Lake Lore

Superstitions, Traditions, & Tall Tales That Still Float

  • Coins for luck: Old mariners believed tossing a coin in before a voyage appeased water spirits. Some locals still do this with first boat rides of the season.
  • Never name a boat without a ceremony: Even today, some captains believe renaming a boat without a formal “denaming” and “renaming” is bad luck.
  • No whistling on board: According to lore, it will summon winds or storms.
  • “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor take warning”: This has been passed down by mariners for centuries as a quick way to predict short-term weather, and there’s some meteorological logic behind it—

* Red Sky At Night: The setting sun in the west casts light through dry, dusty air. This typically means a high-pressure system (clear weather) is approaching from the west, making for a calm evening and a nice day ahead.

* Red Sky In Morning: If the rising sun in the east is glowing red, it’s likely shining through dust particles in the air after a high-pressure system has already passed. That usually means a low-pressure system (rain or storms) could be on the way.

Unwelcome Summer Guests: Invasive Lake Norman Species

  • Zebra Mussels: Not confirmed in Lake Norman (yet) but threatening nearby areas. These fingernail-sized mollusks cling to boats and underwater structures, disrupt ecosystems, and cost millions in damage.
  • Hydrilla: An invasive aquatic plant that chokes waterways and damages fish habitats. Often spread by boats or trailers.
  • Crazy Ants: Tawny crazy ants are invasive in the Southeast—known for swarming electronics and being difficult to control once established.
  • Flathead Catfish: Native to some rivers in the Southeast, they’re non-native to many area lakes and can devastate fish populations.

Summer DIY Spa Day

  • For an easy DIY face mask, mix honey, yogurt, and a touch of turmeric. Cucumber slices over your eyes reduce puffiness. 
  • For a beachy body scrub, combine sea salt with coconut oil and a few drops of essential oil … use gentle, circular motions to apply the scrub during a warm bath. 
  • Got Milk? Add a cup of milk or milk powder and a few tablespoons of honey to warm bathwater for silky skin. For a muscle-relaxing soak, use Epsom salt with a few drops of lavender or chamomile oil. Scatter rose petals or add chamomile tea bags for a luxurious touch.