Located near Edisto Beach, Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area is a treasure to be explored.

I spent the morning meandering along the 6.5 mile dirt road tour, occasionally stopping for short hikes to satisfy my curiosity. The property comprises the land from two old plantation, Bleak Hall and Sea Cloud, which were combined by John Ferrars Townsend in 1859.

As the morning turned to mid-day, I grabbed my gear and went hiking along the famous stretch of protected beach with its layers upon layers of shells, and odd arrangements of of drift wood. Having packed a sandwich, I sat under the shade of a tree on the bank to enjoy lunch in quiet solitude with nothing but the wind and the waves, and the occasional call of a gull, to keep me company. As always, the getaway was therapeutic, and I came back refreshed and re-energized!

If you get a chance, I highly recommend a visit. For more info visit www.dnr.sc.gov.