There are a number of things in life which I would readily characterize as ineffable. Two of those items are sunshine and a windy day, both of which distinguish this spectacular day on Hilton Head Island, March 17th, 2025. I am anxious to note the date because the occasion may later arise when, thumbing casually through this catalogue of codswallop, I am reminded of what it is about Hilton Head Island, South Carolina that for the past decade has so stimulated me. Today the sunshine exudes its untarnished brilliance from a perfectly clear azure sky which is continuously brushed clean off the North Atlantic Ocean by wind gusts of 38 km/h from the northwest, carrying with it a balmy 63°F.

I succumbed to the allure of this perfect day not until late in the morning.  Until then the temperature lingered below 60°F which I have come to identify as the turning point for outdoor activity. Accordingly it was not until then that I accomplished my routine car wash at Zips Car Wash on Wm Hilton Pkway (where, although there were slight operational difficulties, the exuberance of the staff was palpable, reflecting the undeniable energy of the day). Upon my return into Sea Pines (and after a brief diversion to a local gas station at Plantation Station on Lighthouse Road to fill the tank), I mounted my Atlas tricycle and pushed off around Lands End then into Tower Beach where I was drawn to the enchantment of the sea and the ideally clean platform of the windswept beach.

Throughout this ideal and idle occupation – both in my car and later at my desk – I have strengthened the unparalleled distinction of the day by listening to music from the American songbook and algorithmic compositions of Apple Music, the combination of which vitalizes for me the history of South Carolina and the unutterable appeal of classical music. The stately beauty of Hilton Head Island has forever captured my heart from the moment years ago when I first drove across the bordering marshlands of seagrasses onto the island cultivated by towering sea pines and flourishing Palmetto ferns, cast against a similarly ebullient and breezy sky. For reasons I cannot explain, the salt sea air renders an impalpable atmosphere that elevates it above all others.

As the day grew imperceptibly into late afternoon I retired onto the deck overlooking Braddock Cove, plopped onto a chair, closed my eyes and promptly fell asleep. It was incalculable pleasure from which I might not yet have awoken were it not for the crashing cackle of a seagull in the distance. No matter; in matters maritime it is the strength of the contribution of elements which controls the result. Seldom do I awaken from a dream state not knowing where I am. It took me a moment to establish that I had put up my feet and prolonged myself. It was a blissful snooze, the crowning delight of a marvellous day!