“USA 🇺🇸 North Carolina ~Monthly Blog Series of….It’s Never Dull!! ~JULY 2024”

• August 1, 2024
• By Pen
• 0 Comment

Happy Fourth of July 🇺🇸 2024!

 

 

Our new month in the summer, started off with a BANG… pun intended 😉

We were quite fortunate to have a festival to go to, so close to where we are staying. Since the 4th was mid-week, the celebration was on 7/3/24.  Not only is Swansboro close by to us, it is one of the many interesting historic Old Towns, on the East Coast, in North Carolina.

Chelsie picked me up at the campground, then we picked Daryl up on the way. We walked to the waterfront, after getting in on good parking, around 6:30PM. We scored even better seating, on the waterfront!

I stayed with the seats and the rest headed out to explore and hit-up food trucks. (me, I’m still dieting). There was a band that played excellent 80’s tunes and it was just an over-all good evening. By 8PM, it was jam-packed with people, and in full swing

Finally at dark, the fireworks began, and lasted about 20 minutes, with great displays!

History of Swansboro

1773 Moseley Map – Part of the Great Western Ocean

During the period of first white contact, the native India tribes inhabited the area of the present State of North Carolina, were of three linguistic stocks; the Iroquoian, Siouan, and Algonkian. Swansboro was most probably originally an Algonkian Indian Village.

Around 1730, Swansboro started as a small settlement, at the mouth of the White Oak River. Jonathan and Grace Green settled here from Massachusetts. Jonathan Green (son of Mary Chase and Benjamin Green 1685-1744 of Falmouth, Massachusetts) built a house at the mouth of the White Oak River. Mr. Green died a short time later. Grace Green married Theophilus Weeks,  who had settled in Hadnot Creek. The Weeks family were farmers and innkeepers. Mr. Weeks was later appointed port inspector.

Weeks then sold a portion of his land which, in 1783, became incorporated as the colonial port town of Swannsborough. It was so named in honor of Samuel Swann, former speaker of the North Carolina House of Commons.

Swannsborough was situated near numerous pine forests and was able to produce much of the materials needed for shipbuilding. So, naturally, shipbuilding became its major industry.

During the Revolutionary War, a number of patriot privateers operated from the harbor, and several saltworks were built, nearby. By 1786, Swansboro had assumed such importance, that it was declared a separate customs district.

Captain Otway Burns was the town’s most famous ship builder. He was famous for building the first steamboat constructed in North Carolina, the Prometheus, and also had served as Commander of the privateer ship the Snapdragon.

Swansboro continued to prosper until the Civil War. Shipbuilding and the export of naval stores were the mainstays of the local economy. The Civil War brought an end to the port’s boom days. Swansboro was twice occupied by Union forces, in 1862 and 1864.  After the war, the naval stores trade fell off. Eventually, the town’s sole industry was commercial fishing.

 

 

Naturally, Rylan would find a shark tooth, when they were under the bridge, walking around.

A Way to Beat the Heat

We had to wait out a stormy morning, but we finally got the kiddos out on “Zoe the Zodic.” We were a little short on time, by the time we got out, but made the best of it. We had the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl weather coming our way, so it was like the only day we could get out, before lots more stormy weather came.

 

 

Speaking of Hurricane Beryl, lots of love and light going out to my friends in Texas. Beryl made landfall and though only a Category 1, it left damage in its wake, and flooding, like a Category 3! My friends were without power… going on four days!

Only 50 percent of millions have been restored. It is so hot, it’s hard to imagine.

……Anyway, everybody had a blast today on the boat!

Also, come to find out, we did not miss going to Shark Tooth Island on our first trip there, after all. We thought we missed it, but talking with some locals, today, we ended up on Ski Island, thinking it just had to be Shark Tooth Island, if the other one, wasn’t.

Too funny, but we visited two islands on this day and Chelsie and Rylan both found shark teeth, right away on Shark Tooth Island, plus Ry found a Gator tooth. I found a few teeth, too, but lost them just as quick, getting in the boat. I was very clumsy.

⬇️ And we were off to the launch, in Cedar Point

 

 

Pictures are from being on Ski Island. No shark teeth, but great sand and water.

⬆️ So true! 🤣

When the summer is over, and the tourist season ends, we will be driving further away to hit-up many islands. Ferry’s don’t run in the winter months, therefore, far less people, so the islands end up with lots of pretty shells, nobody can get to, without a boat.

PERFECT!

Home Sweet Home

We waited so long for our first, ripe tomato, but a worm got to it! Drats! We are currently waiting on more to ripen.

We got a few sugar peas is all, but they were tasty!

 

 

In the meantime, we continue to enjoy the bunnies, squirrels, birds and butterflies, at our home site.

 

 

It’s been so hot, here, just like a lot of places. We maintain pretty well, for RV life, but doing any cooking or baking, really throws off any cool comfort from our A/C‘s. So, Daryl gets me set-up outside, to run my hot air fryer/oven. It works out great, so I don’t have to heat up The Whale.

It’s still a bit of of a rodeo, when cooking and baking. I can only run one A/C at the same time I run the microwave or oven, when on just 50AMP shore power. One A/C can’t keep up on the 90 degree days, so we turn on the generator to keep two or three A/C’s going, plus the outside oven, when cooking. It works!

 

 

 

It is nice to know we have figured out how to cook, without throwing breakers, or heating up The Whale.

Honest to goodness, I don’t know where the month of July is going. There is only one more week, and we will be in August!

I have to say this July is reminding us a lot of last July and August, we spent in Alaska, last summer. TOO MUCH RAIN.

I’m not talking a little rain, here in NC, a little would be good for the garden and my potted flowers, but gully washers are terrible on my tomatoes trying to ripen, and too much water for my flowers. I spend a lot of time bringing my flowers under cover, based on current weather conditions, only to be surprised by un-ending numbers of pop-up storms.

Unlike last summer, in Alaska, where we had cool temperatures, here we are having temps in the 90’s, regularly. It’s def not cold!

Daryl the Butcher

I was a little surprised when Daryl decided to go to work, but I also get it, at the same time. Staying active is very important, and I tend to stay pretty busy with Chels and the grand kiddos, but Daryl doesn’t do all the same stuff with us. So now, he works a few days a week, not too far from home base, and is filling his time, very well and staying more active.

 

 

Lordy Lordy, Look Who’s 40!!

Chelsie’s Birthday was on the 16th. I planned a road trip as far south as Lichfield Beach, in South Carolina. We spent two night at a Myrtle Beach Motel, also in South Carolina, and we were on the steady go!

We drove a round-trip of 342 miles, plus many more miles exploring each area. I especially love learning the cool history of each location on this east coast.

 

 

We had hoped to find lots of shark teeth, for all our stops, at many beaches, but we had almost zero luck. Just for fun, we ended our road trip at our local haunt of Onslow Beach, and found lots of shark teeth, with the last of the daylight, on our third full day, away; in about two hours. Go figure.

Here is a list of all the places we got to check off, as far as beach locations go; in both South Carolina and North Carolina:

N Myrtle Beach

Holden Beach (2nd and 3rd visit) 

Oak Island

Caswell Beach

The Point

Ocean Isle

Sunset Beach

Murrell Inlet Marsh Boardwalk

Litchfield Beach

Kure Beach

Carolina Beach

Onslow Beach

 

 

 

 

We loved our time together, and got in on some serious good eats, too, while away! We had all kinds of weather and just rolled with it.

We did dark-thirty low tides, behind our motel in North Myrtle, at the Landmark Resort, and sunrise at Holden Beach; requiring a 4AM wake-up call to get there, plus going back to do low tide, later. We would cross back and forth into North Carolina and South Carolina to enjoy our outing.

From Holden we just kept driving and stopping at many points and beaches. It was a great trip!

Myrtle Beach, SC

 

 

Myrtle Beach, a city and vacation resort on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, and is the hub of the Grand Strand; a 60-mile string of beaches. It’s also known for its celebrity-designed golf courses.

Along its beachfront boardwalk are arcades, souvenir stands and restaurants, as well as the old-fashioned Family Kingdom amusement park and the SkyWheel, one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels.

 

 

 

It was a little like Tijuana meets Las Vegas… in a good way.

 

 

OMG! I highly recommend the Wicked Tuna restaurant, in North Myrtle. It was so good! This was the pre-birthday night dinner.  After we ate, we waited out some lightning, then wandered outside and got on the pier and down on the beach.

 

 

Wedge Salad with Lobster. Yes please!

Holden Beach, NC

 

 

In 1756 Benjamin Holden purchased the island, now known as Holden Beach. His family farmed and fished here for generations.

They began developing the resort community that thrives today, in the 1920s. It maintains its nostalgic appeal today with low density and limited commercialism.

The bridge that connects the mainland to Holden Beach, rises 65 feet above the Intracoastal Waterway, providing a breathtaking view of the ocean and a sweeping entry to the island, as visitors come across it. The beach and the ocean are the main attractions in this town, which prides itself on a restful, quiet lifestyle. With 9 miles of oceanfront, Holden Beach is the longest and the largest of the three islands in the group, known as the South Brunswick Islands.

Approximately 930, year-round residents, call Holden Beach home, and though the population swells to more than 10,000 during the season, visitors find a host of opportunities for assimilating themselves into this exceedingly quiet community. Boating, surf fishing and hiking the island are very popular activities.

There is a fishing pier, and the island is a sea turtle habitat, as well. While there are limited commercial establishments on the island, the causeway leading to the island is lined with specialty stores and shops and a grocery store.

The Town of Shallotte, just 10 minutes, away has several shopping centers, which include grocery stores and national chain department stores.

A little more than 30 minutes away you will find Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, and there are numerous golf courses, nearby.

 

Oak Island and Lighthouse, NC

 

 

Oak Island, NC, is a historic seaside town in the southeastern North Carolina region. It is a barrier island with a rich history, dating back several centuries. Oak Island’s history dates to the pre-colonial era, when the Waccamaw Siouan Indians inhabited it. The indigenous tribe used to live in southeastern North Carolina, now known as Brunswick County. The first European settlement occurred in 1830 on the island’s east end. 

When Europeans first arrived, the island was the only area with abundant red oak trees, hence the name Oak Island. However, sometime during the 1800s, a black ant infestation destroyed the oak tree population, and now the island has spruce trees and shrubs.

In 1999, two towns, Long Beach and Yaupon Beach, decided to incorporate as the Town of Oak Island. It was then incorporated in 1999, which gave it more autonomy and control over local governance.

 

 

Fort Caswell Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. The U.S. armed forces occupied it from 1836 – 1945, and it has since become a Christian retreat center for the North Carolina Baptist Assembly.

 

 

We were way too early for the lighthouse grounds to be open, but we got a good view of it from the outside. Oak Island Lighthouse, the last lighthouse to be built in NC, was completed in 1958.

The lights are 169 feet above the water, as reported on nautical charts, and can be seen for 25 nautical miles. The actual structure is 153 feet tall, but it stands on a slight rise. There is no spiral staircase as found in most lighthouses, but instead a series of ships ladders, with a total of 131 steps to the gallery level.

The Oak Island Lighthouse is the only volunteer-managed lighthouse in the country. Guided tours to the top of the lighthouse; up 131 steps to an outside balcony, are available year-round by appointment, for climbers 9 years of age or older.

 

 

The Oak Island Pier was first built in 1955, and known as the Yaupon Pier, but has since been rebuilt several times, due to storm damage; once in 197,2 and then in 1992. After restoration, it is now the highest pier in North Carolina; at 27 feet above sea level.

The Point, NC

 

 

Kind of a hidden gem. It was worth the side trip, not far from Oak Island.

Ocean Isle, NC

 

 

 

 

Ocean Isle Beach is known as the “Gem” of Brunswick County. This small barrier island, in North Carolina is famous for its beautiful beaches, but there is so much more than meets the eye to Ocean Isle Beach. Believe it or not, Ocean Isle Beach is not a naturally occurring barrier island. In fact, Ocean Isle Beach was created in 1934 as a result of the dredging deposits left over from the creation of the Intracoastal Waterway.  

More Facts About this Little Spot on the Map:

Hurricane Hazel made direct landfall as a category 4 storm on Ocean Isle Beach in October of 1954. As one of the most massive and most destructive hurricanes in North Carolina history, Hazel destroyed all but two buildings on the fledgling community of Ocean Isle Beach. Thankfully, no hurricane, since Hazel, has made direct landfall on Ocean Isle Beach.

During the American Civil War, the Confederate forces did not have a large naval force. Harassed continuously by Union gunboats up and down the Atlantic Coast, boats known as “blockade runners” were used by the Confederate troops to keep precious supplies coming into the ports along the coast. Tubbs Inlet, at the southern end of Ocean Isle Beach, was one of the primary places blockade runners hid from the patrolling Union Navy.

Ocean Isle Beach is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW). Did you know the AIWW spans 1,100 miles from Norfolk, VA in the north to Key West, FL to the south? This critical waterway allows commercial and pleasure craft to safely navigate the Eastern seaboard.

Before 1949, the island, now known as Ocean Isle Beach, was called Hale Beach. In 1949, one of the original developers, Odell Williamson and his wife Virginia, named the island Ocean Isle Beach.

Ocean Isle Beach is only 4.5 sq. miles. It’s a small place with a big punch. We enjoyed a drive through to check it out.

On June 29, 1944, a P-47D Thunderbolt crashed onto an Ocean Isle Beach. At the time of the accident, the pilot was on patrol over the beach. During the flight, the pilot made a mistake and forgot to switch his fuel tanks. Thankfully the pilot survived with just a bruised ego.

In April of 1791, George Washington visited Ocean Isle Beach. Specifically, the president was on his southern tour and stopped to visit the wealthy tar and turpentine merchant family; the Gauses, at their stately manor, close to where Bricklanding is located.

During the 17th century, pirates used the barrier islands and even inlets like Tubbs Inlet to hide from patrolling naval vessels. Rivers, like the Shallotte River, were also known to be favorite pirate hangouts.

Sunset Beach, NC

 

 

 

Sunset Beach encompasses both a mainland and an island. The Town began in 1955, a year after Hurricane Hazel struck the surrounding area, but left what was then called Bald Beach; the southernmost island in North Carolina, unscathed.

The smallest of the South Brunswick Islands, Mannon C. Gore purchased Bald Beach from the Brooks family, who dated its ownership back to the 1700’s. Gore was impressed by the beautiful sunsets and renamed the island Sunset Beach. 

Shortly thereafter, Mr. Gore purchased 500 acres of mainland property, along the Intracoastal Waterway from International Paper Company, and began making his vision a reality.

Since there was no Island access except by boat, Gore designed and installed a pontoon swing bridge that led vehicular traffic to a causeway that connected to the Island. Built in 1958, it was possibly the only bridge of its kind that remained in operation on the east coast, until it was decommissioned in November 2010.

Mr. Gore also built the original Vesta Pier, on the Island named after a civil war blockade-runner that now rests buried in the sand; beside the present Sunset Beach pier.

Island property sales began in 1958 and Sunset Beach has grown in every way since.

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We had quite the morning, and really got around, to explore. Of course that’s easy to do, when up at 4AM! We got back to our room in North Myrtle to clean up and rest, before heading, further south, to our next point of interest.

Funny Story:

While Chelsie was taking a nap, I decided to clean up some of the shells I found at The Point. I had carried them around in my bag, for about three hours. I got a bowl from the cupboard and filled it with water and dumped my treasures in it. I had found a small Channel Shell that was quite green and brown, with nothing to really clean it with, till I got home. So I’m humming away and focusing on my other shells, but before I set the Channel shell back down, gigantic legs came out of it and wrapped around my hand! I about had a heart attack! I did scream 🙀… then scared Chels, by doing so. Ha!

So now, I had a live crab in a shell that I needed to get back into the ocean. For the record, we always carefully check our bigger shells for live Hermit Crabs and/or Sea Snails, before taking them. Well, this Hermit must have been all legs, and tucked up into his shell, completely, and out of sight. He Sur fooled me!

I put the Hermit Crab, who was scared to death, now, tucked way back into his shell, back in my pouch and went down the elevator and over to the beach. There was quite the crowd of people, so it was a bit of a walk, to find a spot in the surf that wasn’t loaded with humans; to lob him into, so he could escape the tourists.

I told Chelsie I felt so bad, because I took a Hermit Crab from North Carolina and relocated him to South Carolina, and wondered if it mattered. She didn’t think it did.

Tonight was Chelsie’s actual birthday dinner, and we were heading to a special place, for such an occasion. We had some traffic, due to a bad wreck we cleared, then when we got to a red light, we witnessed another bad wreck. A lady ran our red light and four cars were involved in the mess. So sad!

Murrells Inlet, SC

This was the obvious location for Chelsies Birthday Dinner! What a great area.

1731

Murrells Inlet is founded by English colonist John Morrall, most likely the town’s namesake. 1731 is 61 years after the colony of South Carolina in Charleston, about 90 miles south, smack in the center of the state’s rice empire planted in the surrounding Waccamaw Neck. Murrells Inlet quickly became a busy (but not big) port, shipping out not only rice, but also indigo, turpentine, cotton, and peanuts to ports in Great Britain and the northern colonies.

The plantations of Murrells Inlet are: The Oaks, Brookgreen, Springfield, Laurel Hill, Richmond Hill, and Wachesaw.

By the 1800s, local rice plantations are producing almost 47 million pounds of rice, which is more successful than the tobacco and cotton plantations of the Southeast at this time. Murrells Inlet also became a sort of summer escape for rice planters to heal from malaria and other illnesses they thought were caused by the plantation swamp grasses. They would travel by steamboat and dock at the Wachesaw River Landing.

Civil War Era

Because Murrells Inlet has secret shipping routes to buyers in Great Britain and the north, it was attacked multiple times during the war. Federal naval warships blockaded this port and others along the South Carolina coast, but local blockade runners managed to evade capture, shipping instead through Nassau, Havana, and Bermuda.

1863

In the fall, the Confederate cavalry captures Northern sailors that had gone ashore to burn a beached blockade runner. In December, Admiral John Dahlgren of the U.S. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron sent six warships and hundreds of troops with a purpose to invade and destroy Murrells Inlet, but to no avail. A mighty wind storm blew the force of ships off-course, but one still managed to shell the inlet and set fire to a blockade runner loaded with a cargo of turpentine.

1864

Murrells Inlet suffers yet another blow from Northern sailors who landed off the USS Ethan Allen and destroyed 2,000 bushels of salt at a nearby Confederate saltworks.

Post-Civil War

Slavery is abolished, which puts an end to the area’s plantations and shipping from the ports. A number of hurricanes also destroy the rice fields during this time. The natural beauty, the plantation homes, and the industry itself are ruined.

1894

President Grover Cleveland revives the area with a nationally publicized trip to the inlet for a duck hunt.

Early 1900s

Was Soon after this, northern business owners follow suit, attracted to the inlet and surrounding area, as well as its abandoned plantations at bargain prices. This includes one wealthy power couple, Hispanic scholar and philanthropist Archer Huntington and his wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington, a world-famous sculptor. They moved from New York and purchased property in 1930, that would become Brookgreen Gardens.

Also during this time, Murrells Inlet evolves into the resort destination it is today, with residents of nearby towns, like Conway, Marion, and Florence, traveling here by steamboat down the Waccamaw River, to stay in the cottages here, enjoy the coastal breeze, and belly up to the oyster roasts the inlet is known for.

1913

The post office officially names the town Murrells Inlet.

1950s-Today

Word spreads, and Murrells Inlet, known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” gains momentum and the reputation it’s known for today as one of the best places to grab a fresh catch. Today, the Murrells Inlet Historic District is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

It was time to eat. This restaurant is very busy and they do not do reservations, so we had about an hour wait. No problem, we walked the boardwalk and enjoyed the scenery. 

 

 

Murrells Inlet Marsh Boardwalk

 

 

Chelse had never had happy birthday sung to her by strangers in a restaurant. I’m so glad I could be part of embarrassing her like that. 😁

 

 

After dinner, we hopped back in the car to explore. We drove around and oohed and awed at beautiful homes, near by, and at the beach.

Just before we were getting ready to park and get onto Lichfield Beach, we were on a narrow road, driving slow, with a line of beach houses on our left. Then, out of nowhere, we caught a glimpse of a small child on our right, on a bike with training wheels, flat out flying, who rode right in front of us, across the road. She was so small, we lost sight of her, when in front of us, and Chels had to slam on the brakes. Our hearts were in our throats! It was so scary. Well, after time stopped; standing still for that millisecond, we watched the little girl, still moving, get to the other side of the road, without missing a beat. We could see she was, maybe 4 years old! Soon we saw, what might have been the mom, come racing down some stairs at a house. I’m sure she saw the whole thing, by the look on her face.

After a moment, we continued on, parked the car and got on the beach.

 

 

Lichfield Beach, SC and the Area

 

 

The area was settled in the early 1700s and its name comes from Lichfield Plantation; a former rice plantation in the community.

Litchfield is nestled between Huntington Beach State Park and Pawleys Island and consists of several golf courses, quiet neighborhoods, and wide sprawling beaches. It is about 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach.

Kure Beach Town

The oldest pier in North Carolina was built in 1923, making the Kure Beach Fishing Pier in Wilmington, NC, the oldest pier in North Carolina. The original Kure Beach Fishing Pier has been rebuilt and restored several times, since then, as a result of wear and tear over the years. L.C. Kure built the original pier out of pine, and it was 120 feet long.

 

 

 

 

Kure’s excellent natural harbor is surrounded by mountains and screened from the sea, by mountainous islands. Because of its seclusion, Kure was chosen as the site of a major naval base in 1886. During World War II its shipyards and foundries produced the Yamato, one of the largest battleships ever built.  

Kure is home to the Fort Fisher State Historic Site, and home to the largest earthen fort in the South. Outdoor exhibits featuring artifacts and military vehicles encompassing all branches of service, can be viewed at the NC Military History Museum.

MORE FAST FACTS

Fort Fisher is located at the south end of Kure Beach, and was a Confederate Fort during the Civil War. It was also the site of the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War.

By 1865, the supply line through Wilmington was the last remaining supply route open to Robert E. Lee’s army. Fort Fisher finally fell, after a massive assault in 1865, and the Confederacy was defeated. Approximately 10% of the fort, still stands today. 

Kure Beach’s coquina rock formation is home to a very rare and distinctive mossy hard-rock outcropping. Only visible during low tide, the rock is cemented together by seashells and coral, with an estimated origin; ranging from 12,000 to 80,000 years ago!  Located near the coast of Fort Fisher, it is a true natural wonder and remains the only rock formation on the coast of North Carolina, that is home to a variety of wildlife.

Loggerhead turtles are one of the most popular animals found along Kure Beach. The average Loggerhead measures around 35 inches, when fully grown, and typically nests on the ocean beaches during the warmer months. They are now considered an endangered species as a result of untended fishing gear and the loss of suitable nesting beaches.

A Civil War Blockade Runner; The Condor, was dedicated as North Carolina’s first heritage dive sites. The steamer ran aground in 1864 with famous Confederate spy; Rose Greenhow on board. The Condor rests in 25 feet of water, 700 yards off the shore, in front of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, where buoys mark the site, along with mooring lines for boats and kayaks. Dive enthusiasts are encouraged to explore The Condor June through November, each year.

Sounds like a fun dive, Daryl and I will need to check out!

 

Carolina Beach, NC

 

 

Carolina Beach was established in 1857, when Joseph Winner planned the streets and lots for the 50 acres of beach property he had purchased. Winner originally called the town “St. Joseph’s,” but the name was changed to Carolina Beach, when the town incorporated in 1925.

In 1866 the steamship “Wilmington” began carrying vacationers down the Cape Fear River to Snow’s Cut, and a small steam-powered railroad took them the rest of the way, into Carolina Beach.

Carolina Beach is rich in World War II heritage. It supported honky-tonks and an amusement park that catered primarily to enlisted service personnel. Fort Fisher soldiers happily paid a quarter apiece to throw baseballs at hinged boards painted with the heads of enemy leaders. Arcade owner Carl Winner sometimes grossed $1,000 per day.

Carolina Beach is home to Olympic gold medalist Tony Silvagni’s Surf School, where visitors are taught to “hang ten” by Tony, and his team of certified instructors. In addition to his Olympic success, Tony and his Team USA teammates won gold at the 2018 ISA World Longboard Surfing Championship, in Hainan, China.

Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Bade and Onslow Beach

 

 

 

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The rest of July was very busy with Joeys parents in town, from Georgia. They have 17 grandchildren and we share the three. After their visit, they usually take all three back with them to Georgia in the summer. This year, Rylan didn’t want to go, choosing to stay home with his mom and dad, for the week, instead.

The three of us did get to Onslow a couple of times. The weather has been super humid, and the beach has lost some built-up sand, from the winter, and is finally exposing some great debris areas.

On one of the trip to Onslow, Chelsie and Ry came to pick me up, on the road, nearby, they saved a turtle from getting smushed on the road. (a common practice for locals) It’s not the more common Box Turtle, though. I think it’s a young Snapping Turtle, based on that face and the claws, but I’m no expert. Full grown, the Snapping Turtle can bite off fingers!

Chels and Rylan released it at the boat launch area of the campground. Ry says it took off like a rocket, when he put it in the water. I’m sure it will be very happy.

More Onslow Fun

 

 

Rylan and a friend from school

 

 

Chelsie and Rylan eventually made the long drive to Georgia, to stay for a while, and bring back Kenz and Luke. We’ve missed them all, very much!

Cardinals

While we enjoy all the wild birds, visiting our feeders, a favorite, besides the hummingbirds, is the Cardinal. They are so beautiful! It’s taken awhile, but we are seeing more and more. I even put out food, just for them. They seem to be catching on! Yay!

The Family Returned From Georgia, Yay!

Got a call from Chelsie on their first day back home. It was time to hit the beach! It was very warm, but not windy, and a little overcast, but no rain. The ocean water is very warm this time of year, in the Carolinas. The kiddos had a blast playing in the surf, on their boogie boards. I wandered up and down the shore, searching for shark teeth, as per is the norm, and Chels kept an eye on her young’uns, but found a few tiny shark tooth finds, too.

These two cool cats are our friends; Rachael and Justin, who were also visiting Onslow, at the same time as us; both Marines… retired.

 

It was a fun time, and while only tiny teeth were found, I was in the mode for shells and other treasures, for an upcoming craft project.

 

After the beach time, we hit up Rita’s for some yummy Custard Ice Cream!

Life is good, in North Carolina!

 

 

These kids are so lucky to have been born and raised, so close to the beach. Good clean ocean and beaches, with warm water in the summer.

Highway Department Beautification

We have loved all the wildflowers that bloom from that on, on the main highway from Jacksonville to Emerald Island.  These flowers are close by, on both sides of the highway, so we stopped to capture some pics.

Good job, North Carolina!

Fun Facts on Sunflowers 

The sunflower is not actually a flower! Its petals are ray flowers, and are made up of multiple petals. fused together. Ray petals are usually yellow, but can sometimes be red or orange. The number of petals on a sunflower plant, is determined on its size. A sunflower has between 34 and 89 petals.

Now, look inside the “flower,” more closely. Look into what you once thought was the flower, and is actually a lot of tiny “flowers.” Many… Many!…..Beautiful and delicate, in an alignment, beyond harmonic, this is the geometry of nature.

What you thought was a flower, is actually an outline that holds hundreds and hundreds of flowers. The ray florets of sunflower are known as neuters, because it consists neither male nor female parts in the flower. If the flower contains any of the small strap-shaped flowers in the head of certain composite plants, such as the daisy, it is called Ray Floret.

And, if we look at it with the eyes of gardeners, we will realize that each little flower holds, within itself, in this golden dust, countless fields of sunflowers. In biology, this is called an infloration.

Dark Thirty at Onslow

 

 

On the second to last day of July, Chels picked me up at about 9:30PM to hit low tide at Onslow at 12:10PM, which brought us into the last day of July.

While we have hit Onslow in the dark, before, it was a morning dark, to sunrise hours. This was our first night time dark. Guess what? It was extra dark and there are few lights around, to guide us to our exits off the beach. Ha!

It was warm with a little breeze and the ocean was only slightly cooled. We had the entire beach to ourselves, if you don’t count the hundreds of little crabs that were all over the beach. They had poke-a-dots on their backs. Too cute. They camouflage very well in the sand, plus, if by the water in the soft sand, they bury themselves to hide, in a millisecond amount of time. Very fun to watch. They ranged from a few inches in size, to about five inches.

 

 

We searched for about 2.5 hours, but did not find many shark teeth, which surprised us a little, but Chelsie did find a beautiful Otodus Auriculatus Shark tooth, (cusps are worn away), which made both our night’s outing, extra special!

It really does come down to just pure luck; right place, right time.

 

 

 

 

The cleaned-up version from the calcium build-up.

 

 

August is right around the corner, now, but summers always go fast. We have less than a month, before the kiddos go back to school. We will make the most of it, as the weather cooperates.

Speaking of weather, by August we are in the heart of Hurricane season. We do have an exit plan, should it become necessary, and will drive out, in The Whale and Baloo, taking everything with us, but the shed. We hope it won’t come down to this, but given the crazy weather patterns, we are prepared, just in case.

The direction we drive, will be determined by the path of the Hurricane…. And we will go the opposite way!

Thanks for following, and we will see you again, in August!

 

************

 

Holden Beach, North Carolina

 

 

Chelsie and I wanted, very much, to get over to Holden Beach, before the full-on summer crowds. From where we live, it’s a couple hours drive, so with the kiddos in school, it took some planning, plus the right low tide time, so we didn’t have to leave before sun-up.

Today was that day!!!  People hunt for shark teeth on this public beach, too, so we wanted to try our luck. Low tide was as at 11:30-ish, so we got there about an hour before, after we dropped the kiddos off at school. Grandpapa was at the bus stop two times, in the afternoon, to collect all three kids, while Chels and I were on the way home (2.5 hour drive, with afternoon traffic). It worked out, great!

While we did not score any big teeth, or any serious numbers in the amount of teeth, found, Holden often has Sea Biscuits, (where Onslow has very few)….and in our case, on this day Holden had SO MANY Olive Shells! While the occasional Olive Shell is found on Onslow Beach, we have never seen such tiny ones, before, either.

 

 

Something else Holden tends to have wash in from the sea, are Crow Shark Teeth. I was on the lookout, since I don’t have one in my collection, yet, but Chelsie is the one who found that treasure; her first, as well. Yay!

 

 

I did score the most beautiful Sharks Eye Shell, though. It’s large, a bit bigger than a silver dollar, and completely whole! (most we’ve found are quite small, like dime-size).

 

 

My treasured Shark Eye Shell

 

 

Those are Sea Biscuits on top, which will require some bleaching to get them cleaned. They don’t bleach white like Sand Dollars, but they can get a little lighter, with some effort.

Interesting Facts: Sea Biscuits are Hardouinia mortonis -echinoid. They are fossilized Sea Urchins, and they are said to be 60-75 million years old!

In the center, is a pile, are loads of  Olive Shells. I got quite a haul, and have a glass jar to make a commemorative Holden Beach Day memory display.

 

 

 

 

Not too many Shark teeth collected, but my favorite is on the far left. It’s no bigger than a dime, but it has both cusps, and I’ve learned it’s from a Mackeral Shark, which originated from Morocco. Now that’s cool!

I am slowly getting to visit more and more North Carolina Beaches, and while this is a fun thing to do, the quaint beach towns are charming, too. Onslow Beach is still is my favorite, though, for shark teeth hunting! (Chelsie concurs).

This was my first beach day, walking any shore-line, in 19 years, where I was pain-free. Not just the chronic pain that ravaged my body, but the lower back pain I’ve dealt with all my life, from scoliosis; made worse from a debilitating vehicle accident that involved a semi truck and tractor, and a truck driver who was on his cell phone-who changed my life. His payload weighed 85,000 pounds, and left me with a lot of damage.

10 minutes into my beach combing, always puts me down in my back. I used a Empi-sim machine (like a tens unit) to help block the pain. I used a sciatica pressure belt, too. I rarely took pain meds for my condition, because it was chronic, so why bother, as I needed a fix, not a band-side. I care about my liver and kidneys more, so just sucked-it-up on that pain factor, for all those years.

Today, and every day, after this day, walking miles and miles, I do not need my Empi, nor my pressure belt. I was even walking on uneven sand (not anywhere close to normal walking) and because of breaking a toe, I was off on my gait, as well; and this still created no pain, in my lower back. I was pain-free on the beach, five months after starting on x39 and the Aeon patches, during the day. 

Thank you God. Thank you LifeWave!

In addition to our adventure to Holden, while on the 2+hour drive, I made some phone calls to line-up a very special birthday trip for Rylan, who turns 8 this month!

As I’ve mentioned, Ry is the kid who has really taken to the shark teeth hunting. He is a big reader, at a young age, and knows how to research. He announced one day, a few months back, he would like to go to Charleston, SC to find some big shark teeth. Well, he is spot on, because the Charleston area is a great location in the Carolinas, and is THE place, where there are many boat charters/guides to choose from; who will take people fossil hunting, with success!

We got a trip, all lined-up, mid-month, Chelsie, Rylan, and I will be taking a road-trip to Charleston, spend the night and be ready to meet the 5:15AM chartered boat, to get us close to THE perfect spot at low tide, to hunt for treasures!

We chose “Seas The Day,” with Captain Damel, for our charter. It’s really just the boat to get us from the dock to the island. No perks, like a guide or anything. 

We are beyond excited and look very forward to this adventure. It was very fun telling Rylan about what we worked out for his birthday! He was pretty speechless! MeMa and Grandpapa also got him a Fanny Pack to wear, when shark teeth hunting. He wanted one to wear, like his mom’s, but with shark pics. It has a plastic liner, inside, just like his mom’s too, so it will hold up. We can’t wait to see him wearing it!

Operation Zodiac

 

 

It’s been fun watching all the pieces fall together for our new-to-us Zodiac. Daryl was able to score a trailer, recently, too, to haul the boat with; which will be a game-changer for where we can go, and not be limited to just one put-in place, nearby. This also means we can keep it inflated, our outboard on, seat/cooler in, and always be at the ready, to explore the intracoastal route, locally, to our hearts content!

 

 

The trailer needed some retro-fitting done, to take it from a jet-ski trailer, to a Zodiac inflatable trailer. The Zodiac is 8-man sized, so it needs to ride over the tires, in lieu of being between the trailer tires.

Daryl is quite handy in this case, and is worked on the modifications. He raised up the center and carpeted the wood. He did a great job.

 

 

Daryl got me a seat with a cooler, for inside the Zodiac…Or maybe it’s a cooler with a built-in-seat. Either way, I’m grateful for the comfy option, whilst on the water.

The other thing we want to do together, is get good at catching fresh shrimp, and of course get some clamming in, too. Not only will we get access to many sand bars at low tide around the area, for shark teeth hunting, I’m also going to get to go “fishing.” BUT, my fishing is for metal. It’s like metal detecting, but no detector machine needed. I have this awesome super-duper magnet. It’s on a long line. I simply drop it in the depths to the ground floor and see what sticks, when I pull it back up!!

In addition, we will have much fun taking the grandkiddos out on the water.

They will love it!

 

 

We arranged parking the zodiac, right next to us, where it will be most convenient. We thank our neighbor for sharing his parking space with us…. Sadly, not long after we made this arrangement, our frail, elderly neighbor ended up in the hospital. The neighbor behind him would do some grocery shopping for the old guy, and we were always taking him food over to him, we cooked. Everybody looks after “Jonny,” a little. It’s a nice community.

But, right after Jonny was taken to the hospital, the other neighbor (who grocery shopped for him) had a heart attack and also went to the hospital. Somebody else we know began having seizures, right after that, and also ended up in the hospital, too!!

What a rufffff week!

Anywayzzzz, I haven’t come up with a name for our boat, yet, but I will. For now, we await the coming week to get our Zodiac/trailer insured, then it will get properly plated/registered.

We look forward to putting the motor on, and will be taking her out to tootle around, to see what we have, and how we do. All I know for sure is, having a wide bottom floor on the boat, will keep us a stable, when in the land of Gators.

Wood Works

Daryl discover a really cool hardwood business in the area. We stopped by and got a tour of the faculty. Their wood collection comes from all around the world.

We were searching for a round slab of sorts, as we wanted to make a little side table, for between our two camping chairs, outside, but the selection and price for an oblong square slab was much better. For $30, we walked away with a gorgeous piece of hardwood, from Bolivia. We have enough wood to make two tables, but focusing on the one, for now.

 

 

We promptly took the Bolivian wood over the Chelsie’s house. She cut the slab in half and got to work. I left her the table stand I had come up with, and in no time at all, Chels had it all sanded, and coated, with an outdoor UV protectant, that made it just pop!

 

 

Thanks Chelsie! You did a beautiful job!

Another Barn Wood Piece, Complete ⬇️

Chelsie, once again, did a great job putting together this faux water faucet and water display. The succulent plant is real, however, and it’s called  “Happy Mama.” ❤️

 

 

I don’t have an abundance of wall space in The Whale, but making do.

Military Appreciation Day in Swansboro

 

 

Each year, the town puts on this special weekend for military personnel and their families; active/retired. How very nice is that?

Chelsie took the kiddos and they had a blast. I wanted to go, but with my freshly broken toe, and having over done it at the beach, recenlty, I had to pass, sadly; staying at home elevating my foot.

Chelsie shared some pics. The foam machine was a huge hit!

 

We’ve been so busy, we missed a pig bbq and potluck at our campground, over the Memorial Day weekend. We had gone to the Aurora Fossil Festival, instead, which was on the same holiday weekend.

Next up, the campground put on an ice cream social, in celebration of kiddos being out of school for the summer. But, on this weekend, there was a family wedding in Tennessee, the Richardson’s went to; where Rylan was the ring bearer. This would be Joeys nephew getting hitched. The kiddos got all set-up with new shoes and clothes for the rehearsal dinner and wedding.

Here are a few pictures Chelsie shared with me, from the rehearsal dinner, wedding day, and with father-daughter dance, included ❤️

Here I Go!

I just embarked on a major weight-loss journey, since I’ve been struggling without a thyroid, when my medication decided to no absorb, fully, any longer; for whatever reason. I’ve been in continual hypothyroidism, ever since. It’s been a frustrating 2.5 years!

I began with a four-day fast, then on to a strict 600 calorie-a-day intake, after that. Thirty days later, I did a three-day fast. By the end of this month, I will be on my “mission to lose,” for about 8 weeks.

I’m actually getting results, finally! I have no cravings for sweets, or designer coffees, but because my protein intake is low, I do crave more protein, once in a while, but that’s it.  It took three weeks before I released even a pound, so that was NOT very motivating, but I stuck with it. Now my body is responding and I absolutely credit the x39 patches, for the peace and calm I maintain, through this life-style change.

I don’t use a scale, ever, so don’t know a number, but I have lost weight and continue to do so, each week. At 63 years old, it’s definitely a slower process to reach my goal, but I’m sticking with it, using good old-fashioned, raw will-power, which is safe and free.

Maiden Voyage

 

Today, Daryl and I launched the Zodiac for the first time, but it was a very short operation. Ha! There was something wrong with the motor. It shut off and would not start again. So, unfortunately, we had to load ‘er back up, wash her off and park her, till after the weekend.

Daryl was in contact with the business he bought the motor from, right away. He will return it and get another one. Of course that was a two-hour round-trip drive to accomplish. Oh well.

Hopefully, we can get back in the water again, soon, to try again. As it would end up, we got a better motor, over all. We will be much happier with a 25 hp and push-button start, over the 20 hp with a pull-start. This will also make it possible for me (and Chels) to take the boat out, if ever Daryl isn’t available. 

⬆️ Off to trade-in the first motor, for the new motor

⬆️ Old motor

 

 

 

⬆️ New Motor. SWEET!!

Beautiful Onslow Beach Time

The kiddos are officially on summer vacation! Yay!

Chelsie and Rylan picked me up and we headed for Onslow for an evening low tide. Ry is always up for shark teeth hunting. The other kiddos chose to stay at home, which was fine, too. We were graced with a gorgeous sunset, plus, since we were there, last, two turtles have laid eggs and their nests have been safely secured.

We did not score many shark teeth, but we had a fun time.

 

 

Chelsie happened to be at Onslow a few years ago (month of September) for a morning sunrise, when right next her, a nest of turtles hatched! Talk about perfect, random timing! She got to watch a hundred tiny turtles make their way out of the sand nest, and in to the surf. HOW COOL WAS THAT?

 

 

Daryl and I have also watched newly hatched baby turtles on the beach, too. In our case, we were on Turtle Island in Borneo, Malaysia 🇲🇾  but the process is the same all around the world and we are grateful for the programs in place that protect these endangered creatures, to help them survive! 

It was just before daylight on the beach, in Borneo, so lighting for photos was a challenge, but what an experience to witness. I will never forget. We also got to watch a turtle come in from the Sea and lay her eggs that morning.

Road Trip to Charleston, South Carolina

Happy Birthday to Rylan!

The day finally arrived, so we; (Ry, Chels and MeMa) loaded up and drove five hours to Charleston! Rylan was super stoked, as this is what he wanted to do for his birthday, so he could hunt for Shark Teeth in South Carolina; a Mecca for finds!

Rylan got his new beach hat from MeMa n Grandpapa, to go along with his fancy Shark Tooth Fanny pack. He is loving it and ready to go! Love him so much! ❤️

 

 

 

 

We stayed the night in the beautiful Historic city, then the next morning, VERY early, we met at the charter boat for our fossil-hunting adventure.

 

 

4AM came very early and Rylan was a real trooper. We were all up and at ’em when we needed to be. The marina at Folly Beach, was about a half hour from the hotel, so that was doable.

 

 

 

The charter boat took us to an uninhabited island, that aside from Shark Teeth finds, has incredible history. It’s called Morris Island. It is an 840-acre island, not far from Charleston Harbor, and accessible, only by boat. The island is part of the city of Charleston and Folly Beach, and thus, was a strategic location during the American Civil War.

It was a beautiful morning on the water. Actual sunrise took place after we were offloaded, and were hustling down the beach to the treasure site. We startled two deer, who took off running down the beach in front of us. That was pretty cool. Too dark for good photos of them, though.

The Morris Island Lighthouse

 

 

1873 – The Third Morris Island Lighthouse

Beginning in 1873, post Civil War, Congress made the first of three appropriations to construct a new lighthouse off of Morris Island.  The first appropriation of $60,000 was granted on that date for “commencing the rebuilding of a first-order seacoast light on Morris Island, destroyed during the war.”  The other two appropriations totaled $90,000 and took place in 1874 and 1875, to complete work on the lighthouse.

When the tower was complete it measured 33 feet in diameter at the base and 16 ft. 8 in. at the top.  The tower extended a total of 161 feet into the sky, from the base to top of the lantern. This would make it the largest lighthouse in South Carolina, and still the 13th tallest in the USA.

By 1876, the new Morris Island Lighthouse was fully operational.  The base of the lighthouse featured a three-story dwelling where the keepers and assistants lived.

The lighthouse complex included 15 buildings on the grounds: three keepers residences, outbuildings, barns, chicken coops, and a one-room schoolhouse for the keepers’ children. The lighthouse and its grounds would be damaged by a cyclone in 1885, and the Charleston Earthquake of 1886.

1962 – The Lighthouse is Decommissioned 

In June 1962, the Morris Island lighthouse was extinguished, when the Sullivan Island lighthouse began operation.  The lighthouse was sold by the government as surplus property to a private citizen in 1965.  The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places, in 1982.

In 1989, Hurricane Hugo destroyed all of the remaining buildings at the base of the lighthouse.  Only the dock remained, until 2017, when it was destroyed by Hurricane Irma.

In 1999, the citizens’ group Save the Light, Inc. bought the lighthouse from its private owner, for $75,000. They are an organization made up of concerned citizens with a goal of preserving the lighthouse for future generations.

In 2000, the lighthouse was transferred from Save the Light to South Carolina, through the Department of Natural Resources, for $1.00.  The lighthouse has been leased to Save the Light, Inc. for 99 years “to coordinate the stabilization, erosion control and restoration of the lighthouse, and to raise the necessary funds for that work.”

In 2021, the Department of Natural Resources transferred the property to the State of South Carolina by and through the Department of Administration.  Preservation efforts continue to this date.

 

 

We would walk to more the center of the island, for about two plus miles, to reach the hot spot. Of course it would end up being the hottest day of the year, to date; in the 90’s and super high humidity. We had water, hats and I even brought an umbrella for shade, if needed.

⬆️
Known as a Horseshoe Crab

More About Morris Island

The first permanent settlement in today’s Charleston was established in 1670, and the initial settlers arrived on what would become, Morris Island, in 1673. However, Morris Island was three separate islands, before it was one. Also, the first Morris Island Lighthouse was built in 1762, following the orders of King George III. The lighthouse reached a height of 42 feet. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the Revolutionary War, but later replaced in 1838 with a taller lighthouse, which stood, 102 feet.

After the Civil War ended, Morris Island became a popular summer destination for wealthy Charlestonians. The island soon became home to many summer homes and cottages.

Today, Morris Island is owned by the state of South Carolina and is managed by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission. The island is open to the public, year-around, and is a popular destination for fishing, bird watching, picnicking, and relaxing.

Revolutionary War

Morris island has a rich history and has been the site of many important events. The island was the site of Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

The island was also home to a Union prisoner of war camp during the Civil War. In 1864, Morris Island was the site of one of the largest naval battles in history, known as The Battle Of Mobile Bay.

Shipwreck Sites

It is said that there are dozens 0f shipwrecks around Morris Island. The most famous shipwreck is The Hunley, which was a Confederate submarine, that sank in 1864. The Hunley was raised from the bottom of the ocean in 2000, and it is now on display at The Warren Lasch Conservation Center.

Myth, Ghosts, And Legends Of Morris Island

There are many myths and legends, surrounding Morris Island, and these stories add to the island’s mystique. Some of the most famous legends about Morris Island include:

Yokum, the Pirate’s Ghost, and Six Treasure Chests

According to legend, a Confederate soldier known as Yokum discovered six treasure chests on Morris Island, from an elderly black woman who lived on the island at the time. She claimed that no one stole the riches, because a pirate’s ghost protected them.

On the night before the historic assault on Morris Island began, Yokum and a friend went treasure hunting. They dug up the treasures, but a sudden storm hit them, as they began to dig. The pirate stood and watched over them from afar, as they dug in a fleeting flash of lightning. They soldiers took off as swiftly as they had appeared, and never returned. Until 50 years later, Yokum would not reveal his tale.

Missing Soldiers

After the assault on Morris Island, injured, sick, wounded, and dead soldiers were all transported to Folly Beach. Many of these soldiers who didn’t survive were buried in unmarked graves; however, no one knows how many there were. Because erosion and storms uncover these unmarked graves over time, they would be discovered between the end of the Civil War and 1987. 14 unknown troops were found; 12 of them had their skulls, and other body parts missing.

The Amelia

In 1832, a ship named The Amelia was sailing from New York to New Orleans, when it went aground on Folly Beach. Instead of being assisted, the 120 individuals on board were left to fend for themselves on the island, as a result of rumors that some had cholera. 20 people perished, and are supposed to haunt the island today, as a result of this circumstance.

 

I found a big, beautiful Channel Shell, but it housed a large live sea snail, so I put it back in the water.

 

 

My haul was minimal. Much of what’s there on the island is in shell beds. My vision doesn’t see well for this type of hunting. I do best walking the tide line on the shore. Here, the shore line is graced with clay. It’s very sticky!

Chelsie and Rylan do much better in the shell beds, so their hauls were much more impressive!

 

 

Chels and Rylan collected quite a few vertebra, as well. Quite possibly from Sharks.

As it turned out, we only ended up with an hours plus to actually hunt for teeth, before we would have to begin our hike back to the meeting site, to leave the island. We did not expect that we would have so little time to hunt, for all the time, energy and expense, but we made the best of it. The location does have great potential, but we really needed at least six hours to fully explore the sand dunes, as well as the inland part of the island, for arrowheads, and other artifacts.

…AND we were late getting back to the boat, which didn’t go over very well, but the other two guests on the boat did what we did. We all heard the same thing from the captain, and all left the hot spot at the same time. Given the heat, we probably weren’t moving as fast, for sure.

I would say, logistically, not being about drop guests off, closer to the hot spot, on the ocean side, will always be problematic in the hot months. The inlet side is where these boats can pull up to the sand, and not get stuck, but it’s quite a hike from there.

We are already planning a return trip to Morris Island one day, in the fall, and take the Zodiac; which we CAN use to get way easier access, from the ocean side, for a landing. It’s a public beach, and so VERY interesting. We could spend a whole day and a half on Morris Island, versus a few hours, AND on our own schedule.

I do much better sifting through the shell beds to find fossils, if thats all there is, but no sifters were allowed, by the boat charter. The boat captain made it sound like it was island rule, when I inquired. That was disappointing, but my bad for not researching, better.

You can bet, Chels, Daryl and I will return with the Zodiac, and have a ball!

I can’t really recommend the “Sleep Inn Charleston,” by the way, as we got a bit of a run-around with them.

I always book online, through Booking dot com. I picked the hotel, because of their noon check-out time, which worked for the early charter day, as we would need to be able to get back from the island, take showers and pack-up. But, when I checked us in, the desk person informed me there was an 11AM check out. I told him, we would be checking out at noon, as per my booking arrangements, I had, in writing. He said he would check with his boss. I said; you do that.

Later, I got a call that the boss said we could stay till 11:30AM. I told the guy, again, we would be checking out at noon, and not before. If the boss had an issue with that, he could take it up with Booking dot com.

I had even asked at check-in, before the check-out conversation, would we be able to get some fruit or snacks from the breakfast room, since we would not be around for their breakfast hours. I was told, yes. I was instructed to come down at 4:3oAM and the person at the desk would let us get some food.

The next morning, at 4:30AM the person at the desk said no to any fruit/snacks. Nice 🙄

After our island time, we got back to our room, with just enough time for all of us to get showers, pack, and for Chels to get a 15-minute Power Nap, for the 5-hour drive home. The room phone started ringing at 11:AM, so I unplugged it. We were out the door at 12 noon.

It’s not like they didn’t get paid or something.

 

 

Angel Oak 

On the way out of Charleston, we only made one stop, Ry was really missing his brother and sister, and wanted to go home. We did stop to see the “Oak Angel.”  This gigantic oak tree is quite a site, if you ever have a chance.

 

 

The rest of the trip was un-eventful. It was a long drive, but we are glad we did it and we are glad Rylan enjoyed it.

Pool Time and the Birthday Boy!

What better way to beat the heat, then hit the pool with the kiddos. We went to one of the pools on base, so Chels swung by and picked us up. It was also, Rylan’s actual birthday!

We had a great time.

 

 

This young lady passed the swim test, so she can now don a wrist band and be in the deep-end of the pool! Good job, Kenz!

Later, we cruised on over to the Richardson’s house for the birthday party. There was pizza, cake and party favors. It was a fun time!

 

Maiden Voyage 2.0

We took the Zodiac out again, and this time, we had success. I also gave her a name, too. I dubbed her “Zoe the Zodiac.” Did you know, when she was brand new, she was a water rescue boat out of Camp LeJeune?  We cruised around the waterways, until it was time to beat low tide, and had to turn around, so we could get back, without issue.

It was a beautiful outing!

 

Summer Soccer

Luke has a few more games to go, as his team started before school was out. Rylan will start with his summer practices, in July.

It’s so hot, the games are in the evening. On this night, Luke subbed-in with his old team. He was pretty hot and tired, after his own game, but he’s a true athlete and pushed on. So proud of him.

 

Deep Cleaning and More Pool Time

 

 

I’m so grateful Chelsie is willing to do the deep cleaning in The Whale. Today, she cleaned the carpet strip, which was so needing to be done. I’m not sure who the Einstein was that thought installing cream-colored carpet was a good idea, in a camper/motor home, but I have heard the new models have darker carpets.

While Chels toiled away, for five hours, cleaning; including wiping down all the wood work, again, with Orange Glow, we entertained the kiddos. Pool time was awesome, because what better thing to do during a heat wave, than that!

Then, it was off to pizza, and DQ after that!

 

Operation, Outdoor Sleeping

When night time temps are above 70 degrees, it gets a tad uncomfortable in The Whale. Running our A/C’s hard, during the day is one thing, but not a good plan to run them 24/7. So, we got the auto blow-up mattress with a pop-up mosquito net. We are Glamping, after all.

It was at this time, after getting set-up with the outside gear, we began getting pop-up thunderstorms, with torrential rains. So no sleeping outside at this time. Ha!

Incidentally, when it is dry, I have never lived anywhere I had to water plants, up to three times a day! I don’t know how my flowers are tolerating this heat. When I lived in Texas, I had way larger pots, which was easier for managing them, drying out, but now I have small pots, in a small space.

 

 

I just love this “volunteer” sunflower that sprouted from the seed(s) we feed the birds.

Chelsie Helping Out, Again

 

 

As I’ve mentioned, it’s extremely hot here, this summer. We have a skylight in our shower, which is usually great, but its not so great, now, as its white-ish and lets a lot of heat in. So, I got some double-sided tape, and reflective insulator material that can be cut to size. I don’t like Daryl up on the roof of  The Whale, and I’m not going up there, either.

Chelsie for the Win! ❤️

After that project was done, we dined on local shrimp. I make an awesome seafood sauce from boiling the shells of the shrimp, and it yummy over rice, and of course homemade bread, with homemade strawberry jam, was served, too.

There is never a single piece of shrimp left, either, after I fix it and serve it up. I increased the amount of shrimp, by a half pound, (up to 2 pounds) with large instead of medium shrimp this time, because the kiddos are HUGE fans! I’m gonna go up to four pounds, next. There is never enough! 😁

 

 

Joey was working his paramedic shift again, so we missed him, but he got a plate taken to him, for later.

Luke found a dead bird on our lot, and was sad, so he wanted to take care of it. The kids buried it in my herb garden and gave it a funeral. They each said kind words for Mrs Fluff, then they sang the Star Spangled Banner.

It was a lovely send-off. 😉

 

 

We ate, the kids enjoyed the massage chairs (in The Whale), then they all went out to the swings, and Chelsie took a nap.

The most perfect Sunday, ever!

Still Food Prepping

 

 

I’m still food prepping, big time, and line myself-out with three meals and one snack, per day. Portion control is everything, so I have no restrictions on carbs, sugars, protein. I mean how much trouble can one get into, on a 600 calorie a day, limit?

So, if I pick to have a small cookie (very small) for my snack, the cookie baking happens at Chelsie’s house. Heating up our oven in The Whale makes it too uncomfortable. Besides, I have lots of helping hands to get cookies baked (and eaten) 😜 Luke calls them “diet cookies,” even though they are not. All the kids have noticed I’ve lost weight, as they’ve commented, and they know I’ve said, I’m dieting, so I think they think everything I eat is diet food. It’s pretty funny.

Jonah Gets Pampered 

 

 

It was also high time, Jonah got a good detail. She always need her rag top treated, and now her paint was looking quite dull, and needed a wax. She needs an entirely new paint job, actually, but that won’t happen till next year. She took quite a few hits as our tow vehicle, and over 15,000 miles to date, so we look forward to one day, getting the windshield replaced, too.

In the meantime, Chelsie rolled up her sleeves again, and went to work!

Thank you Chelsie!!!

It ended up storming the entire time Chels was detailing. Good thing Jonah is tiny, so we could pull her into her garage, for the waxing and the rag top treatment. (It was too dark and pics didn’t come out).

“EVERY BUNNY WELCOME”

 

 

 

Well this project could not have turned out, better! How cute is this?

 

 

Daryl saw a similar sign, when out looking for a shed to buy, last month, and took a picture of it. He knew I would love it. Chels and I put our heads together and duplicated the idea; Chels doing the major work, on actual creating.

Since we have bunny rabbits on the grounds, it seemed quite appropriate, Yes, they like our garden a little too much,….but hey, they gotta eat, too. I’ve named the little young one, “Briar.” It doesn’t run from us at all and is quite brave when I’m outside watering and it just watches me. The kiddos recently got to see Briar, for the first time, and they were amazed at how he didn’t take off.

This is “Briar,” in the pictures.

Making Pies!

I told Kenzie, I could teach her to make homemade pie crust and pies this summer, if she was interested. She was definitely interested. My grandmother taught me how to make the same, so I wanted to carry on the tradition!

We had a great time, and I just love being able to spend this kind of time with my granddaughter.

⬆️ As is also tradition, any left-over pie dough gets made into cinnamon roll pinwheels 

McKenzie did a fantastic  job! Of course I knew she would. I was super proud of her. Her Blackberry and fresh Peach Pies turned out perfect!

Looking for Shark Tooth Island 

 

 

Not far from where we live, is an island we’ve heard about, that at low tide has some shark teeth to find. On this day, we launched out of Cedar Point.

 

 

 

We actually over-shot the island, based on the map we were using, but we had a fun adventure and went over to Emerald Island, after hitting up another island, with no name.

We had a weather front come in, so we didn’t have time to stop at Shark Tooth Island, on our way back to the launch. In this case it was better to be safe, than sorry. Now that we know where the island is, we will go again and take the kiddos.

⬆️ Emerald Island Bridge

bad map 🤣 but it was a nice island, too, with lots of shell beds.

 

 

We got out of  “Zoe the Zodiac” and wandered around. It was very hot, and the water was warm. We did not get to stay very long, and I only found one tiny shark tooth, but I did find a matrix with a broken tooth. I love finding these!

Time Again, to Hit up Onslow

It’s been awhile, since just Chels and I went to Onslow. Summer is not proving to be the best time for teeth to be found, since there is a lack of swells from winter storms, to dredge up the ocean floor, but we both love to be on the beach, just the same, with the tide water lapping at our feet, the salty wind in our faces, and having time, together. If we find any good teeth, it’s just icing on the cake! On this day, it was low tide in the evening.

It was just the best time!

A woman on the beach that evening, asked me if I was hunting for shark teeth. I said, yes. She then showed me what she had in her hand, and asked me if it was a real shark tooth…which it was! I congratulated her. It was her first ever shark tooth find. That was a fun moment. You never forget your first shark tooth find!

Potluck Party at the Campground

Since the Fourth of July is mid-week, we are celebrating on the the last (Saturday) weekend in June, around the campground.

 

 

Chels and the kiddos came on over and we all had a blast! It was potluck, so there was lots of food for all, good music with a DJ, and Kareoke. McKenzie got up and sang two songs. It was her first time with Kareoke. She did great!

Joey was working his two shifts in a row; 12 hours each: 7-7, so he was missed, but we would hear the ambulance flying by, out on the highway, every time he was nearby.

I made “Cowboy Beans N Bacon,” and the campground provided the BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs.

 

This is Luke, wearing a turban 🤣 This is Chelsies’ mini-me, hands down, if ya wanna know what she looked like at this age. 

 

 

I did eat some of my beans and a burger patty. That was quite a treat for me; only my actual second cheat meal, after month two of my eating program, I’m used to things being this way by now. I don’t alway like it, but…..as long as I get results, I stay motivated!

Feeling Blessed

I was just thinking the other day….You know what is VERY cool? EVERYBODY needs a least one; Ride or Die Buddy, right?” Well, I happen to have two; in my life, on the regular: I gave birth to one, and I married the other. I am just sayin, I’m a “lucky Bunny, indeed!”

We sure have fun!

This is Kinda Kool

Looks like the first 5th wheel
Built in 1917.

This piece of history was considered a luxury RV back in the day. People with money to spare, used this mobile home to enjoy nature. It provided plenty of shade and interior space, to make the vacation pleasant, and memorable.

People back then must have had a lovely time in this classic RV

⬆️ Another classic RV type

Next month is July! Do you know who has a birthday in July? CHELSIE!!  You know I am planning something, and it will be just the two of us for a couple of nights, doing fun stuff!

 

LIFEWAVE

 

Daryl and I have almost completed six months of using the stem cell therapy patches. We are going strong! The patching has changed our lives.

Daryl continues to to reduce his blood pressure medication; a med he’s been on, since he was in his 30’s. This was the main reason he started patching; to get off those drugs, completely. He’s been using x39 and x49 patches, during the day.

I live my every day life without chronic pain, now. What a gift this is, after suffering for 19 years! My hair, skin and nails are healthier, like I’m 20 years old, again, too.

Let me help you get your health back! I know many are suffering health issues, now, so let me tell you. It doesn’t matter what you have done to your body, or what you’ve put on it. THIS stem cell therapy is the real deal! No drugs, or prescriptions. This product awakens your very own stem cells that have become dormant, over time. WAKE THEM UP, so they can begin the healing process you need so badly!

My Referral Link: https://www.lifewave.com/colleenhalley/register?

My Customer #2217909

I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.
My email is:

beachcitystudio@gmail.com

NORTH CAROLINA 

SOUTH CAROLINA

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