Hunting Island SP, Beaufort

 We got going early and made it to Hunting Island state park for sunrise. Nice beach there facing East. We then walked around on some of the trails in the park. Hurricane Mathew (2016)  knocked down many trees in one area which made for an interesting beach walk. The hurricane created a lagoon so many trees in the water also. Many mosquitoes on the trails. First time bugs have been a problem. They also have a small wildlife center with turtles, snakes, and some baby alligators. We saw one 4 foot rat snake on one of the trails. Also saw oyster fisherman digging oysters from the banks of an estuary. In the same area we also saw two small boats that were fishing for shrimp. They threw out nets with weights on them and then pulled them back. Interesting to watch.

Then to Port Royal village where we walked in a small park with a boardwalk. Cypress Wetlands. Many turtles here and birds. Also alligators.

Finally to Beaufort for a walk around town. Lots of old architecture and most of it well maintained.

Hunting Island state park:

Wildlife museum. Tanks with turtles, small 2 year old alligators, and various snakes.

Stuffed raptors, pelican.

Snake in tank.

Lagoon created by hurricane.

Rat snake on trail. 4 feet roughly.

Point Royal Village Cypress Wetlands.

Flags over time in Beaufort SC.

Child labor photo.

Back to boardwalk (Cypress Wetlands)

Beaufort downtown area.

Pictures taken by Holly:

Shrimp fisherman throwing net.