So apparently Captain Frank has confirmed to my husband that the green phantom channel marker out from the boat ramp has been there for several weeks and is in fact a new Deep Creek navigational marker (center left in photo). Shows how observant I am. They could put a lighthouse out there, and it would take me a month to spot it. I never really noticed an issue with the direction of boat traffic at this spot, but maybe DNR has had complaints (or just a spare green marker with nothing better to do).
The marker should add an entertaining new twist to the boat ramp follies on Opening Day next weekend. It will be interesting to see if and how it is interpreted by the hoards of fishing boats putting in and out next Saturday. Maybe it was put there just to keep the boats waiting for their trailers idling in a counter clockwise wheel. Or perhaps it's supposed to work as a sort of speed bump to slow down the odd jackass that feels the need to fly up Deep Creek way over 6 MPH. Personally, I think Deep Creek restaurant had it strategically placed there to direct boat traffic their way...
Closeup:
