OLDIES ON THE ROAD: Hunting Island, South Carolina

Small islands off the coast of South Carolina are linked by simple causeways over marshlands populated by a variety of bird, aquatic and terrain life. Our 6 day stay at the Hunting Island State Park was ideal with shaded campsites provided by lush palmetto palm trees and a walk on the beach just 2 minutes from our door. The terrain along the shores of the beach is drastically different from that found on the Outerbanks of North Carolina. Forests of pine and palmetto trees along with expansive marshlands make Hunting Island a haven for wildlife. White tail deer were seen daily due to campers feeding them, there were rumers of alligators which we thankfully did not see, flocks of pelicans flying in a single line along the shore, Bluejays and Cardinals, Ospreys and cranes were just some of the wildlife we got to see daily. Hunting for seashells and shark teeth while walking the dogs on the beach was a enjoyable activity which yielded 4 sharks teeth, a couple of sand dollars and other shells we liked. Shore fishing provided us with a number of small sand sharks and a 3-foot black tipped reef shark (caught by me!) and the shallow 80 degree temperature waters were wonderful. All sea life caught were returned to the sea. Hunting Island shores are also a loggerhead turtle nesting ground as well as a migratory stop for a variety of birds. There are small bug like crabs in large quantities in the marshes which I named roach crabs because they scramble to their holes like roaches! EWWWW! Be sure to see the picture below! Hunting Island's abundant wildlife will hopefully endure the over a million visitors per year that come here. We will definitely return to Hunting Island in the future and get lost in its timeless surroundings.

Hunting Island lighthouse painted uniquely as were the Outerbanks lighthouses