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Deep Creek Lake-Hale Irwin-Lodestone Golf Caddy

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

Deep Creek Lake Lodestone Golf Caddy

Last year around this time I had a great opportunity to caddie for Hale Irwin when he christened the front nine at Lodestone Golf Club.  I felt that I nailed it, but after the round Hale half jokingly told me I was the worst caddie he ever had in his career….Ouch!

Deep Creek Lake-Hale Irwin-Lodestone Golf Caddy
Hale and Steve Irwin

Although I have spent 24 years building golf courses, I never really had time to grasp exactly what a caddie does other than carry the bag. It was news to me that each club actually had a specific place in the bag. Go figure. My take on it was the same as when I play and I just stuff the club wherever it fits.  It was news to me that I was supposed to bring a wet and dry towel to keep the clubs and golf ball clean. I had to grasp the critical caddy duties that keep the golfer focused on his game. Thankfully for me, this was a practice round and I wasn’t responsible for taking any food off the Irwin family’s table!

This year I made sure I was on my “A” game so that if I was called to duty in the caddying department I wouldn’t be smacked around for my lack of skills! I got back in the gym, got into strong physical shape and studied PGA game films of caddies who worked for the best golfers in the world. Now I felt I was ready to assume the role as super caddy!

This year it was my responsibility to caddy for Steve Irwin, who is Hale’s son. I had a wet towel ready to wipe down clubs and golf balls, and returned clubs to their proper place with scientific precision. Steve actually used a few suggestions about putting lines and shot trajectories into greens. I think Hale even had a chuckle or two about my born-again effort to be a decent golf caddy.

I have hung up my golf course construction boots for good and have happily put on the real estate cap here in Deep Creek Lake, but there will always be this feeling deep down in my heart wondering if my calling all along was to be the best caddie ever on the PGA tour!

Deep Creek Lake-Hale Irwin-Lodestone Golf Caddy
Steve Irwin and Bob Holcomb

The Honi Honi Bar Deep Creek Lake

 

 

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

The Honi Honi Bar Deep Creek Lake

The Honi Honi Bar Deep Creek Lake
Honi Honi

Fourth of July weekend is on the radar and I can already feel the buzz of Saturday afternoons at The Honi Honi Bar at Deep Creek Lake. For all of you who have not experienced The Honi on a Saturday, put your seatbelt on tightly and get ready to blast off with THE party at Deep Creek Lake. They have a huge dock to handle the large amounts of people that travel by boat and there is also plenty of parking if you decide to travel by car. The music will put you in a trance like the pied piper and seduce you into shaking your tail feathers on the dance floor with happy go lucky locals until your howling at the moon.

This is always a family/kid friendly party with a playground arms length from the music. Kick back and order some good food, have a cool drink, and watch the band and the little ones while tapping your toes to the beat of bliss. There is over 1 plus acres of grass for your kids to run around that gently slopes down to beautiful Deep Creek Lake. Nudge your way into some competitive corn hole games, or lay out a big blanket and soak up some rays. Whatever you do, do not miss the undisputed heavyweight championship party’s happening every Saturday of the summer here at Deep Creek Lake.

The Honi Honi Bar Deep Creek Lake
The Honi Honi Bar Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake Beach Hut

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

Deep Creek Lake Beach Hut

Wisp Resort has set up shop at Deep Creek Lake State Park with their new Beach Hut. The Deep Creek Beach Hut has a bunch of different recreational equipment to rent while visiting DCL. Take a 1-2 hour course learning the basics about sailing then rent a Hobie Cat. Enjoy renting by the hour or if you really have a knack for sailing, rent one for the week. They also have kayaks, canoes, tubes, and paddleboards for rent. Don’t hassle your family and yourself trying to haul bulky equipment around on your vacation. Just show up with a picnic basket and your favorite cool drinks and relax at the beach and enjoy your favorite lake activity.

Deep Creek Lake Beach Hut
Deep Creek Lake paddleboarding

They also offer guided paddleboard, kayak tours if you want to explore the lake with trained professionals. The weather is perfect at the moment, so pack up the family and come de-compress here with us at Maryland’s favorite vacation destination.

Deep Creek Lake Beach Hut
Paddleboarding DCL
Deep Creek Lake Beach Hut
beach_hut_rates

Paddleboarding Deep Creek Lake

 

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

Paddleboarding Deep Creek Lake

Paddleboarding Deep Creek Lake
Paddleboarding Deep Creek Lake

 Paddleboarding Deep Creek Lake. My passion for surfboard construction tipped me off to paddleboarding many years ago, as builders looked for new ways to experience the soulful glide of surf crafts.  Basically, the boards were stretched out a bit longer than their modern longboard cousins and widened by about a foot around center. The curve in the bottom of the board or “rocker” dictates if it’s going to be good for paddling/speed or performance and ability to turn. At my favorite surf break at my second home in the OBX, high performance paddleboards are the norm and have been in the line-up for many years. The surfers there are taking the sport to extreme levels surfing waves in excess of 10 feet. This sport is constantly evolving and being refined by the board builders and wave-riding community.

This year paddleboarding has made its way to Deep Creek Lake. Both Deep Creek Marina and Wisp Resort rent an array of different paddleboards to suit your taste. I had my first attempt at it last night and can tell you that it is a blast. Being very tall does offer a disadvantage for balancing as you can be a little top heavy but it doesn’t take long to master it and be off on your way. I suggest starting off on both of your knees facing the front of the board until you get stabilized, then stand up at about the center of the board. I found it easier to keep your eyes on the horizon as opposed to looking down at the board, to maintain your optimum balance. Start sweeping your paddle through the water gently and you’re on your way to a peaceful glide across beautiful Deep Creek Lake. A word of warning, you are required by law to wear a life vest at all times when on a paddleboard; you can be ticketed and fined for not wearing one. Be safe and have a fun time this summer enjoying DCL’s newest craze.

 

Paddleboarding Deep Creek Lake
Paddleboarding Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake’s Got Talent

 

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

Deep Creeks Got Talent

Last year around this time I was breaking out my Taylor 810 guitar and rehearsing and little bluegrass jam that I have played through the years to get ready for my first stage appearance to support  Deep Creeks Lakes one and only talent show. Lodestone Golf Club’s superintendent Scott McMillion, who is a master mandolin player, had the responsibility of painting over top of my simple bass run rhythms with some spontaneous brushstrokes of finger picking heaven

People showed up with acoustic and electric guitars, harmonicas, tap shoes, or just their best stage outfit and voice’s to impress the judges. At the end on the day it is all about raising money for the which ended with a total of $13,000. Not bad for a three hour event. This year they are also going to raise money for the Deep Creek Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

Come join us on Saturday June 19th from 6pm-9pm for a fun filled exciting event and wonderful cause. 

Deep Creek Lake's Got Talent
Deep Creek Lake’s Got Talent

Zip Lines Deep Creek Lake

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

Zip Lines at Deep Creek Lake

Zip Lines Deep Creek Lake
Zip Lines Deep Creek Lake

Last night I had the opportunity to try out the new Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour at Wisp Resort. It was the best hour of excitment that I have experienced this spring. After a short trip up the conveyor belt at the snow tubing park you have your first crash course in zip lining on two very short training runs. Next you get to climb a rope ladder up to your first platform for a fun descent through the trees next to the famous mountain coaster. The feeling of flying through the air on a zip lines is both calming and exhilarating at the same time. After conquering the first three runs and walking over a few cable bridges it’s time for you to experience the tallest, longest, and fastest run of the tour. You are standing on a little platform over 50’ off the ground overlooking the most amazing views of Deep Creek Lake. After a few safety checks by a knowledgeable Wisp staff it’s time to launch across a 400’ zip trip which takes you the width of the entire tubing park. This will surely get your motors running! Finish up with another long zip run and slide into home plate with your endorphins cranking  maximum RPM’s. Well worth the $39 for admission.

Call for details @ 301.387.4000

Bluegrass Night at JG’s

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

Bluegrass Night at JG’s

 I’m going to let you in on a Deep Creek Lake secret… On the first Tuesday night of every month at JG’s Tavern, local guitar Luthier Roger Skipper brings his assembly of musicians to host bluegrass night. The fun starts at 7:00pm, but you had better get there at least an hour early to get a place to sit or you may be listening from the parking lot. That is if you can find a place to park… This is ole school bluegrass from one warm group of good people.

Bluegrass Night at JG’s
Roger Skipper Deep Creek Lake

 

Bluegrass Night at JG’s
Bluegrass Night at JG’s

I worked with Scott McMillion, the superintendent of the new Lodestone Golf Club on top of Wisp Mountain for over a year before I heard that he played mandolin on bluegrass night. This transplant from the Pacific North West has a natural ear and talent for playing some amazing mandolin. Roger, his wife and Scott are the nucleus of a local group of musicians that take you on a journey to the heart of bluegrass roots. There group consists of ten or so musicians who gladly share their stage with any pickers who may walk through the door. They rotate around the microphone each getting a chance to sing some of their bluegrass favorites’. The tempo goes from beautiful old ballads, to some hand clapping toe tapping banjo fiddle jams.

Great music. Good people. Fun times.

Bluegrass Night at JG’s
Roger Skipper Deep Creek Lake

Wisp Community Yard Sale Deep Creek Lake

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Wisp Community Yard Sale Deep Creek Lake
Wisp Community Yard Sale Deep Creek Lake

   Wisp Community Yard Sale at Deep Creek Lake

 

Have you had a chance to get the garage cleaned out and finish your spring cleaning? Chances are you have a bunch of stuff cluttering your house, we all do.  You know how the old saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure (or woman’s for that matter)”. “Trash” can be substituted with “cool stuff”. Wisp Resort has a solution to your muddled garages and storage areas. Rent a table and bring things that you have no need for to sell them to people who may love them. Kind of recycling if you may. I can tell you from past events to get there early because you will be rewarded with a vast selection of “stuff” that you will throw down the green for.

 

On May 18th 9:00am – 3:00pm they will be holding a garage sale for your extra items that will surely help it find a home. Who knows, you may find some neat things and come home with more than you bring. Tables will be rented to host your sale, or just drop by to go shopping. Call 301-387-4911 to reserve your site!

 

Wisp Community Yard Sale Deep Creek Lake
Wisp Community Yard Sale Deep Creek Lake

 

The Spiker Team supports PAWS

 

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

The Spiker Team supports PAWS

 The Spiker Team supports PAWS. I am very proud to work for a team here on Deep Creek Lake that continually helps raise money for heartfelt causes and charities in our community. Long and Foster employees and The Spiker Team consistently lead the way in volunteering in events like The Special Olympics, The Deep Creek Dunk, The Lions Club, The Cardboard Box Derby and many other rewarding causes.

Last night at Wispers Bar at Wisp Resort, Long and Foster showed up again to support PAWS aka Partners of Animal Welfare and Safety. This nonprofit volunteer organization has been around since 2001 and has led a crusade to protect the interests of animals here in Garrett County. They help end the suffering of unwanted animals by reducing pet over-population through spay/neuter and feral cat programs. They assist low income residents by paying for portions of vet bills for neutering and spaying their animals. Check out their website and learn a lot more about this wonderful organization and also upcoming fundraiser events.

Legendary and loved Long and Foster agent Ed King was behind the bar with Betsy Spiker volunteering their time as guest bartenders. The PAWS donation bucket was filled up by the end of the night and the raffle tickets that cluttered the bar and restaurant area also raised a lot of money. Thanks to all who made it out and contributed to a fun time for another great cause.

Wild Ramps Deep Creek Lake
Wild Ramps Deep Creek Lake

Wild Ramps Deep Creek Lake

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

Wild Ramps at Deep Creek Lake

Wild Ramps Deep Creek Lake
Ramps deep creek lake

Wild Ramps Deep Creek Lake. April is here, and for the Mountains surrounding Deep Creek Lake that means that wild ramps, which are classified as wild leeks, are just about ready to harvest. These wild leeks have a very strong and pungent flavor that taste to me like a mixture between onions, garlic and leeks. My favorite way to eat them is to put them in fried potatoes with some salt and pepper. Cooking them tames down the flavor some but understand they always pack a delicious punch. Eating them raw is another matter. Only the hardcore brave eat these wild treats fresh from the ground. The intense flavor will have you committed to its enjoyment for many, many hours…or days. I’m not sure if tooth brushes and toothpaste ever have a chance at getting the bold taste of ramps off your breath, but when you are up here in the Mountains you are among the majority!

Wild Ramps Deep Creek Lake
ramp honey hole