Kiawah Photography on Two Wheels
Story and photographs by Tina R . Schell
One of few positives of the pandemic has been
an increase in healthy outdoor activities . There are few places where such activities are more accessible than here on Kiawah . On any given day , golfers , tennis players , pickle-ballers , swimmers , runners , beach walkers , and cyclists can be seen all over the Island . Personally , although I take advantage of many of these opportunities , one of my favorite pastimes is bicycling Kiawah ’ s 10-mile bike path . On a hot summer day , the path ’ s shade is a welcome respite , and when the winds are blowing its trees provide shelter .
This past fall I decided to combine my bike ride with photography , which is unusual for me . Photography tends to get in the way of a ride , and a ride tends to interfere with photography . Foot and cycling traffic on the path further complicate the safety of combining the two . Finally , because the path is so well-shaded my expectations were quite low . I ’ m pleased to report I was completely wrong about that final assumption .
I traveled the path from the front gate to the second , did a quick detour onto The River Course entry road , returned to Kiawah Island Club Drive , and from there bicycled to the end of Salthouse . On my way home I stopped by our beautiful beach and from there took the path back to my home . Obviously , such a long route while stopping for photography took most of the day but oh my , what a day it was ! I ’ m happy to share a few of my favorite colorful images from the ride , but before I do … a word of caution .
There have been several serious accidents on the bike path . Many riders are unfamiliar with the path and the rules of safety . There are runners , walkers , burley child carriers being pulled by moms and dads on bikes , young kids on bikes with their parents , golf carts crossing to the course , and occasionally , skateboarders and rollerbladers . PLEASE be aware of those around you and assume they are unaware of the rules . If you ’ re biking , be sure to warn walkers before passing them . Assume they have EarPods and make sure they hear you . Stay to the right and if you are passing be sure no one is coming from the opposite direction . If you stop , for example to shoot some photos , be sure to pull off the path and stay out of the way of others . The accident you avoid may be your own ! NK
Gossamer ferns .
Nutritious nectar .
Fabulous fungi .
Web weaving wonder .
84 Naturally Kiawah