April 17 – Pluff Mud

Ashley Marina

We are back on the boat in Charleston and we’ve decided to stay another month. The spring weather is great and there are still a few things we would like to do on the boat before we head north. The benefit of staying here a little longer means we have more time to enjoy this wonderful city. I don’t have anything exciting to blog about today, so I thought I’d give you a little local knowledge.

Pluff Mud is a Carolina Lowcountry term for the slippery, shiny brown-gray, sucky mud that is exposed in tidal flats during low tide. It contains lots of organic matter and produces its own distinctive aroma, one that is unique to this area. Personally I think it’s a nasty smell of sulfur or rotten eggs, but locals feel it’s a comforting symbol of home…a way the marsh welcomes them home after being away.

Unpredictable in its sucking power, when you step in it, you could sink up to your ankles, or up to your knees, or even to your hips.  And if you sink up to your knees, you can pull yourself out, but do not plan on retrieving your shoes unless they are tightly laced. If you step in it up to your knees and pull out your foot, chances are the resulting sound will be similar to "pluff".

A picture of the "Pluff Mud" at the marina...the tide wasn't very low when this picture was taken. At extremely low tide, there wouldn't be any water in the photo.

Stan was able to enjoy a morning of fishing while we were home. I have to say I'm a bit spoiled when it comes to fish. The best is swimming in the bay in the morning and served on my plate the same evening for dinner.