Lake Zwerner aka Yahoola Reservoir is the Dahlonega town drinking supply, resident fishing hole and goose central. The geese there are definitely used to people. When we first moved here, we thought we’d be nice and take a loaf of stale bread over to give to them. I’m sure there are plenty of folks who can give me a dozen reasons why people shouldn’t do that, but you know the only one I need? Geese are kind of mean. And very competitive for food. Which makes for a scary scene when you start throwing out fist fulls of crumbled bread. Also, just as a tip, never wear flip flops to feed geese.
At Guitar Dude’s suggestion, we decided to head over to the lake to walk around and get some fresh air. We stopped down by the bridge over the dam and walked down that side of the lake instead of the more crowded area with the boat launch. And, by crowded, I don’t just mean people but also those hungry geese I mentioned. As we mosied towards the bridge, I started snapping photos. Low and behold, we came up on the first goose standing at the end of the bridge, almost as if it was daring us to cross.
"Halt! Who goes there?"
We crossed anyway because, well, it’s a goose, and it was gracious enough to allow us to pass when we reached the other side. We took a seat on the bank of the lake and the conversation just seemed to naturally steer towards what a great place Dahlonega is to live.
The scene was so tranquil and calm, the water gently lapping at the shoreline, when we heard them coming. The geese… making a lot of noise… and moving quickly on the ground. I ain’t going to lie, I thought they were coming for us. Maybe the goose guard at the bridge only let us pass so he could go get his friends and come back to ambush us. I’m telling you, geese are tricky like that sometimes. But, then we heard loud barking and saw a black and white streak go blowing past us as it headed for the geese. The dog gave ‘em a good run, but he was apparently not a swimmer. The geese must’ve somehow sensed this because they made their escape into the water and sat just feet from shore giving that pooch the business for interrupting their peaceful evening. I kind of see their point, but since they were making the most noise, I’m going with the dog on this one.
Lucky for you, this picture can't make noise.
Eventually, the dog and the geese moved on, and we were allowed to return to our peaceful scene. I’ve heard that there was some controversy over building the reservoir, but I have to say I’m glad to have a place to go fishing, for a leisurely stroll, for a killer hike, or just to sit a spell on a warm evening in Dahlonega. Maybe later this summer or fall, I’ll tell y’all about the 3 mile Trail from Hell that runs around the lake. Woo. That thing’ll kill ya.
