Shem Creek Blessing of the Fleet

F/V Carolina

Yesterday was the blessing of the Shem Creek shrimp fleet in Mt. Pleasant.  I was on a kayak tour, and watched the boats from there.  It seems as though a good time was being had by all, and the boats look ready to go.  There weren’t as many boats as in years past, but it looked like a few boats are ready to go shrimping, but stayed at the dock for the blessing.  The crowd at Alhambra Hall was rocking it out to the East Coast Party Band, and the crowd on the water was slowly getting cooked in the beautiful 80 degree weather.

As for what we’ve been up to lately, there are a few new developments.  The name of the game in April has been clams.  Stephen and Shawn having been clamming off of Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms and doing pretty well.  Jeff and I have been working on an escalator dredge behind Goat Island and also doing well.  It seems like the clam market has fallen off this week, and the escalator dredges won’t be running.  On to the developments: Stephen is in the process of purchasing the F/V Belletrix 2.  This is one of my favorite trawlers in Jeremy Creek, and I’m going to be stoked to see Stephen at the helm.  Welcome to the wheelhouse, Stephen!

Richie is in the process of getting the Henrietta ready , and she should be ready to go for the shrimp festival this Saturday.  Jeff and I are going to help him spread some paint around the topsides on Wednesday.  All of the boats in Mclellanville are looking good, and there should be a good many boats for the blessing.

The Mclellanville Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet is coming up this Saturday, May 2.  It is a huge town party and always a good time, so come on up to Mclellanville and check us out.  If you’re looking for a shrimp boat to get on (we could all use a blessing, right) leave a comment below, and I’ll see what I can do.