Sunday, January 17, 2010

Birthday





Today is my birthday. We had a rainy and very windy night. The wind howled for hours. But we were dry and secure at anchor.

Now there is glorious sunshine. The photo above is of a miniature birthday cake for later. We are going on another long walk this morning.

Many of the plants along the trail are labeled. The red berries in one of yesterday's photos were from yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria). It was used as an emetic by native Americans. The large trees are live oaks, typical of a maritime forest.


Other plants in this habitat include red cedar and cabbage palmetto.


The Chinese tallow is an invasive species that has pretty white berries shown above. It has been called the popcorn tree for that reason. But it is invasive and outcompetes other native species.



The beach itself has the carcasses of many trees from heavy erosion. This beach is called the Boneyard by locals.

Well, enough of writing about natural history. I'm going to go enjoy some. Have a peaceful day.

32 comments:

  1. Oh Syd, you are a great natiuralist writer. I can read you for hours on maritime life.

    Yaupon holly. The popcorn tree. So strange to me here.

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  2. happy birthday syd, and thank you for sharing. enjoy.

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  3. Well, I am amazed to be the first to comment on this auspicious day! Happy Birthday, Syd!

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  4. !!! Happy Birthday :)
    The small cake is adorable :) I can't be trusted with cakes, so the smaller the better. Thanks for the pics. Love the boneyard beach. really gorgeous...

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  5. Happy Birthday, Syd. And many happy returns of the day....

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  6. Thanks for sharing your birthday with us. It looks like a beautiful place to be.

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  7. happy happy birthday dearest syd!!!!! have yourself a marvellous day!

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  8. Happy birthday Syd! Enjoy your day! Loved the pics, (especially the one of the cake, LOL)

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  9. Happy Birthday. You have given much to us this year.

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  10. Happy b'day! You're a blessings in my life.

    Blessings and aloha...

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  11. Happy Birthday Syd and many more!
    I am in Florida but will once again bypass Charleston tomorrow on 1-95 on my way North. I'll send you good wishes then too.

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  12. It is nice to hear someone who is enjoying nature and a happy birthday all in one. Best wishes.

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  13. Feliz cupleanos, mi amigo.

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  14. Syd, you're as young as you feel!

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  15. Happy Birthday, Syd!

    Indeed a lovely day, rain or no. I love that name 'Boneyard', very fitting.

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  16. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope you have a great day!

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  17. Happy birthday Syd. Glad the day was good.

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  18. I love natural history and plants and trees....

    That is the cutest little cake I've every seen!

    Glad you are enjoying your day.

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  19. So glad you are enjoying your birthday.

    PG

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  20. Happiness, peace and love to you today on your birthday Syd. Wish you another year of bliss!

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  21. Syd,great photos,and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A GREAT GUY.Mike G said that.

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  22. I'm sooo glad I didn't miss your birthday! Happy Birthday Syd! I can't imagine a better way to spend it. Love and hugs to you!

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  23. Happy Birthday Syd! (Mine's in 2 days...lol)

    I hope it was joyful.

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  24. Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing your photos.
    Invasive species have left their mark in the US.

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  25. Happy birthday my friend! I love the "natural history tour..."

    Thank you!

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  26. I actually like reading about natural history. Happy birthday to you, my friend. It sounds like you spent the day in a peaceful way.

    Peace - D

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  27. Happy birthday, dear Syd! Many, many more!!

    Love, SB.

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  28. Happy Natal Birthday, dear friend. And thanks for the info on the vomit plant. Didn't know that one. :-D

    Namaste

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  29. Happy belated birthday Syd!

    The weekend sounds wonderful and what a cute little decorated cake!

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Let me know what you think. I like reading what you have to say.