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Vacation contest winners immerse themselves in Lanier
By Pamela A. Keene
 Lisa
Harris entered the “Why I Need a Lake Lanier Vacation” contest at
the prodding of her aunt, who saw the contest advertised in Georgia
EMC Magazine. But little did she know as she penned a poem about the
lake that she and her family would win a week’s vacation at Lake
Lanier Lodges, free boat rentals from Lanier Aqua Rentals and a
fishing trip with guide Captain Quin Frank.
“This has been just awesome for our family,” said
Harris, a substitute teacher and stay-at-home mom. “It’s been four
or five years since we’ve had a vacation and this has been perfect.”
 The
Harris family – Tony, Lisa and their 7-year-old son Luke – came to
the lake with Lisa’s parents for the week. Tony is a pharmacist; the
family lives in Dallas, Ga. Luke is a rising second-grader at North
Cobb Christian School. Other family members dropped in to boat, fish
and just enjoy the scenery.
“It’s so beautiful here and everyone has been so very
nice,” she said. “We’ve done fun things every day.”
Perhaps the highlight of their trip, although they
admitted it was difficult to choose, was the fishing trip with
Captain Quin. The group left the gas dock at Aqualand as the sun
came up over the lake around 6:30 a.m.
“The fish were slow that morning, but I told them we
weren’t going to come back in until we caught some,” said Frank. He
was true to his word. Tony landed a 14-pound striper and Lisa’s
uncle Bill Mauldin caught a spotted bass. Both fish were released
back into the lake.
“He’s such a great guide and an entertainer,” Lisa
said. “He really wasn’t going to bring us in until we caught a few
fish, and he meant it.”
 Luke
was also on the trip and helped his dad land the striper. The day
before, Luke fished off the dock at Lake Lanier Lodges and caught a
catfish.
The family also went pontoon boating during their
stay and spent the time relaxing.
Three judges chose the contest winner from more than
100 entries from as far away as Colorado. Lisa’s descriptive poem
about all that Lanier offers visitors was selected after the judging
session.
“I can’t believe we won,” she said. “Each day just
was better and better.”
Winning vacation entry
A vacation at Lake Lanier?
I need a week to unclutter my mind,
To lift my heart and have a great time!
A sparking lake brimming with fish and geese,
And a welcoming breeze that gives my soul relief.
Cabins are dotted amongst the trees and the shore,
Homespun charm is what’s in store!
Tranquil is the word that certainly describes,
What I’d feel in a soothing boat ride.
My head thrown back, basking in the sun,
Enjoying the day with laughter and fun.
There’s skiing, golfing and fishing too!
No way at Lanier could I EVER be blue.
If you need to unwind and relax with a book,
Try the 39,000 acres of exclusive little nooks.
Turn off your blackberrys, computers and phones,
Listen to the birds as they sing you a song.
Gaze upon sunsets, and take pleasure in your time,
A vacation at Lanier? Yes, it sounds mighty fine!
– Lisa Harris
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