Carolina Moose Tracks

Block Number: 142

by Ginger Todd

“CAROLINA MOOSE TRACKS”
BECOMES SEVENTH BLOCK ON THE LAKE TRAIL

Jimmy and Judy Stines became hosts of Block #142 on the McDowell Quilt Tail on Saturday, August 24, 2013, 2:P.M., at their summer home. Their “get-away” lake-side home is located at Marion Moose Lodge #1705, on Moose Island, 339 Moose Island Drive. With a beautiful day and no chance of rain for the first time in weeks, Lake James was crowded with water enthusiasts passing by viewing the block as it was installed.

The Stines joined the Moose Lodge in 1996 with their first home on the property on a hill up in the woods where they really couldn’t see the water. Their second home was further down where they could see the water however, three years ago they decided they wanted to be right on the water and purchased their third bungalow. By coincidence Jimmy, who owns Low Rider Auto Sales, Inc. in Asheville, was able to sell their second home to a retired customer on the lot who mentioned he was looking for a spot to keep his pontoon boat. With Jimmy’s suggestion, the timing was perfect for housing the gentleman’s boat as well as purchasing a home and for the Stines to purchase their third new site.

The Stines, who live in Asheville, have three children and four grandchildren who all enjoy the facilities at the Moose Lodge and fishing off their dock. The flood in May of this year delivered 17 inches of water inside their home, but they remark that “except for the occasional flooding we still think the best location is to be on the water”. Judy thought “it was a cool idea” to join in with other Moose Lodge residents who have recently installed quilt blocks to adorn their vacation homes.

“Carolina Moose Tracks” was installed by volunteer Mike Lucas and the Certificate of Authenticity was presented by Trail Chairwoman Jill Lucas. The two by four-foot block represents the three sections of our North Carolina Flag, with a blue vertical panel on the left, a red horizontal panel across the upper portion and corresponding white panel across the bottom. In the lower left are moose horns and face with moose tracks leading off across the remaining bottom of the block. The imitation of the moose is in recognition of the Marion Moose Lodge and the tracks crossing over the “State flag” represent all the Moose Lodges located throughout North Carolina.

The upper portion depicts blue- green mountains rising to the top of the block, indicative of the Western part of the State’s Carolina blue sky and the green trees of Fir, Spruce and Hemlock. The middle of the block is done in hues of yellow and gold humorously representing where “all the money is” (in the center of our State). The right is painted in various shades of blue as a description of the eastern seashore. This block is the seventh on the McDowell Trail that may be seen from the waters of Lake James.

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