Category: Southern

These 7 boating safety tips never go out of style

6/6/2017

By: Robin Gibson

Water in the boat is the ruin of the boat, but water underneath is its support. -- Rumi

Boat, Boating, Boating Safety, Boating Safety Tips, Life Out Loud, Robin Gibson, Water, National Safe Boating Week, North American Boating Safety Campaign, Charleston, South Carolina, Lowcountry, Inspired Living

Boats moored at St. John's Yacht Harbor on Johns Island in South Carolina. Robin Gibson/Life Out Loud | Inspired Living

Philosopher Rumi clearly knew a thing or two about boats but the folks behind the North American Safe Boating Campaign know even more. National Boating Safety Week may have come and gone already but these seven boating safety tips are timeless. Follow them and you will be well on your way to promoting a safe boating experience on the water.

Life Out Loud supports the efforts of the North American Safe Boating Campaign and recommends adherence to the National Safe Boating Week protocol every day of the year. Boating isn't just a pastime in the South Carolina Lowcountry, it's a way of life. Do your part for yourself and others to maintain a safe boating environment for everyone..

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Scenes from an Oyster Roast

2/15/2017

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By Robin Gibson

The life of man is of no greater importance to the universe than that of an oyster. -- David Hume

Oyster Roast, Oyster, Oysters, Lowcountry Oyster Festival, Oyster Festival, Oyster Shell, Oyster Shell Recycling, Boone Hall Plantation, Greater Charleston Restaurant Association, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Scottish philosopher David Hume was right when it comes to the oyster's popularity in the Lowcountry. Winter brings with it the time-honored tradition of communal gatherings centered around the shellfish known as The Oyster Roast. This ritual is as iconic to the region as the smell of pluff mud is to our noses. And for the 34th year, the Granddaddy of them all, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival sponsored by the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association took place January 27, 2017, at Boone Hall Plantation. From the tailgating atmosphere to the dedicated shell recycling, these pictures tell the story of an ardent love affair and obsession with the all-important oyster.

Shell recycling is an important part of the oyster's life cycle. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources manages a shell recycling program whereby shells are reintroduced to salt water to improve the natural habitat. To learn more about the program and its environmental benefits, visit their website.

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This is for the birds...

6/22/2016

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Indeed, Saturday, June 18, 2016, it was. This was the scene from the rooftop bar at Snapper Jacks where Folly Beach tourists and locals were forced to share air space with a few who weren't too shy in pursuit of food. So, what do you do if you find yourself in a similar situation? One that closely resembles a real-life game of Angry Birds?

A video posted by Life Out Loud (@lollifeoutloud) on Jun 22, 2016 at 12:40pm PDT

Well, it turns out, if you're on Folly Beach, nothing. That's right. The city of Folly Beach is a bird sanctuary. That means by local ordinance, birds are protected. All of them. Even the ones that try their best to disrupt your good time. Now you know.

Are you in the habit of feeding them? Don't. It's not healthy, attracts large numbers, and results in aggression by decreasing fear of humans. The Lowcountry is surrounded by seagulls and other beach birds.
Do your part for wildlife and humans alike. Make it enjoyable for everyone.
Don't interfere with nature by feeding wild animals.