Thursday, September 13, 2018

A ghost story

We're still awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Florence. The storm slowed down and is now expected to come ashore late tonight and then sit on top of South Carolina for two or three days. We're well prepared and I think we'll be fine, but it's been a long week of dread and I'll be glad when this is all over.

Whenever a hurricane blows through South Carolina, a legendary ghost story always comes up in conversation. It's been retold for generations now, the story of the Grey Man of Pawley's Island. My dad spent about 10 years of his childhood living near Pawley's and he grew up hearing it, and of course I grew up hearing it, too.

The Grey Man is a ghost that appears on the beach before a hurricane as a warning of what's to come. According to legend, anyone that sees the Grey Man will return to the area after the storm to find their home and possessions untouched, no matter how much damage and destruction surrounds them. Sightings have been reported for decades now, even down to this morning on the local weather Facebook page where someone claimed to have seen him yesterday afternoon. It just goes to show, the idea of the Grey Man is a solid part of South Carolina folklore.

Here is a great version of the story that I found on the Internet this morning if anyone is interested:

The Grey Man of Pawley's Island, SC

I'll check in as I'm able over the next few days and let you all know how we're faring through the storm. Too bad we're not close enough to the beach to go out for a walk (and hopefully a sighting!) of the Grey Man!

28 comments:

  1. Thanks for the great ghost story! Love it. I am hoping for the best for you and yours!

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  2. Big hugs to you ! Hope you all will be safe.

    cheers, parsnip and badger

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  3. I guess I'd leave the beach to the grey man. Stay safe; and I hope your power does not fail.

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    1. I'm almost certain we're going to lose power; the question is, for how long?

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  4. I've heard of the Gray Man, too! It was in a book I read.
    Sure am thinking about you. Stay in touch as much as you can, okay?

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    1. I'm not surprised you've heard of him! Florida isn't that far away, and I think you've mentioned going to Myrtle Beach, SC before.

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  5. The Gray Man ghost is a new one to me. Stay safe.

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  6. From the land of (unseasonal) earthquakes, may you and yours stay safe. Think of all the paper towels coming your way!

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  7. I’ve been thinking about you and your family a lot. Hoping that this will all be completely underwhelming.

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  8. We have not been listening to or watching the news for 10 days now during our hiking vacation in the Bavarian Forest, but today on the long drive home, they were talking about Florence on the radio. I very much hope there won't be any damage to your property. It all sounds very scary.

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  9. I was just watching the Weather Channel and the reporter was standing on a beach and talking about the conditions in that area of SC. It was calm. In the background, were people casually walking on the beach and a few were in the water. Could one of them have been The.Grey Man? I hope this storm turns out to be a big bust and not what the media has predicted.

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  10. Hopefully The Grey Man will leave the beach, and visit you instead.

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  11. I think we have the Gray Man in France today, it's foggy this morning! Stay safe Jennifer.

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  12. I was very upset yesterday when I read about a family who wished to evacuate, but as they have 3 dogs and 3 parrots they would have had to pay for 6 hotel rooms,( if indeed there were any rooms left anyway) as each room was only allowed 1 pet! They cant afford to do this so have to stay put ! You would think that " rules" could be relaxed for this kind of emergency ! I have been watching some footage of waves on beaches etc......brave or foolhardy people to stay and film ?
    I am much more aware and worried about this hurricane as I now feel I know you a little! You have lots of people worrying about you !! ( Not that it helps keep any danger away) ) x

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  13. What a cool local legend! I hope the spirit of the Grey Man keeps watch over you. Stay safe!

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  14. Great ghost story, mystery, romance, heartbreak and other-world.
    As I write, you are surely bearing the brunt of the hurricane now. Not a good time but I know you will all pull through at your place.
    Alphie.

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  15. Oh lordie lordie! just watched the BBC News and they predict that Florence will grind towards Florence. Hope you and Gregg have got a canoe!

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  16. We're all fine here. We haven't even lost power so far! Thanks for all the comments and well wishes. xx

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  17. Great to get the update Jennifer
    Good to know that so far you are doing OK. It's impossible to know the real situation from the news media.
    Alphie

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  18. Thank you Jennifer for updating, thinking of you.

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