2 minute read
Editor's Note
Ihope y’all are geared up for the holidays! As you can see from these pages, the Southern Tides family certainly is. And due to that, this may seem like a short issue (we prefer to think of it as condensed) but there’s still a lot of great content for you.
The object this month was to keep it light and fun. For example, the article on knots on page 13. I had the pleasure of speaking with Grog, a knot tying guru with a great website for those of us who are knot-challenged (www.animatedknots.com). He seems a fine bloke and quite knowledgeable about knots and lines and all sorts of things. Although we kicked it off this month with four common and easy-to-tie knots, Grog and I are talking about a series on knot tying with some stories thrown in.
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Since oyster season is now in full swing and we’re all getting ready for winter oyster roasts, on page 15 we’ve run a list of locations to recycle your oyster shells. If you’re not using them for a specific purpose yourself, please consider taking them to one of the drop off locations near you – they really do serve an important role in stabilizing shorelines and building beds for more oysters in the future.
Although sea bird nesting restoration is a serious matter and the focus of Save Crab Bank Nesting (also on page 15), I have to confess that when I opened the original press release, it was the photo of the pelican chicks that grabbed me. I’ve often wondered over the years what these huge birds look like when they’re little, but I’ve never been lucky enough to see a nest. I was thrilled to see they’re every bit as cute as I’d imagined. Thank you, Erin Weeks, SCDNR, for the image.
Also in this issue is our annual Season of Giving list (page 17). As you shop for friends and family this year, please consider a charitable gift: membership in one of the organizations or a donation in someone’s name. And if you can find a way to spare it, maybe volunteer your time or make a donation of your own. Giving back truly does help and it just feels good.
Due to the shortage of regular planned activities in December, we changed that page up a bit to give you a word search puzzle and a list of stocking stuffers for boaters. Our regular event list “What’s Going On” will return with the January issue. Also this month, Trey shares his thoughts on being thankful, Michelle talks about fishing at Gray’s Reef in Around the Reef, and we’ve rerun an oldie but goodie from Captain Gator on bottle trees – it’s one of my personal favorites. As you finish your holiday shopping, please be sure to tell our advertisers that you saw their ads in Southern Tides and appreciate their support – and if they don’t already advertise with us, send them my way!
I hope you enjoy reading this issue, and that you then set it aside and focus on what’s truly important during the holiday season and throughout the year – spending time with those you love.
Merry Christmas everyone, and Happy New Year! We’ll see you all again in 2019! See you out there!
Amy Thurman Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
