Photo Credit to Kathleen Basil, Beaufort, SC
Ever dreamed of escaping the stresses of life on your own private island? (and really, who hasn’t during all this COVID mess ?!?) No crowds or condo towers to spoil your views, room to roam freely on your own . . . I’m talking social distancing with real distance! Feeling the need for wide-open spaces, I recently planned a day trip to St. Phillips Island, a natural preserve that’s really been preserved (And it’s available for you to rent! Keep reading!)
For nearly 40 years, St. Phillips Island was owned by media mogul and philanthropist Ted Turner who wanted to save this slice of the Lowcountry he loved from development. During the years that Turner and his family enjoyed visiting the island, he built a few cottages and thoughtfully carved out several trails, and restored habitats for species like fox squirrels, loggerhead sea turtles and indigo snakes in the dunes and maritime forests. St. Phillips Island is a nature lover’s paradise, providing critical habitat for alligators, sea turtles, bobcats, and a myriad of seasonal and resident bird species, including bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, and painted buntings. Turner sold his private island to the state of South Carolina in 2017 and placed it in a conservation trust so that it can never be developed. It is now part of the state park system and is open for limited public visits via Hunting Island State Park and Coastal Expeditions.
“The first thing you notice about St. Phillips Island is what isn’t there. There are no footprints on the beach and no sounds besides those of the animals. No roads, no stores, no music, no people other than those you came with. Thousands of shells blanket the sand because nobody has taken any away. Opalescent oyster shells, some as long as your hand, lie unbothered in thick piles.” – Murphy, Patricia. “South Carolina’s Wild Acquisition.” Garden and Gun, December 2018.
That kind of peace and quiet sounded like just what I needed as a serene tonic for my soul during these troubling times, so I booked a day trip for myself and two friends. We packed a light picnic lunch, water, bug spray, hats & sunglasses. We parked at the Hunting Island nature center and boarded an unusual, tractor-pulled tram to Russ Point Boat Landing where we met a lovely, canopied boat to ferry us to St. Phillips. (We were able to socially distance and masks were required on the journey.) Right away I began to relax while traveling through the beautiful water and spartina grasses filled with sea birds.
Our St. Phillips tour included a guided drive through the island to the beaches and trails on the eastern side of the island. Our naturalist guide showed us many interesting aspects along the way including alligators around a rain puddle pond, wood storks in the trees, and a large cottonmouth snake in the roadway. We spent most of our time strolling the natural beach, admiring the driftwood, birds, and shells. We explored the shoreline, marveling at the raw nature of the island, seeing it as the natives and first settlers must have seen it, so wild and untouched. After enjoying our picnic lunch on the beach, we ventured inland. The island trails provide hours of easy hiking and wildlife viewing. I was amazed at the grand trees, aged 300 years old and maybe even older! The lush foliage and fauna is a naturalists’ dream come true. We were able to visit the property of the former Turner family beach home, a lovely Lowcountry style cottage. There are no tours inside the house, however, you may contact me to arrange a special rental of this property. The house is 3,350 square feet fully equipped, five bedrooms, five baths, amenities including a pool table, fishing pier, kayaks, golf carts, and more! Contact me for more info and pricing.
As we ferried away from the island, it was interesting to observe several huge oyster beds being harvested by the oyster farmers, but the highlight of our return boat ride was being greeted by a large pod of dolphins. There were many females and calves swimming safely alongside our boat and it was awesome to witness their social behaviors up close and hear the dolphins blow hole exhalation before seeing them come up for their quick breath of air before returning underwater. After docking safely we said our goodbye to our Captain and naturalist guides. Overall I was very impressed with the vast knowledge the guides possessed, sharing educational information about everything we saw along the way. I learned so much about the natural marine habitat around me and felt calm and peaceful after a day connecting with nature and leaving the stresses of the modern world behind. This tour gave me a renewed awe and appreciation for the Lowcountry I love. I’m grateful that Ted Turner , and now South Carolina have committed to the conservation of wild and wonderful St. Phillips Island.
I highly recommend you adding this excursion to your plans when you visit the Lowcountry. I am happy to book your excursions and even plan a catered picnic lunch for you! Reach out when you are ready to experience raw nature and a relaxing day.
Susie McMahon,
843-3218114/susie@travelbysusie.com/www.luxelowcountrytravel.com
