SHRIMP BOAT WRECK

Our pier does not allow docking for any boats other than authorized ones (Coast Guard, DNR, pilot boats, etc.) So the shrimp boat that tied up last Saturday was not supposed to be there. Evidently, the owner was trying to sell some fresh caught shrimp to bystanders.

I don't know if he sold any shrimp or not, but he did have a problem with his boat. The High Tide hit the pier, knocked over a couple of lamp posts and destroyed part of the railing. The pier has been roped off to foot traffic. Here's the view as we walk out on the pier.

And here's the view when you get out to the end. There were two more lampposts between the one you can see and the end on the left; both now gone, alas! You can also see my shadow as I take a photo over the yellow tape barring us from going any farther.

The owner was taken to the detention center. I feel kind of sorry for him -- all he tried to do was sell some shrimp before hitting the pier with his boom -- but on the other hand, we'll be the ones footing the bill for repairs.

Too much excitement, I say! Hope there won't be any more unauthorized boats trying to dock there!

BLESSING OF THE FLEET

Sunday, we went up the road to a shrimping community for their annual Blessing of the Fleet. We went early, even though the actual blessing didn't occur until mid afternoon. But we figured with the weather warming -- finally -- we'd better go while it was pleasant. We actually got there before it was technically open for business, though a few booths were open. Not the funnelcake one, sadly.

Anyway, while several shrimp boats came out to be blessed, we saw only a few decked out. I think the poor economy and the poor shrimping has put a damper on the festival. With the sun bearing down, we decided to call it a day before the big event. My guy did get a few pix.

These were docked up from the bandstand:

In this one you can see the bandstand behind the back of the boat on the left. This boat actually belongs to the University of Georgia Marine Extension Service and helps in research about fishing methods, bottom mapping, etc. The third one in the rear had its lines all decorated with tinsel. Wish we had a better shot.

Here we have part of the booths that go along with the Blessing festival. The road was blocked off and the tents set up on each side. There were lots more but this was a nice shaded view. As you can see, this was about an hour before official opening time so it wasn't a bit crowded. Just the way I like it.

I'm happy to see all the festivals springing up again. This winter was just too quiet!

OPENING AT GALLERY

So the local art association put up a new show in their gallery. The main part is devoted to magazine covers (done by artists) for the local Chamber of Commerce. The free magazine is called Paisley and is available in local shops and businesses.

However, a portion of the gallery was given over to art association member photographers of whom, ahem, my guy is one. Here's a couple of his photos. Overlook the people. It's a typical opening: people are meeting, eating, drinking, and gabbing.

This one was placed over the piano so you can barely see it. It's of the Pier Village kiosks decked out in their holiday lights and glamorized by Photoshop or one of those programs I know nothing about.

Two are in here but you can only see one; the big one of the shrimp boat is his. People are clustered in front of the other one, alas. It was also a shrimp boat but it was docked.

Anyway, it was a good opening. Nice crowd, good food, lots of drinks, much conviviality!