Even in the thickest fog, the creatures of the island are always present, wandering and hunting. Raccoons, hawks, cardinals, snakes, ticks, wasps, squirrels, possums, deer, and even panthers all make themselves at home in the welcoming branches of the tree. But don't go searching for them too hard – they are experts at hiding from the human eye. Yet, we can feel their presence, like a tingling sensation in the bones. Just be cautious not to accidentally step on a young Copperhead while admiring the tree's magnificence, and keep a safe distance from the elusive Panther known to roam these parts.

Tucked away in the dense fog and protected by one of the islands most magnificent live oak trees you might find Mr Lincoln’s Boat, waiting to be taken out on its next adventure. Be it for fishing or be it for crabbing. Perhaps harvesting oysters, too. Just not right this moment. The fog hasn’t lifted, yet. Today’s journey has not begun. At least not for Mr Lincoln’s boat.

It might have been evening to be honest. But fog on Daufuskie often creeps into the landscape very early in the morning. Sometimes too early, really. The island is often dark and fast asleep when it happens. But as soon as the first ray of light hits the remainder of moisture the most magical world is being revealed. Like after a curtain is lifted in a theater we are being told a story of utmost beauty and perseverance. And if you squint your eyes you might even see the legendary panther islanders swear lives around here.

Who says living on an island without a bridge feels claustrophobic? There are many hidden escape routes beside the Most Official Daufuskie Island Ferry. Not unlike Narnia this path at an undisclosed location promises escapes to an unknown world. Granted it is a mere 200ft when our dreams come to a sudden stop. But then we can not only enjoy all the smells and creatures the marsh has to offer but might have escaped the aforementioned panther. Legend has he’s afraid of treated lumber. And fog.

No, not the owner. The white egret resting on the railing is called John, too. Given his obliviousness to the environment and his fellow pelicans, sea gulls, egrets, and cranes he might be somewhat antisocial. Or just tired from hearing all the gossip shared on the dock. Perhaps while keeping his distance John is trying to reveal what the fog was trying to hide. Occupancy of more than 15 birds on any dock is unlawful in South Carolina. Fortunately the Sheriff did not make it to Daufuskie today. You guessed it. Because of the fog.

There are all there. Protected by the fog from our preying eyes. Finally everybody can go about their business without any Daufuskie beach folks interfering with well intended advice on how to fish or plunder. The accommodating silence engulfing any activity on the water also serves as a good reminder that we all want to be left alone once in a while. Especially pirates.

Wormwood is to blame. Whereas historians differ on how, folks in Europe knew for a long time that leaving certain taverns could ultimately cause some inconsistencies in perception; for many patrons. And so Absinthe was banned on July 5th, 1908. While we prefer rum, of course, the perception problem persists. Thus, the approach to any of Daufuskie’s infamous drinking holes can be riddling at best. Surely, the Absinthe can’t be held responsible for the coloration of the landing but how can we be sure? We can’t. We can merely hope that everything will be fine again at dawn. When the fog has lifted.