Returning home from the beach

On the beach behind Kingfisher Inn

We had the last of the eggs and ham in breakfast burritos as we finished packing to leave the Kingfisher Inn. We stripped the beds, putting the linens and towels in the bathtub as directed. We loaded the dishwasher and started the cleaning cycle. Rex and I brought luggage carts from the first up to our third floor room so we could load our luggage to take to the cars. We did our best to clean the room the best we could although, without a vacuum, we were unable to clean the sand that we tracked into the room on our feet.

The condo office doesn’t open until 8:30 am but we put our keys in the dropbox and left the parking lot by 8 am. Although the trip would be slightly longer, we decided to return home via the West Virginia Turnpike to avoid driving through larger cities with the Labor Day weekend coming up. We topped off the gas tank at the Walmart so we could avoid stopping once underway. Rex and Natalie made a detour to Harrelson’s Seafood Market where we got our shrimp earlier in the week. Rex wanted to bring a bunch of shrimp back home for a shrimp boil.

We followed exactly the same path that we used for the trip south on Saturday. We even stopped for lunch at the same exit in Ashboro, NC, as Saturday except we ate at the Arby’s Restaurant. The Wendy’s Restaurant at that exit was disappointing on Saturday.

The weather was very hot so we didn’t leave the air conditioned car very much other than lunch and rest area bathroom and stretch breaks. Our EZ-Pass got us through the West Virginia Turnpike tolls quickly and without charge. When in Huntington, we made a quick stop at the Sam’s Club in South Point, Ohio to stock up on salads for the week ahead. We got pizza slices and large soft drinks from the café at Sam’s. It is hard to pass up a meal for $5.

While at Sam's Club we topped off the tank.  We would have made it about 30 miles from home on the gas that we bought at Garden City this morning but we wanted to take advantage of the better prices before we left.

We arrived back home before 9 pm and unpacked most things before heading to bed. Tomorrow would be a day of laundry, cleaning and putting gear away and resting some after the 11 hour trip.

We were glad that we made the trip to the area but were confident that we had spent enough time there to do what we needed to do. Additionally, it is doubtful that we would return to the Myrtle Beach area in the foreseeable future. Other than really good seafood restaurants, there didn’t seem to be a lot of things to do in the area that appeal to Mary & I. The trip to get to Myrtle Beach takes 10 to 11 hours of driving and we can be in Florida in 12 hours. The area on Florida’s Nature Coast, around Homosassa has lots of outdoor activities that appeal to us and is mostly I-75. The only negative for the trip to Florida is that we frequently go through Atlanta traffic.

Fishing at Pawley's Island

Breakfast was cold cereal and yogurt from Kroger. Rex and I gathered our fishing gear into his Highlander and left Kingfisher Inn at 8:30

We got bait at Pawley’s Island Seafood Market. Rex remembered that we could get shrimp, squid and cut bait at the market. However, the market only sells shrimp for bait now. The young Russian man working the counter informed us that they only sell shrimp that didn’t sell or were dropped on the floor for the market. Rex bought three small packets of frozen shrimp.

Fishing at Pawleys Island

We drove through a residential area on Pawley’s Island passing people fishing from bridges and access points along the way. We parked at the Pawley's Island Parking Lot South where there was plenty of fishing access in the canal available portable toilets. As we were locating a place to fish and place our folding chairs, a man fishing nearby offered us his spot and gave us some advice on fishing the canal. He invited us to share a charter boat with him on Wednesday, but we were already making plans to drive back home by then. 

Red drum from Pawleys Island

Fishing wasn’t great in the canal but we hoped that things would change as we neared high tide at 11 am. Crabs stole our shrimp bait nearly as fast as we could replenish our hooks. We were nearly ready to give up around 11 am when I caught a small fish that we cut up and used as bait. A second small fish was used the same way. We seemed to be getting bites on the cut bait but were unable to catch anything. I started casting a gold colored spoon hoping that would avoid the crabs and possibly entice a larger fish to take the lure. Around noon, I had a strong strike and a good fight from a fish. My old spinning reel wasn’t working especially well so I was wondering if I could land the fish at all. I eventually caught the 25 inch red drum that was released as soon as I removed the lure. The fish would have been good to eat but we had dinner plans already and no feasible way to get the fish back home on Wednesday.

While we were out fishing, Mary and Natalie went back to Brookgreen Gardens to see some of the area that we missed on Sunday.  The day got hot so they didn't stay long but checked out some of the beach shops near the condo to get T-shirts for Rex and Natalie's grandkids.

Back at the Kingfisher Inn, Rex and I rinsed our fishing gear at the outdoor shower by the pool then showered and cleaned up at the room. We relaxed with Mary and Natalie before leaving for dinner. On our drives south, we had seen the Hanser House and checked the online reviews. We were satisfied with the strong positive ratings and made that our choice. Mary had made dinner reservations for us but was really no need since plenty of tables were available when we arrived a little after 6 pm. Like our other meals in the area, we avoided the big all-you-can-eat buffets in favor of small, locally owned restaurants with good food and service.

In the top bunk

My creole shrimp from Lee’s Inlet Kitchen was so good that Rex and I both had it this evening. Everyone was happy with the meal. When we returned to the condo, we went to one of the beach stands for after dinner drinks. Afterward, we changed at the room then took a two hour walk along the beach getting back to the condo in the dark at nearly 10 pm.

We packed a few things then headed for bed. Our bunk beds were very comfortable once we were in bed but I will not miss climbing up to the top bunk.

Huntington Beach State Park

View from room 302 at the Kingfisher Inn

I made breakfast burritos with eggs, cubed ham and cheese for breakfast. We went to the Kingfisher Inn front desk and picked up a pass for state parks. This would give us free admission to any South Carolina state park. We left the condo at 9:30 driving south and arrived at Huntington Beach State Park by 10 am.

We toured the home of Archer and Anna Huntington that was called Atalaya Castle which translates to The Watchtower. The Huntington family built this winter home in hopes that the South Carolina weather would be good for Anna’s tuberculosis. Construction on the home was completed in 1933 and was used for about six months each year until the family abandoned it in 1947. The 30 room house was not overly opulent but provided comfortable living for the Huntington family and their servants. Mrs. Huntington had a sculpture at the house with a large skylight where she produced many of the sculptures that are on display at Brookgreen Gardens.

Natalie & Rex at Huntington Beach State Park

By noon, the temperatures were heating up so we drove back to the Kingfisher Inn for lunch. We had salads and diced chicken that we brought from home. We relaxed at the room for a while then Rex and I walked around the small downtown area and checked out a place for Natalie to buy T-shirts for their grandkids. By 3 pm we drove to the nearby Walmart where Rex and I bought fishing licenses for Wednesday. I persuaded the clerk at the sporting goods desk to tease Rex about his “criminal record” from the traffic stop in Virginia last month.

We returned to Huntington Beach State Park and visited the nature center where the interactive displays illustrated the coastal wildlife. A volunteer at the nature center was very helpful in answering our questions. After leaving the nature center we walked the short Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail until the insects got so bad that we walked back to the car.

Hiking on Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail

We went back to the Kingfisher Inn to change for dinner then drove to Lee’s Inlet Kitchen I had the shrimp creole that was similar to shrimp etouffee and was delicious. Everyone enjoyed our meals that were well prepared and delicious. Natalie and I had margaritas that were mostly ice and not especially good but the rest of the meal was excellent.

We returned to the Kingfisher Inn too late to walk on the beach so the four of us walked out on the pier adjacent to the condo. There are two bars on the pier with cover bands at each. Several people were fishing off the pier but no one appeared to catch anything.

Back at the room, we turned in for the night. Our bunk beds were difficult to get into but one we were in the beds we were comfortable and slept well.

Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens

Since we had only the cereal that we brought from home, our breakfast at the Kingfisher Inn was cold cereal again. Rex brought oat milk with him which he says tastes better to him. We all got into Dillinger’s Toyota Highlander at 9:30 and drove 30 minutes south to Brookgreen Gardens. This 9100 acre garden is part of the estate of Archer Milton Huntington and his wife Anna Hyatt Huntington. Archer Huntington was the stepson of railroad magnate, Collis P. Huntington and Anna was an accomplished sculptor. Prior to the Huntington family purchasing the property it was used as four rice plantations prior to the Civil War. Anna wanted a place to showcase her sculptures as well as works from other sculptors that she admired. The property includes numerous flower gardens and a zoo featuring animals that are native to the Carolina low country. We saw river otters, foxes, owls and many other native animals. It is believed that Brookgreen Gardens is the first North American sculpture garden. Our admission included a seven day pass so we could return to the park whenever we liked during our stay.

Russell's Seafood Grill

We spent all morning walking through the beautiful gardens including indoor areas with orchids and others with artwork collected by Ann Huntington. The temperatures were in the 90s but there was a nice breeze and a good bit of shade.

Lunch at Russell's Seafood Grill

Around noon, we drove a short distance to Russell’s Seafood Grill where we had excellent seafood meals and ate too much so we didn’t have a lot of energy in the afternoon. We returned to Brookgreen Gardens to revisit some areas that we didn’t have time to see in the morning. Most of our time was spent at the small zoo on the property with many examples of South Carolina wildlife.

Once the afternoon heat got to us, we left for Harrelson’s Seafood Market where Rex remembered that his parents got excellent shrimp. He bought a bunch of fresh local shrimp to have with our salad for dinner. We made a stop at Kroger where we got salad makings and a few breakfast items. After our large lunch, we weren’t very hungry for dinner and made salads with the boiled shrimp.

View from our room at Kingfisher Inn

After dinner, we took a long walk on the beach and enjoyed the cooler evening air. Back at the Kingfisher Inn, we showered and turned in. We were impressed that the shower had plenty of pressure and provided enough hot water for the four of us to shower.

Arriving at the beach

We had a breakfast of cold cereal with Dillingers then helped them do their last minute packing before leaving at 8:30 am. We opted to take two cars since the two families may want to do separate things on some days and may even leave on different days.

Sitting area at the Kingfisher Inn

The drive through the West Virginia Turnpike was uneventful. Our EZ-Pass got us through the three toll booths avoiding the $4.50 per stop and saving time. There was little traffic in western Virginia and eastern North Carolina putting us at the Wendy’s in Ashboro, NC for lunch. We had hoped to stop earlier but all of the restaurants in the High Point area were 8-10 miles off the interstate and we didn't want to give up that much time.  Because of a miscommunication regarding Interstates 73 and 74 in Ashboro, we were unable to have Rex and Natalie join us for lunch.  Despite having few customers, this Wendy's was very slow.  In addition, the automated soft drink dispenser was out of many drinks.

Rex at the Kingfisher Inn

We arrived at the Kingfisher Inn before 5 pm and took care of the check-in process with Kevin at the front desk. He gave us a lot of information on attractions and dining options for our stay. He told us that he had discount fishing passes for the pier although warned that recent excavation had made fishing poor recently. He also had free passes for Huntington Beach State Park available. We would certainly take him up on the State Park passes. Although the Kingfisher Inn permits only one car per unit, he prepared a free parking pass for Dillingers when they arrive.

Bedroom at the Kingfisher Inn

While watching for Rex and Natalie, I got something from our car. An older couple noticed our Kentucky license plates and inquired where we were from. He said that he was originally from Harlan County, Kentucky but has lived in the DC area as a minister for many years. They, like most people we met in the area, recommended some of the local seafood buffets. As a rule, we don’t usually prefer a buffet since we don’t like to eat enough to make it worthwhile. We usually order from a menu and find that the meals are fresh and to our liking.

Bunks at the Kingfisher Inn

Rex and Natalie arrived about 20 minutes after us so we helped them move their things into room 302 of the Kingfisher Inn. We put them in the bedroom while Mary and I took the bunk room which was about 8 feet deep and 5 feet wide with two bunks and a cloth curtain over the door. The bathroom had been recently renovated with tile floors and a roomy lavatory. The sitting area had a credenza with a television, two chairs and a sofa. The balcony off the living area had a great view of the beach over the pool behind the inn. The kitchen was adequate but dated. The full sized refrigerator was new but the range was older with exposed electric coils. The dishwasher was older but functional. The kitchen had all of the cookware that we expected to need. The Garden City Pier was directly adjacent to the Kingfisher Inn and the downtown area of the town was only a few blocks in size and had very little traffic.

View of the Kingfisher Inn from Garden City Pier

After we got moved in Mary scanned restaurant ratings and decided on Southside Grill which was only a few minutes away. The restaurant owners were Pittsburgh natives with a great sense of humor making us feel right at home. Everyone but me ordered the grilled grouper with mango chutney. I had a seafood sampler platter. Everyone’s meals suited them perfectly and were well prepared and served. We planned to return here later in the week since they were only open from Wednesday through Sunday evenings.

After returning to the Kingfisher Inn, we changed clothes and took a walk on beach. We walked under the pier and continued south along the water’s edge until we were ready to head back. By then, the sun has set and we rinsed at the inn’s outdoor shower before going up to the room and relaxing before bed.

Leaving for Myrtle Beach

We spent the day on Friday mowing and packing for our time at the beach. Unlike most West Virginians, I had never been to Myrtle Beach. However, my friend, Larry has had a timeshare at Garden City, between Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, that he wasn’t using for his week so he let us rent it from him. Neither of us are really all that into the beach but we enjoy seeing new places and eating seafood so we decided to give it a try. We invited our friends, Rex and Natalie Dillinger to join us since they enjoy the same kinds of things that we enjoy and they have traveled to this area many times and are familiar with the attractions.

Rex had recently been involved in a legal issue involving a traffic ticket in Alleghany County, Virginia. He had passed a police car on I-64 and, in the officer’s opinion, didn’t move far enough into the left lane. He has secured an attorney to challenge the reckless driving charge to an offence with fewer points on his driver's license. In addition, he has had a health scare following a tick bite resulting in a diagnosis of ehrlichiosis. He had been very ill until starting a course of antibiotics that will hopefully prevent any chronic health problems. We hoped that the beach trip would be a pleasant diversion from his legal and health issues.

We really didn’t know what to pack since we hadn’t been to the area before and hadn’t really taken a “beach vacation” other than as a stop on one of our visits to Florida. We packed more clothes that we thought we would need despite knowing that our lodging, the Kingfisher Inn, would have a laundry. We packed a good bit of food since we planned to eat breakfast and lunch at the condo. We took water shoes and camp chairs as well as fishing gear to take advantage of whatever the area offered.

We turned the water heater and under-sink water heater off, locked the doors, set light timers, security cameras and the entry alarms. We were on the road by 4 pm. Although the shortest and most direct route for us would be by taking I-75 through Knoxville but we opted to spend Friday night with Dillingers in Milton then we could leave from there taking the West Virginia Turnpike avoiding most large cities. We ate our dinner of cold cut sandwiches along the drive arriving at Dillinger’s before 7 pm. We enjoyed catching up then turning in to bed before 10 pm.