Peggy sent us this summary – with pictures:
14 women from 7 different states across the US convened for our 8th and final GRITS (Girls Retreat Including Tournament Scrabble) along the Grand Strand, Garden City Beach, SC. The week began with a day of relaxation as everyone arrived. On Tuesday, Angela Dancho directed our first GRITS early bird, which was swept by Mary Atwood, followed by Lindsey Dimmick and Angelo Dancho. We experienced quite a treat when Gullah native Addle Mae Goback joined us for an evening of Gullah culture and story telling. Bright and early Wednesday morning, the group travelled en masse to the Thomas Yawkey Wildlife Center ( gift from former a Boston Red Sox owner) for a morning along the coastal marsh and estuaries to view sea birds, alligators and other wildlife and learn of the interplay with Gullah culture. The tourney got underway on Wednesday afternoon and ended Friday. Again, the winner was Mary Atwood, followed by Andrea Hatch, and Angela Dancho. Performance prizes went to Jan Konkol and Patricia Saito-Stewart. Tourney results can be seen on the WGPO website, GRITS VIII. The highlights of the week included absolutely beautiful sunny, warm weather and calm surf. We had daily morning entertainment by local dolphins…and of course food, lots of very good food! It is bittersweet for me that this will be my last time to host GRITS. I do look forward to offer other different coastal options in the future. The SC beaches are hidden treasures which should be shared. So, until then wishing you gentle breezes and warm waves.
By: Peggy Grant
