If heading downstream (toward the dam), odd-numbered (green) channel markers will be on the right and even-numbered (red) markers will be on the left. If heading upstream, the opposite will be true. Low-numbered markers are near the dam. A channel marker does not indicate distance. Markers may be close together (e.g., B2 and B4) or far apart. It is prudent to stay well clear of any marker, especially if water is low at the time of the Tour. A Lake Map is very useful, but maps may contain errors. Unless directed otherwise, keep to right side of river channel. There will be helpers and an orange balloon on a dock at each home. At some locations more than one dock may be available; at others, docking space may be limited and boaters may have to wait in turn for others to depart. DO NOT USE ANY DOCK WHICH HAS NO DOCKING VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST WITH DOCKING.. GPS coordinates are given for each dock. Starting point is directions is Marker R (for Roanoke River) 15; other starting points may be used and homes can be visited in any order.
TROTTER Home (#6 on Land Directions). Starting anyplace upstream of R15, head downstream toward R15, wich is below the “S-Curve” and next to an island near a blue water tank). Pass R15, and turn right beyond the island. Enter cove to 3rd dock on R. (GPS N37 degrees 04.890', W 79 degrees 37.700').
TANNER and CHISOLM Homes (#4-5). Exit cove; after passing between the islands at cove mouth, turn R. Proceed ahead to cove which has trailer park on L shsore and homes on R shore. Homes are on R, near cove entrance. Dock once at either home to tour both homes. (N 37 degrees 4.316', W 79 degrees 38.128').
DELOOPER/JOHNSON Home (#1). Return to main channel of Roanoke River, passing to L of two shoal markers. Turn R; pass R13, then angle to L side of river, passing to R of large island at R12 and shoal marker beyond R12. After shoal marker, pass a second island and then turn immediately into cove on L. Go to end of cove at gray condos and turn L. Proceed straight until cove divides as a “Y”; bear L at “Y” to 9th dock on L. (N37 degrees 04.345', W79 degrees 35.387').
ERLER Home (#2). Return to main channel of Roanoke River, keeping to R side because of shallow water and shoals on L side. Bear L (toward dam) just past R8. Keep to R of R6, R4, and R2. Bear slight L after passing R2, pass dam on R and keep undeveloped area on your R and houses on your left. Proceed past W1, keeping W1 to your L. Go straight, still keeping undeveloped area on the R and houses on the L. Channel will angle slowly to L; after bend, first cove on R has “No Wake” markers; enter second cove on R, which has houses on both sides. Look for first dock on R. (N37 degrees 03.959', W79 degrees 31.950'). NOTE: STAIRS FROM DOCK TO HOUSE ARE STEEP AND LONG; THERE IS NO HANDRAIL. USE CAUTION!
FIKSE Home (#8). Return to main channel of Roanoke River. Keep markers R2, R4, and R6 on your R; after passing Vista Pointe condos, keep to left of channel, and enter Blackwater River, passing B1 on your left. Proceed straight ahead toward house with green metal roof. Bear L just before reaching this house. Turn R into second cove on R (past large gray house with white fence and small “porthole” windows). Home is across cove from house with red metal roof. (N37 degrees 01.323', W79 degrees 36.269').
POLLOCK Home (#3). Return to Blackwater channel and head upriver, keeping Christmas Tree Island on R and mouth of Bull Run Creek to L. River makes gradual L bend after passing B10A. Turn R at B14 into Gills Creek. Turn R at G2 and proceed along right shore, passing G4 on your R. Look for yellow house and dock, the last dock on the cove. (N37 degrees 03.950', W79 degrees 39.665'). NOTE: UNEVEN STAIRWAY TO HOUSE WITH NO RAILING. PLS USE CAUTION!
BORDEAUX Home (#7). Return to mouth of Gills Creek; after passing G1, turn R into Blackwater River at B16. River makes L turn at B19 and R turn at B22. Continue to B26; turn R into first cove beyond B26 and keep to R. Pass between dock with flag pole on R and the “No Wake” marker on L. Look for 3rd dock on R after marker. NOTE: WALKWAY FROM DOCK TO HOUSE IS STEEP AND THERE IS NO HANDRAIL. PLEASE USE CAUTION! (N37 degrees 03.000', W79 degrees 41.374').
