Yes, it has been way too long since I posted an article on my blog, and while I know some followers may not have noticed, I’m keenly aware of this dereliction of duty. Am I experiencing writer’s block? Or am I preoccupied with life? The answer is Yes: Honestly, it’s both. The past few months have been a whirlwind, and the quiet moments when I can actually write and share my thoughts and adventures have taken a backseat to more pressing matters.

If you follow me on social media, you know that I haven’t disappeared altogether. Posting a quick story and photo on Facebook or Instagram is much easier than creating a blog post. Everyone is busy these days, and while I love to write good content, most subscribers want to peruse some incredible photos and a few captions—and quite frankly, I’m guilty of that as well. With all the conveniences we enjoy, time still seems to pass by all too quickly!

So, what’s on my mind? Today, I am thankful to be out on my breezy, covered deck, looking out over the creek, surrounded by seemingly endless salt marshes and boundless oyster beds. An occasional whiff of pluff mud reminds me that living in Murrells Inlet is nothing less than magical, with its scenic views and opportunities to view Mother Nature at her best and worst, with hurricane season now upon us.

Even the recent nasty storms and high winds have something to offer. Weather watching is spectacular from our house, and you can feel the energy of the storms, with lightning set against the black sky and looming, ominous cloud formations.

Weather watching, for us, is upstaged only by bird watching, especially when we’re lucky enough to spot the flocks of endangered wood storks (Mycteria americana, also known as Old Flint Heads) as they slice through the air like stealth fighters and land on the oyster beds, looking for trapped baitfish.

There are many other beautiful wading birds, including the pretty and graceful roseate spoonbills and various egrets and herons. However, it never gets old witnessing the American bald eagles at low tide. They make their presence known as they pierce the sky with precision, flying so close to our vast expanse of windows that I gasp, watching them laser-focused on their mission to grab a meal. Oftentimes, they stay for a while, perched atop our dock pilings or on our roof. Who would ever have thought I would become a bird watcher? Not me, but here I am, and I love it!

It goes without saying that hanging out with my grands, fishing, kayaking, boating, and throwing the cast net are the silver tuna of living on the coast, but that’s a story for another day.

The best of both!

If you think I am obsessed with living on the water, you might say that getting out to my hunting grounds is like an obsession on steroids. Off come the flip-flops, t-shirts, and shorts. I put on my favorite blue jeans, a Prois Cumbre ball cap, my signature Magellan snake boots, and, of course, my favorite Prois shirt—the Sage Solas Ultimate Long Sleeve Tee.

The 45-minute drive flies by, country music blasting from the speakers in my Jeep, and the transformation from resort dweller to rural local is almost complete. It doesn’t matter if I’m hunting or just heading out there to check on things, throw out bait, or walk through the woods—I take on that unmistakable vibe hunters do when they are in their haunts. My stride is stronger; I stand taller, and I walk with purpose, ready for anything that comes my way.

And just like that, it happens. There’s something about the woods that changes me in an instant as I breathe in the air, cleansed by the tall pines. The quiet is indescribable; there is barely any air movement as I walk along the long peaceful road to my hog stand. The grass is a brilliant green, as intense as those tall pines but a different shade of green, and I feel a sense of calm. I embrace the natural environment, blending in with a nature-mimicking sage shirt and camo hat that complement the array of green and earthy brown hues, making me feel welcome and a part of the piney woods and dense underbrush.

There are no off-season blues for me as long as I can get to the woods and out on the water. I come back refreshed, revitalized, and with much gratitude for all that Mother Nature has to offer. Water or the woods? Who could choose one over the other? Not me; as long as I am outdoors, I am happy. Get outdoors!