posted 02-06-2011 10:07 AM ET (US)        

The dates I propose are April 22-24 (i.e., Easter weekend).

On Friday the proposed plan calls for us to arrive at the Best Western in Conway, which is located right on the Waccamaw River with a boat ramp next door. Those who arrive early enough might want to take a scenic boat ride upstream.

At 11:00 AM Saturday we will depart Conway on the way to Georgetown. Last year some people suggested that we take a slight detour from the normal route and take a slightly more scenic route to Georgetown. This alternate route will be explained below by those who understand it better an I do.

All of us do not have to take the same route and it would be better for us to sty in groups of 3-5 boats. Two years ago we traveled in a pack of 15 boats and some people expressed the opinion that traveling in such a large group was not a good idea for various reasons.

We will stop at Wacca Wache for a bathroom break.

If the temperature is Not too cold, some boats may want to stop at Sandy Beach. Others will want to press on, especially since there are sometimes black flies on that beach. Or we could anchor away from shore and have sandwiches there.

We will arrive at Georgetown about 4:00 PM. The municipal marina is located next to the Hampton Inn.

We will have a 5:00 PM happy hour but it will be somewhere other than on e dock—there were too many "no see ums" on he dock at that hour. Maybe the happy hour can be in a patio bar in downtown Georgetown one mile away.

We have lots of options for dinner. And we do not have to all eat together.

After dinner some of us may want to go dancing.

Sunday morning some us will go to church. Others may want to go out into the ocean (weather permitting).

About 1:00 PM we will depart Georgetown, headed for Wache Wache.

We will have a 2:00 PM lunch at Wacca Wache with live music.

posted 02-06-2011 08:46 PM ET (US)            

Stats: One couple, possibly two. 36 gallon fuel potential.

This sounded like a lot of fun from last years' thread.

posted 02-11-2011 09:38 PM ET (US)            

We do not want to delay because some nights in March are already sold out.

I will be on a boat in the BVIs for the next nine days. So if I do not post a reply in this thread it is because I will have limited access to the internet.

posted 02-15-2011 05:41 PM ET (US)            

Conway Best Western Inn

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo. do?propertyCode=41074

Hampton Inn at Georgetown Landing Marina

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=GTNSCHX

Georgetown Landing Marina

posted 03-18-2011 08:30 PM ET (US)            

We have our reservations in Georgetown. Looking forward to joining the group again. We have our 4 plus maybe 2 guests.

posted 04-11-2011 02:52 PM ET (US)            

We missed last year but we are very excited to do the Waccahaw River trip for a 5th time!! We have an update - Volare was sold last Spring, so this year we will be bringing our "new" boat, a 2000 19' Maxum, which has been named "Plumb Crazy".

Now that we have more room on board we will be expanding our crew to include my adventurous mom, Anne. That brings our crew to 5. Rooms have been booked and we will be arriving on Friday afternoon and plan on taking a small jaunt up the river for a little dinner picnic and to get into the mood.

Looking forward to the voyage!

posted 04-12-2011 03:17 PM ET (US)            

My screen saver reminds me every day about what a great trip this is. Even though the weather wasn't ideal last year.

posted 04-13-2011 07:22 AM ET (US)            

I discovered the dreaded stuck steering last week when I went to fire up the engines. Had to take both steering cylinders out (had to beat one with a sledgehammer to get it loose). Repair parts received, but I am up in Chicago this week until Thursday. So, Friday morning I wake up, put the cylinders back on the boat, hope that Joy can help me bleed the system, then we'll see.

She is also hindered by the fact that she broke her kneecap about five weeks ago and is just now out of her brace and still has limited mobility. But, the Whaler spirit is strong, so we'll do our best to be there.

What is the total head count so far?

posted 04-14-2011 08:23 AM ET (US)            

That adds up to 32 people, more or less.

We had a fabulous time at the Rice Paddy last year and I would like to make reservations. Maybe one table for people over age 20 and one table for people under age 21?

I'm counting 19 people over age 20
And 13 people under age 21.

This year, let's skip cocktail hour on the dock. Too many "no see ums." Maybe we could meet instead for 5:00 PM cocktails at the restaurant/bar next to the hotel where we had dinner two years ago?

Then boat to Rice Paddy at 6:15 for a 7:00 PM dinner reservation?

Then some of us will want to find live music after dinner.

Sunday morning some of us may want to go to an early morning Easter service. There is an old Episcopal Church is Georgetown. I will check on the hours and expected attire.

Others may want to go out into the ocean and then anchor 50 yards off shore and swim into a beach. I believe that there is a nice beach nearby. Anyone have information about this?

We will plan to leave Georgetown at noon on Sunday and be at Wacca Wache at 1:00 PM for lunch.

Good plan?

posted 04-14-2011 08:59 AM ET (US)            

There is a great beach with the Georgetown lighthouse on the port side right before the inlet; nice sand with a very old unusable pier. Great area for pics to make a new screen saver.

posted 04-14-2011 09:25 AM ET (US)            

Saturday night: I just made reservations at the Rice paddy:
http://www.ricepaddyrestaurant.com/
They have a private dining room designed for 18 people. I am told that it will be fine for 19 people. It is ours at 6:30 PM. The under 21 crowd will have a table set for 13 in the main dining room.

posted 04-15-2011 10:40 AM ET (US)            

It is the "perfect trip".

Margaret is dying to make this trip, but Hannah has school Friday and Monday. My nephew Kirk is on a ranch in Wyoming.

Hope to join you another year.

posted 04-15-2011 01:40 PM ET (US)            

Steve J. - I looked at the beach near the light house and it looks like it could be deep enough to beach there. I'm guessing you have done that. If we can beach there we could hike 1/2 mile over to the ocean side and swim on Saturday!

Great navigation link: https://www.activecaptain.com/
Go on here and hit the tab "Interactive Cruising Guidebook". Yes, you have to sign up but it's free, but you get access to all the NOAA charts (with all the depth and ATON notes, you can switch to a simple "google-looking map" for easy viewing too. The best part is that there are live marker-links on the maps for all the marinas, gas docks, restaurants, ATON warnings, etc. Inside those links are tons of info from captains who visit these places and give tips and reviews and contact info on everything. A must see for map-hounds! Just dig in and see what you can find!

UPDATE:

Georgetown Marina - Docking has been arranged for our group. Discount price is $25 for the night up to 25ft. A few more feet - a few more dollars.

Lunch on Sunday (returning) will be at the Waccawachee Marina at about 1pm. They are expecting us. No special menu required. Live music is anticipated.

Weather - http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USSC0127
Temps look decent but at this point it looks like we may see some rain... Be ready for it while underway and overnight. Hopefully it will clear up and won’t be an issue.

Plumb Crazy is running well and she can't wait to get a little taste of salt for the first time! Just need to get my trailer brakes worked on and we'll be ready to go!

Leaning into it now! Can't wait to see you all there!

posted 04-16-2011 09:59 PM ET (US)            

Philip, we miss being with you and your family. If you change your mind at the last minute we will celebrate your arrival with champagne. Please send a message to Kirk that we miss him and think that he is a fine young man. The 17-year-old girls are especially disappointed that he will not be here.

Jimmy Buffet, if you are lurking on this site, you are welcome to join us at the last minute, too.

Bill, I am taking the Clementine out for a test run tomorrow morning. If you want to take a sunrise run on Jordan Lake, text me.

Re our discounted docking fee, that is great news as I believe we have paid $2/foot in the past.

We will be arriving Conway about 5:00 PM Friday. Maybe we can have pizza delivered and have a party in the penthouse suite?

posted 04-18-2011 12:26 PM ET (US)            

NOT to a "Big BORE", but my yearly reminders:

-make sure you have a square throw cushion and registration on board the Coast Guard will be out

-bring some decent docking lines and fenders, there is quite a current/tide at the Georgetown Marina and it will change direction overnight

posted 04-19-2011 12:18 AM ET (US)            

I believe that this may be the attendees:
David, Marti, Jeff and Archana will be on the Anna Jane.
Quinn, Anna, Tara and Silvia on the Clementine.
Scott and Mary are two on Matoaca, plus Kate in Georgetown.
Bill, Stephanie, Katie, Ben and Anne will be on Plumb Crazy.
Scott & Teresa, Laura and Hannah on Red Ray.
Steve & Darlene, Abby and Andrew on Reel Meds.
Ace and Joyce on Latest Temptation

That is 16 adults (Kate you are with the adults this year); and
10 in the younger crowd.

posted 04-29-2011 07:01 PM ET (US)            

http://s990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/maryc1933/ 2011%20Waccamaw%20night%20before%20the%20trip/

http://s990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/maryc1933/ 2011%20Waccamaw%20Launching/

http://s990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/maryc1933/ 2011%20Waccamaw%20To%20Wacca%20Wache/

http://s990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/maryc1933/ 2011%20Waccamaw%20To%20Georgetown/

http://s990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/maryc1933/ 2011%20Waccamaw%20Alligator/

http://s990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/maryc1933/ 2011%20Waccamaw%20at%20Georgetown/[url/]

http://s990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/maryc1933/2011%20Waccamaw%20Lighthouse/[/url]

http://s990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/maryc1933/ 2011%20Waccamaw%20AT%20Wacca%20Wache/

http://s990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/maryc1933/ 2011%20Waccamaw%20Return%20to%20Conway/