Waverunner Safari Adventure--Tidal Wave Water Sports High Velocity Thrill Excursion to Capers Island

Eagerly awaiting this moment since awakening, the appointed time finally arrived. "You may want to leave your hat," the young lady at the outdoor counter suggested. Declining the proposal, I turned my hat around. A decision that would later have an unusual outcome. I was sized up and handed a life jacket. I snapped it on while listening to the guide begin his introductions. Needless to say, my emotions jumped to the next level of excitement.

The weather worn wooden dock rocked gently in the creek's fluid current while our guide wrapped up his final instructions with some pertinent safety tips, "In the no-wake zone, stay 20 feet apart at all times. Once we leave the no-wake zone, keep 100 feet between yourself and everything else. There are hidden sandbars and oyster beds, so follow in my wake at all times."

We collectively mounted our assigned personal watercraft and familiarized ourselves with its various controls and buttons. After hooking the shut-off cord to our floatation vests, our slumbering high velocity watercraft were one by one gently nudged from their plastic cradles. After fully slipping into the warm, salty waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, I immediately depressed the start button. With my jet ski aroused to consciousness, I squeezed the throttle propelling it forward onto the first leg of an unbelievably riotous Waverunner Safari Adventure with Tidal Wave Water Sports.

Waverunner Safari Adventure takes you on a high velocity cruise through the intricate coastal waterways of Charleston's northern barrier islands. It begins at the docks of Tidal Wave Water Sports in the IOP Marina and proceeds up the Intracoastal Waterway. Once you leave the no-wake zone, you are turned loose to get a feel for your jet ski. For fifteen minutes, you can jump waves, spin out, pretty much do whatever you want as long as you maintain the 100 foot rule.

Several times my jet ski was launched skyward off the waves of passing larger vessels momentarily suspending me weightless in the air and once beneath the waves completely baptizing me in salt water. It was here I lost my hat.

After honing our skills, our guide took us full throttle 15 miles through the beautiful coastal waterways of Dewees and Capers Island to the tidal river of Price Inlet. It was here we beached our jet skis and for the next fifteen minutes, I let the beauty of Capers embrace me, sunk my grateful feet into its soft sands and happily allowed its soothing waters wash over me in full view of Bulls Island, my next planned excursion. Too quickly, it was time to depart the serenity of Capers.

For the final time, I mounted my jet ski, powered up and once clear of the shoreline, took off in a sudden burst of acceleration leaving a turbulent swathe of water behind me. Following in the playful and trick-filled wake of our guide for the next fifteen miles, we weaved in and around patches of sea grass and marshland until we entered the no-wake zone of the Intracoastal Waterway back to the IOP Marina and the Tidal Wave docks totally satisfied with a well spent 1 1/2 hours on a thrill ride cruising 30 miles through the unspoiled coastal waters of Charleston's northern barrier islands--unfortunately without my hat, forever lost in the waters of Seven Reaches.

Our tour guide, Donny, was personable and friendly. Fully knowing the dangers involved in operating watercraft at a high velocity, he responsibly took his oversight seriously giving helpful and vital instructions to the age varied group of seven.

On the safari, we were afforded the freedom to be daring as long as we stayed within the parameters of the earlier stated rules and used common sense related to each individuals skill level.

The jet skis were well maintained, the docks were organized. It is a tour I would gladly do again and highly recommend it to everyone, families and individuals, looking to put daily physical restraints aside and freeing oneself to experience something different and exciting. It was a blast.

As regards my hat, ten minutes after leaving the IOP Marina I received a phone call from the young lady at the counter informing me my hat was retrieved from the merciful waters of Seven Reaches--amazing.

Tickets: Single $119.00, Double $139.00
Drivers must be 16 years old, 18 years old with a passenger

Located:
Isle of Palms, SC
(843) 886-8456 69
41st Avenue
Isle of Palms, SC

A Park With A Beautiful Boardwalk And An Awesome Panaramic View Of What We Love About Charleston

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. In the near distance, the spires of the Ravenel Bridge rose
above the trees. The periodic ominous clouds and a rolling rumble of thunder reminded me there were storms in the area. No surprise, they were in the forecast.

Opportunistic sea gulls squawked overhead, patiently waiting to pounce on discarded bait. Pelicans cruised the surface of the waters below for any unsuspecting prey. Several dolphins playfully splashed close by.

On moored boats across the waters, shrimpers fussed with their nets while listening to music. A crane stood motionless in an opening of a weather worn structure on the tall docks. An endless succession of boats of all sizes had been parading past since my arrival. It is one of the busiest waterways flowing into Charleston Bay for recreational watercraft.

A family with young kids tended fishing rods and crab traps under the covered section at the end of the boardwalk nearby. My fishing rod was propped against the wooden rails of the long boardwalk, baited line trailing in the slow moving current. I kept one eye on the rod tip for the slightest hint of popping motion and the other eye on the groups of paddleboarders and kayakers floating past, sometimes too close to the fishing line. We were competing for the same water space.

Fellow anglers politely called out to the groups to warn them away from their line. An unsteady paddleboarder, obviously new to the experience, plunged into the water while trying to maneuver around one of the near invisible lines. I called out to him, "How's the water." A fellow paddleboader answered back, "You should jump in and find out." I was just being friendly but I believe by his response he felt inclined to defend his buddies damaged dignity.

I started a conversation with a woman on a paddleboard. I inquired, "Do you live here or are you visiting." She informed me she was from Erie, PA. "Where are you staying," I asked. "In downtown Charleston, with friends," she replied. She was joined by five other paddleboarders. She asked me to take a picture of them and send it to her email. Conversations come easy on the boardwalk. People are here to relax, have fun and enjoy the unequaled beauty of the creek's marsh scenery.

One of the angler's fishing line began to peel off his reel. It was something big. He grabbed his rod and pulled the tip back hard. The long tug of war began. Reeling it in would be a challenge with all the boats coming in and out of the creek. My guess was a stingray, which turned out to be correct when it momentarily surfaced and showed itself for verification. He battled the ray for over twenty minutes before it finally surrendered. Bringing it up onto the decking would be impossible, so he walked the fish down the boardwalk to the steel floating docks where he pulled it up, took pictures, and released it back into the rising waters.

 

These are the scenes you will see from the 2,200 foot long boardwalk that extends from its park entrance on Coleman Blvd to near the mouth of Shem Creek. It is called Shem Creek Park. The $2.5 million park and boardwalk were built and inaugurated in 2011. It includes a 250 foot floating dock where visitors can tie their boats. At the entrance of the boardwalk, you are greeted by Pete the Pelican, a 9-foot-tall sculpture covered with marine debris collected in waterways during the 2011 Beach Sweep. Pete the Pelican has been there since April of 2012.

The Charleston Water Taxis departs from the floating dock at Shem Creek Park. Visitors and locals staying or living in the Mt. Pleasant area can take the Water Taxi directly to downtown Charleston. Boats land at the Maritime Center next to Aquarium Wharf. Taxis run every hour so you can take one of their hourly boats back to your destination. Please call 843-330-2989 for pickup prices.

Shem Creek is known as "a seafood and water lover’s paradise". After a relaxing chill on the boardwalk, take the opportunity to visit one of the many restaurants and bars. The Palmetto Breeze also departs from Shem Creek.

A June Day In January-A Charleston Beach On A Third Thursday

Breech Inlet and the Boathouse Restaurant

It was third Thursday, January. The morning was Charleston sunny and warm. The past few days have been June like in weather, but things can change quickly. A life lesson I have learned these past couple of months, and it is especially true when it comes to the weather. So, my plan for the day was to make the journey to my favorite beach area on the Isle of Palms called Breech Inlet, a swift moving stretch of water separating the Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island. I enjoy watching the kite surfers navigate the calmer waters in the Bath on a breezy day. I have over the years indulged in the practice of releasing bottles containing messages with an email address included into the outgoing currents to see where the salty waters would carry them. Thus far no responses have been received.

I will spare you the total sum of mundane moments of this third Thursday, beginning with the traditional practices associated with my morning routine of preparation for launching me into the outer spaces of the day. I was unaware of an approaching cold front, until a quick visit to a friends house informed me of the expected change due to arrive later in the day. For lunch, I stopped at Coastal Coffee Roasters in Summerville and had roasted turkey topped with swiss cheese piled on a croissant for lunch with a side of friendly coffee house chat. Always great seeing my close friends at CCR.

Isle of Palms

The beach at Breech Inlet was fairly empty, three other people and two dogs, not including the occasional walkers. There was a nice breeze, but the ocean waters were strangely calm. The waves gently rolled onto the beach. The words of a 1977 song came to me while contemplating over pleasant thoughts and imaginations as I gazed out over the blue waters. "Come sail away, come sail away, come sail away with me" was the title that played in my mind and these words.


"I look to the sea,
Reflections in the waves spark my memory,
Some happy, some sad,
I think of childhood friends and the dreams we had,
We lived happily forever, so the story goes,
But somehow we missed out on the pot of gold
But we'll try best that we can to carry on."

Isle of Palms

 

The words "carry on" struck an emotional string as I reflected on a recent, life-altering event resulting in a renewed conviction. We must take every opportunity that is presented to us each day to share something good with those we have the occasion to reach. I took pictures and wrote messages in the sand. I unfolded my sports chair at the water's edge and tossed the bottle with the message into the strong outgoing tide. I watched it disappear into the distant surf, carrying with it the hope of achieving the desired purpose. The colorful kites of three surfers soared in the balmy breezes across the inlet in the surf of Sullivan's Island. But the skies were beginning to darken out beyond Charleston. The predicted cold front was approaching. It was time to go.

Vacation house on Isle of Palms

It was Third Thursday, and that meant party time in Summerville. By the time I arrived downtown for the festivities, the air had cooled considerably and the rains were descending. It seems as though a pattern has set in these past couple of months. This was the second month in a row it had rained on Third Thursday.

I started the night at Accent on Wine where friends were already sipping on wine and slurping specialty beers at the bar. I sat next to a woman who was smartly dressed in black and red, killing some time before a late day business appointment. She was a very out-going person who shared some humorous stories from her college days and revealed being a newlywed. That is just the way it is when you visit Accent on Wine. Conversations come as easy as Sunday morning. Every Tuesday is wine tasting night with a twist, so come on over and share in the fun.

Next stop was Marigolds, a locally popular, family owned boutique selling one of a kind antiques and exclusive home decor located on the end of Short Central. My daughter, who lives in Ohio, was interested in purchasing a vintage travel poster she had seen on her last visit. It was a poster of Paris. Getting it to Ohio was the challenge, and arrangements were considered. Despite the earlier rain, the owners said they had a good night. Everyone who visited the store bought something.

I ended the days activities where it began, at Coastal Coffee Roasters. It was open mic night. If you can sing, if you can play, and you have the oysters to do it, the mic is yours, not including yours truly. My singing career recently took a hit when that unexpected event altered my voice box. I won't be hitting those high notes for awhile. It's not karaoke, you should have some talent of a sort to participate.

It was a good day, but any day spent on the beach, especially in January, is a good day. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Things That Bring You To The Lowcountry-Taste of Charleston And The Scrumptious Summerville Kitchen Tour

Isle of Palms

When I tell people I am from Ohio, the subsequent response is always, "What brought you to Charleston?" I have to admit, before the first time vacationing on the beautiful Isle of Palms, I didn't give much thought to the idea of leaving Ohio. Well, maybe a passing thought or two. Having lived near Lake Erie all those years, water and the beach were always a part of my life along with the excellent fishing Ohio waters provided. But Ohio summers pass by quickly and the long Northeastern Ohio winters curtail such activities. The sun is seldom seen from November to March due to the Lake Erie affect.

Fall, indisputably, is a pretty time in the North with the patchwork of colorful leaves and pleasant days of Indian Summer, but spells of cooler weather are a reminder of the bone chilling cold not far away in the North Coast lake-effect winter. Leaving for work in the morning was always a chore, hacking the ice off the car and driving the slippery roads. Sometimes my face got so cold my lips could barely move to speak. The melting snow that would freeze on my mustache often left me looking like a walrus. To sum it up, given a choice between frostbite and sweating, I'll take the sweating any day of the week. Frostbite is painful, sweating is not. Stick your fingers or toes into a fire ant mound and you will get a slight hint of just how painful frostbite can be.

So, the obvious answer to the aforementioned question could be, "The weather." Not so fast. The very first time I came to the Charleston area and stuck my feet in the sands of the Wild Dunes beachfront on the Isle of Palms and later set my feet on the rooftop of the Boathouse Restaurant looking out over Breach Inlet, the weather is no longer so obvious of a response. Needless to say, I was won over by the sheer beauty of its beaches, marshes and barrier islands.

Shem Creek

Folly Island

So, the answer now becomes, "The weather and coastal beauty." Not so fast. I took the short trip from the Isle of Palms to the the heart of Charleston, the Old Market. Market Street was crowded and lined with horse drawn carriages. I paid the fee and boarded the carriage assigned by a colored ball to travel through the French Quarter and the Battery along the waterfront. The ride introduced me to the charm and history that permeates every cobblestone, brick and iron gate of Charleston's past. A past that is intricately woven into the present. Love the story about the house designed with an architectural split personality and the one with a mortar shell still in its attic.

Battery house

Charleston has an abundance of everything I like, but there is more. Apart from all the water activities, coastal beauty, and wealth of the kind of history I enjoy, Charleston is a vibrant party town. There are events and festivals scheduled year round, all outfitted for showcasing the best that Charleston has to offer and highlighting why so many Northerners have made it their home. After all, Charleston is the number one destination of choice by vacationers.

This beautiful time of year when the temperatures retreat to a comfortable range offers a grand selection of events that cater to the five senses. Beginning today, The Boone Hall Plantation, America's most photographed plantation, will be hosting one of those yearly events showcasing the Lowcountry's finest restaurants. The Southern Living Taste of Charleston, hosted by the Charleston Restaurant Association is a 3-day event beginning Friday, September 28 and ending on Sunday, September 30. The Main Event on Sunday will feature 50 casual and fine dining restaurants serving sample size portions plus beer and wine. There will be a specialty and imported beer tasting tent, live entertainment, the legendary “Waiters’ Race” and the children’s area. Gates will open 10:30am. For more information go to Taste of Charleston.

Another event highlighting the Lowcountry's superb culinary delights, just down the road from Charleston, is The Tenth Annual Scrumptious Summerville Kitchen Tour scheduled for Sunday, October 7, 2012. The Kitchen Tour has an additional feature. Besides sampling gourmet treats prepared by premiere LowCountry chefs, you will have the unique opportunity to tour some of the grand homes, cottages and gardens in Summerville. Also, local musicians are scheduled to perform in each home or garden and area florists will grace the interior decor with floral arrangements. The homes may be toured from 1:30 to 5:30pm. The proceeds will benefit Children In Crisis, Inc. Tour is along West Carolina Avenue.

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