Great Loop: Hilton Head

April 9th-16th, 2022

Hilton Head was our first chance to meet with and enjoy family since Christmas 2021.  Our Great Loop travels have taken us ~2900 miles since out start at Joe Wheeler State Park in north west Alabama.  So we have completed approximately half the Loop.

While our steadfast 27' Ranger Tug, Amy Marie, has faithfully and reliably carried us all those miles, it was "pure luxury" to have a big spacious two bedroom Marriott Timeshare for a week.  It was complete with a big soaking tub for Beth and a shower with unlimited hot water for me!  Plus we were blessed that family could join us.

This is a bit larger than Amy Marie's V-Berth!

The island was first explored by the Spanish in 1523.  In 1663, the island was visited by Captain William Hilton, who named it after himself!  A bridge was not built to the island until 1956.  It was only after this time that the island was developed as a vacation destination.  I think it ranks right up there with Hawaii for those people who are looking for a beach vacation.

The day before the kids arrived we went for a bike ride

We visited the island in mid April.  The days were quite pleasant with temperatures in the high 70's and mid 80's.  The winter chill was gone and the hot days of summer had not yet arrived.  More than half the days had just enough wind to keep the Carolina bugs at bay.  You do need bug spray though for windless days when the "no-see-ums", nicknamed "Jaws", come out in force.

As a barrier island, there are 13 miles of beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.  The sand is hard packed and people ride bikes on the beach.

A chart with distances to a variety of world-wide cities

Cardinals, which we don't see on the west coast, were common at Hilton Head

If you get a chance, book an early morning birding tour at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Earthworks of Fort Mitchell, built during the Civil War, still exist

Hilton Head and neighboring Beaufort were the center of Union efforts to blockade Charleston during the Civil War.

Morning at Skull Creek Marina

We enjoyed the bike trails which are plentiful

We biked to a park and beach on the north end of the island

A boardwalk crossed the marsh and provided shore access

The marsh hosted a good variety of shore birds

Sunset at Skull Creek Marina

A wonderful, gently sloping beach was in front of our lodging

Everyone loved the pool.

The grounds around our lodging included quiet corners to read and relax

We took turns playing chess

Here's an interesting "nautical hammock"

The kids enjoyed playing in the surf

How do they have so much energy?

Here's our guide for exploring a nature preserve

Sea Pines Forest Preserve had a good trails network

Boardwalks crossed the marshy areas of the preserve

Boardwalks allowed us to see the marsh wildlife

Turtles thrived in the marshes

Logs were their favorite spot 

Map of the Preserve

You do have to be careful as there are alligators resident in the preserve.

We have our S'mores making kits - time to make a treat!

While in Hilton Head we rented cars.  This extended our range greatly.  It gave us the ability to visit Bluffton and its cute historic downtown.  We also spent a day in Beaufort, and on Daufuskie Island.  These explorations are described in separate blog posts. Our week with family concluded much too quickly.  We felt it gave us sufficient time to get an overview of the area, but not enough to explore it all.  We would like to return and continue our explorations.  Most of all, we loved every minute with the gang!

Berthing

• Safe Harbor Skull Creek
• Other marina choices available
• Services:  Good Wifi, showers, restroom, laundry, pumpout boat, restaurant at head of dock
• Need a rental car to get around on island and surrounding area.
• Good bike trails nearby
• Shopping on Island - need car to access

Trip Log