We’ve spent a relaxing week at a lovely rental home on Little Horse Island (part of Saint Helena island SC) near Beaufort and Port Royal.
It is so enjoyable just sitting and watching the marshlands vary with the different light and tide levels; the different birds; and the wild ponies who move around as they graze.
Great White Egret
The dogs, Ffly and Kenzie have had a particularly good time both here on the dock and on the nearby beach.
Diane and I went to a quilt show on Hilton Head and I came away with some ideas.
Azalea, rhododendrons, dogwood and wisteria are in full bloom.
Lily Bay State park on Moosehead Lake is one of our favorites and we had a beautiful spot on the lake with our own very little beach.
Ffly enjoyed daily swims
Sunrise from our beach
The scenery in this part of the state is stunning, especially with the fresh grass and leaves.
We went twice on moose safari – early in the morning and at dusk – without any sightings, but we believe we’ve found a good swampy spot for future safaris. These safaris entailed bouncing around on logging roads without seeing a single moose soul.
Lazy Tom’s swamp
We finally spotted a young moose on a dirt road as we were driving back to Lily Bay! Otherwise I thought the only moose I’d see was the one at Stress Free Moose Pub in Greenville!
We crossed the Chesapeake Bay from Norfolk to the Eastern Virginia shore and spent two nights amongst the dunes on Asseateague. We were visited by some of the roaming wild ponies (you are warned to keep a distance of 40 feet and to remove all food items from the campsite.)
We were incredibly lucky with the weather and enjoyed a beautiful sunset over the bay and an amazing sunrise over the Atlantic.
We walked the deserted beach for miles and Ffly enjoyed the freedom of running to her heart’s consent.
We left our beloved beach in Mayport and the nearby jungle trails and started our slow trek northwards.
First stop is Parris Island, SC at the Marine Corps Training Station. This morning we witnessed the graduation of six platoons, each with about 40 young marines, as they took part in their graduation parade. I always love a good military parade!
Our campsite is down the road from Elliot beach where we saw a beautiful sunset and full moon yesterday.
Today we explored Beaufort a little – we’ve been there before and love the beautiful historic homes on streets overhung with Spanish moss. Here’s a sneak peek! We’ll be back tomorrow for the farmers market and more wanderings.
Despite being on the outskirts of Jacksonville, we are fortunate to have the St. Johns River, the expansive beach and the unspoiled coastal wetlands of the Timucuan Preserve nearby. (See us at the blue dot!)
We are at the BLUE DOT
We visited the Timucuan Preserve twice for lovely walks through the hardwood hammocks where the beautiful spanish moss drapes the trees, and the salt marshes are a haven for birdlife .
The Theodore Roosevelt area (above) encompasses 600 acres and was bequeathed by Willie Browne. It’s considered one of the greatest gifts in the city of Jacksonville’s history. More on Willie Browne and his family here.
It is thought that there is 6,000 years of human history in this area and one can see ancient piles of discarded oyster shells which was thought to be the staple diet of the Timucuan and yields clues to an extinct culture.
these shells entangled in the roots of a fallen tree.
The St. Johns River and Ribault Column (part of the Fort Caroline National Memorial).
On the other side of the naval station and alongside the river we discovered this HUGE seafood market (Safe Harbor) and jointly owned restaurant where the fish is offloaded right in front of you.
More fun times with Ffly on the beach…
sugar soft sand
having the beach to yourself
watching the ships go by
Help! Help! you see that big Irish Wolfhound that might get me??????
A face only a dog mother could love!!! After diving through the waves and then rolling in the sand!!!
