Milky Way Adventure

Things don't always go smoothly as everyone knows.  This was the case last night after my intrepid photo buddy Raymond and I set out to photograph the Milky Way one last time for the summer.  This field trip was not for the fainthearted.  We battled swarms of mosquitos trudging through the maritime forest, and on a moonless night it was tough to work in the dark.  Finally it was time to leave the beach at around 10 p.m. and I was looking forward to the air-conditioned comfort of my car as we marched stoically back to base, dripping sweat and bug spray, only to discover that my car key fob had come loose from the mechanical key somewhere along the way.  As other unfortunates have discovered by experience, you cannot start a push-button car without the fob.  I got my money's worth from my AAA membership with a 90 mile trip home from Hunting Island, squished with Raymond in the back of a tow truck with the car on the flatbed.  Needless to say it was a very late night.

Anticrepuscular Rays (say what?)

This is another image from yesterday evening's walk on Folly Beach.  I researched what I had seen, and am happy to enlighten y'all.  They are Anticrepuscular Rays, like sun rays, most frequently spotted at sunrise or sunset, but on the opposite horizon to the sun.  A little more subtle than your classic sun rays, but really pretty. 

Summer Fades at Folly

Most of the summer crowd has left and the town of Folly Beach is settling back into a quieter season, not that Folly is ever really quiet. It's a little cooler too, although still humid, and the "no-see-ums" are swarming in the marshes, eager to devour unprotected beach walkers. We have enjoyed some wonderful cloud formations over the past few days, maybe the residual effects of Tropical Storm Julia.

USCG Barque Eagle visits Charleston, SC

Appropriate subject matter to commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11, a day that will go down in infamy. This magnificent vessel made a weekend call in Charleston, and the Coast Guard invited all and sundry to tour the ship at no charge. What a great opportunity for families looking for something different to do with their kids.  Thank you Coast Guard for your hospitality and friendly welcome.  Thank you also for protecting the shores of the USA.