Hello Mike
Yeah, that's the most common (parking along the gravel road) although in my early days I parked at the circle also and walked to the cove. Most people park at the sharp curve - the second of those two right angle curves in the road. It's a little wider there, there's some afternoon shade and if you see other cars or pickups there odds are they're also at the Cove so it serves as an early indicator that you'll have company.
I've never had trouble - I don't think there's any danger of being ticketed or towed - the greater danger would be vandalism but I've never encountered that and have never heard of any. I don't leave anything of value in the car while parked there.
Glad you got to the Lake - and you're right - there are lots of similar places around the shoreline where you can sun and swim. Nothing special about the Cove execpt it's a gathering point but if you like being alone or at least don't mind being alone it's fairly easy to find other out of the way spots.
Looks like a good Cove week ahead - afternoon temps in the 80s. Hope I can get there one afternoon.
Reminder: The Race of Apollo is 62 days away - July 11th, 2004. 5K clothing optional race/walk.
Website:
http://www.cirrus.kcsky.net/sunrun/apollo.html or simply Google on "Race of Apollo" with the quotes and the race page should be in top slot. Fun in the sun - now taking registations.
Dick