Postcard from Kiawah

Take me to Kiawah Island, South Carolina in April.  With its pristine golf courses, long sand-packed beach (perfect for beach bike rides), abundance of wildlife and sun-kissed weather, it has become my favourite home away from home.

Kiawah’s beauty has a way of capturing the soul of its visitors. Life on Kiawah is quite literally picture perfect. Relaxation and tranquility come with the territory. Motorbikes are not allowed. ‘Quiet hours’ are enforced between 11 p.m. - 7 a.m.

“When facing the ocean, deck lights and shades must be down from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. from May 15 to October 31, which is loggerhead turtle nesting season, to help the hatchling turtles head toward the ocean, rather than to artificial light which confuses their sense of direction.” (Article 20 of my rental contract.) Gotta love it. Note to self: one day I will join the volunteer turtle night watch team to ensure baby turtle hatchlings get safe passage to the ocean’s edge.

This  year we had more time to appreciate Kiawah’s rich abundance of activities (in addition to indulging in The Sanctuary‘s award winning spa). Morning walks on the beach were my favourite way to start the day.  First footprints in the sand, treasure hunting for sand dollars and whelks.  Jellyfish sightings. Amusement at watching the seagulls and sandpipers on the morning buffet line, “Mine, mine, mine!” they screeched protectively of their morning catch when they saw me coming.

Sunrise on Kiawah Beach - and the morning buffet line

Kiawah also has an excellent nature conservancy. We joined island naturalists with a passion for fish and wildlife on walks and rides into the ‘outdoor classroom’ and got up close and personal to the island’s 400+ resident alligator population and 26-strong wild dolphin pod. We happened across two of the 40 tagged bobcats (rare encounters apparently) and lost track of the number of white egrets and pelicans we saw. We watched mackerel jump in golf course ponds like popcorn and were delighted at the sight of a bald eagle soaring overhead.

At night I would fall asleep to the waves crashing against the shore. I woke upon my return to Belgium missing this soothing sound – only to be replaced by the dull drone of the neighbouring motorway. My mind turning over the possibilities, could I one day afford a place on Kiawah?  When can I go back?  Do I need to wait until April? (Island residents say October and November are beautiful months to visit too when the sweet grass is in bloom.)

Does ‘Big Mama 400 pound alligator’ sun herself in front of her multi-million dollar second residence in autumn? Do adolescent dolphins still find amusement at sneaking up to unsuspecting dogs and giving them a splash or pulling off string bikinis on tourists bragging about their swim with wild dolphins? These stories are too good to be made up! Is the best place for shell seekers really at both ends of the island?  I look forward to going back and finding out. And may I always continue to share the secrets of this low country island jewel with the special people in my life.

See also: Kiawah-ta? Friends, fun and alligators

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