Welcome Summer 2021 - Hilton Head Holiday

We are back in the Sea Pines resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

There is plenty of space on the beach, and we have had sunny blue skies with a few clouds all week.

There are quite a few supposedly non-stinging jelly fish around.

And, the occasional horseshoe crab.

The ocean breeze is perfect for flying a kite.

There are some cute sights on the beach such as this photogenic little Cairn Terrier.

And, then there are some not-too-photogenic sights.

Selfies have never been a skill of mine.

There is a trolley to the beach, but we drove.

We are having a great time with my dad who lived in this area for many years.

This grey heron is flying over the Calibogue Sound which connects the Atlantic Ocean and the intracoastal waterway. The name "Calibogue" is thought to come from the Creek Indian word for "deep spring", ‘calaobe’.

I think I might be a bit of an amateur bird watcher. It has become one of my hobbies.

These blackbirds, called Common Grackles, are quite beautiful.

This one is having a bath in the Calibogue Sound.

Bottoms up!

Here is another majestic blackbird enjoying the coastal air.

Perhaps shrimp is the common goal of these two: the grey heron and the shrimp boat behind it.

A green heron perches on a rope.

A couple of friends having a chitchat.

Our apartment is in Harbour Town where we stayed last November, so we can see the iconic lighthouse.

Perhaps the American flags adorn the top of the lighthouse to commemorate Memorial Day which is on Monday, 31 May. It is a national holiday to honour the American men and women who have died while serving in the US military.

There are many types of boats in the harbour. Here is the Vagabond coming into dock piloted by a very skilled captain.

And, here is the same boat jam-packed full of tourists enjoying a sunset cruise.

Catamarans are a popular boat here.

There is a pirate ship for the children who dress up as pirates.

I caught sight of the captain, a real pirate who apparently enjoys Dunkin Donuts coffee!

And, off he goes to find some treasure (or perhaps dolphins).

I called to find out the cost of taking a 2-hour tour on the Mystique as it had caught my eye last November. As I don't like big tourist boats, it seemed like the perfect size and it's a beautiful boat. It's a mere $1200 divided by the patrons. I guess we'll do that another time. Although, come to think of it, we could have joined this group and it would have been $110 each. That's still a lot of money.

Here are some more yachts, sailboats and other boats.

I could get used to living on a yacht like the Renegade. The owner has a full staff to serve meals, clean and pilot the boat.

Jet skis await their eager riders...

who are listening to the safety rules and getting ready to don bright yellow life jackets.

Two-person cats speed past the Captain Hook.

This is a fun way to take an eco tour around the island.

A group of kayakers is enjoying the outdoors.

There are many dog owners here; this lab is enjoying an evening cruise.

Here is a Frenchman (a Briard) and a Scotsman (a Scottish Terrier) relaxing together.

What an adorable lady with her German Shepherd.

This is Pinckney Island, a nature preserve that was named after Major General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a Revolutionary War commander. In the early 1800s, the Pinckney family developed the area into a plantation. They had up to 400 slaves toiling to produce cotton. On my next trip, I plan to research the area's slave history.

Pinckney Island is home to many birds. Ibis Pond is full of Snowy Egrets.

Perhaps the birds feed on these little crabs.

This grey heron is perched on a tree branch right in front of me.

Mother and Child

Back in Harbour Town, there is a beautiful sunset.

Of course, after sunset, it's time to eat. The crab cake and fries are quite delicious!

I'm sure these ribs and fries are equally as good.

Who can't resist some key lime pie for dessert!

Or, maybe this. I think it's called a blondie.

There is a new food truck at the harbour. This area is known as the Lowcountry, so you might see the play on words: LowCo, instead of Loco, as it is a Mexican taco food truck.