The I'On Village Walk
The Marsh Walk, Amphitheater to Hexagon Lookout
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Overview
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This section of the walk takes you to the Mt.
Pleasnant Amphitheater and along the first half of the Marshwalk Section.
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16. |
This image is of I'Onissimo!, the chamber music ensemble of I'On Village, performing during Memorial Weekend, 2002 as part of Piccolo Spoleto. hear the Fanfare for I'On Village, composed by I'On Resident Julia Hamilton and I'Onissimo! Bugle Corps member Dr. Tom Kindel The large flag in the image is a retired storm flag from Ft. Sumter, which flew at the entrance to Charleston harbor in bad weather in the year 2000. I'Onissimo holds free, public concerts at the amphitheater. It is also used for outdoor movies at night time and other events. |
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17 |
Image, left is west Shipyard. The Amphitheater is just out of frame to the left. The turn referenced is just before the house in the left/middle of the image. |
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18. |
Image, Right, the turn off to the Marshwalk, head down this limestone path to the bridge below. The Bridge referred to in step 19, below, is behind this house. |
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19. |
At this point you will go East across the Bridge, however the marshwalk path also extends West for over another mile. The trail runs to the left from the end of the bridge along the marsh. This pathway extends along the entire marsh front in I'On, which has been reserved as public and community space. You are welcome to return and explore this portion of the marsh walk another time, but the Village Walk trail runs across the bridge. As you cross the bridge the salt marsh will be to your left. |
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20. |
Image, right, bear to the left, North, at the fork just past the bridge, where the boy and dog are shown here. The marsh walk you will be walking on runs through a mandatory buffer zone required for new waterfront development in South Carolina. The planners of I'On decided to make this area accessable to the entire community and the public, rather than locking it behind a wall of privately owned property. The result is a cherished community amenity which enhances the value of all property in the community, including that far from the Marsh, which would otherwise be landlocked. The overall value of all property in the neighborhood, taken together, is greatly increased. |
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21. |
100 feet beyond the small bridge is a round area paved with stones sitting astride the path. The arrow and arms of the cross dividing this round pavement indicate the cardinal directions of the compass. The arrow points to true north. Using the shadows of the trees across the compass and knowing the date, the time of day can be determined. Another path around the compass on the South side helps define this small park as public space. |
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22. |
After crossing the compass continue North until you reach the end of the point, then continue around until you bend back to the right (and east) and later around the point and back towards the South. Walk South Southeast (155º) along the marsh, which should now be on your left walking uphill until you reach the 2nd. Bridge which bends sharply to the left. |
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23. |
This is the view to your left, North as you cross the 2nd. Bridge. |
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24. |
Turn left and continue Northwest 330º along the marsh path. The creek across the marsh is Shelmore Creek, beyond that is Hobcaw Creek and beyond that Long Point, now a container terminal for the State Ports Authority. A wooded buffer zone blocks some of the view of the port facility. The path itself runs through a buffer zone, screening the creek from a view of the houses and the houses from the direct light of the afternoon sun. The view from a boat on Hobcaw creek is still largely one of trees and vegetation. The buffers also protect creeks from runoff. Walk 100 feet to a small bridge Note how the drainage culvert has been ended before reaching the marsh and a small drainage ravine has been created over which the bridge passes. The first rain that falls and small rains bring non point pollution such as motor oil from the roads into the drainage system. This ravine captures that runoff before it reaches the marsh, allowing it be naturally broken down. The small bridge and ravine also add pedestrian interest and variety to the landscape. Just beyond the bridge is a yard surrounded with “living fencing” this is a simple wooden framework, painted green with hogwire stretched across it. Vines are planted along the base and grow up for form a living fence of vegetation with allows the passage of the breeze and provides flowers in season. Peas and vegetables can even be planted along the fences for harvest
Next to the hexagon is another small park with two chairs which back up on a white picket fence, enclosing a private yard. Fences provided architectural ornamentation to the landscape. This fence integrates an unusual crescent shaped arbor and entrance pavilions. The white paint used provides contrast and definition. Fences also allow the small yards to provide a sense of shelter and privacy to their owners. Fence height is modulated and limited so neighbors are still connected. Most fences are not solid to allow the breeze to cool the yards and to highlight the varied picket schemes used. Different parts of the US and different historic periods developed different fence styles. On this point the fence allows both public and private space to coexist in close proximity. This fence has gates with unusual entrance pavilions. How many gates are there? ___________. Note how the posts of the entry pavilions frame elements of the house and garden as you walk past. |
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Go on to |
Continue along trail - |
Continue
West past the Amphitheater to the Northwest Corner of the
Westlake. Note the slight 15 degree leftward deflection (W.
260º) of the road and sidewalk. Such slight bends slow
traffic and add interest to the landscape. When you reach the
corner, turn right North, cross Shipyard and head North on Hopetown Road.
Walk North (340º) on Hopetown Road until you cross N.
Shelmore Blvd. There is a brass sidewalk marker set into the
concrete at the intersection. Cross Shelmore and continue about
400 feet Northeast until you find a gravel path leading off the road
to the right. A section of limestone gravel path heads to
the bridge, off the road to the right and somewhat downhill.) 
Take
the path North Northeast (60º) 200 feet to the Hopetown
bridge. The marsh trail runs another mile west along the marsh
from this point bridges along this path allow closer pedestrian
connections between the part of I’On where fingers of marsh
break up the landscape. The bridges are positioned at the point
where the freshwater swamp gives way to salt marsh. Note the
different wetland environments on either side of the bridge as you
cross (East 100º).
After crossing the bridge, continue along the gravel path which
bends to the left, talking the left fork just past the bridge.
(Northwest 320º). You are now on Compass Point. Note
that the house in the fork on the path has porches on the South and
West sides to catch light, warm weather in the winter and the
prevailing breeze. The best porch to use depends on the time of
day and season of the year. In winter the mass of the
house blocks the cold northern wind and rain.
Walk
North (320º) along the Marsh. The path slopes down. You
will cross a small footbridge. 
Cross
the 2nd. Bridge, going Northeast 45º. The footpath coming
into the bridge from the right as you go on to the bridge echoes a
rural two rut wagon road. This allows two people to walk
abreast and adds variety to the pedestrian experience.
Near
this fence, off to the left is a narrow path leading down to the
marsh where a hexagonal gravel area, bounded by timbers surmounts a
small hummock. Upon this hexagon is a single Adirondack chair
for those seeking a chance for solitary reflection.