You would think that I would have a favorite gem as a goal in mind as I hit the beach. And, many times I do. But more often than not, the best thing about a hunt and gather is not knowing what you will find. I haven't had a lot of time to hunt and gather this summer, but at least I work on Kiawah Island, and when there is a second to spare I find myself combing it's incredible ten mile beach, one sand dollar and/or critter at a time. Here are some recent finds:
Sand Dollars remain one of my favorites. They seem to be plentiful on Kiawah Island.
Each sand dollar I find feels like the first.
Loved finding this blue crab riding out the low tide.
You can almost see how the ocean moved around this gem.
Looks like it's taking a nap, under a blanket of sand.
A great sand dollar day.
Towards the end of my hunt and gather on this August afternoon, an old friend stopped by for a visit:
Have you ever noticed that Starfish are different in North Carolina and South Carolina? And technically, I know that I am calling it the incorrect name. Whomever is in charge of changing names of aquatic organisms, has changed the name of the Starfish to a Sea Star. I am never going to call a Starfish a Sea Star. I think it's special how people grow up calling certain shells names that have been passed down by family members. For example, the Lettered Olive is not a Lettered Olive in my family. It is a Key Shell. And, the Keyhole Limpet is a Chinaman's Hat. So go on with your bad self. Call it what you want, and I will too. No judgement here. (Yes, and I now realize that I am talking about a Starfish, and that this has become dramatic. Sorry for the tangent.)
I am excited to show footage of two Starfish I found on Kiawah Island on two different occasions. I had never seen a live Starfish move like these two do. In North Carolina, Starfish are more orange and textured. I have even seen a purple one in North Carolina after storms. For some reason, South Carolina Starfish have a smoother texture, and a lovely sand color. And, they like to perform. Since I can't pick a favorite, I thought I would include all 8 videos of the starfish footage. Enjoy!
