Published by FRIPP ISLAND PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

NOVEMBER 2006

1960 - Kilgore Spearheads Plans for Development on Fripp

by Page Putnam Miller

From the first moment, Jack Kilgore saw Fripp Island; he envisioned a premier private island community and resort, a dream that would soon end Fripp Island's isolation. On a weekend in March 1960, Kilgore went on a fishing trip to Beaufort County with Mitchell Ott, who was in the watermelon business and bought trucks from Kilgore. During the morning while fishing on the Broad River, their guide mentioned a barrier island with terrific fishing and a gorgeous beach. Kilgore asked to see it. That afternoon their guide drove them to Russ Point Landing on Hunting Island, launched his boat and took them to Fripp Island. Kilgore, who had never been in Beaufort County, found the tropical island and beach stunning. With a low tide and sand dunes stretching out for several miles, Kilgore immediately "fell in love with the island." Here was an opportunity, he thought, for an extraordinary adventure on a paradise island that could make him a wealthy man.
     Kilgore had little in his background to prepare him for transforming Fripp from a jungle into a resort community. A native of Anderson, South Carolina and the son of a textile mill worker, Kilgore served a tour in the Navy and then enrolled in the University of South Carolina, where in 1951 he received a degree in business administration. After graduation, he and his wife, Anna Jean, who went by "A. J.," settled in Columbia and by 1960 had three sons. He worked six years for the local branch of the Commercial Investment Trust Corporation then accepted a position with Southeastern Equipment. After three years selling trucks, Kilgore was ready for a new challenge.
     What Kilgore lacked in professional training, he made up for with passionate determination and skills of persuasion. He was a "big idea" man who dressed and talked the part of a resort CEO. Returning to Columbia from that unforgettable visit to Fripp Island, he began discussing with friends and colleagues his vision. His first converts were two good friends -- attorney Ray Berry, a Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brother, and Alderman Duncan, who had previously headed the Columbia bureau of the Associated Press and was at that time president of Southern Publishers. "They were the only ones," Kilgore said, "who didn't think I was crazy."
     A week after seeing Fripp for the first time, Kilgore returned to Beaufort to meet with some of the sixteen Beaufortonians who owned the island as a hunting preserve and to make another visit to Fripp. This time his guide was Jack Woods, who served during World War II in the Coast Guard Patrol that brought supplies to Fripp Island and who was now working in the real estate company of his father-in-law, Sheriff J. E. McTeer. Coordinating the trip to coincide with high tide, Woods took the boat up a tributary from Old House Creek that cut through the middle of the large marsh that lay behind the center point of the beach where tennis courts are currently located. The high tide assured navigable water and a docking point that was just a short walk to the beach. Kilgore's appreciation of the beauty and potential of the island increased.
     The following week Kilgore worked quickly to create a business structure with his initial two supporters, Berry and Duncan. Then with incorporation papers and an option to purchase in hand, Kilgore went back to Beaufort to make an initial offer. Assuming he could get all sixteen to agree to sell, Kilgore would need money for a down payment. His enthusiasm was an essential ingredient in finding investors. By friends talking to friends, he scouted to find fifteen people to invest in the new resort. Kilgore put up $10,000 of his own money, which required all the family savings, and found fourteen other investors who were also willing to put up $10,000 each. They included a Spartanburg textile executive, a Greenville lawyer, a Charleston real estate broker, and a Beaufort banker.
     With a total of $150,000, he was in a position to make a firm offer of approximately half a million dollars for the purchase of Fripp Island. He then began the laborious task of meeting with each part owner. In this group were some distinguished members of the Beaufort community: attorney and banker G. G. Dowling; B. S. Merritt, a banker and owner of an automobile dealership; Sheriff McTeer; attorney Brantley Harvey, Sr., and Elizabeth Campbell, owner of a plantation in Sheldon. Having purchased the island in 1954 for $40,000 and having recouped $25,000 of that amount from selling in 1957 the rights to harvest pine trees, the group was in a position to make a sizeable profit. However, it took many trips to Beaufort and months of cajoling to reach an agreement with the owners. "One owner warned me," Kilgore recalled, "that the individuals involved couldn't agree on the time of day." 
     One can only speculate about the factors that contributed to the owners' decision to sell: they were not actually using the island very much; the mosquitoes were so terrible they didn't want to go to the island during the warmer months; they considered the island worth little without a bridge and fresh water and they didn't think anyone would be able to raise the necessary funds to build a bridge and provide water; and they had an opportunity, after holding the property for only six years, to make an extremely handsome profit that just a few years earlier seemed inconceivable.
     The purchase of the island was just the beginning of Kilgore's challenges. Ahead of him lay the tasks of: raising a sizeable sum of money, about $400,000, for the bridge; creating a design for the island; establishing the infrastructure of water, electricity, and roads; selling lots; developing a golf course; and building a restaurant and inn. Converting his dream to a reality was a formidable undertaking with various bumps along the way, but Kilgore recalls fondly his early days on Fripp.

Splinters from the Board

by Kate Hines, General Manager

The October Board meeting was postponed until the 21st, so that will be covered in the next issue of The Trawler.

• At the September 9th FIPOA meeting, the Board of Directors discussed giving a list of owners' off-island telephone numbers to the Community Centre for their building expansion fundraiser. The Board initially voted to provide the telephone numbers, but after receiving many requests to withhold the numbers, the Board voted on September 11th to take action without a meeting to rescind the resolution and revise it to provide mailing addresses only.
• A new policy has been adopted concerning distribution of new property owner information to Fripp organizations and local clubs. The POA staff will now generate this information six times per year to coincide with each Trawler issue. It will only be given to authorized organizations and clubs.
• There was much discussion regarding the developer's plans to build four houses on the area of land between the Sprint building and the water tower on Tarpon Boulevard referred to now as "Tower Lots". The signed 1998 density agreement between the POA shows this area as .5 acres, zoned commercial. The Tower lots would be considered a downgrade from the master plan. The Board approved sending a letter, as requested, to the developer's architect stating that the Board would authorize moving the bike path if the developer works with the POA to create a safe path with a definite distinction of at least four feet of irrigated sod, adds curb, gutter, addresses drainage issues, and pays for the move. The "Tower Lots" were slated for final review at the September 12th Beaufort County Development Review Team but the review has been postponed, at the time of this writing, the meeting had not taken place.
• The 2007 Budget was approved. Assessments will be $682 per property, plus $100 for the Road and Bridge Fund. Minutes of the Board of Directors meetings are available in the minutes box outside of the Fripp Island POA Administrative building at 225 Tarpon Blvd. or on our website fipoa.org/minues.html.

TRAWLER LINE

THE TRAWLER

Founded January 1978

Published by and for the Members of the Fripp Island Property Owners Association
Publishers:  FIPOA Board of Directors
Coordinator:  Tina Reeves
Editorial Committee:
Don Aldrich, Patty Patek, Phyllis Conrad, John Dayner, Gary Flynn, Tina Reeves, Stewart deWitt

Trawler Deadline for January Issue is November 30.

If you would like to write to the TRAWLER, please send your letter to:
Attention: Letter to the Editor
FIPOA, 225 Tarpon Blvd.
Fripp Island SC 29920
or email: fipoa@islc.net

Board of Directors 2006 - 2007
Paul Hummer - President - President@fipoa.org
Bob Young - Vice President - VicePresident@fipoa.org
Buck Mathews - Secretary - Secretary@fipoa.org
Bill Buschur - Treasurer - Treasurer@fipoa.org
Mary Cantley - Mary@fipoa.org
Charlie Davis - Charlie@fipoa.org
Bob Davidson - BobD@fipoa.org
Joe Gannon - Joe@fipoa.org
Tom Hunter - Tom@fipoa.org
Bob Newby - BobN@fipoa.org

Board Meeting Schedule
November 11, 2006 - 9:00 am
December 9, 2006 - 9:00 am

(This schedule is subject to change)
Meeting begins at 9:00 am at the FIPOA Administrative Office. All meetings are open. If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, call in by telephone. 888-311-9051, 56413#

Fripp Web Sites
FIPOA Home page - http://www.fipoa.org
Minutes from the last Board Meeting - http://www.fipoa.org/minutes.html
HOT NEWS! Breaking information for Property Owners - http://www.fipoa.org/hotnews.html
Gate Pass Email Form - http://www.fipoa.org/gatepass.html
F.Y.I. - http://www.fipoa.org/fyi.html
Governing Documents, Rules and Regulations - http://www.fipoa.org/govdocs.html
Links such as Beaufort County, Fripp Owners Club websites, etc. - http://www.fipoa.org/locallinks.html

SIGN UP TODAY FOR FIPOA
E-MAIL SUBSCRIBER SERVICE
to receive notification of minutes and other pertinent information as it happens! Sign up by sending an email to khinesfipoa@islc.net and putting "add me to the minutes list" in the subject, or send a short note to FIPOA, 225 Tarpon Boulevard, Fripp Island, SC 29920 with your name and email address. We would like have EVERY owner subscribe to this service. Email addresses will be kept confidential.

Help Us Say Thank You To Our Security Department

The summer season has certainly made us aware how fortunate we are to live on Fripp Island. Let us take a moment to reflect how thankful we should be to have Security Department to give us all an added sense of protection. Isn't it great to know that help is at hand when you need it?

What better time to give the Security Staff a well deserved "Thank You" than our annual Christmas fund?

Please make checks payable to Christmas Fund
Mail to: Hildy Aldrich
868 Sabal Court
Fripp Island, SC 29920

Sincerest thanks to all who contributed to last year's Christmas Fund.

 

Do you want to make a difference in the Fripp Island community? Do you have an interest in serving on the FIPOA Board of Directors? The 2007 Nominating Committee will be considering candidates now thru January 15, 2007. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors please email the FIPOA at generalmanager@fipoa.org.

In Memoriam Chris Birozes Richard Floyd Eva Stroemer Augie Gorse, (Past POA President) Matthew Marusha Edward Hanley

Can You Recognize the Signs of a Stroke?

The residents of Fripp Island enjoy socializing and entertaining with friends on a regular basis. Imagine this scenario: You are hosting a Low Country Boil for friends. As everyone is gathering to fix their plates and sit to eat, your friend Sally stumbles and takes a little fall. Everyone rushes over to help her up. Sally assures everyone that she is "just fine". You offer to call the paramedics but Sally says she tripped over the brick because of her new shoes. So, you help Sally clean up, while her husband Jeff fixes her a new plate of food. Sally appeared to be a little shaken from the fall but she went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Everyone has a grand time, the cookout was a great success! The next morning you receive a call from Jeff, Sally was rushed to hospital last night. She had passed away. Evidently, Sally had suffered a stroke at the cook out. Had the people attending the party been able to identify the signs of a stroke, maybe Sally would be here today. Not everyone who suffers from a stroke dies, others can end up in a helpless and hopeless condition. With the right attention from a medical professional, some stroke suffers can continue a fulfilling and healthy life.
     A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours of the stroke, he can reverse all or most of the effects. The trick is getting the stroke recognized, diagnosed and then getting the patient medical care with in the 3 hour time frame.

Remember these letters…… S.T.R.

     A bystander can identify a stroke by asking three simple questions:

• S… Ask the individual to Smile
• T… Ask the person to TALK to speak a simple sentence. (Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today.)
• R… Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

Note: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to stick out their tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also a sign of a stroke. If a person has any trouble completing ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately.

Welcome New Owners

Letters to the Editor

THE TRAWLER welcomes brief (a maximum of 250 words), factual and temperate letters from its readers. Only original letters, signed with the writer's name, address and telephone number, will be considered for publication. Letters are subject to editing, condensation and republishing in any format. All letters submitted become the property of THE TRAWLER. Publication does not imply agreement by FIPOA of views expressed. Regretfully, we cannot account for unpublished letters.

From the Desk of the General Manager:

by Kate Hines, CMCA, AMS, MCM

CHIEF'S CORNER

by Chief Mike Binkowski

If you have any suggestions of how we can improve the quality of life on the Island, or wish to discuss a particular problem, please contact me in person, by telephone at (843)838-4113 or e-mail at mikebfipoa@islc.net.

Know Your Officers

by Chief Mike Binkowski

This issue we would like to highlight Ms. Lyn Johnson. Ms. Johnson has been a member of the Fripp Island Patrol since April 2006. She currently is the Administrative Support Dispatcher for the Department. cMs. Johnson is originally from Medway, Massachusetts and moved to South Carolina in 2001. She is a graduate of University of Maine and holds a BS in Education and has post graduate studies in Psychology.
     Lyn lives on St. Helena Island with her husband Charlie, who works for the Fripp Island Public Service District and her four dogs; Rosita, a long haired Chihuahua, Chichi, a standard Chihuahua, Buttons, a Pomeranian and Con a rescued mixed breed.
     Lyn and her husband have three children and three grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys painting, reading and crafting.

Drought Declaration for Savannah River Basin

by Ernie Wilson, FIPSD Manger

On September 20, 2006, the South Carolina Drought Response Committee declared that moderate drought conditions now exist for the Savannah River Basin. Fripp Island's water supply comes from the Savannah River.
     Moderate drought means there is an increasing threat of a drought as demonstrated by various drought indices. The primary indices driving this declaration were the sustained decline in lake levels, the decline in groundwater (wells) resources, and the lack of rain especially in the upper Savannah Basin.
     While, at this time, the State Drought Committee does not anticipate worsening conditions and no mandatory actions are required, we have been requested to review our local drought plan and implement it if needed. With this in mind, we are simply requesting our water customers and property owners to be aware of water conservation and to reduce any nonessential use of water, such as landscape irrigation and washing sidewalks, cars and buildings.
     From a water conservation standpoint, the biggest "waste" of water on Fripp Island is landscape irrigation. For example, water consumption from July 1 to September 30, 2006 for single family residential customers increased by 17% compared to the same period in 2005, while the actual number of residential water customers only increased by 2%. Where did all the water go? On the ground!
     Simply limiting landscape irrigation to every other day goes a long way towards conserving a valuable resource, preventing mandatory restrictions, and avoids unnecessary cost increases for providing water to you, our customer.

Fripp Island Golf & Beach Report

By Leigh Rourke

Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort continues to improve its Lodging Division. The Lodging Division has been completely restructured and overhauled. There is a new rating classification for individual units in place that is based on industry standards. This new system focuses on guest expectations and satisfaction. Further improvements have been made to all on-site departments such as Housekeeping, Maintenance and Guest Check-in to make the home owner as well as the rental guest happy. In addition, Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort has enhanced the owner benefit package, with incentives such as Housekeeping and Amenity Cards included in commission fees. The lodging program is under the direction of Karen Montano, Director of Guest Services. She is looking forward to a great year and is happy to handle inquiries about the program and may be reached at (843) 838-1628 or by email karenm@frippislandresort.com.

Because We Care

By Chris Assaf, President of the Community Centre

I just received an e-mail from a couple who recently moved away from Fripp Island. Of course, they mentioned how much they missed the island and their friends…but one sentence they wrote really resonated with me. They stated that they particularly missed our Community Centre and went on to say how unique it was to our island.
    I had never really thought about it that way but I think they're right. How many resort islands and retirement communities have a spiritual center? How many communities like ours have a facility that is fully owned and operated by the property owners? We should never take this for granted.
     The couple who authored the e-mail were very active at the Centre. In fact, they both sang in our choir every Wednesday evening. They took advantage of what the Community Centre had to offer and found they received many blessings in return. If you haven't gotten involved in our All Faiths Chapel or Community Centre, I hope you will do the same.
     As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I know you will give thanks for all that Fripp Island has offered you. I hope you will also be grateful for our Chapel and Community Centre. And if you haven't done so already, I pray you will remember our Centre through the BECAUSE WE CARE building expansion campaign.

PSD Commissioners Recognition

Bill Inglett receives a plaque from Rich Combes recognizing his service on the Fripp Island PSD Commission, where he served as Vice Chair of the Commission and chaired the Water and Bridge Committees.

Tom Griffin receives a plaque recognizing his service on the Fripp Island PSD Commission, where he chaired the Fire Department and Bridge Committees.

Resort Thanksgiving Schedule

It has become a growing family tradition to spend Thanksgiving on Fripp Island. While you are celebrating the holidays, enjoy all of the events that Fripp Island Resort has to offer.
Thursday, November 23:
Thanksgiving Bountiful Buffet
Enjoy a traditional Fripp Island Thanksgiving at the Beach Club. Seatings are 11am , 2pm, and 5pm.
Friday, November 24:
Kid's Fishing Tournament
One of our biggest holiday traditions! Fish from a boat, off of the dock or in your favorite fishing hole! The fun will take place from 8-3pm. Call the Marina for more details or to sign up at 838-1517.
The Elves' Gift Shop
Santa and the Elves have set up shop in the Pavilion tent next to the Beach Club. It's the perfect spot for kids to get Christmas presents for family and friends, nothing will cost over $5 Open 4-8pm.
Santa's Arrival
Bring the kids and welcome Santa to Fripp Island. Santa arrives at dusk (approximately 5:30pm) and will be available for photos. There will also be hot cider and goodies.
Island Craft Fair and Art Show
Be sure to attend this annual event from 4-8pm in the Beach Club Pavilion Tent. The perfect place to get unique gifts for the whole family from pottery to jewelry to festive holiday decorations.
Saturday, November 25:
Breakfast with Santa in the Beach Club Pavilion
Seatings are 9am and 11am. $11.95 for adults and $6.95 for kids. Call ahead for reservations! 838-1510. Please have your Member # available. If you must cancel, please give 24 hours notice or a charge may be assessed.
Kayak Trip
Join our naturalist for a trip through the salt marsh from 10am-1pm (must be 14 yrs old). Meet at the Activity Center. Weather Permitting.
Shell Wreath Decorating
Design a wreath using seashells! It's the perfect Holiday gift. 1:30-3pm at the Activity Center.
Meet the Animals
Stop by the Activity Center from 3-4pm to meet and learn about all of the animals at the Activity Center as well as the animals native to Fripp Island.
Ornament or Sand Dollar Decorating
Another great idea for a holiday gift! Meet at the Activity Center from 3:30-5pm

Fripp Island Women's Club Announces Cookbook & Telephone Directory

by Linda Sigafoos

Please join us 10:00 AM, the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Community Centre. The annual dues are $10.00 and payable at the door.

Community Centre Daily Activities

Mondays:
  7:30 am- Low Impact Aerobics
  8:30 am- Fitness
11:00 am- Bridge
  4:00 pm- Yoga

Tuesdays:
  4:30 pm- BINGO
  1st Tues 10:00 am- Men's Investment
  2nd Tues 12-2:00 pm- ROMEO Lunch
  3rd Tues 3-4:00 pm- FIYC

Wednesdays:
  7:30 am- Low Impact Aerobics
  8:30 am- Fitness
  3:45 pm- Choir Rehearsal
  5:30 pm- Vespers
  8:00 pm- AA Meeting
  2nd Wed Craft Club
  4th Wed 10:00 am- Women's Investment

Thursdays:
  7:30 am- Low Impact Aerobics
  8:30 am- Fitness
  9:45 am- Duplicate Bridge
  1:00 pm- Mah Jongg
  4:00 pm- Yoga
  2nd Thur 8:15 am- FICC Board
  3rd Thur 9:30 am- Friends of Music
  4th Thur 7:30 pm- Audubon Club

Link to FIPOA Events Calendar

Duplicate Bridge Club 

by Dick Briggs

The Thursday morning duplicate bridge continues to attract between 6 and 8 tables each Thursday at 9:45 AM.
     Our 3rd quarter Club Champs ended in a tie between Nancy and Jack Rudy and Virginia and Al Schaufelberger. Those players who gained the most master points during the 3rd quarter along with the Rudys and Schaufelbergers were: Dana and Betty Dudley, Page Miller - Charles Davis - Lillian Collings - Teresa Hergert and Betsy Koehler.
     Bridge seems to be a very popular game on Fripp Island. Along with the Thursday game there are bridge games on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please contact Sue Berard at 838-5564 for the Monday 11 AM Bridge Game, and Catherine Merritt at 838-3932 for the Wednesday 1 PM game. Everyone is welcome at all 3 games.

Fripp Island Friends of Music

by Lloyd Arnold

Other upcoming concerts are scheduled for Sunday March 11th featuring The International String Trio at 5:00 PM. On April 22nd, Nick Palance will perform. All concerts are held at the Fripp Island Community Centre and are followed by a wine and cheese social.

Audubon Club Fall Programs focus on Conservation

By Arlene Jacquette

The Audubon Club launched its 2006-2007 program on Thursday, October 26 with an illustrated talk, "Conservation and Land Preservation Efforts in Beaufort County," by Tara McGrath, Beaufort office director of the Coastal Conservation League (CCL). McGrath outlined the November ballot referendum that would, if passed, provide funding for up to $50 million for the purchase of land, development rights and conservation easements under the county's Rural and Critical Lands program.
     The speaker also outlined the mission and activities of the Coastal Conservation League, which was founded in 1989 in Charleston. The League, a grassroots, nonprofit organization with over 4,000 members, aims to protect the natural environment of South Carolina's coastal plain. Noting that the CCL's first satellite office was opened in Beaufort in 1994, McGrath emphasized the organization's collaboration with local groups working to ameliorate the negative effects of population growth on the county's natural and rural lands and wildlife. CCL staff recently worked with the community affected by the widening of Highway 21 on St. Helena Island to ensure citizen input was effectively incorporated into the project's final plan.

The Club's next meeting, on Thursday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m., will highlight the 2006 loggerhead turtle nesting season on Fripp and beach renourishment on Hunting Island.
     Audubon Club membership is open to Fripp and Beaufort County residents. The Club meets at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month October through April (except November) at the Community Centre.

Commodore's Corner

by P.J. Fineis

More Adventures on the 'Let's Go!'

by Jim Patek

New Zealand - Land of the Long White Cloud

Imagine the dugout canoes of the ancient Maori, traveling on the open Pacific from what is now French Polynesia: the blue of the Pacific sky and sea, the chants of the rowers, the grind and splash of the oars, the heat of the sun and the smell of sweat. Someone sights a huge white cloud almost lost in the horizon haze, but as the canoes approach, the men see the cloud is actually land.
     Given a few voyages of my own into its volatile weather, it's no surprise that the Maori saw cloud before land and named the island Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud. The Dutch explorer, Able Tasman, landing much later at the north end of the South Island in 1642, named the two islands Nieuw Zeeland. Patty and I emigrated to New Zealand in 1982, our adopted home for nearly seventeen years.
     We sailed there from California and stayed, spending our holidays navigating the many inlets, bays and islands that make up the country's coast. We were thrilled when T. and Mary Frances Thomas of Fripp agreed to join us March 13th, for what was to be our last cruise in New Zealand waters before we sailed west. We decided that a 200-mile trip around the Hauraki Gulf of the North Island would provide thorough exposure to the variety of beautiful and secure anchorages available to the New Zealand yachtsman. That route would also give us touches of civilization, and splendid isolation when we felt more adventurous. Finally, Patty and I would have another —perhaps last— chance to visit some of our most treasured spots on the island.
     Following their road trip of the South Island, T. and Mary Frances met 'Let's Go!' at Westhaven Marina in downtown Auckland. We shopped for provisions for our ten-day cruise and departed under clear skies on a fresh southwest wind. First, we sailed to the islands nearest Auckland itself, then across the Firth of Thames to the Coromandel Peninsula. After winding our way into the protected but very shallow harbor, we dined ashore on mussel fritters at a Coromandel "takeaway" —takeout to Americans— then waited hours for the tide to turn so we could get back to our boat.
     The Coromandel Peninsula is a rugged finger of land about forty miles east of Auckland. It extends northward twenty miles and protects the Hauraki Gulf from Pacific Ocean swell. In its lee are numerous islets and bays, with sandy beaches and native bush down to the shoreline. We found it as peaceful and uncrowded as usual. As we sailed northward, the high mountains of the peninsula protected us before we crossed the Colville Channel to Great Barrier Island. This large volcanic island may have been the landing place of the Maori canoes, as driftwood and wreckage litter its exposed eastern shore. In 1989, the trimaran Rose Noelle capsized off of the south end of the North Island and drifted for 119 days upside down before being washed ashore with crew, on the east coast of Great Barrier Island simply at the whim of ocean currents. Those same currents could easily have brought the Maori onto dry land.
     An intricate inner harbor blesses one of my favorite destinations, the Barrier. To get to that haven, one navigates through a narrow passage completely sheltered from any ocean swell, lined with densely-forested coves and fingers of land created by sunken river valleys. Extensive farming has never reached the remote island, most of which is now a national park. We hiked along park trails, through streambeds and over rocks and trees, dug in the shallow sand at the head of a bay for cockles to liven up the cocktail hour, plucked succulent mussels from the rocks along the shoreline, and enjoyed the company of friends as the sun set amid the haunting calls of the native birds echoing off the hills surrounding our anchorage.
     The kind weather let us travel to the "backside of the Barrier," a place where not many locals have even been. Our goal was Arid Island, which has a deep cove surrounded by high cliffs, but which often suffers from exposure to swells and a dangerous northwest wind. This time we were fortunate to have neither and, after catching a number of fish with our trolling rig, we arrived to find we had this secluded spot to ourselves. Arid Island is private, so we introduced ourselves and made a small gift of some of our freshly filleted fish to the manager; in turn, we had the freedom to roam this special place and explore its deep caves by dinghy.
     Our ten-day trip was coming all to soon to an end and, most reluctantly, we sailed back toward the mainland and historic Kawau Island, thirty miles up the coast from Auckland. We anchored at Mansion House Bay, named for the house on its shoreline that was once owned by the first Governor General, the Queen's representative in New Zealand, Sir George Grey. Now a national park, the area has prime specimens of New Zealand native trees and shrubs, along with massive redwoods planted by Grey, who also brought Australian wallabies to Kawau. T. and Mary Frances excited us by spotting one on those elusive creatures —a highlight of any visit to the Mansion House— on a trail leading away from the bay. The park ranger indicated the damage they do to native flora has generated talk of eradicating them. That argument didn't convince us; apparently, we are not alone because he shook his head with a hint of exasperation, saying that the authorities were not contemplating eradication any time soon.
     A sunny day with light breezes brought us back to Auckland, past Rangitoto, the dormant volcano landmark of Auckland Harbour. Soon, T. and Mary Frances were on their way home, and I began to prepare 'Let's Go!' for her next voyage. Our sailing adventure, so full of pleasure, told us that the Maori weren't off target when they named this bit of heaven the Land of the Long White Cloud.

TENNIS

Courtside

By Patty Patek

The Racquet Club will offer the Stroke-of-the-day and Daily Drills the weeks of November 20 through the 25th and December 26-30th. Please call the Pro Shop 838-1504 to sign-up.

Is it time to re-string your racquet? The USRSA recommends that how ever many times a week you play, that is how many times a year you should re-string your racquet. So…

The Spring Men's League and Mixed will begin the second week of February. Anyone interested in playing should call the Pro Shop.

Enjoy the cooler weather and come warm up on the courts this fall/winter. All the best for the holidays from your Fripp Island Pro Shop.

Men's Golf Association 

By Dick Briggs

The MGA 2006 season was a very successful one. Both golf courses are in good shape and the golf staff, headed by Char Comier, our Club's Director of Golf did an excellent job in cooperating with all MGA players and events.

The signature MGA Red Ball event was won by Steve McKay, Don Aldrich, Alan Price and Joe Plumer. The net low-ball score was won by Phil Weber, Al Koehler, John Derrick and Ray Atherton. This year's Flight Champions were Phil Weber, Dick Briggs, Charles Richman and Bose Edmonds. Runner-ups in the 3 week Flight Championship event were Mike Marusha, last year's winner, Jerry Burke, Glenn Hergert and Don Thomas.

We look forward to a good 2007 season under the leadership of Steve McKay. Please drop by the Ocean Creek pro shop to sign up for Monday's game. Any male Club member is eligible to join the MGA, which is made up of a terrific group of men.

GOLF

Nine Hole Ladies Golf

by Lorraine Tarczynski

November play will be at Ocean Creek, we look forward to members and newcomers joining us on Tuesdays for fun and friendship on the golf course. Email - fripplady30@hotmail.com

A very wet combo

Full moon, high tide, nor'easter on Sunday October 8, 2006
at the 14th fairway of Ocean Point Golf Course

The POA received comments that the repairs made last winter to the pipes under Porpoise Drive at the Fripp Inlet have created too much flow. The Office of Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) permitted repairs to the pipe based on the original 1998 permit. Only one of the 48" pipes can have permanent restriction to the flow. OCRM did say that we could try to temporarily restrict flow, but we cannot do so in future without their permission. The high fall tides created quite a mess!

Men's 9 Hole Golf Association

By Tom Gioiosa

The Men's 9 Hole Golf Association celebrated their first annual season ending lunch at Ocean Creek Golf Course. Chef Cary prepared ballpark franks on the grill while the group was on the course. After play, food and drinks were enjoyed by all. We want to thank Char and his staff for letting us have this celebration.
     Our annual dinner is scheduled for January 2007. Tentative plans are for a Wednesday night steak night at Parris Island Traditions Club. Further details will be posted.
     Last month, October play was at Ocean Point. The new golf year began in October 2006, so dues are payable ($10.00) now. Speak with Jim Connell 838-0180 or Tom Gioiosa 838-4670 for more information.

Fripp Island Women's Golf Association

By Joyce Zanone

Congratulations to all the winners of the 2006 FIWGA Club Championship three-day tournament played in September. Low gross winner, Kathryn Woolley, is the WGA's Club Champion. Kit Griffin is runnerup with second low gross in the A Flight. Low net winners are: Flight A first place, Barbara Fuerst and second place, Linda Ashby; Flight B, Jane Cuffe and Barbara Hess; Flight C, Betty Edmonds and Anne Allen.
     At the September luncheon and business meeting, the 2007 WGA officers of the Board were announced. President, Micki McCormick; Vice President, Bev Fineis; Treasurer, Linda Ashby and Secretary, Eunice Caro. They are already busy planning next year's agenda. If you want to join the FIWGA, just write your check at your earliest convenience and place in the envelope in the sign-up book at Ocean Creek. The annual fee is $50, and our year runs from October through September. The sooner we know how many members we will have, the easier it is for the Board to make plans for a super year.
     Par 6 got off to a good start for FIWGA this season. The match was played at Fripp and we are leading! Par 6 is interclub play with Lady's Island Country Club, Dataw Island, Oyster Reef, Sun City and Callawassie. If you are interested in playing with us and haven't played in Par 6 before, call Nancy Connell 838-0180 for details.
     November will be the Awards luncheon in which tournament winners for the year will receive their awards. December is a busy month with the holidays, so the year ends with an invitation to the Nine Hole Ladies to join us for a special Holiday Tournament and Luncheon. Don't miss it! It is always a wonderful day to share with our friends.

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Fripp Island Winter Fishing Looking Good

By Captain Ralph Goodison

With fall fishing helping to fill the coolers of happy-faced fishermen, anglers can look forward to a good winter fishing season. Summer brought high winds and rough seas which made tournaments and fishing difficult. However, any fisherman will tell you that any day on the water is still a good day.

The 7th Annual Kids Fishing Tournament is scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend, Friday November 24th. The Kids Tournament is a wonderful way to spend time with the kids on the water. The Fripp Island Marina has a long heritage of fishing tournaments and has felt the responsibility to encourage and support our future fisherman. Last year we netted 128 kids for the tournament, and they had a great time while catching lots of fish. All kids from 4 to 15 accompanied by an adult, are invited to fish from a boat or the marina dock. There will be free hamburgers and hotdogs for the kids and plenty of prizes. The Fripp Island Yacht Club will again help sponsor the event.

15 year old Patrick Tuberville shows off his 1st place Spanish Mackerel caught at the Fripp Island 16th Annual Kingfish Tournament over Labor Day weekend. The 2.3 lb Spanish was caught on his father boat 'Three Kings.'

Fishing Forecast Inshore: Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead and Whiting - Good; Flounder - Showing Nearshore: Blackbass, Shark and Vermillion - Good; Grouper and Red Snapper - Fair Offshore: Yellowfin Tuna, Dolphin, and Kings - Showing.

Fripp Island Sea Rescue

by Paul Field
 

For the period from August 1 to September 30, we responded to five marine emergencies. Three cases involving 13 persons and three boats with engine failures required towing the units to various safe points. A possible heart attack victim was evacuated from a shrimp trawler in St. Helena Sound to an EMS unit waiting at Russ Point Landing. The patient survived. Our last case involved a disoriented boater who needed several hours of navigational assistance before he finally reached safe waters.

Our training program with the Coast Guard helicopters during nighttime hours continues to be conducted in Fripp Inlet.

To report a marine emergency, call Fripp Island Security at 838-2334 or Beaufort County Dispatch at 9-1-1.