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
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
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
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;
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
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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.
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
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
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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.
Mysteries of the swamp
We effortlessly cruised on our watery path through the bottomland swamp flanking the Santee Delta. The forested sides of the waterway were colored by the newly-emerging spring foliage, reflecting on the creek’s surface:
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Spring moment
The island was full of spring: new growth, pine pollen gushing off the trees in clouds, banks of jessamine brightening the forest roads. For a brief island visit, one moment trumped all: a crack off in the forest wetland, a splash and lively swim by a suspected alligator, rushing along with head held above the duck weed covered water. But alligators
Beneath the surface
History holds court at Hampton Plantation, one of the many outposts of the Rice Kingdom. A colonial era Big House with tours, fine grounds and gardens, historic visits by famous Americans (George Washington, Francis Marion), famous residents Eliza Lucas Pinckney and Archibald Rutledge (the first SC poet laureate) – all these elements and more
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