Hilton Head Life

Jet Ski Rentals in Hilton Head

If you've never been on Jet Ski before, the place to do it is in Hilton Head. I rented a Jet Ski at the Palmetto Bay Marina last week and it was an absolutely thrilling experience.

They take you out in a small group (about 7 or so) and you get to bomb around on your jet ski in in the Calibogue Sound for around one hour or so.

The best time to go is at high tide. During high tide, the guide will likely take you around Bull Island (on the May River) since the water levels are so high. There you will see dolphins, waterfowl and scenic, undisturbed shorelines.

You will also see some of the homes of the rich and famous along the Calibogue Sound and Daufuskie Island.

Tip: Rent your own Jet Ski. Although 2 people fit on 1 jet ski, hanging on the back of one of those isn't the way to go.

Palmetto Bay Marina, Phone: (843) 785-2345. Costs - $90.

Palmetto Bugs!

Living in paradise does have drawbacks -- you just don't get these behemoth bugs up North. Truly massive cockroaches with the disarming local name of 'Palmetto Bug'.

I saw my first Palmetto Bug in June and it was a truly hideous experience. Scurrying along the baseboard, at a remarkable pace, I didn't know how to kill the thing. I could actually hear this intruder running accross the tiles from the other room!

Apparently Palmetto Bugs are built like a mini-tank -- just swatting at them merely bothers them.

A quick trip to the local Target and I loaded up on all things labeled "Roach Killer". The good news is that these bugs die quickly once sprayed with this stuff, and a broom and dustpan cleans them up nicely.

Oh yeah, if meeting one of these beasts isn't bad enough, they also fly! That's right, they have wings! And get this: Palmetto Bugs really suck at flying so once they get in the air they fly unpredictably - (ie. right at you!).

Suntrust Bank Bluffton

It's been a comedy of errors with SunTrust bank, and last one sent me over the edge. SunTrust Bank has managed to screw up just about every aspect of my banking experience.

Do NOT use SUNRUST bank. There is a bank on just about every corner in Hilton Head. Pick another one.

My absurd savings interest rate .05% didn't even factor in to my being pissed at SunTrust. But be sure to never open a CD or savings account there --- open an ING Direct Orange Account instead.

Old South Golf Links

Played 18 holes at the Old South Golf Links in Bluffton last week. The course is located on Rt. 278 right before the bridge to Hilton Head.

The third week in April is one of the busiest golf weeks of the season. So when I wandered into the pro shop, around 2:00 PM, all alone, trying to get out onto the course, I started wondering whether I'd actually make it out.

The busy staff at Old South Golf treated me like gold. I can't say enough how friendly and professional the staff was. They even drove me right out to the 9th tee. 18 holes of golf and a cart was an even $50.

The course is challenging and very well maintained. It's also pretty forgiving (wide open fairways), except for a few tight, tough holes near a marsh on the front 9.

The "no see um's" came out in force at dusk, so don't forget your bug spray.

This course should not be missed during a golf trip through Hilton Head. For tee times, go here: Old South Golf Links.

Phone: 843-837-7155

The $1,000 Attempt

I'm not yet finished on my attempt on reliving the Best Way to Blow $1,000 on Hilton Head. A complete, detailed account will eventually be posted on my attempt.

However, I have managed to imbibe at the following fine establishments on the list. Do keep in mind I visited all of these places alone and didn't buy anyone drinks (except for Wild Wing). Also, since I spent cash at a number of these establishments I couldn't keep track of my exact amount spent (a bunch of crumpled up dollars the next morning is a bad accounting method). $$ are estimates, no food (except for Jump & Phils).

Jump & Phils - $25
Wild Wing - $75
Three Diamond Club - $110 (includes entertainment)
Callahan's - $15

Other places I've tossed down a few:

Rider's Lounge - $25
Hinchey's - $45
Big Bamboo - $30

I have not been able to even get close to $1,000. I'm starting to assume that during the spree Mr. Hempley was generous with his tips or was buying the bar a round here and there (I mean hey, why not?).

Tiki Hut

Spent Sunday afternoon lounging at the Tiki Hut, located at the Hilton Head Holiday Inn.

Is there a better way to spend an afternoon? Well, maybe -- but drinking Corona after Corona in the sun, listening to live music and people watching does make for a fun time.

Located right on the beach, the Tiki Hut has nice breezes, great views and a crew of interesting characters, inlcuding locals and tourists.

Click here for the Tiki Hut's live web cam.

Turkey Vulture

Turkey Vulture, seen circling through Savannah National Wildlife Preserve. There were two vultures together, but just getting one in a photo was difficult enough.

Green Anole

Spotted this non-stressed Green Anole on my back porch. While a Green Anole does often change colors to Brown, this has more to do with levels of stress then a camoflage attempt. Brown Anoles are stressed Anoles.

Pinckney Island Nature Preserve

Biked through the Pinckney Island Nature Preserve over the weekend, a wildlife refuge right off US278 bridge to Hilton Head Island. Took some great photos along the way. Breathtaking views everywhere and scenic trails wind along 4,000 plus acres.

Common Moorhen

Photo of this bird, the Common Moorhen, was taken in the Pinkney Island Nature Preserve March 2006. Swims, dives and moves around like a duck but actually part of the "Rail" bird family. Does not have webbed feet. Has very bright red spot up to it's eyes over a pointed beak.