SPRING TIDE ...A Time for the Inlet

The Beach is the image most visitors have of the Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach SC., but a whole different perspective exists when you travel south along the South Carolina coast. Tidal Flats, marsh grass and countless inlets make up the coastal geography of Murrells Inlet SC., and on southward to Georgetown. There is a timeless beauty to the region, which contrasts greatly to the hustle & bustle of the huge vacation mecca of Myrtle Beach to the north. Here, you can still look over vistas of unspoiled beauty.

Despite the Inlet’s oasis of natures charm, steady advancing development in the area takes it’s toll each year. If not for the efforts of local volunteers who each spring comb the coast, collecting trash and debris, the inlet’s pristine nature would all but fade away. The Murrells Inlet Spring Tide arose out of the need to clean up the area after the devastation of Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Since then, the 3rd. Sunday in April has been set aside each year to groom the area and actively give back to the land.

From the beginning, Ham Radio has played a part.

“From the very first year of Spring Tide, the members of the Grand Strand Amateur Radio Club have been essential to the cleanup, and dependable beyond belief...” says Chip Smith, a local community activist, & founder of Spring Tide. “The radio men have provided the monitoring and communications that keeps us aware of what’s happening where. And with the cleanup occurring all over the Inlet, and Garden City, we need to know how things are going... whether anybody is having trouble, or needs something special to get their job done. Really, without the radio men out and about and reporting back to headquarters, the whole thing could just wind up in chaos."

Come on out April 26th, when ham radio again answers the call of Spring. Come early and make a day of it.

WHEN: Sunday, April 26th. 8:30AM/9AM (Official Start)
WHERE: The Hot Fish Club 4911 Hwy 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 843-357-9175
TALKIN & NET: 147.330Mhz. PL 85.4
EVENT INFO:Call 843-357-2007
Bring a HT, batteries, a jacket, comfortable shoes, and an appetite...after the clean-up THE BEST DAMN CLAM CHOWDER CHALLENGE is held. Free for participants. You can judge for yourself who makes the best chowder in the Inlet! Afterward stay for the party, the music, and auction.