According to Google and Mapquest, the hours required to reach our destination: 6
Actual hours to reach our destination: 8 (two of those with a crying infant and a whining preschooler)
First animal encouter: 1 racoon, which climbed into the van while we were unpacking
Number of hours spent trying to get Julia to sleep the first night: 3
Number of hours Ellen and Craig slept the first night: 3
Cups of coffee consumed over the week: 3 per person per day
Other animals observed: 1 bald eagle, 1 red fox, 2 rabbits, 2 cardinals (one inside the porch), 1 feral cat, countless squirrels, pelicans, crabs, jellyfish and songbirds.
Sunny days on the beach: 5
Rainy days: 1
Sand castles built: 12
Seashells collected: at least 100
Pounds of sand found in swimming suits: 10
Walks through the dunes and on the boardwalk: 2 daily
Visitors: 2 (David and Quentin) for 2 nights
Sunburns: 3 (David, Craig, and Ellen)
Meals eaten off the grill: 4
Meals eaten out: 1
Cocktails and Beer consumed: no adequate count available
Number of scantily-clad, tattooed, Harley-riding women observed: at least 100
Number of beer-bellied, bandana-wearing, tattooed, Harley riding men observed: at least 100
Number of days on vacation before the 68th Annual Myrtle Beach Bike Week commenced: 4
Number of times Craig or I uttered highly judgemental comments about the Bike Week participants: at least 50
Visits to Ripley's Aquarium: 1
Ratio of nerdy science family to biker family at the aquarium: 1:50
Hours spent staring at the ocean in contemplation: 20 per adult
Converations with three year old about her world and the people she loves: at least 50
Hours spent missing the internet: 0
Hours spent missing Mercer and Macon: 0
Smiles, laughs and sighs of satisfaction: countless
****
We had a fabulous, if at times sleepless, week. We stayed in a cottage in Myrtle Beach state park. The park occupies a mile stretch of beach that is undeveloped and pristine. This is quite an amazing feat given the degree to which Myrtle Beach itself is over-developed. We had a private path through the dunes and sea oats to reach the ocean. We went nearly every day, and most days multiple times. We have already made plans for a return trip next spring (pictures from our week here).
Now, unfortunately, it's back to laundry and groceries, and the woman's work that is my life. Vacation is bliss.
3 comments:
Wow, it sounds like you guys had a wonderful time! I'm very impressed by your tenacity...seeing that an 8 hour drive *is* possible with the little ones is inspiring to me! I love the photos of the girls at the beach on Flickr. I hope your transition back to reality is a smooth one :).
Welcome home! We can't wait to hear more about your trip. Your pictures of the girls on the beach are fabulous.
Good luck catching up. I know from experience that no matter how much laundry you do, you'll still find sand around the house for weeks to come! Think of it as vacation reminders! :)
I will feel your pain about bike week later this summer. I live in the home of Harley Davidson... and it's the 105th anniversary this summer! Can you just hear the engines revving now???
Sounds like you guys had a wonderful trip. Love the pictures!
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