Summer in the Lowcountry
Summer is probably my favorite season in the Lowcountry (good thing, since its our longest season). Sure, it's hot, muggy and buggy, but with water all around us, it is easy to find relief from the heat.
Hunting Island State Park reopened earlier this month after significant damages from Hurricane Matthew. Hooray!!! Thanks to everyone involved in cleanup and restoration!!
Hunting Island sunrise over the ocean. Simply gorgeous! 
Hunting Island may look different than before the hurricane, but that is the nature of a barrier island. It is still a magical and awesome place to visit.
You can find most of our staff on the beach or on the river most every weekend during summer. Our waterways and barrier islands are surely one of the best things about living in Beaufort.
Michael takes advantage of a high tide to launch his kayak from the backyard for a quick paddle with his granddaughter.
Beaufort has a temperate climate (we are in Zone 9 of the USDA map) which means lots tropical plants thrive here. I walked around the garden surrounding our office today, and wow!
Hibiscus coccineus, native swamp hibiscus 
Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata' aka variegated ginger 
Strelitzia, aka Bird of Paradise
