Winding Down

Austin and I have only a few days left here at the state park.  Our time here has gone by fast.

Huntington Beach State Park drawers many visitors, especially on weekends.  Although the nights can be chilly, the days have warmed nicely into the 60's.

eagle in flight

Birders and wildlife enthusiasts come from near and far to hang out on the causeway.  To the north is the marsh of Murrell's Inlet where you can see the oyster beds at low tide and to the south is Mullet Pond.

oyster beds

at the causeway

Mullet Ponds water level is controlled by "rice trunks" along the causeway.  These devices are based on the centuries old practice of using hollowed out tree trunks to carry water in and out of the rice fields.

rice trunk

Here at Huntington S.P. the rice trunks now allow the mix of saltwater and freshwater to benefit the wildlife.

pelican in the campground

pelican goes after our neighbor

alligator

Wildlife is abundant here at the park.  We have seen deer, coyotes, raccoons and an occasional pelican in the campground.  Eagles, kingfishers and many other varieties of birds on the causeway and ducks, turtles and alligators in the wetland along the straight road from Atalaya to Brookgreen Gardens.  We have also found two different species of starfish on the beach.

Rigley soaks up the sun

a sand dune on Pawley's Island

Diane's new Electra Cruiser

Rigley and Diane both celebrated January birthdays this past week.  Diane has been riding her new bike on the beach and on sections of the 26 mile bike path the meanders through the park. 
Rigley went to the Pet Galley and had fun picking out a present and getting treats from the owner.

Rigley and the owner at Pet Galley