Looking back on my experience with "Pete" the pelican yesterday makes me laugh.  But, during the apparent pelican attack, I can't say it was a laughing matter.

It was a beautiful morning and a perfect morning for hunting and gathering.  My husband, Matthew dropped me, my aunt Deedee, and her friend Mary Lewis off at Sandy Point.   Little did I know that as we gathered over 100 sand dollars, that I would be the one in fact hunted.  We walked over 6 miles, and when I came upon a lone pelican about 3 miles in, there wasn't a sole in sight.  Deedee and Mary Lewis had gotten a bit ahead of me.  I thought as I walked up to Pete, that this would be a good opportunity to get a close picture of a pelican.  Perhaps I would paint him later.  Bad idea.  

This is Pete.

Pete turned on me.  It felt like pay back for bothering all my outdoor buds.  He came after me.  I backed up and went on my way.  As I continued picking up sand dollars up at the high tide line, squatting like a 2 year old with new knees, out of no where Pete was in my face, his beak going right for my shells.  I dropped over 6 sand dollars trying to get up to get away.  In the "flight or fight" scenario, it's obvious I am a flight kind of girl.  I ran.  Panting, trying to meet up with Deedee and Mary Lewis, I tried to get away.  And I thought I was successful, until  I see Pete begin to fly after me.  Low to the ground with a wing span wider than Michael Jordan's basketball arms, I started hyperventilating.  WTF?!  I ran to the ocean, smacking the salt water with my feet hoping that the ocean splashing would deter Pete more.  Oh wait, there's a sand dollar.  I picked up the beauty, continuing to pant, and looking over my shoulder.  Pete remained at the attack location. 

I finally made it to Deedee and Mary Lewis, explaining the recent course of events.  Seconds later, Pete is in the air again after me; after us.  I found a palm on the ground and picked it up.  Flight obviously didn't work, so now I decide it's time to fight.  Deedee is a fight girl first and foremost, and picks up an old fire extinguisher that was left on the beach from the ocean, and we started yelling "NO" at Pete.  I didn't want to hurt Pete, I just wanted some peace again.  

Finally after throwing a clam, that reeked of low tide, Pete was no longer interested in what I had to offer.  It was obvious that Pete was not protecting a nest - we had covered at least 2 miles.  Pete was after food.  Sandy Point is frequented by boaters all over the Charleston area, and it's obvious that some dumb** visitors thought it was a good idea to feed the pelicans.  It is never a good idea to feed live animals.  Never.  And, not just because locals will call you a tourist either to your face, or silently behind your back.  It always back fires.  Thankfully it was only a pelican and not some alligator displaced on the ocean.  And, even though he may have deserved it, Pete left us alone unscathed.  Finally.  So, no pelican's were injured as a result. 

We laughed about it all day, obviously even naming the lone attacker.  And, thankfully last night I did not have nightmares of pelicans attacking me.  But I can say, I will never look at pelicans the same ever again.

Here are some other, more calming photos of our otherwise enjoyable and peaceful hunting and gathering adventure:

Peek - a - boo.

I love when you find a sand dollar showing it's true texture.

Don't feed pelicans, and have a great day!

Cheers,

Margaret

Sand Dollar Sunday

It may not be shocking to know that hunting and gathering sand dollars never gets old for me.  Each one I find feels like a gift from the sea.  Enjoy!  You can almost feel the heat from these pictures.

I love how this sand dollar is perched.

Same sand dollar from above, just a different angle.

Theory here is that the wind blew the dry sand away after washing up.

Kiener Whelk

New cut on east end of Kiawah Island.

HELLO to you too!

Amazing.

I love how you can almost see how the ocean left the sand dollar in it's tracks.

I like being on the sand dollars level.

Thank you!

Can you see how the sand dollar repaired itself from an animal of some kind.  So curious!

Lovely.

Never gets old.

Until next time...

Happy hunting and gathering,
Margaret

Kiawah Island's Sandy Point

Sandy Point has been Kiawah Island's best worst kept secret for a handful of years now.  That doesn't take away from the beauty and somewhat secluded island feel.  It just depends on when you visit.  

Growing up on Wrightsville Beach, I was lucky enough to share a boat with my twin sister and brothers.  And, having a destination in mind for our boat day was the priority.  Once you being these explorations, it remains in your blood.  I get a #saltgiddy feeling embarking on a boat heading to a barrier island or hammock.  Sandy Point is at the far east end of Kiawah Island, and it is miles long.  It didn't take long for people to discover this beautiful end, flocking from Folly Beach and other areas of Charleston.  It's separated by the Stono River and Inlet on the east, and Penny Creek on the west.  You can even see the old logging roads if you make your way up Penny Creek a bit.  But, I came for the shells.

People not only know about Sandy Point, they know sand dollars like this spit of island as much as anyone.  So, you better time low tide well, or be prepared for a long trek.  I prefer the latter.  There is something special, and such a rarity these days, to find a place where you feel so secluded that you almost believe you're alone on your very own private island.

Here are some of my favorite finds from the short visit:

Sand dollars, key shells (lettered olives), and baby's ears.

The tiny sand dollars were found at the high tide line.

Sandy Point, and Folly Beach in the distance.

Happy hunting and gathering!  And, Happy Memorial Day!
Margaret

Thousands of beautiful stars washed up on America's #1 Beach

Seriously.  Kiawah Island was voted by Conde Nast Traveler as the #1 beach in the United States.  And, yesterday after a little bit of work on the island, I moseyed over to see if the recent storms washed anything interesting up on our 10 miles of pristine beach.  Dressed for church and work, I wasn't exactly fit for a stroll along the beach, especially in my 3 inch suede booties.  You should have seen some of the looks I received from appropriately dressed beach combers.  It was worth it though - what a scene.  Check out all the Starfish littered along Kiawah Island:

Assumed this Starfish was alive.  I left it undisturbed.

The weather was almost as lovely as the beach.  60 degree temperatures made it difficult to leave.  Matthew and I had a company party in Mount Pleasant, so I had to go.  Check out the shot of this freight and the Ravenel bridge.  "I wish I didn't live in Charleston and work on Kiawah Island" said no one ever.

Cheers,

Margaret

Joyous Exhausting Island Life

My husband and I had the pleasure of staying on Kiawah this past week.  I work out here everyday, but we live in downtown Charleston.  This week I had no commute.  You would think that would give me extra time in the morning and the afternoon, perhaps even granting the ability to sleep in.  On an island?  Are you kidding?  Matthew and I started laughing out loud yesterday as we spoke of how exhausted we were; fondly I may add.  There is just so much to do, especially with the tide perfectly falling on non working hours all week.  We woke up to watch the sunrise, fished at low tide, shelled when we weren't fishing, and rode bikes when we could fit it in.  I even stumbled upon loggerheads hatching.  Are you kidding me?  And, we weren't on vacation.  We both worked full days fitting in the adventures.  I have captured some of the surprises and gifts Kiawah Island bestowed on us this week.

The two videos of the Loggerheads I will post last, because I know what will happen.  You will become mesmerized and would never view the other pictures if I put them first :). 

Kiener Whelk

One of the many found this week.  Each one feeling like the very first.

Spottail Bass.  In the slot.  (I am in SC now, so trying to call it the local name).

Sunrise - if you look closely you can see the Shrimp Boats on the horizon.

Fall sunset, and moments before I spot the Loggerheads.

Amazing.

Spottail Bass.  I love the purple and blue tints these have in South Carolina.  Gorgeous and incredible fun to catch.

Sunrise above, sunset below, same day and perfect island life.

Lovely gift.

Perfect light timing.

Not only are we joyously exhausted, but we have loads of laundry and de-sanding to do.

Shrimp Boats - hardest working dudes on the coast.

I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful fall.  And, even if you can't get to the coast, I hope this helps you feel like you are visiting the coast, wherever you are.

Cheers,
Margaret