From Hudsons to Sunset

"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving."~Lao Tzu

We drove around on Hilton Head and took in the unexpected vistas around each bend and over every bridge. Our minds experienced the lives of the rich and famous, as we admired the landscape, and snapped photos to re-visit the places time and again.

Hudsons on the Docks was our idea of the perfect seaside restaurant, with the best seafood anyone could imagine, and the atmosphere of being by the docks with super friendly people. It was wonderful. I highly recommend it to everyone. It was not super fancy, as a couple places next door, but was just exactly our type of place.

These birds call the docks at Hudsons "home" and were happily perched on top of the boats awaiting an easy meal.

There is a fascination with the shrimp boats and all the rigging and nets that go into the great meals we enjoyed. The life of the fisherman is not glamorous, but many of them would not trade for any other profession. Their boats are their life. I always enjoy reading the names of the boats and knowing that vessel truly has a story to tell.

After lunch, we needed a walk and found the perfect spot--Audubon Newhall Preserve. We strolled through the tall pines, surrounded by the stillness of the woodland. Our footsteps were muffled by the pine needles and the sweet song of birds filled the air.

As the sun's rays separated the boughs, the palms were illuminated and begged to be photographed.

Soon it was approaching the end of day and we wanted to visit Harbour Town at sunset. We were not disappointed, as the sun began to sink, the boats were sailing in and Old Glory was waving in the breeze.

This gull picked his special seat for the prime view of sunset. It is good he didn't charge for the pictures people took of him, for he was a star.

As night approached, it was appropriate that I captured a shot of the South Carolina state logo, as the moon was over the palmetto tree and the lighthouse and flag were standing watch.

The close of a beautiful day.

Sights from Harbour Town

Outside our hotel the beautiful Spanish moss dangled like pendants

from the boughs of the live oaks. I love it!!

What fun it was to drive to Harbour Town and experience the water, boats, lighthouse and seashore. The weather could not have been any nicer, and being late in the season, there weren't any crowds. We just took in the fresh air, sounds of the birds and waves, and watched people coming in on sailboats, and going out on fishing excursions.

We did climb to the top of the Lighthouse, and walked outside to enjoy sights from all sides. The wind blew through our hair and the sunshine warmed our faces, while we watched the people
below. The next picture was taken from the top of the Lighthouse and you can see one young mother watching her two little children explore beach, and gather special shells to take home for treasures.

There are shops to catch the eye of everyone, especially us ladies!! And lots of red rocking chairs outside for the gentlemen. Sea food with tables by the water and in the evening, live music fills the air. I saw the cutest little maybe 2 year-old girl dancing in the sand to the song "Sweet Caroline" with her Mama. Vacation memories that bring back smiles.

Here is a couple that we saw who had 4 beautiful golden retrievers. They were so well behaved and cared for, and everyone stopped to admire them. They seemed to love all the attention from we tourists at Harbour Town.

In the afternoon we wanted to visit some nature spots, so we drove to the Coastal Discovery Museum and walked around the grounds, historic buildings, and out on the boardwalks in the marshes. There was also a butterfly house there and lots of active "flying-flowers" filled the air.

There were some very unusual plants there too, and I had to take a few pictures of them, and may someday know what they are???? They will surely be a part of the interesting finds on Hilton Head.

I will close for this evening, and try to return with a follow-up on Hudson on the Docks, and sunset over the water. It is great fun to recall and share our journey. God bless you all!

Sunrise on Hilton Head Island

Us at sunrise on Hilton Head beach September 29, 2009.

This past week we have been on a little trip to Georgia and South Carolina. It was good to visit with family and spend a little time reminiscing and reminding one another that we are always close in heart although sometimes miles separate us.


While on the road we journeyed to Hilton Head, South Carolina and were blessed with perfect weather, and so much beauty no camera could ever capture it all. After arriving Monday evening, and having a scrumptious seafood dinner at the Grumpy Grouper, we arose early to be on the beach at sunrise. As you can guess, this was my idea, not Leon's---he wasn't quite sure what a sunrise was!! But once he was out there and saw the magnificence of the sun awakening the ocean to a new day, he agreed it was a very special event.

A few other people were smart enough to get out of their comfy beds and at the water's edge before 7 A.M. It was such a quiet serene place. When we first arrived there were dolphins swimming just about 25 feet from shore. Later the pelicans came by. All the creatures had begun their day.

Here Leon caught me with camera in hand and sand between my toes, as I enjoyed being saturated with the sights, sounds and feelings of the ocean in the early morning hours.

I could not resist leaving a message in the sand, sharing with the world that VAS +LLS had been there.

This was just the beginning of many adventures on our journey over the past 7 days. I hope to share a few more chapters with you in the upcoming days. Since it is the wee hours of the morning now, and we just got home at 9 P.M. it is time I "journey" to bed and get some sleep.
Nite All!!!!