North Island, lovely and windswept, is located overlooking the shipping
channels at the entrance to WInyah Bay. Many years ago, when weather
forecasting was based on instinct rather than technology, furious storms
sometimes slammed the tiny island unexpectedly and with great force. These
storms were feared by shrimpers and ship pilots for they made the
shoal-riddled Bay even more treacherous to cross. Consequently, in the early
1800s, a thick stone lighthouse, featuring a great whale-oil lantern and cozy
living quarters, was erected on North Island. In time, a lighthouse keeper
came to live there with his small, fair-haired daughter, Annie.
When supplies ran low, Annie and her father rowed across the Bay into the
bustling port of Georgetown. Always, they were careful to schedule their
excursions to travel with the tides and arrive back on the Island in time to
light the great lantern before darkness fell. One afternoon, after a
pleasant visit in town, the pair loaded their small boat and set off for
home. Usually the trips were relatively easy and not unpleasant, but on this
day, the lightkeeper warily took note of a brisk wind that had come up while
they were in town. Soon ominous clouds gathered overhead and mercilelssly
dumped rain and hail on the little boat. Relentless, the wind grew stronger
and whipped up tall imposing waves. With more that a quarter of the trip
still before them, the boat was swamped. Desperate, the lightkeeper tied his
beloved daughter to his back and tried to swim. Overcome with shock and
exhaustion, he did not remember crawling ashore. Many hours later, he awoke
to find his drowned daughter still strapped to his back.
From that day until this, sailors have reported stories af a sweet blonde
child appearing on their boats-usually on calm, sunny days-pointing to the
Bay and pleading "Go Back" Always, her entreaties precede violent,
unanticipated storms. Legend as it that those who ignore her well-timed
warning soon find themselves facing a watery grave.
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