By Bonnie Neely
It is a warm and eerie feeling to go to a place which belonged to my ancestors before the Civil War. I have heard many fond tales of these Lowcountry islands near Beaufort, SC, and now my extended family own a time-share house on Harbor Island, a small, residential island with vacation rentals. These South Carolina Islands are a safe home to birds, turtles, alligators, oysters, shrimp, and other ocean and forest species. The landscape is enchanting with pine trees mingled with palms, palmettos, ferns, and other dense, tropical vegetation.
Wildlife seems to understand this is a protected island. In the full moon time of April there are often hordes of horseshoe crabs mating and laying eggs in nests they dig on the peaceful, sandy beach. These eggs become the attractor for the migratory birds, which come by the thousands to rest for several weeks to rest and feed at this their only stop on their amazing, one-stop flight from Brazil to Canada. Photographers, scientists and nature lovers thrill at the photo and study opportunities.
The ACE Basin is nearby, where three rivers, Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers meet at St. Helena Sound. Beyond the ocean waves on the eastern shore of Harbor Island the rivers converge with the Atlantic Ocean, creating brackish water among the Bays and foul-smelling pluff mud at low tide. This important area is a protected estuary home to many endangered and threatened species such as the osprey, wood stork, sturgeon, bald eagles, and others. There are not many shells that attract collectors, but many interesting specimens the waters have left on the beach, such as yucky but fascinating worm tubes.
Endangered sea turtles also dig large holes in the sand beyond the high tide mark and lay eggs on this protected island. Dedicated groups of island residents place a small fence around each of these sites to keep raccoons and other predators away. These volunteers regularly check the nests to be sure they are still beyond the reach of high tide. Occasionally, in times when extreme tides are predicted these men and women carefully relocate a nest out of danger.
A drive to nearby Hunting Island is through picturesque jungle thickets to the S.C. State Park Visitor Center and RV Campground beside the Atlantic Ocean. The beautiful sandy beach, which is never crowded, has big waves of the Atlantic Ocean and a peaceful setting for soaking up sun or enjoying the water. At the Visitor Center the interactive exhibits and beautiful murals covering the walls are the perfect way to learn all about the flora and fauna of the Lowcountry islands from videos about history and points of interest. A Virtual Reality tour with the special glasses thrills adults and children. When you enter the small, enclosed space within this Visitor Center Museum, there is another interactive, real feeling, virtual experience of a simulated climb up the stairway of the Hunting Island Lighthouse…very helpful if you want to avoid the actual Lighthouse climb.
Local artists have painted beautifully accurate wall murals of Lowcountry wildlife and forests, birds, beaches, etc. A talented local sculptor has replicated some of the local birds hanging at the ceiling. A loggerhead sea turtle sculpture is on display to show the way the eggs are hidden below the sand in the nest hole she dug. And the portrayed baby turtles are numerous.
Before crossing the little footbridge to return to the parking area, be sure to peruse the pond with the fountain just outside the Visitor Center building. She is difficult to spot, but a mother alligator chose this place to have her young. They are camouflaged along the shore. The gators run freely between the ocean and this pond and wherever they choose on the island, which is a nature preserve and a wonder to experience.
The RV Park is wonderful with full hook-ups and good clean facilities along the sandy beach. The Atlantic’s frothy white caps are a special attraction for camping. These islands are special, just across a new high bridge, connecting the islands and Beaufort, SC, and shrimp boats and other water vehicles are seen below. Boats can be rented to go within the bay waters between the reeds to watch for dolphins with their young swimming alongside. Purchase fresh shrimp and crabs, fish and more to pack in ice and take home to enjoy and relive your days at this quiet, protected place, rare in the world.
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Real Ventures: Did We REALLY Do THAT?!!! by Bonnie Burgess Neely
If You Go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToqE1qTVUlA, https://southcarolinaparks.com/hunting-island/lighthouse, https://www.beaufortsc.org/, https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/.
Real Travel Adventures 