Pre-dawn view of Pawleys Pier from the Sea View Inn.
It’s just been in recent years that I’ve chosen to get up before dawn. Oh, I did it before retirement, of course — to soothe a waking baby, to catch an early flight, or to set up a conference room for a morning meeting. But now, I can choose to see dawn unfolding. And nowhere do I love it better than on the beach at Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
Quiet time before sun-up
Recently, we stayed a few days at the Sea View Inn, one of the few remaining Old South bed and breakfasts that serve three low-country meals each day. So getting up meant having time for myself in my place in the world without even having to make coffee. It was there, each and every morning, hot and ready for the taking, even before dawn.
Bathed in early morning light, the Sea View Inn on Pawleys Island.
Before the guests awake: Sea View Inn
I left the porch and moved slowly down the beach, passing houses whose windows were lit with morning glow.
Greeting the sun at Pawleys Island.
With salmon tones in the background from the almost-up sun, Pawleys Pier jutted out to greet the seas and make ready for sunny days.
Pink light before dawn at Pawleys Pier
Colors changed from smoky pink to peach and orange with a hint of yellow, but just a hint . . .
Orange skies replace pink as the sun’s stonger colors come into play.
until the sun peeked over the horizon, bathing all in early-morning glow.
At Pawleys, I never take dawn for granted. Never ask for clear skies or cloudy ones with interesting configurations. Come what may, it’s my place — albeit a temporary one — just as it is.
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Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread
Pawley’s Island is a beautiful spot. We spend a lot of time there in the winter enjoying those beautiful sunrises. 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
We’re headed there next week, and the thing I most look forward to doing is getting up early to see the sunrise. I’ll think of you. It’s just a great way to enjoy the earth!
Maddy
Absolutely gorgeous shots.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I love staring at the ocean, waiting for the sun to appear. In the meantime, the peacefulness of being almost alone on a beach is something I have to savor since I’m only there once or twice a year.
kzmcb
That was delightful. The video was so peaceful and clear, I can see why it’s a preferred way to start the day.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for taking a look at my early morning indulgences. I don’t even have to set an alarm any more . . . I just want to go out and stare at the ocean. Ah, the beach!
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restlessjo
Oh, how very beautiful! 🙂 🙂 Those colours are stunning.
Traditionally I’m the ‘getty-upper’ in our house, trying to get up noiselessly so as not to disturb him who sleeps, but we don’t live near enough to a beach to indulge in this simple pleasure. Isn’t the world amazing?
Oh, the Places We See
We don’t live close to a beach, either. It’s an 8-hour drive to Pawleys for us, but worth it. One week there has to do me for a whole year, so I try to catch as many sunrises and sunsets as possible. Thanks for taking a look.
restlessjo
Heavens! I wouldn’t go to bed 🙂 🙂
M.B. Henry
Boy those sunset photos take your breath away! Just beautiful
Oh, the Places We See
Glad you enjoyed them — I always love getting up early. The sunrises are my reward, I guess!
Grammy Writes
…and what beautiful places they are!
Oh, the Places We See
Beaches are just gorgeous no matter where! Thanks for taking a look and leaving me a note.
Tina Schell
Pawley’s is not far from me here on Kiawah. Your photos capture both its glory and it’s serenity. Beautiful
Oh, the Places We See
I really would love to come to Kiawah. We have a couple of friends who own houses there, but we’ve never vacationed on that island. Our granddaughter has just learned to ride a bike, so it may be a biking/beach vacation in the works! Thanks for taking a look at the sunrise — they’re gorgeous and welcome just about anywhere in the world.
Tina Schell
10 miles of bike path…just sayin’b
krithya G
Very atmospheric photographs! I can almost hear the waves in the silence of the dawn.
It been a while since my last ocean sunrise. After seeing these pics, I want to hop into my car and head to the nearest beach 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for your comments. I hope you experience an ocean sunrise soon. It’s a wonderful feeling especially if you’re almost alone or totally alone.
Ruth
Stunning. Reminds me of Salutation to the Dawn “Look to this day, for it is life…”
Oh, the Places We See
What an apt quote — and each day is one to look to, for sure. I’m getting into this early-morning thing – greeting the sun and all. And life is good. Thanks for taking a look with me.
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dawnkinster
Love that ‘orange skies’ shot and the pink skies over the pier!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks. I love both also, but the pier was especially lovely this year. We didn’t get close ups this time — just didn’t go that way. But I love being right underneath watching the tide come in.
Pit
Those shots of the sunrise are absolutely gorgeous: thanks for sharing!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. It really may be one of my favorite places to return to over and over again. I just get recharged at the beach!!!
Pit
Same here. 🙂
AggieSoon
Beautiful!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for commenting and for following Oh, the Places We See. So glad you kept blogging yourself.
AggieSoon
Thank you!