Wesley Ogino, Occupation/Company: Business development and project ops manager at Freeport Marina
Working on Daufuskie Island: 3 years
How do you travel to Daufuskie Island every morning? I take the Island Head ferry each morning at 9 a.m. to reach Daufuskie Island. We depart from Broad Creek Marina (near Fishcamp and Up the Creek).
How long of a ride is it? The ride to Freeport Marina takes about 40 to 50 minutes. It sure beats my past days of commuting, where I would be sitting in 50 minutes of traffic outside of Philadelphia.
How do you spend the morning ride over? When I first started taking the ferry, I would put my headphones in and listen to music for the entire ride. Over the past three years I’ve become close friends with the Island Head captains and mates, so now I spend my mornings chatting it up with them. Talking with first timers heading over to Daufuskie Island is always very enjoyable. I have had some of my most fascinating conversations with people I’ll most likely never see again while commuting on the Island Head ferry!
What is your favorite part about spending your days on this lovely little island? I have always loved the sense of peace and serenity that Daufuskie Island provides me each day. The natural environment, beautiful Lowcountry scenery, and overall vibe of the island has brought me so much joy over the past few years. It’s a blessing to escape the constant droning sound of cars zooming around like you have on Hilton Head or in Bluffton. On top of it all, it makes me genuinely happy to see the delight that Daufuskie can bring its visitors. The good energy floating through the air on a busy Saturday at Freeport Marina and The Old Daufuskie Crab Company is unmatched!
Tell us something the average person or visitor to the South might not know about Daufuskie Island. Daufuskie Island is still home to some of the Gullah residents who were students in Pat Conroy’s 1972 memoir, “The Water is Wide.” I feel very fortunate to know a few of these students, who are now in their 60s and 70s. If you want to know how “things used to be,” you must actually talk to the people that were there for it, you know? I learn more about this island from them every day.
Do you see yourself living on Daufuskie one day? My long-term goal is to have a second home on Daufuskie Island, with a primary home on Hilton Head Island. The dream is to be able to bring over my family on the weekends, enjoy quality time with them away from the hustle and bustle, and let my kids run around barefoot to have all the fun they can. I always wished I had somewhere like Daufuskie to explore growing up, so now I want my future children to have that opportunity.
…and just because… if you were stranded on a deserted island – what three things would you take with you? I would start with a giant, and I mean GIANT, box of matches. A sturdy fishing net will be useful. And, just so I don’t get too bored all by myself, I’d want a solar-powered speaker with all of my favorite music somehow loaded onto it.
Steven McNulty, Occupation/Company: Boat captain, co-owner of Daufuskie Watersports, Island Head Ferry to Daufuskie
Years Working on Daufuskie Island: 23 years
How do you travel to Daufuskie Island every morning? On Island Head boat
How long of a ride is it? 30-45 minutes, depending on which boat is used
How do you spend the morning ride over? Generally, if I’m on the Island Head boat to Daufuskie, I am driving it so I definitely talk to the passengers about the local area and history of Hilton Head and Daufuskie.
What is your favorite part about spending your days on this lovely little island? My favorite part is interacting with the local residents while on the island.
Tell us something the average person or visitor to the South may not know about Daufuskie Island. Two things I’d like to mention: Bloody Point is at the southern tip of the island. It got its name during 1715, when a number of skirmishes with the Yemassee Indians caused the water on the beach to run red with blood from the battle. Bloody Point is also the southernmost inhabited point of South Carolina. The Cooper River Cemetery is also a very good place to stop when learning about Daufuskie history. Gullah tradition is to place the cemeteries near moving water so the souls could travel home to Africa.
Do you see yourself living on Daufuskie one day? Probably not. Daufuskie has modernized somewhat in the past 30 years but not enough for take-it-for-granted things like grocery stores. I am one of those people who, if my wife sends me to the grocery store to get sugar, I usually forget it and have to go back. That would be tough living on Daufuskie to turn around and get back on the boat.
…and just because… if you were stranded on a deserted island – what three things would you take with you? My wife, my son, and Heineken!
Patricia Stafford, Occupation/Company: Lead Server (Haig Point)
Years working on Daufuskie Island: 6 years
How do you travel to Daufuskie Island every morning? Haig Point Ferry
How long of a ride is it? It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes, and an additional 30 on the ferry
How do you spend the morning ride over? I pay bills, check and return texts and emails. Sometimes I take a nap.
What is your favorite part about spending your days on this lovely little island? The members make my days enjoyable.
Tell us something the average person or visitor to the South may not know about Daufuskie Island. Everybody is family on Daufuskie. It’s a tucked away gem.
Do you see yourself living on Daufuskie one day? If they build a bridge, I would love to live on Daufuskie.
…and just because… if you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you take with you? If I’m stranded on an island, I would take a bottle of wine, pillow and a warm blanket.
Adam Martin, Occupation/Company: Vice President Sales & Marketing at Haig Point
How do you travel to Daufuskie Island every morning? Haig Point Ferry
How long of a ride is it? 30 minutes
How do you spend the morning ride over? It really depends on what I have going on that day. I might be working on my laptop or stepping out onto the deck to make phone calls. I also use the ride for some personal time to listen to a podcast, or read a magazine or book.
What is your favorite part about spending your days on this lovely little island? The people. We have such a strong community on Daufuskie. And the ferry is a big part of helping to facilitate that since our residents spend quality time together.
Tell us something the average person or visitor to the South might not know about Daufuskie Island. The whole island is on the National Register Of Historic Places.
Do you see yourself living on Daufuskie one day? Yes!
Jon Sherman, Occupation/Company: Assistant Golf Professional
Years working on Daufuskie Island: 4 years
How do you travel to Daufuskie Island every morning? I take the Haig Point Ferry that leaves from the embarkation to work and back.
How long of a ride is it? The ride takes around 30 minutes.
How do you spend the morning ride over? Typically, during the ride over, I like to relax and watch a variety of podcasts.
What is your favorite part about spending your days on this lovely little island? It’s hard to pinpoint what exactly would be my favorite experience while working on the island. I would say it would be the overall peacefulness of the island.
Tell us something the average person or visitor to the South might not know about Daufuskie Island. Speaking for members inside of Haig Point only, visitors probably wouldn’t realize that members can order their groceries online and get them delivered to their house.
Do you see yourself living on Daufuskie one day? I don’t think I could see myself ever living full time on the island, but spending a few months out of the year would be something I would consider doing.
…and just because… if you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you take with you? Guessing electronics is out of question, I would bring something to start a fire, a cutting tool, and a shotgun.
William “Doc” Scurry, Occupation/Company: Partner at Freeport Marina & Old Daufuskie Crab Company
Years working on Daufuskie Island: 15 years – since I was 13
How do you travel to Daufuskie Island every morning? Fortunately, most days I take over my center console Parker. Unfortunately, sometimes the weather sucks.
How long of a ride is it? Ha! 20 to 45 minutes, depending on how well I follow the rules.
How do you spend the morning ride over? Going through Spanish Wells, in the no wake zone, I make the first of many phone calls in a day.
What is your favorite part about spending your days on this lovely little island? Sharing the experience with someone who connects with the island positively for the first time. My father has a saying: “Some people aren’t for Daufuskie and Daufuskie isn’t for some people.” The saying has a lot of truth in it – people love or hate it.
Tell us something the average person or visitor to the South may not know about Daufuskie Island. Prior to the pollution of the Savannah River, one of the largest oyster production and canning facilities in the country existed on Daufuskie Island and the population was said to be more than 4,000.
Do you see yourself living on Daufuskie one day? I lived out here 7 years full time, and still live here 60% or more of the year.
…and just because… if you were stranded on a deserted island – what three things would you take with you? 10 gallons of scrap iron, phone and its solar battery charging case, and a machete.
Juan Rodriguez , Occupation/Company: Facilities maintenance at Haig Point
Years working on Daufuskie Island: 10 years
How do you travel to Daufuskie Island every morning? I live in Beaufort, so I travel by car for an hour and then hop on the Haig Point Ferry for the last 30 minutes.
How do you spend the morning ride over? I spend time checking my work email, reading the Bible, and talking with my colleagues.
What is your favorite part about spending your days on this lovely little island? I love spending time with my team and taking care of our members at Haig Point. Plus I also really love that it’s really quiet and people look out for each other. The best part is no car noises!
Do you see yourself living on Daufuskie one day? I don’t see myself living here because I like having everything close – like supermarkets, hospitals and stores. I have to attend church meetings three times a week and I like to be there in person – not Zoom!
…and just because… if you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you take with you? My wife, a lot of matches, and a knife to start over!
Mau Plascencia, Occupation/Company: Chef at OnDeck Diner
Years Working on Daufuskie Island: 3
How do you travel to Daufuskie Island every morning? I take the public ferry after commuting to Hilton Head from Savannah each morning and afternoon.
How long of a ride is it? The ride is now from an hour to an hour and a half due to the new ferry provider.
How do you spend the morning ride over? I listen to podcasts, check social media, and take care of any business-related stuff I have to do.
What is your favorite part about spending your days on this lovely little island? I love the community and the friends I’ve made there, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from my fellow islanders with my food ventures.
Tell us something the average person or visitor to the South might not know about Daufuskie Island. Everyone on Daufuskie always looks out for one another. It’s such a small island that word gets out fast about anything, and I’ve been surprised at how fast people come together in a time of need to help others.
Do you see yourself living on Daufuskie one day? I lived there for a couple of years. It’s a great place to live. The previous ferry service made it more manageable to live there and unfortunately, with this new provider, I wouldn’t see myself staying as long as I did back then.
…and just because… if you were stranded on a deserted island – what three things would you take with you? A knife, rope, and a cast iron skillet.
Manny Hargrove, Occupation/Company: Valet at Haig Point
Years Working on Daufuskie Island: 12 years
How do you travel to Daufuskie Island every morning? Haig Point Ferry
How do you spend the morning ride over? Email. I chat with fellow passengers. Then I go to the bow of the boat to take in the fresh air and clear my mind.
What is your favorite part about spending your days on this lovely little island? The interactions with members and their guests. And providing a great service to all I interact with.
Tell us something the average person or visitor to the South might not know about Daufuskie Island. The island is like a safe haven. It has a lot of history. It’s an island with no bridge and you have to arrive by boat. Daufuskie Island provides medical services, there are schools for children, we have a golf course, and the main mode of transportation on the island is golf cart.
Do you see yourself living on Daufuskie one day? That would be a dream come true. I would love to live here full-time one day.
…and just because… if you were stranded on a deserted island – what three things would you take with you? 1. Food 2. Book 3. Matches
Michael Murphy, Occupation/Company: Bartender at Freeport Marina and Old Daufuskie Crab Company
Years working on Daufuskie Island: 11 years
How do you travel to Daufuskie Island every morning? On the Island Head ferry
How long of a ride is it? 45 minutes
How do you spend the morning ride over? I spend time mentally gearing up for the craziness!
What is your favorite part about spending your days on this lovely little island? My favorite part about working over here is the relationships I’ve established over the past decade.
Do you see yourself living on Daufuskie one day? I don’t think I could ever live here full time.
…and just because… if you were stranded on a deserted island – what three things would you take with you? A case of Jameson, a clear mind, and a fishing pole. A turn table would be my fourth item.
