It is partly sunny on Kiawah this morning.  Once more we have the ever-present threat of showers. 

Where has July gone? This July has been a bit cooler than normal, with our temperatures in the upper eighties instead of near 100. 

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol has passed along their latest update: As of July 29th, there are 215 loggerhead nests on our beach. This puts the turtles at 12 fewer nests than Kiawah's best nesting year (1999). "Sea turtles dig the dark!", so remember, "Lights out for sea turtles"!

Hula Grandchildren Mickey Ball's grandchildren certainly look like island kids, don't they? Blake, Avalon and Helena on our beach. Mickey says "Who needs Hawaii when we have Kiawah?"

Weather: It is 82 degrees at 9:05 this morning.  There is a heat advisory again today, (slightly cooler thank goodness!) with the heat index reaching 103.  Highs today in the upper eighties, lows in the upper seventies, both with a 40% chance of rain.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Six baby loggerhead turtles, two female white-tailed deer, one five-lined skink, three American alligators, one osprey, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 30, 2008

Kiawah is sunny and warm this morning. Storms showed up late yesterday with a vengeance, and Kiawah was the recipient of crashing thunder and lightning. The showers covered the golden silk spider webs with mist, giving them an almost decorative effect.   

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol has passed along their latest update: As of July 29th, there are 215 loggerhead nests on our beach. This puts the turtles at 12 fewer nests than Kiawah's best nesting year (1999). "Sea turtles dig the dark!", so remember, "Lights out for sea turtles"!

Weather: It is 80 degrees at 9:10 this morning.  We have another heat advisory today, with the heat index reaching 106.  Highs today in the upper eighties, lows in the upper seventies, both with a 20% chance of showers.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two white-tailed deer, one five-lined skink, one anole, one American alligator, one osprey, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 29, 2008

It is sunny on Kiawah this morning.  Big fat fluffy clouds are drifting lazily across the sky, but no rain is in sight just yet.  It is getting hotter and hotter as we approach August - guess the dog days of summer are howling! 

Turtle News: There are 213 nests on Kiawah's beach as of July 26th.  The nests are hatching like crazy now, often with 2 per night.  So if you are out on the beach, be on the look out for baby loggerheads!

Weather: It is 78 degrees at 9:05 this morning.  Once again we have a heat advisory today, with the heat index reaching 106 this afternoon.  Highs in the upper eighties, lows in the upper seventies, both with a 20% chance of rain.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two white-tailed deer, six brown pelicans, two American alligators, one osprey, one red-winged blackbird, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 28, 2008

Kiawah is sunny and quite warm this morning.  It seems that we have a hot week headed our way.

Turtle News: There are 213 nests on Kiawah's beach as of July 26th.  The nests are hatching like crazy now, often with 2 per night.  So if you are out on the beach, be on the look out for baby loggerheads!

Weather: It is 84 degrees at 9:15 this morning.  There is a heat advisory today, with the heat index reaching 104 this afternoon.  The heat index this evening will drop to 102. Yikes!  Highs today in the upper eighties with a 20% chance of thundershowers. Tonight's low should be near eighty.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various times and places around Kiawah over the week-end: five> moorhens, two wood ibis, nine white-tailed deer, roughly two dozen brown pelicans, twelve American alligators, two osprey,one broad-headed skink, three red-winged blackbirds, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 25, 2008 Week-end Edition

It is sunny and humid on Kiawah this morning.  We are headed into what looks like a glorious week-end, complete with lots of sunshine and warm weather.  Beach, anyone?

Turtle News: There are 211 nests on Kiawah's beach as of July 25th.  With roughly two weeks left in nesting season, it certainly seems that our mama loggerheads will break the recent record (in 2003) of 225 nests!  Go mamas!  Please remember to turn off your flashlights on the beach at night, and to shield any ocean side lighting after 9 p.m.  Sea turtles dig the dark!

Shrimp Boats Bob Struble shares these shrimp boats with the following poem thrown in for good measure:

Shrimp boats is a comin'
Their sails are in sight
Shrimp boats is a comin'
There's dancin' tonight.

And just where they comin’ from? Frequently seen off Kiawah’s coast, many call Rockville home port.

Week-end Weather: It is 80 degrees at 8:45 Friday  morning.  We have the perfect week-end for spending time outdoors.  Friday's high should be in the upper eighties, lows in the mid-seventies.  It appears that Saturday will be a repeat of Friday -  highs in the upper eighties, and lows in the mid-seventies.  Last but not least, Sunday is supposed to bring us a high near ninety with a 30% chance of rain.  Lows Sunday night should be in the mid-seventies with a 20% chance of showers.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One ruby-throated hummingbird, four white-tailed deer, eleven brown pelicans, one American alligator, one broad-headed skink, three red-winged blackbirds, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 24, 2008

Kiawah is sunny and warm this morning.  It looks to be another glorious day in paradise!

Turtle News: A nest in Zone 3 (near the Beach Club) "boiled" (hatched) this morning just as the turtle patrollers were walking up to check the nest!  More than three dozen baby loggerheads wriggled their way across the sand and into the ocean.  What a sight to see!

KICA News: MUSC's mobile health screening unit is here today performing free mammogram screenings.  It will return in August with free prostrate screenings.  Call Jessica at the Sandcastle (768-3875) for details.

Weather: It is 76 degrees at 8:45 this morning.  It should be a bit cooler again today - thank goodness! Highs today in the upper eighties with a 20% chance of rain. Tonight's low should be in the low seventies.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Roughly forty baby loggerhead turtles hatching, a doe & her fawn, seven brown pelicans, one red-winged blackbird, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 23, 2008

It is sunny on Kiawah this morning and just a bit cooler than recent mornings. The island is bursting with color now. The pink crepe myrtles near the front gate are boasting loads of blossoms. Tiny purple blooms top patches of monkey grass, and all manner of annuals are sprinkled around our flower beds. All the rain must be responsible... When was the last time you remember a July with this much color? 

The past two days were the hottest so far this summer. Whew!  Folks were wilting in the heat, with loads of people taking advantage of the ocean and pools.   

Weather: It is 80 degrees at 9:00 this morning.  Fortunately there is no heat advisory today! Highs in the mid-eighties with a 40% chance of showers. Lows tonight in the mid-seventies with a 50% chance of rain.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Five baby loggerhead turtles, three white-tailed deer, roughly a dozen brown pelicans, one male cardinal, two red-winged blackbirds, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 22, 2008

Kiawah is sunny this morning and already toasty.  It should be a warm but great morning for the Sweetgrass Harvest.  Traffic disruptions will be kept at a minimum, but delays may occur, especially in the following locations:

• The outbound lane at Betsy Kerrison (leaving Kiawah) will be closed. Traffic leaving the island will need to enter the traffic circle to exit. Traffic will be detoured around the first two overpasses.

• The parkway will be closed from Kiawah Beach Drive to Sora Rail. Signs will be placed at all affected corners to direct traffic back on to the parkway.

• The overpass at the Vanderhorst Gate will have flagmen to direct traffic. Only one lane of the road will be open for travel.

If you have any questions regarding traffic on the island during the harvesting, please contact association Safety Coordinator Loni Nicholaou at loni.nicholaou@kica.us or by phone at (843) 302-4537.

Green Heron Bob Smith of Charlotte, NC captured this green heron on film in The Preserve last week.

Weather: It is 75 degrees at 8:10 this morning.  Once more we have a heat advisory from noon until 9:00 p.m. The heat index is supposed to reach 107.  Today's high should be in the low nineties, the low in the upper seventies, both with a 20% chance of rain.  

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two white-tailed deer, one anole, eight brown pelicans, one red-winged blackbird, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 21, 2008

It is sunny and already warm on Kiawah this morning.  Temperatures are headed into the nineties today - we are certainly in the dog days of summer!   

What are you reading? So far folks have said:

Southerners- A Portrait of A People by Charles Kuralt

A Primate's Memoir by Robert Sapolsky

The Memory of Water by Karen White

Post American World by Fareed Zakaria

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

Anyone else? Click here to tell us what you are reading.

Weather: It is 83 degrees at 9:10 this morning.  We have another heat advisory for today from noon until 9:00 p.m. The heat index is supposed to reach 106.  Highs today in the low nineties, lows in the upper seventies. 

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various places around Kiawah during the week-end: eight white-tailed deer, three bottle-nosed dolphins, one wood stork, three anoles, seventeen brown pelicans, three red-winged blackbirds, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive

July 18, 2008  Week-end Edition

Kiawah is damp and drizzly this morning with overcast skies.  We are headed into what could possibly be a wet week-end.  Perhaps you have a good book in mind, just in case?  What are you reading?  Click here to tell us your current book.   Results will be posted next week.  

If you don't have a good book in mind, why not stop by Indigo Books on Sunday, July 20th, between 3:00 & 5:00 pm?  Author Mary Alice Monroe will be there to sign copies of her new book, Time Is a River.

Fun fact #1: Tonight is the Full Buck Moon - This moon is so named because July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, for the reason that thunderstorms are most frequent during this time.

Fun fact #2: Today is National Ice Cream Day!  Sounds like a good excuse to eat some, doesn't it?

Week-end Weather: It is 76 degrees at 9:10 Friday  morning.  This odd weather system has a couple more days before it turns tail and heads elsewhere.  Highs Friday in the mid-eighties, lows in the mid-seventies, both with a 70% chance of rain.  Saturday should bring a high in the upper eighties, a low in the upper seventies, and a 50% chance of showers for both.  Watch for it to warm up on Sunday, with a high in the low nineties.  Despite the 20% chance of rain, there is supposed to be a heat advisory Sunday afternoon. The heat index is supposed to be 103!  Lows Sunday night in the upper seventies.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Three white-tailed deer, one anole, four brown pelicans, one red-winged blackbird, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 17, 2008

It is mostly sunny on Kiawah this morning. We certainly have been receiving our share of rain these days. The tourists must be wondering if they mistakenly arrived in rainy Seattle! But everyone's lawns are certainly appreciative, even if the beachgoers are not!  

KICA News: The final Kiawah Reads event of the summer is this afternoon at 2:00 at the Sandcastle.   The Irish in the South's author, Dr. David Gleeson, will share his book and answer any questions that you may have.

Gulls in Flight Sometimes the skies around the beach are filled with the wings of gulls as they make their way to the next tasty morsel.

Weather: It is 79 degrees at 9:05 this morning.  It looks like there is a much higher chance of rain today - rats!  Highs in the mid-eighties with a 50% chance of showers.  Lows tonight in the mid-seventies with a 60% chance of rain.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Three American Green Tree Frogs, two white-tailed deer, one five-lined skink, six brown pelicans, three red-winged blackbirds, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 16, 2008

Kiawah is mostly cloudy this morning. After our brief showers yesterday, the island has taken on a distinctly green tint.  How nice to have the plants "greening up" during the summer!  

KICA News: Rain or no rain, you may want to pop over to the Sandcastle to check out the Wills & Estate Planning seminar by Kuhn & Kuhn, LLC. The seminar runs from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Please click here for additional information.

Turtle News: Kiawah has 181 nests as of July 13th.  The loggerhead mamas are still coming onto the beach for another 2 or 3 weeks, so we can hope for a record-breaking nesting season.  Go mamas!  The first three nests have hatched!!!

Weather: It is 75 degrees at 8:30 this morning.  Our ever-present chance of rain is still hanging around. Highs today in the mid-eighties, lows in the low seventies.  There is a 30% chance of rain for both.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Four white-tailed deer, three five-lined skinks, three blue jays, about a dozen brown pelicans, one red-winged blackbird, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 15, 2008

It is mostly sunny on Kiawah this morning. Once again we have a day to be outside, as the temperature will not be too hot, nor the humidity too high.  Borrowing from a commercial, "does it get any better than this?"  

Turtle News: Kiawah has 181 nests as of July 13th.  The loggerhead mamas are still coming onto the beach for another 2 or 3 weeks, so we can hope for a record-breaking nesting season.  Go mamas!  The first three nests have hatched!!!

Weather: It is 77 degrees at 9:00 this morning.  Today should be a most excellent day to get outside to play, as there is only a 20% chance of showers. Highs in the mid-eighties, lows in the low seventies.  There is a 20% chance of rain for both.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One American alligator, two white-tailed deer, four brown pelicans, three red-winged blackbirds, one raccoon, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 14, 2008

Kiawah is sunny and warm this morning.  Today seems like the quintessential July day - hot and humid with a chance of rain.  But don't let that stop you from heading out to enjoy the island!  The beach, bike paths, and courts beckon...

Today is Bastille Day for all you Francophiles out there.  Perhaps we should all eat some crepes, drink some good French wine, and celebrate!

Weather: It is 81 degrees at 9:05 this morning.  Today we have another 50-50 chance of showers.  Today's high should be in the upper eighties, the low in the mid-seventies.  There is a 50% chance of rain during both.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: four American alligators, one of whom was taking a stroll across Governor's Drive, seven white-tailed deer, one corn snake, twelve brown pelicans, two male cardinals, five red-winged blackbirds, one raccoon, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 11, 2008 Week-end Edition

It is mostly cloudy on Kiawah this morning, but the sun is trying to shoulder its way through the clouds.  We had quite the lightning show during the rain showers last night - Mother Nature's fireworks!

Turtle News: There are 175 nests on Kiawah as of July 11th.  WOW!  The number of nests is quite close to Kiawah's best year ever (2003) when we ended up with 225 nests on our beach.  There are still 3 to 4 weeks to go, so our mamas could still beat the record!  The first nests should begin to hatch this week, so if you are on the beach early in the morning, keep a sharp eye out for baby turtles. 

Babies on the beach Kiawah's loggerhead nests should begin to hatch any day now - be on the lookout for babies on the beach!

Week-end Weather: It is 79 degrees at 9:15 Friday morning.  Rain is fairly likely today, but it looks like it will clear for the remainder of the week-end. Highs Friday in the upper eighties with a 60% chance of rain.  Lows in the low seventies with a 50% chance.  Saturday is supposed to bring a high in the mid-eighties with a 20% chance of showers.  Lows should be in the mid-seventies.  Last but not least, Sunday's high is supposed to be in the upper eighties, and the low in the mid-seventies.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One bobcat, three white-tailed deer one of which was a fawn that still had its spots,  seven brown pelicans, one male cardinal, three red-winged blackbirds, one raccoon, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 10, 2008

Kiawah is sunny this morning, with a sky full of fluffy clouds.  Will it rain or won't it?  Only Mother Nature knows for sure...      

Turtle News: There are 170 nests on Kiawah as of July 10th.  WOW!  The number of nests is quite close to Kiawah's best year ever (2003) when we ended up with 225 nests on our beach.  There are still 3 to 4 weeks to go, so our mamas could still beat the record!  The first nests should begin to hatch this week, so if you are on the beach early in the morning, keep a sharp eye out for baby turtles. 

KICA News: Don't forget this afternoon's Kiawah Reads event at the Sandcastle.  Authors of the book, The Landscape of Slavery: The Plantation in American Art, will be answering questions and signing their book from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Weather: It is 81 degrees at 9:00 this morning.  As usual for summer on the island there is a chance of rain, but who knows if it will show up or not?  Today's high should be near ninety with a 40% chance of showers.  Lows tonight in the mid-seventies with a 50% chance. 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One osprey, two white-tailed deer, two red-winged blackbirds, one raccoon, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive

July 9, 2008

It is mostly sunny on Kiawah this morning. We received brief bouts of showers yesterday, but nothing serious.      

Turtle News: There are 166 nests on Kiawah as of July 8th.  WOW!  The number of nests is quite close to Kiawah's best year ever (2003) when we ended up with 225 nests on our beach.  There are still 3 to 4 weeks to go, so our mamas could still beat the record!  The first nests should begin to hatch this week, so if you are on the beach early in the morning, keep a sharp eye out for baby turtles. 

Island News: There is another meeting on Johns Island roads this evening at 5:30 at the Johns Island library.  This public meeting will discuss the potential widening of Maybank Highway to four lanes.  Attend and let your voice be heard!

Weather: It is 79 degrees at 9:05 this morning.  Once again there is an ever present slight chance of showers.  That is summer in South Carolina for you!  Highs in the mid-eighties, with a 30% chance of rain.  Tonight's low should be in the mid-seventies with a 20% chance of showers.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Four female and two young male white-tailed deer, three red-winged blackbirds, one raccoon with four babies, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 8, 2008

Kiawah is partly cloudy this morning, but partly sunny too!  Right now there are slight showers but the sun is shining.  Have you seen a rainbow?  

KICA News: This afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the Sandcastle there is a presentation by Director of Land Management Dave Achey.  This presentation will discuss the landscape plan for Governor's Drive between Spartina Court and Blue Heron Pond Road.  Members may view the plans now by visiting the association Web site at www.kica.us/PhIIIB.htm. You can comment on the plans on the site or by sending an e-mail to dave.achey@kica.us.

Gator Talk? Mickey Ball says she watched and listened to this alligator while it roared at a friend.

Weather: It is 79 degrees at 9:05 this morning.  Rain could be sporadic throughout the day today.  Highs in the mid-eighties, with a 30% chance of showers.  Tonight's low should be in the mid-seventies with a 20% chance of rain.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two white-tailed deer, one red-winged blackbird, one anole, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 7, 2008

It is overcast on Kiawah this morning, and thunder is rumbling in the distance.  We have already had some brief showers this morning, and it looks like more are on the way.  This is a great day to grab a good book & settle in for some serious reading!  What is on your reading list these days?    

Weather: It is 74 degrees at 9:05 this morning.  Looks like we have a wet one in store today...  Highs in the mid-eighties, lows tonight in the mid-seventies.  There is a 60% chance of showers during both. 

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: one writing spider, two wood storks, one large and one tiny American alligator, six white-tailed deer, three red-winged blackbirds, dozens of brown pelicans, two tiny anoles, one five-lined skink, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 4, 2008 Happy Fourth of July!  Week-end Edition

Kiawah is partly sunny this morning, with fluffy clouds floating through the sky.  

Happy Birthday America!

Celebrate!   There are loads of fun things to do to celebrate Independence Day...

9:45 a.m. - Bike Parade around Sea Forest Dr. & Night Heron Park

11:00 - 1:00 p.m. Horseshoes on the beach near the Sandcastle

11:00 - 4:00 p.m. Cook-out at the Sandcastle

11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Karaoke at the Sandcastle

1:00 - 2:15 p.m. Face painting at the Sandcastle

2:30 - 3:00 p.m. Children's Parade at the Sandcastle

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Limbo, bean bag toss, & piňata at the Sandcastle

9:30 p.m. Fireworks courtesy of the Kiawah Island resort

Patriotic Anole Apparently even the anoles get into the spirit of things for Independence Day!  Jane Waltman captured this one on film showing his colors. 

Week-end Weather: It is 84 degrees at 9:10 Friday morning.  It is going to be a terrific day for your Fourth of July celebrations!  Highs Friday in the mid-eighties, lows tonight in the low seventies.  There is a 20% chance of rain for both.  Saturday's high should be in the mid-eighties, the lows in the mid-seventies.  There is a 30% chance of showers throughout Saturday.  Last, but not least, Sunday is supposed to bring highs in the upper eighties and lows in the mid-seventies.  There is a 50% chance of rain Sunday.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One writing spider, two wood storks, three female white-tailed deer, one red-winged blackbird, seventeen brown pelicans, one anole, one five-lined skink, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 3, 2008

It is sunny and warm on Kiawah this morning. Mother Nature is still cooperating, bestowing warm temperatures and soft ocean breezes.  

Turtle News: Kiawah's beach had 134 nests as of June 30th. We are well on our way to a good nesting season.  The babies should begin to hatch sometime in the next week or so...  

Weather: It is 81 degrees at 9:00 this morning.  It should be another glorious day on Kiawah!  Highs today in the mid-eighties, lows tonight in the low seventies.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One writing spider, two female white-tailed deer, two red-winged blackbirds, nine brown pelicans, one very tiny five-lined skink, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 2, 2008

Kiawah is sunny and cool this morning. It looks like today will be one of those picture perfect summer days - one where you can spend time enjoying the outdoors without melting into a humidity puddle.  Do you plan to get outside and play today?  

Turtle News: Kiawah's beach had 134 nests as of June 30th. We are well on our way to a good nesting season.  The babies should begin to hatch sometime in the next week or so...  

Weather: It is 76 degrees at 8:35 this morning.  Mother Nature has another fabulous summer day in store for us today!  Highs near ninety, lows in the low seventies.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One writing spider, two female and one male white-tailed deer, one five-lined skink, one anole, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

July 1, 2008

It is sunny on Kiawah this morning.  It is supposed to be a lovely day of warm temperatures and low humidity.  What a terrific way to start July! 

It is amazing that June is over already. It seems just yesterday it was Memorial Day and the island was preparing for the annual influx of visitors. Yet here we are in July!

Osprey Marylynn Stubler captured these two osprey just across from Willet Pond. What do you think they are discussing? 

Weather: It is 75 degrees at 9:00 this morning.  There is no rain on the horizon today! Highs in the upper eighties, lows near seventy.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One writing spider, five brown pelicans, one anole, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.