Penning Photography Daily

There’s always something to be discovered, no matter how familiar a location seems to be. That was the case with Hilton Head for us today. We ventured to Sea Pines plantation in search of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, which we’d read about but never explored.

Wow!

This is too big, at 450+ acres, to explore in one afternoon. Karen and I started our journey through this lost in time preserve late in the afternoon. To the ancient Native Indian Shell Ring we went first. The paths were wide and, with the exception of some low and soggy spots, in very good condition.

As we approached the shell ring, I remarked to Karen that it had the feel of a cathedral, a place very well preserved and maintained for all to appreciate the wonders held within. The ring is 140 feet wide, and made of the shells of millions of oysters. It’s speculated by anthropologists that community ceremonies were held within the ring.

Our favorite of the 3 hour walk was the seemingly endless boardwalk through the swamp.This photo gives you a taste of what it was like. The sounds of civilization were mostly hushed by the gentle breeze through the trees, punctuated by the call of birds. At one point we heard dueling woodpeckers attacking their trees for their hidden insect feast.

One thing for certain, we will be back to explore the other parts of the preserve which were beyond our legs today. Our thanks go to the visionary founders and sustaining community in Sea Pines for preserving this place in much the same state that it has been for centuries.

Another wonder discovered, more to come.