Saturday April 21, 2007 

The April Cruise up the Cooper River to Gilligan’s restaurant at the Tail Race Canal in Moncks Corner was very successful.  The weather was great and the participation was outstanding!  Sunday Drive and Katie Ell came up from the Charleston Harbor and rendezvoused at Bushy Park with Daisy Belle, Reel Busy, No-Name, Fishy Fishy, Sea Hunt, & Off Site.  Our Charleston Power Squadron Flotilla departed at around 0915 with Sunday Drive leading the way as we meandered up the Cooper River at about 17 knots.  The ride was beautiful and the scenic waterway was breathtaking.  We arrived about 30 minutes early at the Cooper River Strawberry Bridge and thanks to cell phone technology we had the bridge tender arrive a little early to open the bridge.  It was quite a site to see our 8-boat flotilla rumble under the bride as we continued on our journey to Gilligan’s. 

Upon our arrival, we had ample dock space at Gilligan’s and in Power Squadron fashion we “rafted up” and proceeded to the restaurant for lunch and conversation.  We had 34 people join us for lunch. The food was good, the service was great, and the cost was reasonable.  Our Commander welcomed everyone and made some relevant announcements. After a leisurely lunch, we celebrated birthdays for Art Clark and Daisy Proctor and enjoyed birthday cake and “left over” donuts as well.  In addition to great participation by our members and their guests, we had a recent graduate of our Boat Smart Class, Patrick Keegan, participate in the cruise.   Also, Christine Nazzaro, a student in our current Boat Smart class participated in the cruise as well.

On the return trip our flotilla split into two groups. With Off Site leading the way, No-Name, Reel Busy, and Fishy Fishy, with their beautiful Golden Retriever poised on the bow, took the Back River route past Cypress Gardens Landing for their return to the fresh water side of Bushy Park.  Katie Ell, Sunday Drive, Daisy Belle and Sea Hunt roared down the Cooper River back to Bushy Park and the Charleston Harbor.  All in All--it was a GREAT day on the water and our Power Squadron had a safe and enjoyable event.  Please enjoy the pictures of this event on our web site and I look forward to seeing you at the Morris Island Cruise in May. 

BJ Smith

Cruise Captain  

Getting ready, Jim and Peggy Bass help guests with PFDs

Shirley and Terry Malloy in their boat “Here Fishy Fishy” waiting for the fleet to assemble at 9:00 am

                                                                             Jim and Peggy Bass

Alice and Ray Harp                                               BJ Smith serving breakfast donuts aboard the “Daisy Bell”

Waiting for the bridge to open

                            Lead boat “Sunday Drive” at the Cooper River Strawberry Bridge with Captain Art Clark leading the way

                                                                            Rafting up near Gilligans

Squadron lunch at Gilligan's. Center, Ray Harp enjoying the occasion, Daisy Proctor and Dana and Jackie Smith

34 people and one dog attended the Squadron’s 21 April 2007 cruise. Here's the dog.