Exploring the Lowcountry

With it’s gorgeous beaches and marshes, live oaks and Spanish moss, the lowcountry doesn’t lack for places to explore. Although the winter weather didn’t always play nice, we were able to get out on the “nice”days and explore!

Our home base is in the ACE Basin. A unique are of pristine habitats protected and managed by SC Department of Natural Resources, US Fish & Wildlife, and the National wildlife Refuge system. Named after the 3 rivers that come together, the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto, the ACE Basin is one of the largest undeveloped estuary ecosystems on the Atlantic.

From the early 1700s to mid 1800s, much of the ACE Basin was home to large plantations owned by a small number of individuals who managed their wetlands primarily to grow rice. After the rice culture declined in the late 1800s, wealthy sportsmen purchased many of these plantations as hunting retreats. The new owners successfully managed the former rice fields and adjacent upland estates for a wide range of wildlife. Today this land continues to be used for hunting, as well as, natural areas for ecosystem studies. And lots of places for us to explore!!

Daytripping

The best days were just driving and seeing where you’d end up. This beautiful day was spent with Sister Cyndy.

Very quaint downtown area for antiquing!

This quirky water tower in Walterboro also served as a jail.
The cells were located at the base.

Sheldon Church
One of my favorite stops! So much history here! The grave of Daniel Heyward my be a relative. Will have to research further!

Beach Day!!

What a special day this was exploring Tybee Island with my great niece, Kalie. Collecting shells, having lunch, shopping, and just being silly together! I love this chick! 🙂

Family Homes in Beaufort

The Talbird House was built by my great grandfather Colonel Thomas Talbird (my Daddy’s namesake!). It was one of the many early tabby structures in this Beaufort area known as The Point. Destroyed in the ‘Great Fire of 1907’, all that remains is the front stairway, now known to many as ‘the stairs to nowhere’. My Aunt Ting Calquhoun’s (pronounced Calhoun) house is in the background.

This stately home belongs to my Uncle Reeve Sams (circa 1852) and is/was next door to the Talbird home. According to local tradition, the house survived the ‘Great Fire of 1907’ by the efforts of the Waterhouse cotton gin workers, who formed a bucket brigade and used wet blankets to beat out the flames. (FYI this home is on the market!! $$$$)

Many fond memories and lots of stories were shared in the shade of these homes, playing with my cousins and running amuk in the marsh!

Caw-Caw Interpretive Center

John and I spent the afternoon walking and reflecting about the lives of the people that walked before us on these grounds. There are a variety of habitats here from dry upland forests and cypress swamps to the old rice plantation fields. Evidence of the former lives of the enslaved Africans who created the canals and dikes are still visible.

A Beautiful Day on Edisto Island

January weather in the lowcountry didn’t offer many sunny days, but when it did we were off to explore. This beautiful, but windy day found us on the barrier island of Edisto. Any day at the beach is better than… 🙂

And for you campers out there, they have a fabulous State Park!

Angel Oak on John’s Island

Met up with Brother Michael to visit this Grand Ol’ Tree! I remember visiting her in my youth, she’s still as majestic! Back in the day you could see how many friends it took to circle her. Now she’s protected. Michael shared how they take care of her and how you can actually hug a tree to death! Walking on exposed roots, picking on the bark, bringing in pests on your clothes… This Lorax will be more mindful!

Botany Bay…Plantations and Beaches

Another hidden gem in ACE Basin. This DNR (Department of Natural Resources) park is home to the remains of two plantations and a barrier island that was once inhabited by native people. It was a chilly day, but these scouts now how to be prepared! Thanks to Brother Bill and Lisa for a great excursion!

Stately drive under the canopy of live oaks

Hiked across the marsh and hammock to Boneyard Beach. Aptly named for the trees that are slowly being swallowed by the Atlantic Ocean. This raw untouched landscape was once home to indigenous people who left evidence behind in mysterious shell mounds. Now it provides nesting habitat for loggerheads, shorebirds, and a host of other critters. For us 2-leggeds, it’s a picturesque landscape beyond words.