We approached Cape Island from the sound, motoring up to the pier at Cowpen Point. Dropping off people and gear, we ran northeast to the backside of the island’s northern end for disembarking, and hauling more gear across to our staging point. Continue reading
Forest bathing
The group of twenty-three chugged up the mountain, unleashed from a full day of sitting in educational sessions at the 2016 Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium. This peloton of participants – a mix of students, young and seasoned practitioners, and educators – climbed Trillium Gap Trail toward the destination of Grotto Falls. Two days before I was on the other side of the mountain, Continue reading
Tale of the two great canoeists
These were no two traditional canoeists – Nathaniel Holmes Bishop and Joshua Slocum. Adventurous voyagers, but cut from different cloth. Here is their story with a Murphy Island connection I wrote for the January/February 2016 issue of South Carolina Wildlife: Tale of the two great canoeists.
Anniversary
Ten years ago, I had my first encounter with the largest alligator on Bull Island, and surely the largest in South Carolina. This huge reptile was awarded a name Continue reading
Lost words
The weekend morning following Thanksgiving was dazzling, the creek’s brilliance a function of the reign of high pressure. The waterway is currently known as Andersonville or Anderson, but on a chart from the 18th century was labeled “Sewee”. The above normal high tide pushed rafts of Spartina Continue reading
Flooding
There they were – two patches of pink on the live oak tree, surrounded by a number of white objects. This oak has been a roosting platform for many wading birds – great and snowy egrets, wood storks, and two roseate spoonbills. I had seen this pair a week ago Continue reading
Studying a bay
I have long pondered sailing Winyah Bay to explore its waters, seen only from a distance by this sailor. In certain respects the conditions appeared favorable on this day in early June: low tide at 10:30 (at the landing on the Sampit River); an early west wind predicted to swing to southwest, our faithful sea breeze; and little chance of thunderstorms. Other pluses: the opportunity to use this Monday for the trip without other obligations, Kingfisher in decent shape, and a spare tire to go with the one-year-old trailer. A fine plan, though a fickle wind Continue reading
Memories of misery
[This dialogue between my friend Rand Schenck and me began at our Ocracoke campsite in May, and was further imagined. While I initiated this discussion, Rand come up with the phrase “memories of misery”.]
Bob: We barely avoided the possibility of setting up our tent in the downpour of Tropical Storm Ana by one day. The Outer Banks reminds me of several trips Continue reading
An epic sail
Often the transformation of dreams into reality is the basis for true personal fulfillment and actualization. Having been a sailor from an early age, and living and sailing along the coast of North Carolina for four years, I developed a dream. Continue reading
Ocracoke dream
[Author’s note: “Ocracoke Dream” originally was published in “the Island Breeze”, a monthly newspaper for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, in the fall of 1995.]
Occasionally we have the opportunity and privilege to experience life in an enhanced state. This natural state occurs through various means, including the perception of beauty, the connection with nature, the closeness with others, and the rush of adventure. Rarely does the experience Continue reading
Following the moon
The full moon arrived as scheduled over the Northeast Point of Bull Island. It burned through the horizon haze, and rose into an orange ball. It’s point of arrival would be my destination Continue reading
Cashing in
Winds from the northeast 15 – 20 knots with gusts to 25 knots. Small craft advisory throughout the day. Seems like those guys should be careful or stay home. Continue reading
