CRUISERS NET
Cruisers Helping Cruisers
Comprehensive cruising resource for the Intracoastal Waterways
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
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Camden County Events ~ Save the Dates! Dismal Swamp Welcome Station, NC
The Dismal Swamp Route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2 and northbound via the Pasquatank River. Our thanks to Sarah Hill for this invitation from Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Good Morning!
Please save the dates! We’ve got several fall community events planned in Camden County, home of Dismal Swamp State Park, and we hope you will join us to celebrate our local heritage and nature.
*Our Camden Heritage Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 21st, 2024 from 10am-3pm at Camden Community Park (125 Noblitt Dr., Camden, NC 27921). We are super excited to kick off the day with a performance from the award winning Camden County Bands along with local live entertainment throughout the day. This year’s festivities will include living history re-enactors from the 1st NC Regiment of the Continental Line from Tryon Palace, as we commemorate America 250 NC. We hope you’ll join us for a great community day filled with craft vendors, petting zoo, local business displays, K9 demos, carriage rides, classic cars, food trucks, antique tractors, axe throwing & so much more!
*The Dismal Swamp State Park (2294 US Hwy 17 N, South Mills, NC 27976) will host their 10th Annual Dismal Day event, October 12, highlighting the swamp’s rich natural & cultural history from 10am-2pm. The day kicks off with a 5K Fun Run/Walk along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. Don’t miss delicious food, music, wagon rides through the swamp, paddling on the canal, OBX Lizard Land reptiles, craft & activities celebrating the “Year of the Bear”, and educational exhibits.
If you are interested in being a vendor – please let us know. (Camden Heritage Festival Registration ends 8/30/24)
Additional event information coming soon. Please feel free to share, post & print.
Thank you for your continued support and we hope you will be able to join us!
Many thanks,
Sarah Hill, TMP
Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome CenterChairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
252-771-8333 | shill@camdencountync.gov www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com Be the first to comment!
Tropical Storm Debby closures for Charleston County Parks
Media Alert:
All Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission parks and facilities will close at 3 p.m. today and remain closed on Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7.
All Charleston County Parks programs and camps have been canceled through Thursday, August 8.
Please visit our alert center (https://ccprc.com/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=Park-Facility-Operational-Updates-due-to-847) for more information. Once Tropical Storm Debby has passed and conditions have been assessed to ensure staff and visitor safety, we will update this webpage on the status of our parks and programs.
Thank you!
Sarah Reynolds Public Information Coordinator Headquarters 861 Riverland Dr , Charleston , SC 29412 Office: +1 8437628089 Sarah.Reynolds@ccprc.com | CharlestonCountyParks.com Be the first to comment!
The Wooden Boat Phenomenon – Janice Anne Wheeler
Click here for THE WOODEN BOAT PHENOMENON
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Janice
I hope that my writing piques your interest and keeps you entertained. I am so pleased to appear within this forum Please subscribe and then these stories will be sent directly to you every Sunday morning. Comments are always appreciated.
J
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Two Legendary Power Cruisers Up for Sale – Peter Swanson
Two Legendary Power Cruisers Up for Sale
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Masthead Camera on the AICW
Interesting gentleman who has placed a camera at top of his mast. Below is the FaceBook post about these posted to YouTube. This was a post on ICW Cruising Guide 423.
Masthead cam videos of various fixed bridges on the AICW in June/July 2024. I also included a time lapse view of some opening bridges between New River Ft Lauderdale and Lake Worth.It greatly reduced anxiety to have this view, because we require about 64’6” clearance. As we approached, if I could see shadow or additional beams beneath the closest beam it meant that the camera would clear. (We didn’t encounter any slanted bridge decks). I wasn’t worried about the whip VHF antenna, and in many cases we scraped it along the bottom of the bridge (you can hear the ping sound in some of the videos).Here’s a link to a YouTube playlist with the videos.Larry FurstBe the first to comment!
What’s Up, Gulfport?? Boca Ciega Bay, FL
Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located in the heart of downtown Gulfport. The marina and harbor, found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay, are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.
Upcoming Events in Gulfport
Get Ready For Gecko World!!
Gecko Art Installation
Please join us for the First Friday Art Walk on August 2nd as we kick off the month-long celebration of all things Gecko! Get a sneak peek of these one-of-a-kind auction items that will be available for purchase during the live auction at the Gecko Ball on August 24th. Join us at the Catherine Hickman Theatre at 6pm to meet the artists, mingle with your friends and neighbors and get into the Gecko spirit!
Click Here For Art Show Info 
First Friday Art Walk-August 2, 2024
Explore the magic of art under the stars at Gulfport’s First Friday Art Walk!
Join us every First Friday for an evening filled with creativity, community, and culture.
Date: First Friday of Every Month
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location:Scenic Beach Boulevard, GulfportWhat to Expect:
Artistic Marvels: Witness the unveiling of new and inspiring works by some of the area’s most talented artists.Stroll Along Beach Boulevard: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you stroll along scenic Beach Boulevard, surrounded by charming restaurants and storefronts.
Community Connection: First Friday Art Walk has been the heartbeat of Pinellas County’s art scene since 1993, fostering a sense of community and celebration of creativity.
Meet the Artists: Engage with the region’s most innovative artists, and gain insight into the stories behind the masterpieces.
Support Local: Hosted by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce, this event encourages you to explore and support locally-owned businesses, restaurants, and the arts.
Family-Friendly: Bring the whole family for a night of entertainment, culture, and a chance to create lasting memories in our picturesque town.
Free Admission: Admission is free, so grab your friends and join us for an unforgettable night celebrating art, community, and local talent!
GECKO QUEEN VOTING BEGINS JULY 22nd
Who Will Be Gulfport’s Next Gecko Queen?
It’s time to choose your Queen! Public in-person voting will begin on July 22nd. Ballots will be available at The Gulfport Beach Bazaar, The Gulfport Corner Store and The Gulfport Merchants Chamber Welcome Center. The polls will be open until Sunday, August 18th. Be sure to get your vote in!
The winner will be announced and crowned at the Gecko Ball!
One ballot per person, please.
Click Here for Gecko Queen Info 
GECKO POKER CRAWL TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Tickets for the Annual Gecko Poker Crawl are now on sale at The Gulfport Beach Bazaar and The Gulfport Corner Store. Tickets are $25 and include one drink at each of the 6 bar crawl locations. Poker Only tickets are available for $10. Tickets are also available online and can be picked up the day of the Crawl.
Click Here for Gecko Poker Crawl 
3rd Saturday IndieFaire
Join us for our 3rd Saturday IndieFaire on Saturday, August 17th as we fill the streets with a variety of vendors! This month’s Faire will be taking place along with our Gecko Poker Crawl so get ready for an extra festive evening!
GECKO BALL TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!
Get your Gecko Ball tickets at The Beach Bazaar or The Gulfport Corner Store! Don’t miss your chance to attend the most cherished event in Gulfport. This year’s theme is “Live From Gulfport, It’s Gecko Night”! Dress as your favorite Saturday Night Live skit or just wear your finest Gulfport Glam. Don’t miss the Event of the Year! Individual tickets are $30. Reserved tables are $400 (seats 10) and are only available at the Beach Bazaar. Individual tickets are also available online. Click below.
Click Here for Gecko Ball Info 
Get Ready For GeckoFest!
The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is thrilled to announce the 24th Annual Gecko Fest, set to take place on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 10 AM to 10 PM along Gulfport’s scenic waterfront on Beach Blvd. This year’s theme, “Live From Gulfport, It’s Gecko Night!” promises a vibrant, fun-filled event featuring a costume parade, live music, street performers, and a variety of food and craft vendors. Gecko Fest is held in collaboration with SIK Promotions and the City of Gulfport. Admission and parking are free.
First held in 2001, Gecko Fest began as an end-of-summer celebration and has since grown into one of Tampa Bay’s most anticipated annual events. Known for its lively mix of artistic energy and community spirit, the festival features a costume contest and parade, wandering street performers, and two stages with live music. The event has been proudly organized by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber since 2004.
Gecko Fest is preceded each year by the Gecko Art Show, Gecko Crawl, and Gecko Ball. All events are hosted by the non-profit Gulfport Merchants Chamber, with a portion of proceeds from the Gecko World events donated back to the community. This year’s recipients include the REACH! Food Program for Kids, Selah Freedom, and the Sonia Plotnick Health Fund.
Click Here For GeckoFest Info 
RISE & SHINE Artist Grant
If you are an artist on the rise,
The Gulfport Merchants Chamber would like to help you shine !
The Gulfport Merchants Chamber’s “Rise and Shine” Artist Grants were developed to support the creative community within Gulfport and the surrounding area and to promote Gulfport as an art destination. The grants include funding, marketing, mentoring , advertising support, and exhibition space.
The purpose of the Gulfport Merchants Chamber’s “Rise and Shine” Artist Grants is to support the creative community within Gulfport and the surrounding area and to promote Gulfport as an art destination. The grants include funding, marketing and advertising support, and exhibition space. To be eligible to apply for one of the two grants offered:
The applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
Be a current resident of Pinellas County
Preference will be given to current residents of the City of Gulfport.
Deadline to Apply: A complete application must be received by August 10th, 2024.
Click Here for Rise & Shine Info 
The GMC needs YOU!
The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is in need of Volunteers! We believe in the power of collective action, and we’re reaching out to you because we need dedicated volunteers like you to help us make a difference.
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, and their contributions are invaluable. Whether you have a few hours to spare each week or want to get involved in a specific project, your time and skills can have a meaningful impact.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Our new Welcome Center located at 5317 Gulfport Blvd. S. serves as the first point of contact for visitors, newcomers, and those seeking information about our organization. Volunteers like you play a crucial role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making our guests feel comfortable, and providing them with the information they need.
Event Ambassadors play a vital role in creating a positive and memorable experience for attendees, guests and participants. You will get to be a part of some of our amazing events in Gulfport!
Use the link below to sign up for different volunteer opportunities!
Sign Up Here 
Gulfport’s Tuesday Market
Every Tuesday, 9am-2pm
Dive into freshness at Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market! Every Tuesday, enjoy open-air shopping for fruits, veggies, local art, and more. Skip crowded supermarkets and support local vendors. After shopping, grab a meal from our restaurants and savor it in our scenic parks or by the beach. #GulfportFreshMarket #ShopLocal #SociallyDistancedShopping#
FreshAndLocal #GulfportLife Want to showcase your goods? Become a vendor! Apply here: https://visitgulfportflorida.
com/gulfport-tuesday-market #VendorOpportunity #JoinUs 
Members Only: Free Small Business Consultation with The Small Business Development Center
Every Third Thursday, 9am-2pm By Appointment
The Florida SBDC at PCED has partnered with the local community to make confidential consulting available wherever you may be. Debra Schweikowsky, our professionally certified business consultant, specializes in finance and capital access and helps local business owners with growth strategies to realize their goals.
To get started, contact Debra directly to schedule a confidential appointment at 727.453.7108, or email dschweikowsky@pinellas.gov.
Aimee Kosta
Executive Director
info@visitgulfportflorida.comCopyright © 2024 Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
info@visitgulfportflorida.comBe the first to comment!
BoatUS Foundation Offers New Florida 90-Day Temporary Boating Certification Course for Renters
BoatUS is the leading advocate for boating safety in the US and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
Click here for BoatUS Foundation Offers New Florida 90-Day Temporary Boating Certification Course for Renters
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The mangrove tree tells its story – Earthday.org
Hi,
Hi, I’m a mangrove planted in Banishanta Union, Bangladesh! In honor of World Mangrove Day on July 26, I’m here to introduce myself and share a little something with you.
I live in the tropics with other mangroves because we don’t like cold weather. We help stabilize coastlines, reducing erosion from storm surges, currents, waves, and tides. Additionally, our intertwined roots provide refuge from predators for many of our forest-living friends, including the Bengal Tiger.1
I absorb and store carbon from the air and make up less than 2% of the ocean’s surface but hold 10%-15% of its carbon reserves. It’s estimated that my mangrove brethren and I absorb about 75 billion pounds of carbon per year.2 As a mangrove, I’m considered a keystone species, which scientists indicate play a critical role in maintaining the structure and health of our coastal ecosystems!3
However, my habitat is shrinking — much faster than the rainforest is disappearing. Activities such as aquaculture, coastal development, rice and palm oil farming, and industrial activities threaten our existing habitats and the prosperity of species which rely on our protection.4
The mangroves planted by EARTHDAY.ORG’s The Canopy Project contribute to restoring forest habitats, which gives refuge to wildlife. As part of this project, 100,000 seedlings will be planted on 10 hectares of land in my home, Bangladesh. This will bolster mangrove forests along rivers and help restore local fisheries and communities. The 100,000 seedlings planted on about 10 hectares of land in Bangladesh will bolster mangrove forests along rivers and help restore local fisheries and communities.5
Join The Canopy Project at EARTHDAY.ORG to help me restore my habitat. With your support, I can continue to safeguard our ecosystems. Together, let’s maximize our impact and ensure that my mangrove friends and family have a healthy future.
Together,
The Mangrove Tree
Footnotes:
1. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/
facts/mangroves.html 2. Smithsonian: https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-
life/plants-algae/mangroves 3. National Geographic: https://education.
nationalgeographic.org/ resource/keystone-species/ 4. Smithsonian: https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-
life/plants-algae/mangroves 5. The Canopy Project Bangladesh: https://www.earthday.org/
campaign/the-canopy-project- bangladesh/ Donate | Store EARTHDAY.ORG · 1752 N St NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036, United States
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Life on the Water at Albemarle Plantation, Hertford, NC
Albemarle Plantation Marina, a port on the Albemarle Loop and a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located just off the AICW on the northern shores of Albemarle Sound on Yeopim River/Creek.
ON THE WATER…AND LOVIN’ IT!
Life on the water means more at Albemarle Plantation.
Water is big at Albemarle Plantation, an authentic coastal community set along the deep blue waters of the Albemarle Sound. This immense coastal estuary is the second largest in America. The water gives life a special energy here.
Could the vast, glittering waters of the Albemarle Sound inspire your next adventure? READ MORE »
143 HIGHLAND PONY DRIVE 2,189 SF • 3 BEDS • 2 BATHS • 3-CAR GARAGE
SET ON A BEAUTIFUL .38 ACRE HOMESITE
$ 500,900MOVE-IN READY + LIMITED TIME SPECIAL INCENTIVES! 
Discover Albemarle Plantation | Book A Tour | Contact Us 
128 Lakeside Drive, Hertford, NC 27944 • (800) 523-5958 • (252) 426-4653 The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and may change at any time without notice. AP Realty Company, LLC/Broker Be the first to comment!
LNM: near AICW MM 472 Special Bridge Notice, Comments Requested, Charleston, SC
This is the much debated and postponed extension of the 526 interstate.
SOUTH CAROLINA – STONO RIVER – CHARLESTON: Special Bridge Notice
The Coast Guard has published Public Notice 03-24 after having received a bridge permit application from South Carolina Department of
Transportation. The applicant is requesting approval of the location and plans for the Mark Clark Extension Bridge across the Stono River, Charleston,
Charleston County, SC. Public Notice 03-24 outlines the proposed bridge project and solicits comments on proposed navigation clearances, placement
of a bridge protective system and other navigational safety issues. The public notice is available at: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/public-notices-forbridges-active-by-district?district=7&subdistrict=n.Be the first to comment!
Pride and Stability, Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and the Final Story – Peter Swanson
Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe.. $7 a month or $56 for the year and you may cancel at anytime.
Pride & Stability, Part 1: About That ‘Microburst’ Theory of Sinking…
Pride & Stability, Part 2: Author’s Career Trajectory Leads Directly to the Case
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BoatUS Questions “Extended Producer Responsibility” in California Bill
BoatUS is the leading advocate for boating safety in the US and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
This Bill has us wondering, how about you? BoatUS and our friends at the Recreational Boaters of California have been monitoring California Senate Bill 1066, which would create an “Extended Producer Responsibility” (EPR) requirement for marine flares in the state. To put it simply, this proposed EPR would make marine flare manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of a product, including take-back, recycling, and final disposal. Boater safety is the top priority for BoatUS and our non-profit BoatUS Foundation, and we recognize the critical role of visual distress signals. We also recognize that the US Coast Guard requires USCG-approved visual distress signals onboard vessels. While boaters have several options to meet this requirement, many opt for pyrotechnic flares that produce a bright light or plume of colorful smoke. These flares have a limited lifecycle and are required by the USCG to be replaced every 42 months. California Senate Bill 1066 comes in response to the issue with flare disposal – there are virtually no methods currently in place for the safe disposal of pyrotechnic flares. This creates a burden for both the environment and boaters alike. BoatUS supports the general nature of this legislation, but as an organization dedicated to the interests of recreational boaters, we must take into consideration the potential outcomes of California Senate Bill 1066 that could result in manufacturers increasing the costs of flares for consumers as they pass along the costs associated with the EPR. Would the increase in marine flare costs discourage boaters from purchasing essential safety equipment, and/or would it continue to drive innovation in signaling devices, or lead boaters to adopt other USCG-approved options, such as flags and electronic distress signals?
from Linked In
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Better Towing Costs Less – with BoatUs!
Thank you Waterway Guide, Cruisers Net agrees completely! BoatUS is the leading advocate for boating safety in the US and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Always be prepared when you head out on the water. Stay safe and up to date with the latest information and advice from Waterway Guide and BoatUS.
Better Towing Costs Less.
A BoatUS Unlimited Towing Membership is the Best Value in Boating.
When you pay a whole lot less, you get a whole lot more.
Benefits include:
100% payment for on-the-water boat towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery and soft ungroudings
50% payment for dock-to-dock tows for repairs
Reimbursement up to $2,500 for tows outside of TowBoatUS service area
Towing service applies to any boat you own, borrow or charter
Did we mention all the non-towing benefits?
In addition to unlimited towing service, a BoatUS Unlimited Towing Membership comes with 25+ benefits and services, including:
- Subscription to Award winning BoatUS Magazine.
- Discounts on fuel, dockage at marinas, boating gear, travel, and more at over 1,200 locations nationwide.
- Access to BoatUS Boats for Sale, a marketplace for Members to buy and sell new or used boats. BoatUS Members can list for free ($19.95 value).
If you haven’t signed up yet, what are you waiting for?
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Boat Owners Association of the United States © All rights reserved 2024 
Waterway Guide | P.O. Box 419 | Midlothian, VA 23113
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Shared Photo: Moon Rising over Neuse River from Oriental Marina, NC
Click Here To View the Cruisers Net North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental Marina
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Winston
Oriental is a quaint and nice port of call to enjoy. Wonderful place to stay with your boat at Oriental Marina and then get off the boat and enjoy the pool, a night in a non-rocking bed with great hot shower…some excellent food at the Toucan Grill…. then catch the moon rising or the sun setting… Wow. Awesome
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FWC reminds boaters and divers to use and be on the lookout for divers-down flags
Click here for FWC reminds boaters and divers to use and be on the lookout for divers-down flags
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Water News You Can Use – Southwest Florida Water Management District
Click here for Water News You Can Use
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to C
Good move. More local governments should be looking forward before "DRINKING WATER" becomes a problem as it already is in many localities.
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