perfect building site, I am convinced this is the answer for many.

The owners have not trimmed any of the large trees to open up the long range view, and honestly it works. Five months out of the year they enjoy mountain vistas, and for the remainder they are surrounded by lush foliage, wildflowers, and ferns. I think part of what makes this place special is the feeling it has been there for a long time, and the home fits the site so naturally!

The construction and attention to finish details are impeccable. If this updated log home tugs at you, I can assure the builder/owner is available to seamlessly customize to your taste at the same level of quality.

Link here for details about 22 West Pond Lane, Rabun Gap, GA 30568.

*** Also, there are so many extras included like most of the furniture which includes many wormy chestnut pieces such as the farm-house table in the picture above.  I mean it when I say must see…