Skipper Rhett’s description gives one many reasons to take a delightful cruise up the Ogeechee River to this excellent marina. The marina is located on the southern bend of a hairpin curve in the Ogeechee River.
Had a very nice stay Jun 27-Jul 2. Marina staff very friendly and courteous. Fish Tales Restaurant was very nice, food good and reasonable priced. Outside sitting area is neat and great views of river. No boat ramp so they lift you in and out. My first time, and done very expertly. If you are heading in from the ICW hug well to the N side of the river until past the second island/sand bar on your port side then pick up the private buoys (hard left turn at buoy) and head about 217 true between private buoys until S side of river. Then hug S side to marina. PUMPOUT $40.00. M Rhett
Historic Edenton, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, always has an exciting calendar of community events and July will be no exception with a full schedule of activities for all ages, including events as part of the Albemarle Loop! Edenton is 300 Years Young! Come and let them prove it!
Close to Chesapeake Bay boaters who have a yen for new territory without having to go up the Atlantic coast. Autumn is a wonderful time to do the Albermarle Loop and Edenton is so quaint and the marina is `right down town!’ Please don’t miss the famous `Bell Battery’ adjacent to the municipal marina in Edenton. Cannon made from church bells in North Carolina which were `melted down’ to make cannon `For The Cause!’ Very noble and patriotic! Alan V. Cecil
Acosta Creek Marina lies on the east side of the St. Johns River between markers #41 and 42A, south of Seminole Grove, FL. New owners, Bob and Jane Simons have made many improvements and we wish them the very best with all their plans. Skipper Reeves continues his exploration of the St. Johns River.
Great stop on the river. Good people, nice small laundry. Good people on the docks. Beware of current! and the wakes of idiots that fly by. We enjoyed our short stay . The dog walk and trails are nice but watch for snakes. Nearby creeks are great for bass fishing and exploring. The boatyard services are nice and we saw some quality work being done. Old Florida laid back with some amenities, Pool and Wifi, Ship’s Store. A few miles to shopping center. Will need car! Sonny Reeves
Georgetown Marina and Lodge lies north of marker #72, a short hop north of the St. Johns River’s northerly intersection with Lake George. Our thanks to Skipper Reeves for this report and photos.
Good stop on the river at North end of Lake George. Great people and fuel prices. Limited supplies. This is a fishing marina set up for fishermen and small boats. Large boats will be in slips out side and open to wakes, weather and boat traffic to the South. A good place to explore Salt Run Spring and to enjoy the fishing. Good laundry service. You can see no where from here and if you do not have a car very little is close. Old Florida style marina with southern hospitality. Sonny Reeves
Georgetown Marina exposed to wakes from speeding fishermen.
Georgetown Marina is nice people and good fuel prices. Lots of fishing boats.
Georgetown Marina, You can see nowhere from here and visit Salt Run Spring
Well, Phil and Sandy Herl have navigated their vessel right out of our coverage, moving into the southern Chesapeake Bay. York River Yacht Haven is in Sarah Creek on the northern shore of the York River, west out of the Chesapeake. Phil and Sandy, we thank you for your many reports and we wish you safe travels has you continue north.
York River Yacht Haven Just a short run from Waterside to Yacht Haven, a little over 4 hours @ 8-10 kn. Wanted to get settled in before the weather starts, supposed to be here this pm but also more tomorrow. Also wanted to be in somewhere and tied up to a dock for the 4th of July week end. Well it is starting,by the evening of the 3rd the marina is all but full, maybe one or two spots left and the sprinkling (rain) has started. Were able to rent a car on Monday and see Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg in the week we stayed at York River Yacht Heaven. For the weekend we just stayed on the dock. York River Yacht Haven is a wonderful place to stop. Everyone is friendly and very helpful. And it is a good place to range out to the attractions in the area. Phil and Sandy Herl
Located in downtown Norfolk on the east side of the Elizabeth River just opposite Portsmouth, this marina is a slight bit south of ICW mile marker zero. It is next to the Waterside Festival Marketplace, Town Point Park and the Battleship Wisconsin and Nauticus exhibits. There are many excellent restaurants and stores nearby, but no fuel or supplies at the marina itself. (from a report by Raymond Kurlak)
Waterside Marina, VA Not a long run today, but we had to wait on the Great Bridge Bridge and the Great Bridge Lock, they are doing some repairs on the locks and were only letting boats through as they could. The noon opening did not happen, we were locked through at 1:00. It was only a one hour delay, all part of the adventure. Our travels have taken us 1365 NM since we left Palmetto area, we are almost where we want to continue our travels. I’m sure we can add a few more miles. Stopped at Waterside Marina, a good stop for checking out Norfolk history. The Norfolk visitors center is just a block away. And the Cannon Ball Walk is also part of the area. The MacArthur Center mall is also within a short walk. Just a warning the mall does not have a Grangers, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Tractor Supply or any thing I was interested in. It did have a Mens Warehouse, but if it requires more than shorts and a tee shirt, I’m not going. I am becoming boatified. Have not worn anything but shorts and tee since March. Love it. Phil and Sandy Herl
We absolutely echo Skipper Cecil’s praise! Captains Chuck Baier and Susan Landry have long been contributors to and supporters of Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, providing professional insight as both writers and cruisers. We are so very grateful for the friendship and alliance that has grown over the years and continues today.
It is always a pleasure to see new articles and review past first hand experiences and boating practices prepared in clear, concise and the interesting style of Chuck and Susan.
Looking forward to many more articles, instructions and personal experiences from them soon! Alan V. Cecil
CLICK HERE for an index of articles by Captains Chuck Baier and Susan Landry, owners of Beach House Publications, and publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,”
Our thanks to Skipper Susan Parker for notifying us of this change of schedule and to Officer Lieberum for clarifying this “Old Bridge” – “New Bridge” situation. Our bridge directory has been updated.
Good Morning Larry,
Even I’m a little confused, mostly due to wording. Roosevelt Bridge use to be US 1 and Dixie in this area. When they built the new high level fixed US 1 Bridge the US 1 designation was removed from the Roosevelt Bridge; however it was never removed from the CFR verbiage therefore, the description in 33 CFR 117.317 makes it sound like the old US 1 bridge, this is incorrect as this is the NW Dixie Hwy regulation below – at some point the CFR will need to be corrected to reflect the correct roadway. As the bridges in this portion of the CFR are listed from east to west you will note that the FEC R/R comes before the US 1 bridge; therefore, one can determine that this is the correct regulation for this bridge.
According to 33 CFR 117.317 (d) Roosevelt (US1) bridge, mile 7.4 at Stuart. The draw shall open on signal; except Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. the draw need open only on the hour and half hour. However, the draw need not open between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. except at 8:15 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the draw need open only on the hour, 20 minutes after the hour, and 40 minutes after the hour. When the adjacent railway bridge is in the closed position at the time of a scheduled opening the draw need not open, but it must then open immediately upon opening of the railroad bridge to pass all accumulated vessels. Exempt vessels shall be passed at any time.
Hope this explanation helps.
Mike L
Michael Lieberum Seventh Coast Guard District Bridge Branch Bridge Management Specialist
This Neighborhood Watch Alert comes from our good friend, Deanna Fritz of the Charlotte Harbor Visitor and Convention Bureau. Punta Gorda, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is on Western Florida’s Charlotte Harbor/Peace River.
Deanna Fritz Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau
18500 Murdock Circle, Suite B-104 Port Charlotte, FL 33948 941.743.1900 Fax 941.764.4932 www.CharlotteHarborTravel.com www.CharlotteHarborMeetings.com
Dowry Creek Marina is a fine family-owned and family-run marina that has received MANY laudatory reviews here on the Cruisers’ Net. This facility lies off the AICW/Pungo River, north of Belhaven. Our thanks to Phil and Sandy for their good words for A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Dowry Creek Marina, near Belhaven NC Arrived at 3:45 a very long day, 7 hours. All are very tired. The crew did great, another windy cross wind type of docking, this time we had to get the stern line hooked and spring the bow into the dock. Got to fuel, pumpout and a grocery run they do have a loaner car. The crew on the dock were great, got every thing we needed, ref the fuel, pumpout and docking. Iced up the cooler and ready for tomorrow. All the people are really friendly and want to help out in any way they can. I would like to stop in again. Phil and Sandy Herl
This marina is the best on the ICW. Car, pool and club house are outstanding. It is quite and clean. We had beer can chicken at the club house and watched captain Ron with fellow cruisers, a night to remember. If you need a place to rest for a couple days, this is the place. They make you feel at home. In the morning have coffee on the deck and watch the humming birds.
The two Tom Point Creek anchorages are among the best south of Charleston, as a number of you have commented. Our thanks to Phil and Sandy Herl for this report.
Tom Point Creek We finally left Lady’s Island Marina, after one month enjoying every minute. And getting our pumps and cat food delivered. With a late start we had to stop and just wait for the tide at Ashepoo/Coosaw cut but that was no problem, we have no agenda. When we got through the cut we thought about St Johns Marina or the Isle of Palms too late for either. Both jam up and jelly tight, we stopped at Tom Point Creek for an overnight anchor. No problem, and we enjoy an anchor out as long as the gen keeps working, and it did. Started out first thing in the AM and was running too early for Leland Marina (low tide) so we just dropped an anchor and waited out the tide and came in with no problems. Just enjoying the trip. Phil and Sandy Herl
BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boater safety and boaters’ skills and we are proud to have them as SPONSORS!
These two chores are definitely a “been-there-done-that” situation for most diesel owners. However, it never hurts to get an expert’s advice on mechanical procedures.
NEWS From BoatUS Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatUS has two new helpful videos that address common chores for boaters with diesel engine boats.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
VIDEO: Two Common Chores for Diesel Boat Owners
ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 8, 2015 ‘“ They are the lasting workhorse of many a cruising or sailing vessel, the inboard diesel engine. Some say they have a reputation for being finicky while others swear by their never-ending reliability. Either side you choose, there are two common chores that the owners of diesel engine boats need to be able to easily perform. Changing a diesel fuel filter and bleeding the fuel line of air are topics shown in two new helpful `how-to’ videos by BoatUS Magazine. They can be found at:
`Bleeding a diesel engine of air is a misunderstood ‘˜black art’,’ said BoatUS Magazine Associate Editor Mark Corke, `But it’s very easy to learn when we show you how to do it.’ The videos are part of the magazine’s Practical Boater series that offers skills building, techniques and best practices to get the most out of boating.
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About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS Insurance Program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.
HSRP Federal Advisory Committee – call for members; NOMINATIONS DUE AUG 10, 2015 Hello, NOAA is soliciting nominations for membership for the 2016 Hydrographic Services Review Panel, a Federal Advisory Committee. HSRP applications for year 2016 must be received by NO LATER THAN August 10, 2015, preferably via email to hydroservices.panel@noaa.gov. The Call for Nominations is available by PDF attached and at the following Federal Register website:
You are encouraged to forward the note below broadly to colleagues and partners who may be interested or know possible well qualified candidates for the Hydrographic Services Review Panel membership. The panel advises NOAA on operations and research issues related to hydrographic surveying, nautical charts, tides and currents, geodetic and geospatial data and measurements, coastal intelligence and resilience, and emerging Arctic priorities. Applicants should have expertise in marine navigation, port administration, maritime shipping or other intermodal transportation industries, cartography and geographic information systems, geodesy, geospatial data, physical oceanography, coastal resource management, including coastal resilience and emergency response, or other science-related fields.
If you have colleagues or membership lists, could you please share broadly. If you have questions, can you please email hydroservices.panel@noaa.gov. I appreciate your assistance on publicizing this opportunity to potential well qualified candidates.
Sincerely, Lynne
Lynne Mersfelder-Lewis Hydrographic Services Review Panel, Federal Advisory Committee Office of Coast Survey, National Ocean Service, NOAA, USDOC NEW work cell: 240-691-6106 Phone: 301-713-2702 x199 Fax: 301-713-4019 Lynne.Mersfelder@noaa.gov
The moral of these boaters’ experience is GET IT IN WRITING! Telemar Bay Marina guards the Banana River’s easterly banks, just north of the Eau Gallie fixed bridge and Dragon Point.
My husband and I rented a month to month slip for our boat at Telemar Bay Marina for 3 months during the period of November, December 2014 and January 2015. I had communicated with the manager Karen of Telemar Bay Marina many times by email and phone before we arrived indicating to her what we were looking for during our 3 month stay and she explained their rules and we were told that if we did not stay on the boat more than three days at a time we would not be considered live-aboards and would NOT be charged the additional fees. The Marina was very willing to rent us a slip for month to month and required a deposit.
We returned to the boat 3 or 4 times and never stayed over the 3 day limit. We always followed all the rules of the Marina even though the staff changed them verbally each time we came to check on our boat and stay overnight. We were never given written rules. We always checked in at the office each time we arrived to stay overnight. We were told that the owner was watching all activities at the marina by camera and from his condo across the street from the Marina. We were fully aware that we were being watched and had no issue with that as we were following all the rules that we were given.
We checked out with the Marina manager Karen on our departure and was told everything was good and they would mail us our deposit.
After we left in January 2015 we called numerous times inquiring about our deposit. We were told over and over it would be returned soon, or our deposit refund was in the mail.
After more than 3 months and many phone calls, we were told that they were keeping our deposit because we were LIVE-ABOARDS. The reason they determined we were live-aboards was because THEY gave us a bathroom key when we first arrived. This was not the case because when we left after setting up the boat at the marina and then we returned we checked in at the office and they took the bathroom keys back. When I contacted the marina before we arrived I was told we could use the bathroom during business hours. Later that changed and we were told we should use the head on our boat, and that the bathrooms were for live-aboards or transients only. I guess this is why we witnessed several people urinating off the docks. They seem to change the rules to suit their needs, and in this case a reason to keep our deposit. The Marina will no longer answer our phone calls (caller ID).
Since leaving I have read other bad reviews about Telemar Bay, so we are not the only people that the Marina treated this way. We will be headed South again next year and we will avoid Telemar Bay Marina. There are plenty of other marinas in the area. My advice is to avoid this dishonest business.
We did try resolving this issue with the Marina about not returning our $460 deposit in many different ways including the Better Business Bureau and the Marina would not respond. This is one of the reasons they have a D+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We are also working with Boat US regarding this matter and plan on taking this issue to small claims court. At this point it is on principle and protecting other boaters from being taken advantage of. We plan on continuing our warnings to others and in many different ways and until our deposit is returned. Thank you. Vivian
Thank you for this commit; as a delivery Captain I will certainly pass it on. Good luck in small claims court and good for you for not letting the issue drop
Albemarle Plantation Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! is located off the AICW, on the northern shores of Albemarle Sound, on Yeopim River/Creek. Descriptions of this facility make a Waterway side trip up the Albemarle Sound very inviting!
“Were a marine architect to set up an ideal location for a new colony, he might first round up thousands of acres of level agricultural and timber lands….In the middle of the land he would place an inland sea completely sheltered from oceanic disturbance. The sea would be long, (say 60 miles), so as to tap a maximum territory, but fairly narrow….To facilitate its crossing, it would taper as it progressed inland. It would generally be approachable by dry shores and would have deep water connections with the outside world…. At frequent intervals there would be large rivers pouring into the sea from every direction. These would keep it fresh….and provide fish with spawning grounds…It would merely cost wishing, to give this body of water a beautiful forested shoreline and all needed then would be to drench it with sunshine, history, and romance. Around its coast would be planted small towns, comfortable, prosperous, well kept and hospitable. This precisely is Albermarle Sound, a brilliant gem.” 1954 quote by Bill Sharpe in The State
Albemarle Plantation Marina
For 20 years, Albemarle Plantation marina has been offering year-round sheltered dockage, power, water, fuel and pump-outs to cruising boaters, as well as the full range of lifestyle amenities available at Albemarle Plantation ‘“ golf, tennis, swimming, bocce ball, full-service restaurant, clubhouse, picnic park, etc’¦. More recent additions include free WiFi, as well as canoe and kayak rentals and a new community fitness center. The marina has over 100 deep-water slips for vessels of all sizes and is located centrally on the north shore of Albemarle Sound in Yeopim Creek. Albemarle Planation Marina was recently awarded the coveted State of North Carolina `Clean Marina’ designation.
Albemarle Sound is the largest fresh-water Sound on the east coast. Located in the northeastern corner of North Carolina, its wide expanse of sheltered, but deep, water is a sailing paradise as well as a cruising gunk-holer’s delight. Its many rivers and creeks are great kayaking or canoeing grounds, abundant with wildlife of all forms.
Being non-tidal, there are no currents to worry about. As an inland waterway, it is well charted (Nautical Chart 12205, Cape Henry to Pamlico Sound) and marked with navigational aids.
Private navigational aids mark the entrance channel to the Yeopim River from the Albemarle Sound, beginning at green `1’ (Fl G 2.5s 15ft 3m) and red daymark `Y/R’.
From a waypoint at 36 3’N; 76 24’W, continue on a northerly course through the channel until green `5’ (Fl G 4s 15ft). Then set a northwesterly course to approach red daymark `4A’; proceed on course to red daymark `6’ (QR 8 ft 3m), followed shortly thereafter by red daymark `8’. Then steer a heading 355M for 1/3nm, then turn right directly to fuel dock. The fuel dock has a soft bottom and a depth of 6-8 feet.
The shores of Albemarle Sound are literally littered with historical sites ‘“ from the earliest Colonial settlements on Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks at its eastern extremity, to Edenton, the first capital of North Carolina, at its western end and a myriad of historic places in between.
From our marina, it is a 16 mile sail west to Edenton, and just a little further to explore the Chowan and Roanoke rivers. Cruising east, one can visit Elizabeth City at the head of the Pasquotank River, or stay at Manteo and enjoy the history of Roanoke Island and the Lost Colony. Near the eastern end of the Sound is also where you would join the AICW to go north to the Chesapeake or south through the Alligator River to Pamlico Sound and beyond. Crossing the Sound, 12 miles south from Albemarle Plantation marina, will take you to Columbia for an enjoyable lunch stop. Speaking of lunch, it is worthwhile to seek out some fresh locally caught blue crab; Albemarle Sound is home to the largest population of blue crab.
Both BoatUS and SeaTow serve the Sound. So, you are never alone out there on the water ‘“ even though it often feels like it. The Sound is never crowded and there are many days when you may see only a commercial fisherman or crabber working.
Albemarle Plantation Marina is also home to Osprey Yacht Club where you will always find a friendly welcome, hospitality and fellow boaters to swap stories with.
Phone 252-426-4037 or call on VHF channel 68 or 16 for slip assignment and docking assistance. The marina is open 9am to 5pm weekdays and 8am to 5pm weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Winter hours are 9am to 5pm.
BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters’ safety and we are proud to have them as SPONSORS!
VHF radio technology has greatly improved, but do boaters know how to properly use the newest models of DSC VHF radios?
NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
New Online Course for Boaters: All About Marine Radio
ANNAPOLIS, MD, July 6, 2015 ‘“ If you put 10 boaters in a room with a working marine VHF radio, how many could call for help, call a friend, or share a navigational hazard with nearby boaters? Chances are the most important piece of safety gear aboard a boat is the least understood. A partnership with the US Power Squadrons and BoatUS Foundation aims to improve boaters’ knowledge with the new online course, All About Marine Radio, offered at BoatUS.org/courses. The course shows how to use standard VHF radios as well as newer Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF radios and is great for novices and experienced boaters. Taken from the comfort of home, the course is $24.95.
All About Marine Radio teaches how to choose the best radio for your boating lifestyle and how to get the most use out of it. The online course will show some simple rules to follow when you’re using a marine VHF radio plus how to:
Determine which features you want in a marine radio for your type of boating Make and receive radio calls, including what channels to use Obtain and use an Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number for your boat Call for help in all kinds of emergencies Ensure that your transmissions are understandable Simple rules to follow when using your radio Joining BoatUS for $24 annually lowers the course’s price to $19.96 ‘“ the same price offered to US Power Squadrons, Canadian Power Squadrons, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Great Lakes Cruising Club members. More information on BoatUS membership benefits can be found at BoatUS.com/membership.
About BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the over half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the non-profit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of boating safety courses ‘“ including 34 free state courses ‘“ can be found at BoatUS.org/courses.
About United States Power Squadrons:
Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons (USPS) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has nearly 40,000 members organized into over 400 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America’s largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions. Each squadron’s activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. For more, go to USPS.org.
Our thanks to Skipper Norman Quinn for sending this video and this warning: DO NOT FEED THE PIGS!
Our friends Vern and Rose on M/V Roamalot reported a serious accident at Pig Beach on Big Major Cay in the Exumas. While feeding the pigs, one of the largest pigs attacked and bit Rose pulling her right out of their dingy and nearly severing her thumb from her hand. She flew back to a Fort Lauderdale hospital where she underwent emergency hand surgery to repair three breaks and severed tendons in her thumb. Just a word of warning to cruisers in the Staniel Cay area…do not feed the pigs, especially in shallow water where they can jump into the boat and attack.
Staniel Cay where the pigs swim and here’s a candid shot of a fellow who went ashore without food for the pigs and the chase is on.
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Comments from Cruisers (3)
Capt. Norman Quinn- July 10, 2015 - 7:37 pm
Obviously, the pig “attacked” Rose for food. I don’t believe I mis-stated or inaccurately reported what occurred. We too, have visited the pigs at Big Major Spot on many occasions, and have seen other unwary cruisers injured while innocently feeding the pigs. I don’t have to remind you, or maybe I do, that emergency medical assistance in the Bahamas is extremely limited. A small child may not have fared as well as Rose during such an incident. The pigs are cute but can be aggressive, causing serious life threatening injuries to the inexperienced cruiser. My point was to warn readers to keep their distance and to make sure to stay in water deep enough that the pigs cannot touch bottom, if one decides to feed them. I have personally witnessed them climb into dingys in shallow water and “attack” the occupants in their search for food…doing what pigs do.
We all hope that Rose from M/V Roamalot is recovering from her injuries sustained by a pig bit at Big Majors. As cruisers, we never like to hear about anyone injured. But the article, as submitted, mis-states the issue. We have been to Big Majors on numerous occasions, and we have fed the pigs, and we have seen hundreds of people feed the pigs. It is just not accurate to characterize what happened as saying that the pig “attacked” someone. The pigs at Big Majors don’t attack people, they just eat. Have you ever fed a dog a piece of food, and your hand or fingers get nipped in the process? The dog didn’t bite or attack you – your fingers or hand just happened to be in the way of their getting at what they want, that is, the food. Sure, we’ve seen people get into situations at Pig Beach — and it’s when they are holding a bag of food near themselves, usually while they are standing in the water, and the pig wants to get at the food. To call it an “attack” is just wrong. Even Rose, early in the video, recognized that she might be bitten. We hope she recovers fully. Greg Allard M/V Meander
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Personal fireworks don’t mix with nesting shorebirds The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) asks the public to help protect beach-nesting shorebirds across the state this holiday weekend by giving them space and keeping personal fireworks off the beach.
Shorebirds are nesting on beaches along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida, with many still watching over flightless chicks during the busy Independence Day weekend. The snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer, American oystercatcher and Wilson’s plover are several of the state’s beach-nesting shorebird species that face conservation challenges and need people’s help to survive.
`Fireworks launched too close or toward a nesting colony can cause adult shorebirds to flush off their nests and chicks to scatter, leaving the chicks vulnerable to predators, the elements and the potential of getting accidentally stepped on by beach-goers,’ said Nancy Douglass, who works on shorebird conservation for the FWC. `Leaving personal fireworks at home and giving the birds space are ways that residents can still enjoy the beach while helping to keep shorebirds and their chicks safe.’
Ways to protect beach-nesting shorebirds this holiday weekend and beyond:
Leave personal fireworks, including sparklers, at home and attend an official fireworks display instead. Keep your distance, whether on the beach or paddling watercraft along the shore. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close. A general rule is to stay at least 300 feet from a nest. Birds calling out loudly or divebombing are giving signals for you to back off. Never intentionally force birds to fly or run. They use up energy they need for nesting, and eggs or chicks may be left vulnerable to the sun’s heat or predators. Teach children not to chase shorebirds and kindly ask fellow beach-goers to do the same. Respect posted shorebird nesting areas. Avoid posted sites and use designated walkways when possible. It is best not to take pets to the beach, but if you do, keep them on a leash and avoid shorebird nesting areas. Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows, which can prey on shorebird chicks. Litter on beaches can entangle birds and other wildlife. Spread the word. If you see people disturbing nesting birds, gently let them know how their actions may hurt the birds’ chances for survival. If they continue to disturb nesting shorebirds, report their activities to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on a cell phone, or by texting Tip@MyFWC.com. For more ways to share the beach with nesting shorebirds, go to MyFWC.com/Shorebirds and download the `Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds’ brochure. Additional information can also be found at the Florida Shorebird Alliance website: www.flshorebirdalliance.org.
BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters’ safety and we are proud to have them as SPONSORS!
NEWS From BoatUS Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
The newest fuel portable fuel tanks require installation of a fuel demand valve and BoatUS shows you how.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
Boaters Find Newest Portable Outboard Fuel Tanks Not All They’re Cracked Up to Be:
Installing Fuel-Demand Valve Wise Move
BoatUS Video Shows You How
ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 30, 2015 ‘“ Owners with outboard powered boats have lived with portable fuel tanks for years, but recent well-intentioned efforts to stop smog-causing gas fumes from escaping by eliminating the familiar two-way vent is causing new concerns. Without a vent ‘“ typically a small screw type fixture on the tank’s cap or top ‘“ a portable tank can swell up like a balloon in the hot sun with the internal pressure forcing gas into the outboard where it can spew inside the cowling, eventually dribbling out. It’s a wise move to install an inexpensive fuel-demand valve in the fuel line that will prevent any gas from reaching the motor unless the motor calls for it, and BoatUS has a video and easy to follow instructions to show you how.
`Our members are telling us that the new tanks aren’t all they are cracked up to be,’ said BoatUS Magazine Executive Editor Mike Vatalaro. `These new EPA compliant portable tanks and jerry jugs have special fittings that greatly reduce evaporative emissions from gasoline. But where traditional tanks simply vent to the atmosphere, the new tanks won’t vent until the internal pressure reaches five pounds per square inch. In the meantime, fuel could be forced up the fuel line into the outboard, many of which have no means to hold it back.’
`Leaving the tank disconnected just results in the same gush of gas once you do hook it up, either from the tank end or through the engine,’ added Vatalaro. `Installing an inexpensive fuel-demand valve in the fuel line will prevent any gas from reaching the motor unless the motor calls for it.’ The video and instructions can be found at:
The video was done in partnership with the American Boat & Yacht Council (abycinc.com) and is part of BoatUS Magazine’s Practical Boater series that offers skills building, techniques and best practices to get the most out of boating.
About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS Insurance Program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
Jim Owens- July 3, 2015 - 4:03 pm
That is another great example of people who know little about something make a rule to deal with a perceived problem. The problem is they have no idea what will happen next.
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