Edisto Island Beach and Waterways

Incoming Waves, Edisto Beach

In mid March, I went to Edisto Island State Park Beach. It was right after a storm system moved through and no swimming was allowed. The wind was blowing a gale, the water was churned up and sandy, and waves were rolling in. I really felt the power of water, even though the worst of the storm system had passed. Below are some images of the waves as they crashed into the beach..

Churning Seas, Edisto Island

Breaking Waves, Edisto Island

Layers of Water Modified by Sand and Light

One of the things that protects the island and coastal South Carolina are the sand dunes on Edisto Island. The State Park has kept the shoreline natural with shrubs, trees, grasses and other native vegetation. The dunes are tall and protect the land of the island behind them. They are so critical to the stability of the land mass Even if it shifts with changing tides, these dunes still absorb the impact of wave energy.

Dunes, Edisto Island

Sunrise, Edisto Island

It was not a dramatic sunrise, but it made a deep impression on me. All along the horizon was a thick band of clouds. The light had been dark and I really didn’t think there would be any light effects. Then suddenly a narrow gap appeared on the horizon and a tiny sliver of the sun showed through. Incredibly, thhe sun also cast golden light up above the clouds and across the water. So many times we look for drama, bold statements, and the like. But when the sun shines through unobscured, it is often too bright and everything in the landscape is blown out. Sometimes more subtlety can create a richer environment.

Flying into the Storm on a Beam of Light

As I was leaving the beach, a thick bank of clouds quickly formed. The golden light kept fighting through and at the last second I saw this pelican hovering in this band of golden light. It was so tiny in the midst of all the dark layers that were forming, but it had had found the light and I felt hopeful that it and we will find our way.

Living Water

As I headed back from the beach to the campground through the salt marsh, I came upon this section of water. There was biofilm on the surface, natural grasses were growing, bubbles from organisms were apparent, and the reflection of trees was reflected on the surface of this dense and variageted water. So many times we see water devoid of life forms in the United States and around the world. Looking at this patch of water, it struck me that it was alive.

Oysters Filtering the Water of the Salt Marsh, Edisto Island

Part of what made the water here so alive was the proliferation of oysters. Each oyster can filter 50 gallons of water per day. Many were naturally in the salt marsh and I learned at the Edisto Environmental Learning Center that an oyster barrier area had been built by volunteers along the creek.

Oyster Restoration, Edisto Island

Water Reflections, Edisto Island

The reflections on the surface of the water were remarkable. All the elements seemed to come together. The sky, leaves and branches were visible though modified by circular waves created by the movement of aquatic creatures. It felt like a dream state, because nothing was completely clear, yet it also embodied the past, present, and future through the movement that was evoked. It reminded me of an ink in water drawing. Water not only makes life possible, it also has so many lessons to teach about awareness.