The Backyard Tourist Boards the Spartina With Capt. Amber

Story and Photos by Mark Shaffer

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” – John Muir

The day is spectacular. The sky is a perfect pale turquoise seeded with a sprinkling of cotton ball clouds. A light breeze ripples the surface of the May River and rustles the spartina grass and ruffles the feathers of the shore birds stalking the edge of the salt marsh. It is the kind of cool spring day that we Lowcountry dwellers embrace with a hint of trepidation – a modicum of suspicion, even.

A free public event celebrating the storied life of Pat Conroy (1945–2016), Beaufort’s iconic adopted son and the Lowcountry’s literary ambassador to the world, will be held at 5 pm on Saturday, May 14, in Waterfront Park. This memorial is cosponsored by the USCB Center for the Arts and the City of Beaufort.

“… Poor little old human beings—they’re jerked into this world without having any idea where they came from or what it is they are supposed to do, or how long they have to do it in. Or where they are gonna wind up after that. But bless their hearts, most of them wake up every morning and keep on trying to make some sense out of it. Why, you can’t help but love them, can you? I just wonder why more of them aren’t as crazy as betsy bugs.” - Fannie Flagg, “Welcome To The World, Baby Girl!” (NY: Random House, 1998)

A Taste of Italy – Part Two

By Debbi Covington
Photography by Paul Nurnberg

Have you ever dreamed of exploring Italy, visiting the cities and countryside, and eating as the Italians do? Join me on a culinary tour. Just choose a recipe and start cooking. By cooking and sharing regional dishes, we can experience some of the colors, flavors and traditions of Italy.