Boaters kick off summer on Lake Nacimiento with restrictions
BRADLEY, Calif. (KION) Visitors took advantage of a sunny Saturday on Lake Nacimiento to start off the summer. They said they were celebrating Father's Day, the first day of summer, and an easing of shelter-in-place orders.
“I hope my husband has a great weekend, and the kids,” visitor Maria Acosta said.
“Just to have fun, I mean, family and friends," visitor Tyler Mitchell said. "Just hanging out.”
Still, there are plenty of reminders that this summer is unlike any we've had before.
Most campgrounds are closed, and no one is allowed to use the beaches or picnic tables. The only activities allowed are boating, kayaking, fishing and hiking. And the trailers are lined up, with the resort nearing its reduced capacity of 250 vehicles on Saturday.
But visitors said they'll take what they can get.
"We’re relieved to be out here, to be out in the open," Acosta said. "After being locked in home for so long."
The general store on site is also requiring that people wear masks and maintain their social distance. And staff is enforcing those guidelines throughout the area.
People appeared to be following the rules, by isolating in groups on their boats with other members of their households, and not tying up with with other boats on the water. Many said they were being careful, but think the pandemic is coming to an end as summer starts, despite the numbers.
“I feel like a lot of stuff is coming to an end, so, kind of going back to normal life,” Mitchell said.
The phone lines were busy Saturday with people making reservations, and a source at the resort told KION that they expect they'll continue to see this many visitors, in spite of the restrictions.
