The Guardian of the Winds

Georgetown County, the third oldest county in South Carolina, has its share of history, but with that history there is folklore passed down generation to generation. One tale that has made its way around the entire low country for over one hundred years is the story of the Grey Man in Pawleys Island. I haven't encountered one local that doesn't have their own version of this friendly ghost, but the outcome is the same.

The mysterious man wearing a rain slicker and carrying a lantern shows himself on eerie occasions on the shores of the beach. He has been sighted on numerous occasions, for example; 1822, 1893, 1916, 1954, 1955, and 1989. These are dates of hurricanes that came through the area. Before any major storm, the Grey Man warns lucky bystanders that winds are coming, before any notion of an existing hurricane. Supposedly, if these folks heed his warning, their homes will be safe and unharmed.

Story goes; a young man was traveling home to reunite with his fiancé. He and his horse suddenly ran into a patch of quicksand and sadly sank to their deaths. Months later, the still distraught and heartbroken woman was wandering the beach, and there was her beloved! He warned her, "Winds are coming and you must leave this island", and then disappeared into the mist. She scurried home and told her father and they left in a frantic. Funny thing is, upon their return to the area being in disarray, their home was untouched. This is the most common rendition of the story I have heard, and is apparently where it all began.

One thing is for sure, I haven't seen this "Gray Man", but have heard enough from the locals to persuade me of his existence. Pawleys Island has its own "Casper" and is one ghost they do not want going to the light. If you ever happen to visit and see the Grey Man, don't be frightened, just know there is something churning off the coast.