Every year, after the last snow melts and spring stretches out across the landscape
I am awakened with the question "When are you coming down to North Carolina?"
And it is every year that I know it will be for the Fourth of July, a capitalized calendar date
that has no meaning for me except that I will be spending a few days on, in, and around
the small but special Lake Waccamaw with my family. These days are simple; we wake up,
then eat breakfast and caffeinate ourselves together, walk out to the end of the pier with an
armful of something, and experience the lake's bounty all in our own way.
These days are simple; the best word the English language has given me to define them is blessed.
Blessed with the bounty of nature's wonder and familial love.
Blessed with laughter, tears, sunshine, and rain and the special moments that
can only surface from the smooth waters of Lake Waccamaw.

--- Alexandra Demitrack

From its sandy shorelines to its tree-lined natural areas, Lake
Waccamaw ((34o17'N, 78o30'W ) offers cooling breezes from an abundance
of bay trees, varying water depths, peaceful surroundings, an
intriguing natural history and wonderful memories for our family who
have shared it for years through the graciousness of our cousins
Nancy and Rodney Wilson. Located in Columbus County, North Carolina,
Lake Waccamaw is a 9,000 acre lake. The cool tea-colored waters at
first appear similar to other lakes in the area, but Lake Waccamaw is
one of the most unique bodies of water in the world.

Here you can view one of the greatest geological mysteries of the eastern United States-
-the phenomenon of Carolina bays. Limestone bluffs along the north shore neutralize
Lake Waccamaw's water, making the lake different from any other Carolina bay.

Houses dot the shoreline and extend their wooden pier arms out
into the lake to grasp the fun and wave an invite to anyone traveling
about in pontoons,fast boats , or anything else that might float or
skim the waves to stop by. Nearby, you can catch a glimpse of a
botanical wonder – the Green Swamp – and Big Creek where many a soul
have climbed up to the bridge only to jump down into the black waters
as a rite of passage. The grand prize is to say “I did it.” Fish can
be measured by the length of a young boy.

How did this bay lake on the North Carolina coastal plain come to be?
Many a story has been shared from swampy depression to a meteor strike
to wind and wave sculpture, but we do know each year when we say goodbye to cousins
and the lake we can begin the anticipation for our next return.
However it came to be there is always room for more memories and love.

July fourth is a ring of fireworks all along the shores, a 360 degree
view of multi colors and booms and bangs! The holiday evening
celebration commences with the first sparkler and ends with a final
a boom - bookmarking the wild parade of aerial colors and sounds against
a night sky.

--- Regina Demitrack