Sustainability Institute Talk

March 9th, 2008 Events Jason No Comments

Benjamin Leigh of the Sustainability Institute will discuss ways to reduce energy costs at the Methodist Church Annex presented by Kitchen Table Climate Study Group.

Pruning Techniques Lesson

March 9th, 2008 Events Jason No Comments

Educational demonstration by a certified arborist on proper pruning techniques at 555 Pinckney Street

Palmetto Swamp Fox Adventure Race in McClellanville

March 8th, 2008 Events Jason 1 Comment

Before you had even poured your first cup of coffee this morning a group of around 100 people converged on McClellanville for 3^rd Annual Palmetto Swamp Fox Adventure Race. Similar to the Amazing Race television show, competitors race through a series of checkpoints completing a variety of adventures and obstacles testing their mental and physical abilities along the way. The Palmetto Swamp Fox Adventure Race is organized by Kando Adventures and is 2008 USARA Regional Qualifier event. It incorporates kayaking, bicycling, and running (through various terrains) in addition to orienteering and other skills needed to complete obstacles. Where the Amazing Race show is geared more at showing off the local culture of exotic destinations, the Palmetto Swamp Fox Adventure Race is about using our local creeks, forests and swamps to expose (and punish) competitors to all the elements of Mother Nature.The race route started at the town hall in McClellanville where racers had to locate a series of clues (a scavenger hunt of sorts) hidden throughout the historic district and decode a message using those clues back at the town hall. From there the original course plan was to travel from the McClellanville boat landing out Jeremy Creek to the Intracoastal Waterway and down to South Tibwin Trail via kayak. There they would complete various checkpoints and obstacles before paddling further south to Buck Hall Recreation Area for more tasks and then return to McClellanville. The total trip length would cover 55 to 60 miles and take an estimated 7 to 10 hours to complete. Mother nature had other plans and despite Kandos motto “Theres no such thing as cant”, rough and stormy seas and a strong constant headwind made event coordinator, Steve Morrone, make a last minute change to the course, completely eliminating the kayaking section. South Tibwin was also excluded from the race due to safety concerns about crossing highway 17 numerous times.

The changes had racers traveling via bicycle on back roads from McClellanville to Buck Hall and then returning the same route. This was a much more simple race, but added over 10 miles extra to the race route and no chance to rest your legs while paddling. One by one, they returned scratched, battered, and beaten, but never defeated. The fastest team, Intel Outside, finished in just under 7 hours. For most first place wasnt what it was about though. Its simply facing the adversities and overcoming them. Some raced alone, some raced with one or two friends, but the comradery I witnessed among them all was amazing. Applause was given as each team crossed the final finish line. Some people knew each other from previous races, but you could also tell that they shared this experience together and probably crossed paths a few times throughout the day and formed an unbreakable bond with one another.

I had a chance to speak with Steve Morrone after most competitors had arrived safely back. He said that everything went great and graciously thanked the Town of McClellanville for opening its doors to the event. He added that it wouldnt have been possible with out the town and the volunteers and that he looked forward to holding the event in McClellanville as long as possible.

Submit Your Photos and Stories to MyMcClellanville.net

March 7th, 2008 Uncategorized Jason 3 Comments

Filming for “The New Daughter” made for an exciting week in McClellanville for many people last week. I finally got the stars settled in their new homes for the next few months. Filming in the town wrapped up Friday evening with some exterior shots at T.W Grahams and the Arts Council, followed by a party at T.W. Grahams for the cast and crew. Several locals were chosen as extras in the movie and lots of people snuck pictures of Kevin Costner and all the rest of the cast. As different as this all was, theres always something interesting going on in this little town.

Im always looking for great local stories and pictures of McClellanville. I cant be two places at once so theres usually some interesting event, great sunset, or funny story that I miss. If you ever come across something that you think would benefit the other readers of MyMcClellanville, please feel free to share it with me. If you are planning an upcoming event, send me everything that you want to say about it and I will be happy to help you spread the word. If you just had a great vacation in McClellanville or you want to share your knowledge or experience about a local place, person, or thing, your contributions are always welcomed here. I cant promise I will be able to use everything that is submitted, because there just isnt enough time in the day to write about all the wonderful things happening in McClellanville.

Send your stories and pictures via email to DanielWBates (at) Yahoo (dot) com. If you dont have time to write out an email you can call me in the evenings and tell me about it too.

My wife successfully stakes out Kevin Costner and gets her picture taken with him, Cheer Up Kevin!

Rabies Clinic at McClellanville Middle School

March 7th, 2008 Events Jason No Comments

Rabies Clinic at McClellanville Middle School

$3.00 per animal – Dogs must leashed, cats in carriers