Discover Smith Mountain Lake
WINTER 2016
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contrast, and add depth to the knotty
pine ceilings and open beams that
give the building a woodsy, lodge-
like feel. Other touches of elegance
in an otherwise rustic decor include
stained glass windows and artistic
bathroom fixtures.
Miniature lights strung on ficus
plants will adorn the walls in the
pavilion and provide a star light or
lightning bug effect, in harmony
with the natural setting. Wood from
old sheds was used for interior walls
in the three bathrooms, and Melba
is even going to use the hollowed
trunks of old dead trees to cover
electrical wires and as flower boxes.
Whenever possible, she’s keeping and using everything she’s found on or in the land for either the
building of the pavilion, or as stone retainer walls in the landscape.
Maple burl from old trees that were removed was finished in resin for shelves in the bathrooms, the bark
still intact. A similar shelf makes a massive mantle for the huge fireplace. Melba salvaged cabinets for the
kitchen from a house that was being razed, and a dresser mirror hanging in one of the bathrooms was a
dumpster find.
While approaching The Pavilion at Black Water Junction you’ll drive right past Eli, the newest addition to
the Seneff family. He’s a perky little black mule that was born on the farm, the offspring of a mammoth
jack donkey and a draft mare. A few chickens in the hen house on an adjoining lot provide the family of
five with fresh eggs. All in all, it’s becoming quite a compound!
The other day some extra pressure was put on Melba when an acquaintance, another bride-to-be, asked
to use the venue for her own wedding reception, which is scheduled for a full month before Kalee’s big
day. Melba swallowed hard, but said, “yes” she’d have it ready and Kalee willingly waived her first-in-line
position. It was a business decision, she says.
For reservations or more details regarding use of The Pavilion At Black Water Junction, call Kalee at
(540) 420-5021.
Frank and Gisela Ernandes of Smith Mountain Lake
never travel without the
latest issue of Discover SML magazine. In 2016, they celebrated their 60
th
wedding
anniversary in style, taking their entire family on a cruise aboard the Oasis of the
Seas.
(Travel arranged by Tammy Brimer of Dream Vacations)
WOW! Dreams really can come true!
TAMMY BRIMER
Kauffman Travel Team
13840 Booker T. Washington Highway, Suite C1
Smith Mountain Lake, VA 24121
(434) 258-9756
60th Anniversary on
Oasis of the Seas
