Hilton Head Sunrises = Spectacular!

 

Spending 4th of July on Hilton Head Island was a blast- as were the fireworks we saw at Shelter Cove (see my post that follows this one).  

We were able to swing an oceanfront room at the Marriott Resort and Spa at Palmetto Dunes. 

Early 🦅 that I am, both mornings of our stay I was locked and loaded (camera I mean) and on the beach just after 6 a.m. 

The water temperature was perfect for a sunrise dip in the ocean!  And during the day too when we were on the beach.

Chesapeake Bay Sunrise, Cloudscapes, Boats and More!

It's always worth getting up extra early when there's a chance to capture a sunrise!

At 5:30 a.m. on May 28 I was outside on my parents' back porch, which overlooks the Chesapeake Bay near Wicomico Church, Va.

I had my camera, actually three cameras: my Canon SX50, iPad and iPhone 7. "Just because" is the only reason for this camera over kill, I suppose.

A cup of hot instant coffee helped clear the early morning cobwebs.

First Light: Sunrise at Magnolia Cemetery

The Ravenel Bridge that connects Charleston and Mount Pleasant over the Cooper River

Being up and on the road extra early this fall to be at Charleston's Magnolia Cemetery by 8 a.m. for my parttime job there, I admired many glorious sunrises before the time changed recently.

Chesapeake Bay Sunrise

Getting out of bed and outside are easier when you know views like these await! 

Our August visit to my parents house on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia was quite a contrast to our visit in December when it was freezing with lots of snow on the ground. I posted winter sunrise photos.

In August it was, as expected, plenty hot and humid but not so much at 6/6:30 when I took these.

That's an Osprey nest above and the bird also known as the "Fish Hawk" flying in the middle. In the photo below, a working boat gets an early morning start.  What a view the crew must have!

Below: A closer look at that Osprey nest.  You can just see the mother's head to the left of her mate who would fly away when I get any closer. No fear! Ospreys are one of my favorite birds. 

The photo below was taken as daybreak was just starting to break!

Eight minutes later, this beautfiul scene!

Sunrise brings a new day to the marina.

Somehow I resisted the desire to snatch an apple off this tree. 

Plenty of Peter Cottontails out this early in the morning.

Saw this boat, the Miss Ann, and thought of my sister Ann.  Hi Ann if you see this!

Thanks Mom and Dad for another great visit to your beautiful house and the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.