Sometimes last-minute impulse trips are the best, and this was one of those times! Having been to Turner House this past Spring, the opportunity to adventure again was too good to pass up. As always with Coastal Expeditions trips, new adventures await! Even the ride in was a treat, I came down the old Myrtle Beach Highway 378, a lovely ride through forest and to the ACE Basin to the Helena Basecamp.
The Journey
As soon as we leave the dock, the sights and sounds of the St. Helena sea islands takes over. The Mrs. B looked like a hard working fishing boat, as did the Miss Lily.
Our group this time out was small. While the last trip was a full house, plus, this was a much more laid-back experience, with only six guests and two guides.
The trip to the island takes about an hour or so, depending on what we see or encounter or decide to do. This trip was mad windy, Captain Henry kept us mostly dry.
Turner House
Sharing a room is never an issue for me on these trips, but I really enjoyed the luxury of my very own oceanfront room. A room with an incredible view!!
The view above is from our adventure – circumnavigating St. Phillips! Captain Henry did great, especially it being his first time ever.
Eating!
One of the very best perks of Turner House is the chow. Suppers included a lowcountry boil, and a beachfront fire oyster roast. After a lifetime of believing that I did not like oysters – I was converted, I was so wrong!!!
Communal big breakfasts and festive dinners are a big part of the whole experience, and Morgan and Henry kept us well fed and happy.
30,000 Exploration Steps
Sunrise and Sunset
On my March excursion to the island, we unfortunately had cloud cover the entire time. This trip – Sunrises and sunsets were spectacular. Steps from the front porch, a sweet-smelling fire was roaring in the firepit. The two small docks by the house provided perfect viewing spots.
Because time is at a premium, I was go go go from sunrise to late night. The opportunity to spend time on the island is so precious. There is a lot of ground that can be covered, a lot of things to do and areas to explore. Even though this was my second trip, the island itself was quite different. A lightning strike had scorched a great deal of the landscape. Hurricane Helene had done some reshaping of the trees.
We saw a magnificent bald eagle on several occasions, opportunistically taking advantage of some of the fire damaged open areas for hunting.
I enjoyed exploring the High Bluff Trail with the group, but I also really enjoy being able to go off on my own adventures. Playing the tides, I was able to walk way out.
Day 3 – North Beach, and Heading Home
North Beach is difficult to access. Lucky for us the John Bridge was up, the very crossing we enjoyed on our last trip. Walking this beach is amazing, from boneyard to sand to wetland habitats, there is a little bit of everything.
Ted’s golf cart, a landmark on this beach, appeared to have been torched by the lightning fire, but it still watches over the cove.
The Bottle
I found a cool Four Roses bottle on my last trip to this stretch of beach. Delighted to find another complete bottle, this one from the Owens-Illinois Glass Company – 1950s, probably 1958. It was cast in a factory in Streator, IL, per the markings on the bottom of the bottle.
Tracking Beach Coyote
Night Sky – Courtesy of Morgan
I walked down the main road late night, the darkness was fantastic, the Milky Way was blazing across the sky. Photo above courtesy of Morgan.
I’ve been out on Coastal Expeditions with Morgan and Henry before. Chris Crowley of Coastal Expeditions knows how to find the best people, and they make the most amazing naturalists and guides – and human beings. The vast array of knowledge, from nature to history to navigation, etc, and the easy willingness to share the love makes these folks so special to be around. Simply amazing people.
A final word on Turner House and St. Phillips Island – if you get a chance to visit this place, be it for a day or a weekend – GO. There is no guarantee this place will be here, as the very nature of sea islands is to ebb and flow and change dramatically. St Phillips is no exception. The state is already fighting a major battle with Mother Nature to try to keep the house itself from being swallowed by the rising sea.
Resources
Coastal Expeditions – always the best places, the best people, and the best of times!
Friends of Hunting Island – Turner House
Discover South Carolina – St Phillips
Featuring a photo of Captain Henry
Thanks for both of your blogs, I’m going to the Turner House expedition April 4! I was curious how much free time you have – I’m an avid photographer and realize there will be opportunities on the group events, but wondering how much I can explore on my own. (I’ve been there twice already, but still have not seen it all.)
Scott, do you know who is hosting? Captain Henry will let you do whatever you want to, and let you make your own schedule. I like to do things solo so I did a lot of solo exploring. There was a gentleman that was a fisherman, that fished all day. There were even too odd ladies that sat inside of the house and did jigsaw puzzles instead of going on a couple of the excursions. 🙂
Boy that was an eclectic group haha. I didn’t know, but just called Coastal Expedition and Captain Henry will indeed be the host, so guess I’m in luck! I don’t mind the group expeditions, just wanted some free time as well – sounds like I have it. Plus, the Hunting Island Ranger just approved my drone, so I look forward to a bit of that, without disturbing anyone’s experience. Have you seen the plane wreck there?
Don’t be disappointed, most of the wreck is gone to the naked eye. I did see a little bit. A drone would be amazing. You’ll end up with a schedule board by the dining room, and be able to either do those things listed or not do those things as you please. I even hiked at night.
You’re making me want to go.
You go there once, you’ll be there twice, as you know. 🙂
I asked about the plane because on my second trip there with friends I took some photos and a video from above. Check them out, you’ll see more than you did from the bank.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CHIbv-9jT2q
https://www.instagram.com/p/CG-8UawB5tZ