2022 Car Show Benefit - Veterans Victory House Walterboro

Air Force Veteran Burt Emmett, with Best in Show
1950 Ford Club Coupe, and volunteers
Barry Crosby and Patrick Quigley

The volunteers that belong to the Walterboro Cruisers car club held their first Car Show to Benefit the Veterans Victory House since Covid. They had held this event for 13 years with the last one being held in 2019, and volunteer Barry Crosby said they were glad to restart this effort in 2022. The show is held on the grounds of the Veterans Victory House in Walterboro and encourages the residents to come outside and enjoy the nostalgia and camaraderie. The entire proceeds of the event, which is just over 10K in 2022, goes the the Activity Fund at the House which provides opportunities to get these same Vets outside.

Three U.S. Vets / Gent on left is 100-years old!

One such resident is Air Force Veteran Burt Emmett, originally from Romeo, Michigan. He served the United States in Viet Nam and in Korea. I met him as he navigated his wheelchair through the parking lot to view the older autos on display. "Being in the Air Force, those were the good old days," said Emmett. "And I remember riding in a car like this old American-made Ford, with the windows down to stay cool. I am having a great time being outside today." His wheelchair was moving very slowly, but to his credit he declined my offer for assistance, and was fine making his own way at his own pace.

Car Show Plaque for Participants

A total of 45 cars registered for the Car Show and the threat of rain never materialized. Residents from Walterboro, Summerville, Charleston, Savannah and even one from North Carolina brought their cars to display in honor of the Veterans. Each entrant received a plaque to display at ensuing Car Shows. Other residents at Veterans Victory House took place in the Awards Ceremony and were recognized in various ways. One man turning 100-years old was presented a blanket with American Flags on it, and the entire crowd sang him Happy Birthday. Overall the Spirit of the Day was to return Thanks to the Veterans  for their Service to the United States of America.

To view past blog entries regarding Veterans click on Wounded Nature / Boat Clean Up - Wounded Warrior Deer Hunt / ACE Basin - Wounded Warrior Duck Hunt / Santee Delta - SCI Pathfinder Award

2022 Birding Journal Observations - July / August

Blue Grosbeak at the feeder in late August

The unusually dry weather pattern of early summer changed over to a wet July. In August it was a mixed bag depending on what part of the Lowcountry your bird feeders reside. For me, August was dry with a total of 2.4-inches of precipitation. However, this two-month combo led to a very strong period of avian reproduction with lots of young birds appearing in late summer, everything from bluebirds to wild turkeys. 

Another twist to the last days of August is an abundance of signs of Fall. Lots of cloudy weather has kept the sun from scorching the landscape, and Mother Nature has begun sending signals to the ecosystem. Leaves are falling from trees, acorns are hitting the ground, and yes migratory songbirds are arriving. Some Baltimore Oriole scouts arrived at the end of August, and a host of warblers too. While the humidity remains high, the temps have not, and the signs of Fall are undeniable, including increased movement by reptiles like turtles and snakes.

Cardinal enjoying sunflowers at the supper table

My July and August observations were strong for colorful migrants including blue grosbeak, painted bunting, and summer tanager. An increase in blue jays seems to have equalized the quantity of cardinals, who are in a balancing act with other large birds like brown thrashers and mockingbirds. And can't forget to mention the woodpeckers - ALL of them: pileated woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, red-headed woodpecker, hairy woodpecker and downy woodpecker. 

To view the most recent Birding Journal Observations click on March / April 2022

To view past Birding Journal Observations for July / August click on 2021 -  2018- 2017- 2016 - 2015- 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2009

2022 Wounded Nature Veterans / Sunken Boat Removal at Bennett's Point

Sunken boat raised and hauled off by Wounded Nature

The Wounded Nature nonprofit group, founded by Veterans, aims to clean up the coastal environment one project at ta time. They provide opportunities for other veterans to join in these rewarding work projects and they invite partners such as state agencies and private business to join in. Their most recent effort took place on August 16 in coastal Colleton County, near Bennett's Point boat ramp where a sunken boat was blocking the waterway.  SC Senator Chip Campsen volunteered to join Tow Boat US and SCDNR to raise the boat and float it onto the Wounded Nature trailer at the boat ramp, showing how conservation is best served when a coalition of willing partners work together. 

SC Senator Chip Campsen at the helm 

The ACE Basin watershed consists of the Ashepoo River, Combahee River and Edisto Rivers and Bennett's Point is a central to this area. The ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve monitors this area constantly, and welcomes citizen groups like Wounded Nature to provide the manpower that helps keep the environment pristine. Recreational anglers, commercial shrimpers, cruising boaters and naturalists all rely on the sustainability of these natural resources, and value protected properties like South Fenwick Island. If anyone can identify an area in coastal S.C. with need for clean-up, the Wounded Nature group is based in Charleston.

Colleton County Game Warden J.P. Jones

2022 S.C. Plantation Managers meet in Sumter / Shaw AFB

Artist Grainger McKoy with Jason Hewett,
SCPMA Past President 2014 - 2021

The annual meeting of the S.C. Plantation Managers Association (SCPMA) took place on Thursday August 4 at a protected property in Sumter County. A rural farm consisting of 694-acres has been purchased and put under conservation easement and now serves as a buffer to Shaw AFB. A new building has been built overlooking Booths Pond and a plaque reads - The Sumter Community built this facility to honor and benefit the women and men of Shaw Air Force Base. And yes, the 'Sound of Freedom' can be heard there loud and clear.

Turkey mount with superb shed antler display 

Discussions about wildlife and habitat management are the main topics that meeting speakers address, but in 2022 Sumter-native Grainger McKoy served as keynote speaker to speak as an outdoors enthusiast. SCPMA President Brad Pettus welcomed everyone on behalf of Duck Bottom Plantation, and ushered in a series of speakers including Patrick Wightman who spoke about turkey populations, Paul Grimes from Tall Timbers spoke on quail management, and Emery Tumbleston spoke on youth involvement in the outdoors. 

When McKoy took the stage he shared that he had worked on this rural farm when he was 15-years old, making a wage of $15 a week for tractor work, and that fishing in the pond was a benefit. McKoy is a die-hard quail hunter and he joked that Quail are an indicator species for him, and that if you liked to quail hunt too, then that was a good indication that you could be friends. On a serious note, he challenged the managers to think about the legacy they can leave on the lands they serve, noting that others had the job before you and someone else will hold that position after you. He cited scripture, told stories from his life, and led us in a closing prayer. For more on Grainger McKoy, click on Friends of Nemours.

Monument to Shaw Air Force Base

To view past blog entries from SCPMA click on 2021 Cherokee Plantation - 2016 Hobcaw Barony - 2015 / Walterboro - 2014 Spring Island - 2011 / Brosnan Forest - 2010 Nemours Plantation - 2009 Poco Sabo Plantation 

2022 Tarpon Bluff Invitational - Team Marsh Wear Wins

Logan Roberts, Organizer Cantey Smith, 
Kai Williams, Angler Josh Boyles and Jake Parker

On Saturday, July 30 in breezy conditions, a 15-boat fleet went fishing for tarpon out of St. Helena Island for the right to claim the hand-made wooden trophy. Event organizer Cantey Smith hosted the gathering for all anglers at the end of the day that included Smoked Marlin Dip and Beaufort Stew, and he recognized Team Marsh Wear Clothing for claiming the only tarpon release that day. In fact, the same team won the 2021 event too, and is the first back-to-back winner in the history of this event (which began in Charleston Harbor). Angler Josh Boyles was quick to tip his hat to the team in the 24-foot Explore boat with him including Logan Roberts, Kai Williams and Jake Parker.

Beaufort Stew on St. Helena Island

Speaking with Logan Roberts, he told me that they had another tarpon jump them off right at the boat. "It was windy all day, and we left from Hudson's Seafood and fished at Bay Point in 50-feet of water. The tide was slacking as it reached high tide and I had an 7-inch mullet soaking on the bottom using a Carolina rig and an 8-ought Trokar hook. The 8-foot heavy spinning rod was loaded with 80-pound fluorocarbon, which allowed me to handle the tarpon fight in about 20-minutes, and we estimated that fish to be just over 100-pounds. The release was at 9:42 in the morning, and we were all fired up about it!"

Roberts is organizing the Inaugural Holy City Tarpon Release Tourney in Charleston on August 5 and 6. Proceeds are to benefit the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, which will host another tarpon tourney in Georgetown.

To view past blog entries on tarpon click on S.C. Tarpon Law - Ultimate Tarpon Book - DOA Writer's Event - Tide magazine/ CCA article - My First Tarpon / 2010

2022 Edisto Billfish - Sportin' Life Wins; Blue Sky Takes Series

Family Time for Team Cuttin' Out

Weather played a role at the final leg of the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series at Edisto, when windy conditions and a Small Craft Advisory canceled Day One of fishing. When fishing got underway on Friday July 22, Sportin’ Life from Charleston charged out to the lead by releasing five sailfish. Owner Graham Eubank and Captain Mike Glaesner and the veteran Sportin’ Life crew released two more sailfish on Saturday, winning the Edisto Billfish Invitational. The second place and third place boats at Edisto also released seven sailfish, but Sportin’ Life takes first place based on the time of release according to Governor’s Cup rules.

Nice big HOO for Rascal

            After sweeping the first two legs of the S.C. Governor’s Cup, Georgetown-based Blue Sky was the overwhelming favorite to win the Series and Best Billfish Boat award. Owner Greg Smith has been knocking on this door for a decade, and after their third place finish on July 23 at the Edisto Billfish Invitational, Captain Jay Weaver and crew are finally the series champions. Blue Sky was greeted by SCDNR officials in Big Bay Creek and awarded a Governor’s Cup flag. Reel Hook Up finished second at Edisto for owner Michael Carter and Captain Stuart Lackey. The official awards for the Gov. Cup Series are held in September in Charleston.

Man Cave Lady Angler Sailfish Release Flags

            The meatfish bite was slow on Day Two, but the ocean was calmer on Day Three and the boats brought many more tuna and wahoo to the scales. The heaviest dolphin was caught on Day Two and weighed 24.5-pounds, brought in by angler Brian DeMille fishing on the Trash Man. The heaviest tuna, caught on Day Three was 24.4-pounds, reeled in by angler Drew Wilkinson about Anticipation. The heaviest Wahoo came on Day Three by angler Chappell Miller fishing aboard Rascal, and weighed 34.3-pounds. The top youth angler was Austin Mellichamp aboard Reel Hook Up. Kasey Goodwin was the top female angler aboard Dough Boy, with two sailfish releases.

Boats heading to the Weigh-In Scale

            
Brian Bell is the manager at the Marina at Edisto Beach. “We appreciate the continued support of the Town of Edisto Beach and all our sponsors,” said Bell. “Without their support the Edisto Invitational would not be what it is today.” Marine artist Steve Goione designs the tournament T-shirts, and he greets fans at Bay Creek Park each afternoon, when the festivities transition to the catered meals by Pressley’s and nightly live music. 

To view past blog entries from Edisto Billfish click on 2021 - 2019- 2018- 2017- 2016- 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 

2022 Coon Dog Day - Saluda, N.C.

Saluda Coon Dogs Day returned after a three-year hiatus from Covid. A full slate of events began with a fun run through town at 8 a.m. and ended with a Square Dance at 8 p.m. on Main Street. Awesome!!

To view past blog entries from Coon Dog Day click 2018 -  2016 - 2013 - 2012 

Totally Awesome way to start the Coon Dog Day

Coon Dog in Parade

Top Gun float idea in Coon Dog Day Parade