It is mostly sunny on Kiawah this morning, with a cool breeze wafting across the island.  Are you ready for the last week-end in October?

Did you know? "Soul food" has been at the heart of the mischief and merriment made on Halloween night for hundreds of years. We're not talking about ham hocks and collard greens either! The treats offered on October 31st can be traced to the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain, a major pagan holiday that marked the start of the new year on their calendar. The November 1st festival was a time to gather the harvest and prepare for winter, but also when the souls of the dead returned to the earthly world - or so the Celts believed. To keep the ghosts at bay, the Celts would place offerings of food and drink outside their homes.

Don't Forget! Daylight savings time ends this week-end.  Early Sunday morning you should "fall back" and turn your clocks back an hour.  An additional hour of sleep will be oh so nice!

KICA News: When KICA holds an event, photos are posted to their web site.  Have you seen the photos from DogToberFest?

Ghost Crab Marylynn says she saw this ghost crab on the beach a few weeks ago, hanging around just begging to be photographed.

Kiawah is - dare we say it? - sunny this morning!  This should be a perfect fall day, complete with warm temperatures and balmy breezes.  Will you be out & about to enjoy this marvelous weather?

KICA News: When KICA holds an event, photos are posted to the KICA web site.  Have you visited the site to see the photos from DogToberFest? 

It is cloudy and a little wet on Kiawah this morning. After several days of predicted rain & overcast skies, the rain finally showed up late yesterday.  It continued on through last night, so the island has gotten quite a thorough soaking.  If it's all the same to Mother Nature, could we please have the sun back now?

Weather: It is 73 degrees at 9:00 this morning. That is quite a change from recent mornings! Highs in the low eighties today with a 20% chance of rain. Lows tonight in the low sixties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One Black-crowned night heron, one writing spider, one golden silk spider, one raccoon, two female and one male white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 27, 2009

Kiawah is overcast this morning once again. Thus far no rain has shown up, but the clouds don't seem to want to leave either!

Fall has arrived on our fair island.  Though Kiawah does not have the brilliant reds and yellows of South Carolina's mountains  or northern climes, we do have definite color changes in the fall.  We have purple sweet grass, gold and browns in the marsh, and orange bittersweet berries.

Weather: It is 61 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Rain is likely today, with a higher chance this afternoon. Highs today near seventy, with a 50% chance of showers. Lows in the upper sixties tonight with a 70% chance.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One red-tailed hawk, one writing spider, one golden silk spider, one anhinga, one raccoon, two female white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 26, 2009

It is cloudy and cool on Kiawah this morning. Last night's 20% chance of showers never materialized. Apparently they were delayed a bit, as the island is gray and overcast this morning.       

Island News: Repaving of the Kiawah Island Parkway began Sunday, October 25th. The work is done at night and there will be lane closures and traffic delays. The work hours for lane closures will be from 7 pm until 7 am and will last for approximately two weeks. Please use caution and be patient with the traffic delays which will be minimized as best as possible. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Town Hall at 768-9166.

Weather: It is 61 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Highs near seventy today, lows near sixty.  There is a 20% chance of rain all day & evening.

Weekend Kiawah Critter Count  Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: Three writing spiders, two golden silk spiders, two yellow-bellied sapsuckers, three anhinga, one raccoon, five female and three male white-tailed deer, one belted kingfisher, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 23, 2009 Week-end Edition

Kiawah is sunny and beautiful this morning.  We are already headed into the final full week-end of October.  Can you believe it?  November is nearly here, with plans for the holidays not far behind.       

Island News: Repaving of the Kiawah Island Parkway will begin on Sunday, October 25th. The work will be done at night and there will be lane closures and traffic delays. The work hours for lane closures will be from 7 pm until 7 am and will last for approximately two weeks. Please use caution and be patient with the traffic delays which will be minimized as best as possible. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Town Hall at 768-9166.

Rhett's Bluff Sunset Kathy Heikes captured this brilliant sunset on a recent evening at the dock at Rhett's Bluff.

Week-end Weather: It is 65 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. There is a slight chance of rain for the next couple of days, but it appears that we have a wonderful week-end on the way! Highs Friday in the low eighties with a 20% chance of rain. Lows in the mid-sixties with a 30% chance. The chance of showers increases to 40% for Saturday, with highs in the upper seventies, and lows in the upper fifties. Sunday should bring highs in the mid-seventies, with lows in the upper fifties.  There is a 20% chance of rain Sunday evening.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One lone golden silk spider, one anhinga,two raccoons, two female and one male white-tailed deer, one anole, one belted kingfisher, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 22, 2009

It is overcast on Kiawah this morning, and thankfully much warmer than recent mornings.  The island has had a twenty degree swing towards summer since yesterday morning!  All of those in favor of warmer temperatures give a shout!   

Did you know?  Tonight is the final night for the the Orionids meteor shower. These are relatively small showers, with 15 to 25 meteors per hour.  For best viewing, take a beach towel or a lawn chair out to the beach and look to the South between 2 and 4 a.m.  For the past three years, Orionid rates have been unusually high, with reports of 60 or more meteors per hour. Researchers believe this is a result of some very old and rich debris from Comet Halley drifting across Earth's orbit. Computer models of the debris suggest that it is still in the neighborhood, so the trend of "good Orionids" could continue in 2009.

Weather: It is 61 degrees at 9:00 this morning. The current cloud cover is supposed to clear by this afternoon, leaving sunshine in its wake. Highs today should be in the mid-seventies, lows in the upper sixties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  Two golden silk spiders, one anhinga, one raccoon, three female and two male white-tailed deer, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 21, 2009

Kiawah is sunny this morning, but it is not exactly toasty outside. However, it looks like another fabulous day on Kiawah! It should be mostly sunny today, a perfect day for being outside and enjoying this cool weather. 

Did you know?  Tonight and tomorrow the Orionids meteor showers will be in town. They are relatively small showers, with 15 to 25 meteors per hour.  For best viewing, take a beach towel or a lawn chair out to the beach and look to the South between 2 and 4 a.m.  If the weather cooperates, you will see swift streaks of light flash through the sky.  Oh, and you had better take a blanket!  Brrrrrrrr...

For the past three years, Orionid rates have been unusually high, with reports of 60 or more meteors per hour. Researchers believe this is a result of some very old and rich debris from Comet Halley drifting across Earth's orbit. Computer models of the debris suggest that it is still in the neighborhood, so the trend of "good Orionids" could continue in 2009.

Weather: It is 47 degrees at 9:00 this morning, just ever so slightly warmer than yesterday morning. Thank goodness! Today's high should be today in the mid-seventies, the low in the low sixties.   

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One bald eagle, two golden silk spiders, one anhinga, two raccoons, two female and one male white-tailed deer, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 20, 2009

It is sunny on Kiawah this morning, and once again we have chilly temperatures.  Since temperatures are supposed to hit the seventies today, perhaps we will not see such nippy weather tomorrow morning?  Brrrrrr...

KICA News: When KICA holds an event, photos are posted to the KICA web site.  Have you visited the site to see the photos from Beach Polo? 

Weather: It is 43 degrees at 9:00 this morning. YIKES! That is even colder than yesterday morning. Highs today in the low seventies, lows in the low fifties tonight.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One Monarch butterfly, one osprey, one golden silk spider, one raccoon, two female white-tailed deer, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 19, 2009

Kiawah is sunny this morning but more than just a little chilly. It is downright COLD out there!  Mother Nature has certainly given us a wake up call.  Each year we experience a week or so of cool weather before it warms up again - usually lasting through the beginning of December.  Stay warm out there!

Weather: It is 48 degrees at 9:15 this morning. Holy cow that's cold for October on Kiawah! Highs in the mid-sixties today, lows in the low fifties.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count  Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: Two ladder-backed woodpeckers, one Monarch butterfly, two osprey, two golden silk spiders, three raccoons, six double-crested cormorants, four female and two male white-tailed deer, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 16, 2009 Week-end Edition

It is a bit warmer on Kiawah this morning than yesterday - thank goodness! Showers are predicted for today, but it should clear up tonight for the remainder of the week-end.  Do you have big plans for this week-end?

Golden Spider Looks like this golden silk spider has chosen quite the appropriate home for her web!

Week-end Weather: It is 63 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. We will probably receive some rain today, but the rest of the week-end looks high and dry. Highs Friday near seventy with a 70% chance of showers. Expect lows in the low fifties. Saturday's high should be in the mid-sixties, with lows near fifty. The high Sunday is supposed to be in the low sixties, with lows in the mid-forties.  Brrrrrr...

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One osprey, three golden silk spiders, one raccoon, two double-crested cormorants, two female white-tailed deer, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 15, 2009

Kiawah is downright nippy this morning! Yesterday's rain left us with far cooler temperatures and clouds.  It is just the sort of morning that makes you want to snuggle back under the covers with some hot chocolate. Are you ready for this cooler weather?   

Weather: It is a chilly 56 degrees at 9:10 this morning. No possibility of rain is forecast until this evening, but today won't exactly be beach weather! Highs near seventy. Lows tonight near sixty, with a 40% chance of showers.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One osprey, three raccoons, one double-crested cormorant, two female white-tailed deer, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 14, 2009

It is cloudy and cool on Kiawah this morning, with no sunshine in sight.  We can expect cool weather and rain today, with heavier showers this afternoon. 

Did you know? Today is National Dessert Day!  Sounds like the perfect excuse to eat something decadent.  Who wants cake?  

Weather: It is 65 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Hope you were able to get your outdoor time in yesterday, because today looks like it will be rainy. Highs today in the low seventies, lows in the mid-fifties, both with a 100% chance of showers.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One osprey, one raccoon, two double-crested cormorants, two female and one male white-tailed deer, one American alligator, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 13, 2009

Kiawah is mostly overcast this morning, though the sun appears to be making a valiant effort to poke through the clouds.

Have you noticed all the busy squirrels lately? We seem to have a bumper crop of acorns this year, and the squirrels are industriously running to and fro, stashing acorns for cooler weather.      

Weather: It is 64 degrees at 9:00 this morning. We should be free of rain today, but it looks like it returns tomorrow, so get your outdoor time today! Highs in the upper seventies, lows in the mid-sixties with a 20% chance of showers.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One bald eagle, one osprey, one double-crested cormorant, two female white-tailed deer, two American alligators, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 12, 2009

It is overcast on Kiawah this morning. Though the sky is gray and cloudy, the temperature is nice and cool. If you don't mind a little rain, it would be perfect walking weather! When was the last time that you took a walk in the rain?    

Island News: Learn about diamondback terrapins and a world-class study occurring on Kiawah!  Go to the Heron Park Nature Center from 2:30 to 3:30 this afternoon. There will be diamondback terrapins on hand for the visit.

Weather: It is 67 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Showers would seem to be our lot today, with a higher chance of thundershowers this afternoon. Highs should be in the mid-seventies with a 50% chance of showers. Lows tonight in the mid-sixties with a 70% chance.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count  Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: One bald eagle, two osprey, three male ruby-throated hummingbirds, two black vultures, four male and two female white-tailed deer, two American alligators, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 9, 2009 Week-end Edition

Kiawah is sunny and quite simply gorgeous this morning!  October has certainly begun with wonderful weather and reasons to spend time outdoors.  Here's hoping you get some serious outside time this week-end!    

KPOG News: KPOG hosts a mid-year informational meeting at the Turtle Point Clubhouse at 9:00 am on Saturday, October 10th.  There will be no KPOG business on the agenda for this meeting, which is open to everyone (not just KPOG members). Click here for more information.

Turtle News: The last nest of the season hatched earlier this week and was evaluated Friday morning. The final nest total was 128.

Week-end Weather: It is 69 degrees at 9:05 Friday morning. Our week-end is shaping up to be amazing! Highs Friday in the mid-eighties, lows in the low seventies.  Saturday should bring a high in the upper eighties with a 20% chance of showers. Lows are supposed to be in the low seventies with a 40% chance.  Highs Sunday should be low eighties, the low in the upper sixties.  There is a 40% chance of rain throughout Sunday.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One bald eagle, one male ruby-throated hummingbird, one male and two female white-tailed deer, two American alligators, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 8, 2009

It is sunny and cool on Kiawah this morning. It is another glorious day on our little island! The birds are singing, there is a light breeze blowing, and the sky is a fabulous azure blue.  How will you be spending this wonderful day?     

KPOG News: KPOG hosts a mid-year informational meeting at the Turtle Point Clubhouse at 9:00 am on Saturday, October 10th.  There will be no KPOG business on the agenda for this meeting, which is open to everyone (not just KPOG members). Click here for more information.

Astronomy 101: Tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. EST, NASA will be "shooting the moon"! The LCROSS spacecraft and its Centaur booster rocket will plunge one after another into a shadowed crater near the Moon's south pole. The spectacular double-impact will be shown live on NASA TV from the point of view of the LCROSS spacecraft. Meanwhile, impact debris plumes emerging from the crater may be visible through backyard telescopes. North American sky watchers west of the Mississippi river are favored with darkness and good views of the Moon at the time of impact. Visit http://spaceweather.com for observing tips and full coverage. 

Weather: It is 63 degrees at 9:05 this morning. It is a far cooler and less humid morning than recent days! Highs near eighty today, lows in the mid-sixties tonight.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One wood stork, one male and two female ruby-throated hummingbirds, one male and one female white-tailed deer, one American alligator, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 7, 2009

Kiawah is partly cloudy this morning. But at least today we see some patches of blue sky when we look up!  The birds seem happy about the partially sunny skies too, as they are singing their little hearts out this morning.  Do you hear birdsong right now?   

KPOG News: KPOG hosts a mid-year informational meeting at the Turtle Point Clubhouse at 9:00 am on Saturday, October 10th.  There will be no KPOG business on the agenda for this meeting, which is open to everyone (not just KPOG members). Click here for more information.

Weather: It is 72 degrees at 9:05 this morning. It's fairly humid outside, so it looks like a warm, muggy day is in store for us. Highs today in the upper eighties with a 30% chance of rain. Lows tonight in the mid-sixties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  Three ruby-throated hummingbirds, one anhinga, two male and one female white-tailed deer, two American alligators, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 6, 2009

It is mostly overcast on Kiawah this morning. The sun has been valiantly trying to push the clouds aside, but thus far, only a few meager rays have managed to escape the cloud cover.  Do you have sunshine where you are today?   

KPOG News: KPOG hosts a mid-year informational meeting at the Turtle Point Clubhouse at 9:00 am on Saturday, October 10th.  There will be no KPOG business on the agenda for this meeting, which is open to everyone (not just KPOG members). Click here for more information.

Island News: It's done! It's done! That's right, the new bike path to Freshfields has been paved!  There are still a few minor things to do, and with the rain today it is doubtful that any work will be accomplished.  But the paving portion of the path is finished and we await its official opening.  Get ready all you cyclists!  Note: there are still a few safety features to finish up, so please do NOT use the path until it is officially opened.  Stay tuned... 

Weather: It is 63 degrees at 9:05 this morning. Despite the current cloud cover, no rain is predicted for today. Highs in the mid-seventies, lows in the mid-sixties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One ruby-throated hummingbird, two male white-tailed deer, one American alligator,  several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 5, 2009

Kiawah is currently gray and overcast. It has been raining steadily for a few hours now - we are certainly getting a thorough soaking.   

Island News: It's done! It's done! That's right, the new bike path to Freshfields has been paved!  There are still a few minor things to do, and with the rain today it is doubtful that any work will be accomplished.  But the path is finished and we await its official opening.  Get ready all you cyclists! 

Weather: It is 61 degrees at 8:35 this morning. It looks like the showers should be leaving later today - at least we hope so! Highs near seventy with a 100% chance of rain. Lows tonight in the low sixties with a 50% chance.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count  Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: One black vulture, one female painted bunting, three ruby-throated hummingbirds, lots of Gulf Fritillary butterflies, four male and three female white-tailed deer, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 2, 2009 Week-end Edition

It is raining lightly on Kiawah this morning.  Our week-end begins with a little rain, but we really could use some, so who's complaining?

Astronomy 101: Sunday the 4th is the Full Hunter's Moon. This time of year the leaves are falling and the deer are fattened.  It was time to hunt for the Indians. Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can easily see fox and the animals which have come out to glean.

Grasses at Rhett's Bluff Kathy Heikes took this photo at Rhett's Bluff a week or so ago.  

KICA News: Photos of the Beach Polo match on September 20th are now up on the KICA web site.  Click here to view...

Week-end Weather: It is 65 degrees at 9:05 Friday morning. The rain should clear out no later than tomorrow, leaving us with a terrific week-end! Highs in the low eighties Friday, lows in the upper sixties, both with a 20% chance of showers.  Saturday's high is supposed to be in the low eighties, with lows in the upper fifties. There is a 30% chance of rain during both.  Highs on Sunday should be in the low eighties, with lows near sixty.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One female painted bunting, three ruby-throated hummingbirds, dozens of Gulf Fritillary butterflies, one male and two female white-tailed deer, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

October 1, 2009

This morning Kiawah is once again sunny and cool.  We begin October with a glorious day!  Cool breezes, lovely sunshine, and it is just downright GORGEOUS outside.  Will you be out and about today to enjoy this fabulous weather?

Oyster season kicks off today, in case you have a hankerin' for some cocktail sauce...  

Weather: It is 58 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Could Mother Nature have given us a more perfect day? Highs near eighty today, lows tonight in the mid-sixties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One female painted bunting, one ruby-throated hummingbird, one writing spider, dozens of Gulf Fritillary butterflies, one male and two female white-tailed deer, several brown pelicans, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.