Animals Galore - Day Four

We woke up to the alarm today... apparently we all needed the rest since it was already 8:00 am

Aunt Gretchen met us at 9:00 am to head out for the Huntington State Park in Murrells Inlet.

If you've never been to this state park, I highly recommend it!  It is just beautiful and so entirely peaceful.  We attended the 10:00 am class to learn more about alligators and then set out to find some in the brackish waters off the salt marsh.  We did find one... a little guy.  He's at the center of the pic... facing 4:00.

Actually it was Tyler that spotted it.  The rest of the adults in our tour group were very impressed with his knowledge.

 

After that we headed over to the Learning Center for the Feeding Frenzy at 11:00 am.  Tyler ate up every minute as the park ranger shared about the various animals.

Aunt Gretchen headed out for a walk on the boardwalks, Tyler and Katie stayed to finish the entire seminar, and Sammy and I took a break outside.  It was closing in on lunch time when we all met back at the van, so we decided to find some lunch across the street at Brookgreen Gardens.

Again, if you haven't been, you should visit!  We didn't spend much time in the sculpture gardens as it would take way too long.  So we grabbed Sammy a stroller and hiked over to the zoo area for lunch.  Afterwards we played on the playgrounds for a little bit.

Next, we wandered through the zoo.  The aviary, the river otters, crocodiles, birds of prey, ducks, deer, and goats.

I love the meandering trails through the woods but needed to recruit some help pushing Sammy's stroller!

We got back from the our big day around 4:00 pm... that's 7 hours folks!  Seriously, a huge day for us.  We quick changed and hit the beach while we had time.   Dean joined us for some body surfing and wave-chopping.

The waves were AWESOME!  Many times over my head... it was so much fun but exhausting.  We hit the hot tub on the way up to the condo and then got cleaned up.  I ran out to pick up hibachi from JimmyZ and we enjoyed an amazing meal together!

After Gretchen and Dean headed home, the kids headed to their rooms to watch a little TV.

It was a fabulous (and busy) day... we will all sleep well!


Highlights:
Tyler: Feeding Frenzy seminar at Huntington State Park
Sammy: Swimming in the pool with Dean
Katie: Wave jumping was the best so far
Jen: Watching the river otters swim and play


Weather - Sunny, high of 81*

Our Biggest Adventure Yet - Day 17

We made the plan for the day over breakfast... Katie was only halfway through her waffles with the kids ready at the door.   Today we would head south to Huntington Beach State Park!

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.