SI Mag 3.3

18 www.SullivansIslandMagazine.com | www.SullivansIslandHomes.com O n the north end of Sullivan’s Island, washed by the swift-flowing waters of Breach Inlet, lies a secret treasure. Golden and glittering, especially at sunrise, you won’t need a map to find it. It’s not Goldbug Island, made famous by Edgar Allen Poe – it is a gold nugget from nature. There is a special space, a sandy place teeming with life. It is a unique and somewhat secluded spot which is best accessed at low tide. It is my morning meander, my quiet time, my happy place which I enthusiastically visit nearly every morning at the crack of dawn to watch the world awaken yet again. The Bible says that “God’s mercies are new every morning” – and so are His shells! Each day’s tide brings a fresh crop of crustaceans, a wealth of whelks and a slew of sand dollars. One morning, I spent my time walking at an odd angle along the edge of the island as it drops steeply toward the inlet. There, partially buried like treasure in the sand, I uncovered not one but 47 sand dollars. Thankfully, they were alive and well, so I left them by the water’s edge. But the next day, I found 23 sand dollars, bleached white by the sun, so I carefully collected my loot and took the bounty home. Other mornings, I discovered over a dozen whelks, often misnamed conch shells, of various shapes and sizes. You see, I am a shell seeker, and I am serious and dogged in my pursuit. Get To the Point Musings on Sullivan’s Secret Beach By Linda Conrad Photos by Linda Conrad.