Adaptation
The day after Christmas broke gray, and more of the same was anticipated. A long interlude, four months, had occurred since my last sail. That warm day sail into Bulls Bay
Bull Island
Two views of an island
We approached Cape Island from the sound, motoring up to the pier at Cowpen Point. Dropping off people and gear, we ran northeast to the backside of the island’s northern end for disembarking, and hauling more gear across to our staging point.
Two views of an island Read More »
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
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
Following the moon Read More »
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
Highlights
I requested a brief report from my friend Will Christenson on his two day bird survey with David McLean and Kathy Greider on Bull Island. It just so happened that their planned survey of the island coincided with the coldest weather of this winter – an Arctic blast that had lows in the teens and highs
Fortune
All elements had marched together toward this Saturday morning. Outgoing tide low at 11, NE wind 10 knots, and the day warming up to sixty degrees. After a week of days not getting much warmer than the low forties, and an absence of sun until Friday, this day boded well. Despite the cold start still
Reassurance
I have been visited by unwelcome visitors recently in an array of forms. Bothersome pains, old and new. Worries, anxieties and fears that inhabit the mind, and spill over though one’s being. Nagging pains, nagging doubts, unconsciously and consciously making their presence known; concerns
Rainbow in the morning…
On the Bull Island ferry Caretta, we headed south down the waterway toward the southern end of the island. Our passengers included myself as a guide for our beach walk, 21 walkers, our captain Chris Crolley
Rainbow in the morning… Read More »
A fine reversal
Sunrise, a light but steady northwest wind, a falling tide pulling the waters out of the marshes toward Bulls Bay and the Atlantic. These were the signs on my early morning run to the landing, all pointing toward a passage out to Bull Island. Kingfisher was launched and we were sailing at 7:45 to Andersonville
