I live on a lake formed by the damming of a river. I know what mixed feelings that causes. The lake is lovely, but below lies the farms and towns that were sacrificed. It reminds me of the children’s book, Letting Swift River Go by Jane Yolen.

The crafty folks around the new lake came up with the idea of floating houses back in the 1950’s. The idea started as fishing shacks with holes in the floors. Then folks decided to upgrade. It seems the land on the new shore was too expensive to purchase, but a house on the water was affordable.

I have read that there are now over 1,800 floating houses on the Nantahala. I guess if you don’t like your neighbors you can just raise anchor and move. There is no deed, just permits and fees and many rules and regulatons.

I love to imagine staying aboard a gently floating home. Sitting on the decks feeling the breezes, hearing the slap of fish jumping. seeing the heads of turtles bob up for a bit of air. It is a dreamy scene.

Let’s pretend we are picking out our own floating house.

I cannot decide. I guess I will just stay on land with my flower gardens.

FLOW