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Lake Murray Members Enjoy
Lake Hartwell Cruise in July
by Ivy Williamson, S & Lt Donna Dodson, AP
 LMPS
had 31 members and their families and 10 boats cruise Lake Hartwell July 12-14.
They were: No Shoes, Donna Marie, Splash, Pacifi-Her, Over Budget, Fish Hawk,
Four Play, Midnight Special, Valhalla and Cheesehead.
 Most
met at Exit 82 Friday morning for the tow upstate to Portman Marina in Anderson
County. Midnight Special joined the cruise Saturday launching from Twin
Lakes in Pickens County near Clemson.
To start the cruise, those on the water on Friday went up the lake from the
marina a short distance to the Lake Hartwell Dam. Unfortunately, weather
interfered briefly but a cove was found nearby and our first raft up had begun
as the rain stopped. We could not stay long because back at the marina that
evening, Happy Hour on the dock kicked off the evening with fellow members of
the Lake Harwell Sail & Power Squadron. Members of both squadrons brought an
appetizer to share and a lot of fun and fellowship, and we enjoyed some quite
tasty treats!
Saturday’s cruise was up the Seneca River which included a very low railroad
bridge to get to our lunch destination - The Grill at Clemson Marina.
Valhalla was a bit too tall so tucked herself away in a nearby cove and
hopped on with Fish Hawk for the afternoon. Views of Clemson University
and Death Valley stadium were the backdrop for another raft up only this time
with a treat of some great Pina Coladas by our First Lady prior to our lunch
engagement.
 The
Grill did such a nice job of setting up an entire picnic area under the shade
trees for our group but unfortunately, weather again tried to interfere so we
had to move inside. Although a pretty long line to order, the food and drink
were good and the shelter was nice until the storm passed. While potential
storms were on the radar, we opted to head back towards the marina to ensure
smooth cruising but not without another afternoon raft-up to swim and cool off
prior to dinner. It was a great cove with easy access to a beach where some
enjoyed a bit of exploring a sunken sailboat. Then on to what ended up being
some delicious entrees at The Galley restaurant at the marina where fun was had
by all!
For those who stayed, Sunday included a cruise up the Tugaloo River while the
others loaded up the boats and heading for home. But first, it was a beautiful
morning of everyone lingering on the dock enjoying coffee along with more
fellowship before saying good bye. Perfect weather was had for the cruise up the
Tugaloo to another cove where lunch and relaxation was enjoyed before the
afternoon group headed back to Columbia.
Weather was on our side most of the weekend and all enjoyed a most relaxing
cruise on one of our neighboring lakes!
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