Hilton Head

Skull Creek Marina--where we are anchored next to and allowed to dock our dinghy--is in the gated community of Hilton Head Plantation.  As we leave the Plantation on our bikes, we are a bit disconcerted as we have been denied by the gate keepers a pass which will allow us to re-enter.  Bicycling around us is a young mother with a toddler sitting in an attached trailer who whispers to us the code for re-entry as she passes us on the trail.  YES!  No more worries.  We're in!

Hilton Head Island reminds us so very much of our Mercer Island in Washington:  (1) The air is fresh with its floral scents and lots of birds singing; (2) Neighborhoods are nicely manicured and cared for; and (3) the amenities (parks, shopping, services, golf) are convenient and abundant.  Mostly, we appreciated how Hilton Head is a bicyclist's heaven--bike trails everywhere!

Today we explored Hilton Head via bike trails, exceeding 40 miles on this island that is only 12 miles long and 5 miles wide (20+ varieties of turtles, 25+ varieties of snakes, AND alligators!).  Being a key area for the Gullah, we learned more about this sect of people and how they have been able to preserve their distinct and imaginative culture to this day (Per the internet, the Gullah are African Americans who live in the low country region of the U.S. states of Georgia and South Carolina, in both the coastal plain and the Sea Islands. They developed a creole language, the Gullah language, and a culture rich in African influences that makes them distinctive among African Americans.)  We increased our appreciation for the "low country," it's role in the Revolutionary War and Civil War and what this part of our nation has to offer.  We want to come back (and maybe even play a round of golf)!

This is Mike as we are on a boardwalk--part of a bike path over wetland.  It's beautiful!

In this photo, Mike is talking to the gate guy to get a pass so that we can re-enter the Plantation (a gated community in which the marina we are anchored next to is located) without any problems.  Instead of giving him a pass, they gave him the "raspberries."  It was when he left the station that the young mother rode past us and gave us "the code."  We are amazed every day by the kindness of strangers!!

This photo depicts how very nicely Hilton Head is a place that is well care for (and also strictly controlled in its development).

Hilton Head and other islands were home to the Gullah people.  The Gullah people were brought to the US as slaves, many to do the work required to raise rice in the wetlands.  Because of the environment (mosquitoes and malaria), they had less interaction with the white plantation owners and were able to preserve traditions of their home countries.  In recent years, more effort has been done to recognize the Gullah and the role they played in our nation's history.

The state tree of South Carolina is the palmetto.  This tree is a palmetto!

This is the Hilton Head trolley.  It was an option for us  in the event our legs wouldn't get us back to the marina on our bikes.

Our dear friend and Long Lake neighbor Diane Plathe gave us warning about alligators on Hilton Head.  Signs like this gave us warning as well.

We looked for alligators and only saw these turtles.

The beaches of Hilton Head were busy with visitors.  

This was an ocean-side beach park in which we took a break.

We also took a break for ice cream at the "Ice Cream Cone" shop.  Mike had "Snicketty-Finch" and "Macinaw Island Fudge"; Brenda had "Carmel and Praline".

These life-size statues were taken from an actual photograph taken in the 1960s.

We also walked around Fort Howell on Hilton Head.  This was a fort was built during the Civil War by freedman and Union soldiers.  It was made of earthen walls as it would absorb the shells if fired upon.  This photo doesn't show very well the earthen barrier of the fort, but was still impressive to walk around.  Harriet Tubman--the same woman who helped more than 700 slaves find freedom through the Underground Railroad, played a role in the Unions defense on Hilton Island. 

We ended our day with dinner at the "Dockside" restaurant.  If you look to the center, beyond the boats in the foreground,  you'll see "Velsignet" anchored out.