After almost an hour in the car, we were approaching the park when we saw billboards for Brookgreen Gardens and remembered Gretchen's earlier recommendation. We have never been so we decided to go... No planning, nothing packed... Total spontaneity!
We should have known something was up when we pulled in... Four lanes wide, waiting to get in. Apparently it was their annual fall festival so families had come for miles to carve pumpkins and take hay rides. This meant parking was a bear! But we walked the trek to the entrance, then waited patiently for a trolly to take us the rest of the way to the zoo. There were found an incredible low-key but well done zoo with native animals in their natural habitats. It was a quiet relaxing walk in the woods... And right up Tyler's alley. He actually said it was like his birthday!
We spent a little time on a fairy tale playground before deciding to go. It was a beautiful park and we will certainly visit again... Maybe when it's not so busy!
It was after lunch time so we drove a bit further south and found a Mcdonalds. Then it was time for the state park. As we drove in, Tyler spotted an alligator in the lake beside us... Very cool.
Next we took a walk on the boardwalk to see the salt marsh at low tide. It was amazing to see so many animals up close!
Afterwards we visited the education center. Sammy remembered the boat outside and immediately jumped in to play!
Then took a stroll on the beach and found lots of shells.
Katie and I grabbed some food from JimmyZ on the drive home then started the big job of packing.
I had to run to the store for a few items so we turned it into an ice cream run too. Then we stopped by the Kroeger parking lot to catch a glimpse of this beauty!
Tyler and I worked hard to pack up the van, make returns to 2703, and then the daunting task of hauling out all of our cardboard creations. We were wrapped up by 9:00 pm with just enough time for a TV show before Daddy's call.
It was a fabulous day and a great way to finish off our vacation.
