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From the Commander
Cdr Vince Lombardo, P

Where do they go? In case you haven't noticed, the Squadron Year is fast drawing to a close. Where are all the folks who wanted different types of cruises and meetings? Some have been coming to meetings, but the cruise attendance has been somewhat disappointing. All the best efforts of the Committee Chairpersons do nothing to increase attendance if folks do not make the effort to come out. These people have put in a tremendous effort in creating different options for different people and all have been based on what people said they wanted. It's now up to those who said they wanted choices to show their appreciation for these efforts by being there. 'NUFF SAID
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Many things are coming up in short order: The 3 October reception for Shallotte River Squadron at Charleston Harbor Marina; the Fall Conference and District Change of Watch in North Myrtle Beach on 17-19 October; our own Annual Meeting at Headquarters on 9 October and our Change of Watch Meeting on 8 November at the Oaks Country Club in Goose Creek. Make plans now. Contact me or any Bridge Officer for information and join the fun.

River and Beach Sweep is coming up and details will be forthcoming.

Headquarters clean up. It's that time again and the date of 1 November has been chosen. Many folks are needed to assist in this project. Lawn care, shrub pruning, building washing (inside and out), dusting, vacuuming, edging, trimming, are all tasks requiring our attention. If it is done on a house or business property it needs to be done for our building. If you are still looking for something to be involved in, make it this project. It is only one day and is a great way to show your support. "Many hands make light work"

Others will be posting articles on much of what I have covered, PLEASE read these and offer your help, come out and participate and be a real part of the best squadron in USPS!!

Looking forward to seeing you all,

Vince

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EDUCATIONAL OFFICER
Lt/C Stephen C. Kromer, P

By the time you get this, the fall classes will have started. At this point it appears that we will have the largest JN class since I joined thesquadron and since Ed Kridler, SN has been teaching it. If everyone who says they are going to take the course shows up, we should have eight students.

We are also starting a Boat Smart class, at headquarters, on 23 September. At this point we have 18 people who have signed up for this course that is the largest number in 2 years. I don't know whether this is because the economy is improving or that people prefer having the class on weekday evenings. Either way, I'll take it.

For the Piloting class that we are starting on 15 September, we are going to run two on-the-water-training sessions. The first will be to build a compass deviation table, and it will be held on 11 Oct. If you have never done a compass deviation table for your boat, join us for what should be fun and educational. Spaces are limited and the Piloting class gets first call on space but we should be able to accommodate 4-6 additional people. Give a call or drop me an email if you are interested in joining us.

The second on-the-water-training will be held the same weekend as the Bohicket Cruise. What we are planning is a Piloting exercise on 15 Nov. This should be a great day. After the piloting exercise we'll also all get together for dinner. So if you want to brush up on your piloting skills, sign up by calling me or sending an email to skromer@tariffs.com.

That is about all for this month, see y'all soon.

SAFE BOATING THROUGH EDUCATION

At times, it is said that when something is ending, the momentum is diminishing. With the squadron, it the opposite, though, our squadron business year is drawing rather quickly to a close, but that means that the momentum is just picking up.

Looking ahead at October with Shallotte River Hospitality the first weekend; D/26 Change of Watch in North Myrtle Beach the third weekend; and the annual Toad Hall oyster roast the last weekend, the squadron's calendar is filling up quickly. Remember, everyone, the Change of Watch is on 8 November instead of Halloween so go have fun with all that candy and treats! Following the Change of Watch will be our Holiday Party in December. If I do not hear any different cost-effective suggestions from anyone, the party will take place at headquarters as in years past; there will be a few items that will be different, but the place will remain the same. Please let me know if there is any problem with this plan.

Please, everyone, think of what you will help out with on this upcoming year's committees and activities. The squadron has many openings in many different departments that will need to be filled before the New Year really kicks into gear. If you don't know what you want to do, take a peek at the Squadron Job Descriptions that the Bridge Officers have - that should help with decisions, also.

Everyone who is interested in participating in a Saturday course on First Aid and CPR, please contact me. It will take place during the winter months of this upcoming year; the course will be all day with a lunch provided. I truly need to know if there is an interest within the membership before scheduling this event to please let me know. Thank you!

And, again, I still would like to start using the two CPS Booths constructed by P/D/C Ken Beeber and Lt Dick Finn last year at the various marine facilities in the Tri-County area. Would anyone interested in assisting with the transport, set-up/break-down, and manning of the booths please contact me? They would only be manned during peak times, but would need to be supplied with pamphlets from time to time and, also, transported from site to site and set-up.

Fore any more information on anything mentioned in this article, or anything else, please feel free to contact me at (843) 875-0510, or at cfyedisto@aol.com. Thank y'all!!

The September member's tour of boats at the Coast Guard station was well attended and enjoyed by all of us. Forty-two of our members participated, and we broke into three smaller groups to board many of the different types of boats used by the Coast Guard. Dan Cowley was our host, and he was very entertaining with his stories of weekend boat sitters and saving lighthouses. Dan also had a goodie bag for each of us that contained very informative booklets about boating.

The October meeting will be held on 9 October. We'll be doing our annual election of officers and adoption of the budget. Joyce and Fred Wichmann will again host the annual Oyster Roast at their home, Toad Hall, on 25 October. Please see details on both these events elsewhere in this issue.

The November members meeting will be our Change of Watch, and details are given elsewhere in this newsletter. In December, we'll be planning a Christmas party for y'all, and by next month's log, I hope to have some plans in the works for January's meeting.

Hello everyone! Well the dog days of summer are coming to an end, and the really pleasant boating weather is about to start. What a great time to come on out for one of our squadron cruises, make some new friends and renew some old ones. David Walsh has been hard at work, as our cruise officer, trying to come up with new places and experiences. that I think as a boater you will really enjoy. If you want to do one of the cruises and don't have a ride, contact the cruise captain for that event and they can link you up with someone who does.

We are beginning this month a new feature article about you and your boat. We intend to run a photo and a few lines about one squadron members boat each month in The Palmetto Log. Tell us about why you named your boat what you did. How about a picture of your boat with your family onboard? Maybe you have a photo of something funny that happened onboard your boat? We would like to hear from you, and place your boat in the next issue of the log. Send in a picture and a note about your boat to either Nelson Hicks at nelsonhicks@comcast.net. We will also accept snail mail photos and letters sent to The Palmetto Log Editor.

As 2004 is getting closer and closer to us, I will begin working on the 2004 Directory. Please check your 2003 Directory, to be sure that I have the correct mailing address, e-mail address and phone contacts. If not, you could be missing out on a lot of information about your squadron as the e-mails sent out are taken from our directory listings. If you have any corrections or new information for me, please contact me at morningstar804@msn.com or write to me at 804 Law Lane, Mt. Pleasant SC. 29464.

I can't keep you informed if I don't know how to reach you. Thanks!

Bob

There is a reason that ordinary, calm and stable people become raving lunatics at launch ramps. My friend down the street, who reads UFO Today, tells me it's because boat launch ramps collect the beams of a full moon, and suspend them in the atmosphere above the ramp area, to be sucked into the lungs of unsuspecting boaters who then go berserk. I believe him.

If, on a hot and sunny weekend day, you're starved for entertainment, or would simply like to pick up some material for that horror novel you've been promising to write, then pack up the family, a cooler and a couple of folding chairs, and head for the nearest launch ramp. Park your car at a safe distance from the action, and find a shady spot beneath a sprawling maple. Situate the family where they have a good, unobstructed view of the ramp, and get set for the educational experience of a lifetime. In fact, before you even get your chaise lounge unfolded, your kids may already have increased their vocabulary of cusswords at least tenfold.

For you "wannabe" trailer boaters, I will give you the benefit of Commander Bob research on the subject. The term "launch ramp" is derived from the Phoenician word "panic," which, loosely translated means "Helen, if we don't get this @@##$$%% boat in the water, start the %%$$## motor and get away from this ##&&%% ramp in the next 30 seconds, we're gonna be dead meat!"

I ride a bicycle in the summertime for exercise. Usually, I ride my bike to the City Park, where there is a modern six-ramp boat launch facility. I park my bike under a tree, sit with my back resting against the trunk, put the shaft of one of those long grassy things between my teeth and watch the drama unfold.

Man and wife and two kids with brand new boat. For some reason -- probably the moondust hanging in the air above the ramp -- "he" delegates the job of backing the boat into the water to "she," and then verbally insults her driving skills all the way to the water's edge. Kids excited beyond belief at the prospect of first ride in new boat. They add to mayhem. Wife heartbeat rate exceeds 180. Rear wheels, back bumper and tailpipe now submerged. Man and kids pushing frantically to disengage boat from trailer. Boat will not disengage from trailer because towing strap is still securely fastened from one side of trailer, over both gunwales, and down to the other side of the trailer. Effort to dislodge boat from trailer interrupted only briefly by scratching of head.

Two fishermen. One backs car toward ramp at relatively high speed. Other yells at him to go slower. Driver interprets request as emergency and slams on brakes. Thinking it has reached the water, boat departs trailer, slamming with some authority onto concrete. More head-scratching (probably a scalp irritation from the moondust).

Steep ramp. Elderly man and middle-aged son launch runabout. Elderly man parks car at top of ramp and sets handbrake with all the strength he can muster. Strength mustered not adequate. Boat pulls away from ramp. Moments later, occupants of boat and I watch helplessly as car and trailer roll down the ramp and slip silently into water with only antenna remaining above surface, imitating snorkel. Tow truck called while others postpone launch and contribute more cusswords to educational aspect of boating.

I really did witness all three of these events, although to be fair, I had to wait a few years between each act of the play. And to be really honest, I launched a small boat with the plug out…not once, but twice. And as long as I'm being cathartic, I'll admit to locking my tow vehicle on the launch ramp once with the key in the ignition and engine running during a thunderstorm when a zillion wet and angry fishermen were trying to use the ramp to get off the water.

Many boaters at a busy launch ramp do feel a slight sense of panic, whether they admit it, or whether they even realize it. Will I make a fool out of myself? Will I remember to put everything on board, or will I forget Billy and not be able to get back in through the crowd to pick him up? Will I remember to disconnect the trailer lights, or will I blow out the bulbs? Am I on the right side of the pier so I can use the wind to my advantage? Will I be able to back the trailer easily, or will I zigzag all the way down the ramp? Is that other guy trying to launch next to me getting too close? Is it my turn to put my boat in, or is it that guy's turn to get his boat out? Is the plug in? What if the engine doesn't start?

The boater who is cool and confident about using a launch ramp, as opposed to the one who finds the experience a living hell, has learned several simple lessons:
1. Patience. Slow down each step of the launching process, and take time to think about what comes next.
2. Patience. If you're not familiar with the area or the ramp, watch a couple of launches before you back in. Get a feel for the wind, current, and water depth.
3. Patience. Back the boat to the water slowly, and if you feel uncomfortable with what's happening, stop smoothly, set the handbrake, get out and take a look around.
I guess you get the idea. The key to boat launching at a ramp is patience. As you gain experience and get a little practice, you'll soon see that launching your boat is just another fun part of a day on the water.

From Commander Bob's Boating Safety Handbook, www.commanderbob.com

On Saturday, 4 October, we will have the opportunity to meet fellow USPS members by hosting a cocktail party for the Shallotte River Power Squadron. That squadron will visit Charleston for the weekend, and they will be docking at the Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriot's Point. Please participate in this social and demonstrate Charleston's famous hospitality.

All are asked to bring a finger food, and the squadron bar will be in attendance. I'm looking for a bartender or two, so if you'd like to help out, please let me know. The party will start on the docks of Patriot's Point at 1700.

Janice Kromer

The October meeting will be held on 9 October at Headquarters starting at 1830. We'll be doing our annual election of officers and adoption of the budget, so we will not be having a speaker. Dinner will be a potluck supper, so please bring a covered dish - main course, salad, dessert, and side dish - whatever! The cost for each member to cover headquarter expenses will be $5.00.

Change of watch this year will be at the Oaks Country Club in Goose Creek, on Saturday 8 Nov. at 1900 Dinner will be $30.00 per person, menu selections are as follows.

Prime Rib or Stuffed Flounder or Chicken Cordon Bleu All will be served with, tossed salad, baked stuffed potato, vegetable medley, rolls and butter, and coffee or tea. Dessert will be cheesecake.

Final count has to be turned in to the Oaks ten days prior to C.O.W. We will need to have reservations and menu choices by 27 October. We hope that everyone will attend. Please note a map with direction to the Oaks Country Club elsewhere in The Palmetto Log.

It's that time again and the date of 1 November has been chosen. Many folks are needed to assist in this project. Lawn care, shrub pruning, building washing (inside and out), dusting, vacuuming, edging, trimming, are all tasks requiring our attention. If it is done on a house or business property, it needs to be done for our building. If you are still looking for something to be involved in, make it this project. It is only one day and is a great way to show your support. "Many hands make light work"

The Headquarters cleanup will begin at 0900 and run until 1400. We will have a cook-out, so people are urged to bring side dishes (potato salad, macaroni & cheese, etc.), but the Burgers and dogs, as well as fries and soda will be provided. Thes squadron bar will be available.

The Annual Bohicket Cruise will be held over the weekend of 14, 15, 16 November. Please make your reservations at the marina as early as you can. The telephone number of the Bohicket Marina is 768-1280. There will be a potluck, byob, dinner at 1800 Friday onboard No Sense for anyone coming in or driving down on Friday night.

On Saturday, Steve Kromer and John VanWay will be taking the current Piloting students out on No Sense for on-the-water training. Anyone who would like to go along for the ride is welcomed. Please just call Steve at 821-1861 or email him at skromer@tariffs.com and let him know you plan on going on No Sense.

Saturday night will be a dinner at The Privateer restaurant and departure from the marina will be on Sunday morning. Please call me at 821-1861 in the evenings, 9873-9200 ext 7126 during the day, or email me at jkromer@tariffs.com if you plan on participating in any of the events during this great weekend.

The September Cruise to Morgan Creek Grill at Isle of Palms was a tremendous success. About 32 of our members attended the lunch/cruise. The following boats made the cruise to the Isle of Palms, Knotless II with Captain Ward, Happy Ours with Captain Altschul, Morningstar II with Captain Gulbrandsen and Ol' Paint with Captain Workman. Several members decided to drive in for the event.

When the sun is low on the horizon, its rays must pass through more of the earth's atmosphere to reach an observer. This means that the rays pass through more molecules and particles in the air that are capable of deflecting and scattering them. It is this scattering that causes a red sunset.

The sun's white light is actually a mixture of violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red light. When this light passes through the atmosphere, the light on the violet end of the spectrum is scattered much more easily than that on the red end. Therefore, by the time the light from a sun that is low on the horizon reaches an observer, all the colors except red have been scattered and filtered out.

Historically speaking, there has always been a close relationship between the USCG Auxiliary and the Power Squadron. Events of recent years have encouraged an even closer one, such as with the attempt to inspect more boats and educate more boaters. While the two organizations perform some of the same duties, and while some people are
members of both, each has unique activities distinct from the other.

One such activity is the opportunity for Auxiliarists to serve aboard Coast Guard Cutters in a variety of roles, such as Quarter Master of the Watch and Officer of the Deck, and many others. For example, I serve as an Officer of the Deck-In port aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Yellowfin, an 87' Coastal Patrol Boat stationed at Group Charleston. I try to stand watch one weekend a month, which gives the regular crewmembers a break from that duty after returning from days at sea. I also stand watch on as many holidays as practical, so the Crew can be with their families and friends. The greatest reward of this job is knowing that I am helping Coast Guard Forces in a time of need, but there are many other rewards, not to mention the great food!

For example, I have had an opportunity to go to sea on the Yellowfin on a number of occasions over the past several years, including Fisheries Inspection Patrols, Search and Rescue Missions, and even a cruise to the shipyard in Louisiana that took us through the Keys and across the Gulf of Mexico!

If you are interested in these activities, as well as the opportunity to enjoy your own, private 87' "yacht" from time to time, watching the sunrise and set over Charleston, just contact me at 906-2852 or cowleyrd@knology.net for a personal tour some weekend I am standing watch. If you want to train to qualify for OOD on the Yellowfin, all you have to do is join the Auxiliary and earn Crew qualification and pass the background check. Either way, have fun and be safe!