Most days, the weather in Hilton Head is lovely. The morning usually starts out on the cool side, which is perfect for a walk on the beach. You can take a leisurely walk, or jog along with beach, without getting overheated.
One morning though, we woke up to the sound of pouring rain. I enjoy our morning walks, but not enough to head out in that kind of weather!
So, we puttered around the condo for an hour or so, and finally the rain stopped. Everything was still wet, and the plants looked pretty with shiny beads of rainwater.
The trees near the beach looked bright green, with their coating of moss. Usually the moss is dry and faded, but the rain brings out the color.
There was a huge puddle on the path that we usually take to the beach, that even the best long jumper couldn't have leaped over. Fortunately, there is a slightly higher path, just to the right, so we were able to get to the beach without soaked feet.
In the sand, you could see the pattern that the rain had made, when it poured down. It looked like stucco siding, instead of sand.
There were some beautiful, and subtle, patterns in the sand too, like modern art.
Our favorite driftwood log was still on the beach, and its colors were more dramatic, thanks to the soaking rain.
The beach was quieter than usual, with only a few brave people out for their morning walk. Most people were bundled up, wearing long pants and several layers, including a hooded jacket, and a few hardy types were in shorts. This little pink coat added a nice touch of color on such a dull day.
Even the dogs looked cold and damp – they're usually bounding along the water's edge, scaring the birds. On this rainy day though, the dogs just trudged along the beach, staying close to the people.
We were rewarded for our efforts in going to the beach on this rainy day though. Out in the water, not too far from shore, we spotted this fin.
It was a Hilton Head dolphin, swimming along the shore, and jumping up occasionally, so we could snap a picture. Maybe the heavy rain had pushed his food closer to the beach, and he was fishing for his lunch.
The rain also brought out these delicate flowers, that we notice on the path back home. They aren't colorful, but looked beautiful, when we stopped to admire them.
Shortly after we got back to the condo, the rain started again, so we decide to visit the nearby Tanger Outlet mall. We didn't buy any diamonds, but had fun browsing through the other shops. Nobody was riding the ponies though – they looked too wet.
There are some great bargains, if you take the time to look. I found cozy slippers and warm Isotoner gloves, at a fraction of their original cost, so I was happy. And I'll certainly be ready for the next cold, damp day!
Finally, after a couple of hours of shopping, we headed home, with a quick stop at the McDonald's drive-thru for coffee. No flashy signs are allowed on Hilton Head, so look for the waving flag instead.
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