June 30, 2003

More thunderstorms last night, but thankfully nothing like Saturday evening.  Kiawah should be well within its "quota" for rain this month! This morning dawned bright and beautiful, with sunshine all around.  The folks who checked in Saturday afternoon must be relieved - who wants to spend a vacation at the beach in the rain?

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol has passed along the latest turtle update: As of June 30th, there are 154 loggerhead nests on our beach.  Remember: "Sea turtles dig the dark!", so keep those flashlights off during your nighttime strolls on the beach.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three anoles, one cardinal, one osprey, one great blue heron, two egrets, and one raccoon.

It is 75 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the mid-eighties today, and there is a 50% chance of showers this afternoon.

June 29, 2003

Whew!  Kiawah was absolutely hammered by thunderstorms last night!  The lightning seemed very close, especially between 10:00 and midnight.  Flashes of lightning seemed almost to ignite the night sky, and thunder rumbled ominously, nearly on the heels of each flash of light.  The lightning was so bright that it seemed all but daylight at times.  Now there are limbs and leaves scattered like child's toys across the paths and yards.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One blue jay, a vole, a black snake with yellow markings, two cardinals, one osprey, two egrets, and one raccoon.

It is 75 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the mid to high eighties today,  with a 60% chance of showers.

June 28, 2003

After all the hoopla last week, the new Limehouse bridge was finally dedicated yesterday.  Sad to see the picturesque swing bridge go, but no one will miss waiting in line!  Still, a piece of history will be scuttled.  Soon it will serve another purpose: as an artificial reef in the waters just off Kiawah.  Soon fish will be the only things "crossing" the old swing bridge!

Apparently Kiawah's fishermen and women are catching fish so fast that they have no time to send us their "fish stories".  So no postings here.  Sorry!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Several pelicans, one skink, two cardinals, one deer, one osprey, two egrets, and one raccoon.

It is 79 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the upper eighties today, with a 50% chance of showers.

June 27, 2003

This is the view you see when sitting atop the new Limehouse bridge. The landscape certainly looks different from that high up!  You can see for a very long way across the water and marshlands.  The construction crews  are still working on the peripheral lanes, so plan for slight delays if you cross it late in the evening.

Lots of folks are out fishing these days - and admittedly this webmaster is not a fish expert.  So what is it that everyone is after for their dinner table?  We are still collecting "fish stories", so click here and tell us what you have caught recently! We will post replies later this week.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: A pileated woodpecker, three deer, one osprey, one great blue heron, four egrets, and one raccoon.

It is 75 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the high eighties again today.

June 26, 2003

Did you visit the Marsh View Tower yesterday?  Hopefully plenty of you went to see it and enjoyed the panoramic views of the Kiawah River.  If not, it seems that today will once again be a perfect South Carolina June day, so hop on your bike and head on over!

Lots of folks are out fishing these days - and admittedly this webmaster is not a fish expert.  So what is it that everyone is after for their dinner table? Click here and tell us what you have caught recently! We will post replies later this week.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One ladderback woodpecker, one deer, one osprey, one red heron, two egrets, and one raccoon. 

It is 73 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the high eighties/ low nineties today.

June 25, 2003

Looks like we are fortunate to receive an exact repeat of yesterday's weather!  Since Mother Nature is cooperating, why not visit somewhere on Kiawah that you may not have been to before?

The Marsh View Tower is often overlooked, but is a great place to catch a view of the Kiawah River.  It offers incredible views of the river, its mud flats, and the marsh.  It is located off Marsh Hawk Lane.  Why not go for a visit?  Be sure to take your camera!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One deer, two foxes, two red-winged black birds, one skink, one osprey, one cardinal, and one raccoon.

It is 73 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the high eighties once again today.

June 24, 2003

It is another day in paradise!  The egrets in today's photo certainly are enjoying Kiawah's wonderful weather.  Here they are gathered in the water at the right side of the entrance to Cassique.  Perhaps they have heard about the terrific food at the restaurant and are hoping for a taste?  Or maybe they just enjoy watching all of us drive by in our cars as we watch them!

Turtle News: Today was the last turtle patrol morning for the webmaster, and here is the latest update: as of June 24th, there are now 128 loggerhead nests on our beach. Remember: Lights out for sea turtles!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two osprey, one cardinal, three pelicans, one doe, and one raccoon.

It is 75 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the  high eighties today. 

June 23, 2003

Here we are at the start of another fabulous day in paradise.  The humidity is low and the temperatures should be balmy.  It should be another wonderful day to enjoy all Kiawah has to offer!

Many island folks are very excited this morning after reading their newspaper. The Limehouse Bridge should be open today! See Limehouse Bridge Opening Gets Green Light in Links of Interest for details.

Turtle News: Since it was another turtle patrol morning, we have the latest update: as of June 23rd, there are now 127 loggerhead nests on our beach. Remember: Loggerheads are a threatened species, so please do not disturb the turtle nests or the turtles!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One doe and two fawns, one osprey, three cardinals, twelve pelicans, several sea gulls, and one raccoon.

It is 77 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the mid-eighties today.

June 22, 2003

Yesterday Mother Nature treated us to one of the nicest days in weeks.  There was little humidity, and the weather was marvelous!  Gentle ocean breezes, mild temperatures, and a blue, cloudless sky.  It was Kiawah at its best, and today looks to be a repeat!  So grab your bike, your walking shoes, your tennis racket or golf clubs and "go outside and play"!

NOTE: If you are coming onto the island this week, there will still be no new Limehouse Bridge to drive over.  See the bridge story in Links of Interest for details.

Turtle News: Since it was another turtle patrol morning, we have the latest update: as of June 22nd, there are now 125 loggerhead nests on our beach. Remember: Loggerheads are a threatened species, so please do not disturb the turtle nests or the turtles!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three osprey, one blue jay, two cardinals, three deer, two pelicans, ten sea gulls, and one raccoon.

It is 75 degrees at 9:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties again today. 

June 21, 2003

It is a turtle patrol morning, so it is impossible to tell what the weather is like just now!

The dedication ceremony for the Maritime Forest Trail went off without a hitch yesterday morning.  As you can see from the picture above, lots of folks came out to show their support for the Conservancy and to view the new trail. If you haven't already done so, check it out for yourself!  It is easily reachable via the bike path.  Click here to view photos of the event.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One osprey, one blue jay, one skink, three cardinals, two foxes, and one raccoon.

It is 72 degrees at 6:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the mid-eighties today.

June 20, 2003

There is still time to witness the opening of the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy's newest preservation effort: the Maritime Forest Trail.  The trail is located at 133 Conifer Lane.  This morning's festivities will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by guided tours. The trail will be open to island residents and visitors to tour at anytime.  Signs located throughout the trail explain the maritime forest plants.  Hope to see you there!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three alligators, one osprey, two egrets, one skink, two cardinals, and one raccoon.

It is 75 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the upper eighties again today, with a 50% chance of thunderstorms.

June 19, 2003

Mother Nature certainly let us have it last night.  The thunderstorms were particularly fierce - the wind blew leaves and branches everywhere. The lightning show was dazzling though, with bolts illuminating the night sky.  If there was anyone on the beach during the storm, they must have seen quite an amazing show!

This morning things are thankfully calm, at least for a while. What will you do with today?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Twenty-two pelicans, one osprey, one green heron, four red-winged blackbirds, and two raccoons.

It is 73 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the upper eighties today, with a 40% chance of thunderstorms.

June 18, 2003

It is a bit overcast, hot, and humid this morning.  The sun is trying valiantly to poke through the clouds, but it certainly looks like rain. In other words, it is a typical June day on Kiawah!

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol has passed along the latest turtle update: As of June 16th, there were one hundred loggerhead nests on our beach. Last year at this time there were 85, so those mama turtles have been busy!  Remember: "Sea turtles dig the dark!", so keep those flashlights off during your nighttime strolls on the beach.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One snake, two pelicans, one osprey, three alligators, two red-winged blackbirds, and two raccoons.

It is 79 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the mid-eighties again today, and once again there is a 60% chance of showers. 

June 17, 2003

It is a bit overcast this morning, and very humid.  It appears that showers are on the way, so perhaps finding your umbrella is in order!

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol has passed along the latest turtle update: As of June 16th, there were one hundred loggerhead nests on our beach. Last year at this time there were 85, so those mama turtles have been busy!  Remember: "Sea turtles dig the dark!", so keep those flashlights off during your nighttime strolls on the beach.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One osprey, one alligator, three red-winged blackbirds, and two raccoons.  The "Marsh Island raccoon" has had babies! 

It is 73 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to reach the mid-eighties today, with a 60% chance of showers.

June 16, 2003

Once again it is humid and partially sunny this morning.  The weather is pretty much a "broken record" these days, with our warm, humid temperatures and always the prospect of a summer shower.

There are butterflies galore on the island now - it seems every time you turn a corner you see one of Kiawah's "jewels of the sky" fluttering through the air.  With their vast array of colors they are a beautiful addition to our island world.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One osprey, two alligators, one cardinal, one ladder-back woodpecker, and one raccoon. 

 It is 79 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the upper eighties again today, with a 30% chance of rain. 

June 15, 2003

** Happy Father's Day! **

Happy Father's Day to all you fathers out there! Here's hoping you get treated like royalty today - golf anyone?

It is humid this morning and partially sunny.  The vacationers are taking advantage of the wonderful weather and are out on the beach and the paths in droves.  Dozens of bicyclists were exploring Kiawah's paths yesterday - what did you do for fun?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One osprey, on doe with two fawns, two alligators, one vulture, and one raccoon.

It is 81 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to reach the upper eighties today, with a 40% chance of showers. 

June 14, 2003

** Happy Flag Day! **

Fly your flag today to celebrate!

It was on  August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

It is a beautiful sunny morning. Today should be a wonderful day to get outside and celebrate this holiday.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two green herons, one pelican, two sea gulls, three alligators, one osprey, one striped skink, and one raccoon. 

It is 75 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the mid-eighties again today, with a 40% chance of showers.   

June 13, 2003

Do you have triskaidekaphobia?  If so, today is probably one of your least favorite days! The definition of triskaidekaphobia is "fear of the number 13" but is generally used to refer to the fear of the inauspicious date Friday the 13th.  Here's hoping that today's 13th is a lucky one!

The humidity is high again this morning, and it is nearly 80 degrees already. It certainly is June in South Carolina!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One osprey, four red-winged blackbirds, one striped skink, one marsh hawk, and one raccoon. 

It is 77 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to reach the mid-eighties today, with a 50% chance of thunderstorms.

June 12, 2003

The high humidity this morning is enough to indicate the possibility of the rain the weather channel speaks of.  It certainly is June in South Carolina! 

There are lots of bicyclists on the paths these days. They venture far and wide, exploring Kiawah's sights.  One sight that not many folks know about is the nature area in Rhett's Bluff. It is a wetland area with a raised boardwalk.  Have you ever visited there?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One osprey, two red-winged blackbirds, two cardinals, one vole, one alligator, and one raccoon.

It is 81 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the high eighties today, with a 30% chance of thunderstorms this afternoon.

June 11, 2003

This is going to start sounding like a broken record...it is beautiful and sunny this morning, with very high humidity.

Today's photo was taken on Cougar Island. The foreground of color against the backdrop of the marsh is stunning - the shades all melted into one another like scoops of ice cream on a cone. Do the "colors of Kiawah" fascinate you too?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One cardinal, two egrets, two alligators, an anole, and one raccoon. 

It is 79 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be near ninety again today, with a 30% chance of thunderstorms this evening. 

June 10, 2003

It is another lovely day in paradise! It will be quite warm, and the humidity is very high today.  Still, not too bad for June in South Carolina!

If you bike along Governor's Drive, you may have to do a little hiking today as well.  There is a good deal of utility construction going on, so there are several places where the paths are blocked off with equipment.  Better be  prepared to walk your bike along the street for a bit.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Four red-winged blackbirds, one young alligator crawling across the path, three deer, one alligator,  and one raccoon.

It is 75 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be near ninety today. 

June 9, 2003

It looks like Mother Nature has decided to give us a little break from the rain today.  This morning is beautiful and sunny, with not a cloud in the sky.  After all of the rain we have had during the past week, some sunshine is very welcome.

Will you be outside enjoying the sunshine today?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Four deer, two pelicans, one alligator, one skink, and one raccoon. 

It is 75 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the mid-eighties again today, with only a 20% chance of thunderstorms.

June 8, 2003

This photo was taken at one of the ponds along Governor's Drive near Sweet Gum Lane.  In the early morning hours it is filled with roosting snowy white egrets.  You can hear them squawking at each other as you go by.  They make quite a ruckus, flapping their wings and screeching. Have you seen an egret lately?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Forty-five pelicans, two alligators, two deer, and one raccoon.  Remember, if you have seen critters, e-mail the webmaster to add yours to this list!

It is 75 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties today, with a 50% chance of thunderstorms.

June 7, 2003

The weather folks were certainly "on top of their game" for yesterday's weather.  Thunderstorms pelted Kiawah yesterday afternoon and last night.   Wind buffeted the trees mercilessly - there is probably not a loose limb on the island.  And today's weather seems to suggest that it is another "grab a good book day". 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One alligator, two blue jays, three deer, and one raccoon.  Remember, if you have seen critters, e-mail the webmaster to add yours to this list!

It is 75 degrees at 8:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the low eighties once again today.  And there is an 80% chance of thunderstorms. 

June 6, 2003

Don't forget that it is Brown Trash Day today!  Put those old things out to the street to be picked up.

It certainly looks as if we will all be donning our rain togs to go out and about today.  It is already cloudy, and does not look very inviting outside.  Perhaps a good book or a movie is in order?

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol has passed along the latest turtle update: As of June 4th, there were sixty-four loggerhead nests on our beach.  Remember: "Sea turtles dig the dark!", so keep those flashlights off during your nighttime strolls on the beach.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two cardinals, three pelicans, one alligator, two deer, two leaping fish (Pintail Pond), and one raccoon. 

It is 73 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the low eighties again today, but today there is 50% chance of thunderstorms. 

June 5, 2003

Apologies for the lateness of this posting today - the web server experienced a bit of trouble this morning.  Other than that, today is starting out much better than yesterday.  It is significantly drier at least!

Today's photo was taken near the green on #1 at Osprey Point.  These two osprey appear to be raising young at the nest, and will "fuss" at you as you go by. This link will take you to a page with osprey facts and photos, while the link above takes you to a close-up photo of an osprey.  If you have speakers and would like to hear their call, click here.  When was the last time you saw an osprey?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: All the rain kept the "critter spotters" inside most of the day.  But one soaked raccoon was spotted! 

It is 73 degrees at 9:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the low eighties today, with only a 20% chance of thunderstorms. 

June 4, 2003

Today is certainly starting out soggy!  The thunderstorms of last night really gave us a thorough soaking.  And although the landscape is undoubtedly enjoying the dousing , it certainly cramps the style of the beach-goers.

It seems that the golden silk spiders have begun their yearly construction projects.  They are starting to pop up all over.  Although their appearance can be quite unnerving (especially if you are not the "spider type"), they perform a valuable service - they are insect eaters!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: A deer parade (four deer!), a wild turkey, two cardinals, one osprey (Pintail), one blue jay, and one raccoon.

It is 72 degrees at 7:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties once again, this time with a 40% chance of thunderstorms. 

June 3, 2003

It is another lovely morning this morning! The temperature is a bit warmer than yesterday - no doubt an indicator of higher temperatures this afternoon. 

The season is already bringing us many new flowers - the lantana and coral beans are blooming.  Folks with vegetable gardens are seeing the beginnings of the fruit of their labors.  Have you seen any blossoms today?

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol has passed along the latest turtle update: As of May 31st, there were fifty loggerhead nests on our beach.  Lights out for sea turtles!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Four cardinals, two osprey (Pintail & Willet Ponds), one bluebird, one blue jay, and one raccoon.

It is 73 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the mid-eighties today, with a 30% chance of thunderstorms by this afternoon.

June 2, 2003

What a wonderful beginning we have for the month of June!  This morning is another beautiful sunny day with cool morning temperatures and breezes. 

The magnolia photo above is shared by Marilyn Blizard - thanks Marilyn!  Kiawah is currently decorated by many such blossoms.  Do you have any nearby?

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol has passed along the latest turtle update: As of May 31st, there were fifty loggerhead nests on our beach.  Lights out for sea turtles!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three egrets, one osprey (Pintail Pond), one doe with two fawns, (Marsh Island Drive), one pelican, a striped skink, and one raccoon.

It is 64 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to reach the lower eighties today. 

June 1, 2003

In June, as many as a dozen species may burst their buds on a single day. No man can heed all of these anniversaries; no man can ignore all of them. 
                                -   Aldo Leopold

This morning is a gorgeous beginning to June. Hopefully this bodes well for the remainder of the month as well. It is fairly cool this morning - it feels terrific! What does June have in store for you?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One egret, one osprey (Pintail Pond), three pelicans, two tree frogs, and one raccoon. 

It is 68 degrees at 8:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the mid-eighties today, with mostly sunny skies.