I took the XK8 out for a drive today to the Big Oaks Recreation Area at Lake Hartwell. Georgia and South Carolina are divided by the Savannah River. Three large dams have been built on the river creating a giant series of state parks and recreation areas on both sides of the border. The Big Oaks Recreation Area is on the Georgia side where US Route 29 crosses the river.

Lake Hartwell is the northernmost reservoir and was created when the Hartwell Dam was completed in 1962.

The water level in the lake seems rather high, although I have no idea for sure. The fact that the Courtesy Dock is partially under water makes me wonder.

The Courtesy Dock is partially under water.

The Courtesy Dock at the Big Oaks Recreation Area and boat ramp.

Lake Hartwell was created when the Hartwell Dam was completed in 1962. The dam can be seen in the photo above.

Shoreline at the Big Oaks Recreation Area, Lake Hartwell.

Several small islands can be seen within Lake Hartwell from the shore.

One of several small islands within Lake Hartwell.

The water level seems quite high. The waves from the lake were crashing quite a ways onto shore.

I don't know where the "typical" water level is supposed to be. But the fact that I see grass submerged leads me to believe that this is higher than normal.

Despite the low 50s and strong winds, I spotted a few boaters on the lake.

The Big Oaks Recreation Area sits next to an Army Corps of Engineers office. I believe this is one of their buildings.

The building seems to occupy its own small island. US Route 29 can be seen in the background.

Army Corps of Engineers' building on Lake Hartwell.

I crossed the Savannah River into South Carolina and stopped at another small overlook.

Like other overlook areas, this one had a picnic area and a small shoreline.

The waves can be seen in the photos above and below crashing on shore right up against the parking area.

The photo above shows a marker for Lake Hartwell.

This is the shoreline looking north along US Route 29.

Above is another example of how the water level appears to be much higher than normal.

The photo above is looking south along US Route 29.

Lake Hartwell is dotted with several small islands throughout that can be seen from the shore.

Small island on Lake Hartwell.

Small island on Lake Hartwell.