Just before sunset. Sullivan’s Island, SC
Incredibly, at least to me, I am working on month 5 in Charleston. What was supposed to be a 3-month gig has turned into 5, with no end in sight. Things are still very slow in Charlotte, bill rates are still very low, and the only game in town is Bank of America. If I were to B of A, it would be my 3rd time. It’s not something that I’m looking forward to, but that’s just the nature of the beast in Charlotte, NC.
Being away from home 4 nights/week has it’s challenges. I’ve tried to make this as positive of an experience as possible. I came about 1/2 of the way into the summer, August 4th. The weather was hot, humid, and downright unpleasant, with actual temperatures of 100+ degrees and heat indexes (feels like) of 110. Then, we transitioned into autumn, and now winter. This evening, when I took these pictures, it was 38 degrees and windy. Very chilly! I’ve been out taking pictures in all of it, trying to absorb what it means to me to live on the coast. Although it is nice, I still miss my waterfalls and tall trees, but most of all, my family. 
Now, just the regular folks
The bulk of the tourists are gone and, in a way, I know what it feels like to be a resident. You’re glad for the economy of the area, but you’re glad to see them go, too. Especially if you are a resident of one of the heavily-visited islands, such as Sullivan’s Island, SC, where this was taken. Parking is at this time of year. Parking is also free at this time of year.
I spoke with this lady for a few minutes, as we watched the sun go down. She’s lived here all of her life and just loves it when the tourists go home. She said that then she can come back an enjoy the beach. In the summer, you have to compete for beach space, etc. Not to mention the ever-present noseeums, or sand fleas.
It has been an interesting time, I just wish that ‘The wife’ were here to share it with me. This is much more her thing, than mine, but I get a serious shot of pleasure when I see her staring out at the ocean, because I know that she is ‘home’. Who knows what this journey will bring. I’m just trying to take it a day at a time.
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4 Responses to “Now that the tourists are gone”
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I admit that your description of the weather patterns (not to mention the sand fleas) is less than tempting, but the photos have made Charlotte seem quite appealing. It really is too bad that “The Wife” couldn’t be there soaking up all that beach living.
You must quite grateful for you passion for photography. Without that these five months may have gone more slowly.
“I’m just trying to take it a day at a time” – I guess *this* is the wisdom that allows you to make the best out of it. Satisfying your obligations in form of a paid job and making the best out of the situation by using your creative outlet is a good recipe to endure the hardships coming with living separated over the week.
That lead image I like very much, especially the back light effect giving the silhouettes accentuated contours.
@Anita: That’s an interesting thought. What would it have been like without the photography? Who knows? It’s not a thought that I relish.
I’m not one to go to parties or into a big social scene, so it would, I think be pretty boring. Get up, go to work, come home, do whatever, sleep, repeat. Perhaps if I had another hobby, like a musical instrument, I would take time to practice that. But, you are correct, I am happy that I have this passion! At least I’ll have lots of visual memories.
Hm, well… here at the Swedish west-coast, they sometimes call the tourists “the summer devils”. I guess that tells a lot…
It definitely gets a lot quieter when they are gone.