As we continue our adventures through South Carolina we took 3 weeks in Hilton Head Island to attend Dave and Kim’s Wedding (where we also got to see the Maniscalcos), visit with the Binkley’s and the Wards as well as checking out the surrounding areas.
Dave and Kim’s wedding and reception took place on the beach. It was a wonderful service and great party! We wish them both the greatest happiness!
We took a ride with the Binkley’s to Hunting Island State Park. This park is a barrier island located east of Beaufort SC. Took a nice hike through the island, went up in the lighthouse which was built in 1873, and walked through the boneyard.
Hike
The Lighthouse
The BoneYard
We had an opportunity to get out on the water a great deal. We took a boat ride to Daufuskie Island, Dolphin Watching, Beach combing, Kayaking with the Binkley’s (and Corey), Catamaran Ride, and fishing.
Kayaking, where we were able to observe dolphins up close.
Our first attempt to get to Daufuskie Island. We had to turn around due to massive fog after we almost got grounded on a sandbar. We did get to see a few birds.
A Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
The Roseate Spoonbill
Later in the week the weather cleared and we were able to go to Daufuskie Island. On the way we came across some dolphins and various birds.
Daufuskie Island is the setting of Pat Conroy’s novel ‘The Water is Wide’. The island is accessible only via ferries or boats. Roughly 400 people inhabit it and it encompasses a rich cultural experience. It has environmental preserves, private communities, Gullah houses, diverse art galleries and history. We toured the historic district via golf carts.
We took a boat ride to watch Dolphins and look for shells and sand dollars on an island that only appears during low tide.
Dolphin Strand Feeding
This one is my favorite. I believe it is a Cormorant. It seemed to stand guard as we came and went from Shelter Cove.
Some additional birds and dolphin pics.
We did not find any sand dollars on the island during low tide, but Jeff had a great time running through the birds and getting them to fly!
Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge is on an island between Hilton Head and Bluffton on the mainland. There are a number of ponds that you can explore with various wildlife. We rented bikes and rode the trails.
The Binkley’s took us for a tour of the Savannah Wildlife Preserve and Tybee Island. It was a windy and chilly day on Tybee Island so we did lunch, a quick stop at the beach, and an auto tour to the lighthouse.
Savannah Wildlife Preserve had some alligators, birds, and butterflies.
Rode a two person catamaran out of Shelter Cove through Broad Creek and around a few islands.
Introduced the dogs to the ocean – Charley liked it – Jackie was a little more cautious!
To close out our trip here are some sunset and dinner pictures. Next up Georgia!
Fran and Jeff’s Retirement Adventures 