Floundering In Myrtle Beach

November 5 – 9, 2014

We continued to spend a few more days in the Palmetto State enjoying the sandy beach found in Myrtle Beach.

According to the history of the area the Waccamaw Tribe called it home. They used the river for travel and fished along the shore around Little River.

Settlements in this area did occur and the early settlers had great success in producing indigo and tobacco but didn’t have much luck in extending the plantation system which was their first goal.

The statistics indicate Myrtle Beach gets 14 million visitors annually. I am glad we didn’t decide to check this place out in summer. It would have been a bit crowded and Izzy couldn’t have enjoyed the beach.

Horses to High Rises

 

We spent a few nights at the Myrtle Beach State Park which provided us with a short walk to the beach and a fishing pier. Izzy enjoyed sniffing the entire campground, beach, and hiking trails.

A Little Fall Color Along the Trail

Spreading Out

 

Our camping spot was located close to one of their cabins and one morning when Izzy and I were out walking we came across a spider web you just couldn’t ignore. We found an interesting looking spider at home in the web. Needless to say we didn’t disturb it as it appeared it just might when the battle.

Hanging Out

Hi There Said the Spider

 

We checked out the fishing pier the day we arrived and spoke with a local who had been fishing since 0900. It was about 4:00 in the afternoon and he had already caught one flounder and hooked one while we were talking with him. He was able to keep it as well so guess what they were having for dinner!

Serenity

Since we enjoy flounder Steve headed to the local bait store to obtain the magic bait that should provide success for us as we were going to fish the next day.

We headed to the pier in the morning with the hope to catch some fish. The sun was out but the wind was blowing pretty steady so you couldn’t enjoy basking in the warmth, but heck we were outside enjoying the surroundings and fishing!

 

I caught a small pompano fairly early on so maybe we just might get lucky and get a flounder. In between casting and checking the bait, we watched quite a few folks riding their horses on the beach. They don’t allow horses or dogs on the beach earlier in the year but after Labor Day they show up in droves. Who could blame them as it is a beautiful beach.

  

Steve fished next to the gentleman (Curt) we spoke to the day before and learned a bit more about the areas’ fishing spots. As we looked up and down the pier the fishing action was pretty slow until Curt managed to catch a pretty nice sized black drum. Funny how the fish went to his bait and not ours. We did get some nibbles but nothing to reel up. Oh well that’s what fishing is all about.

Fishing and Gabbing

 

We had fun our few days here and took advantage of the hiking trails in the park as well as the beach. There were a few brave folks out in the water without wet suits. I wonder if they do the Polar Bear challenge?

I checked on the spider the morning we were heading to our next spot as the cabin had been rented for a couple of nights. Certainly it would get nervous and go hide but it didn’t. I guess when you look mean you don’t get nervous!

Well next time you hear from us we will be learning all about Charleston. Talk with you all soon!

 

History Lesson from the Outer Banks of North Carolina

October 24 – November 4, 2014

We spent almost two weeks in North Carolina with most of the time spent in the Outer Banks (OBX). Our temporary home was a nice small RV park along the Currituck Sound in the town of Kill Devil Hills.

It was a great spot for Izzy since she could chase her floppy right outside our door. It also gave us some beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Izzy and My View One Morning

Sunrise Out Our Door

Next To Our Spot

 

We focused on learning what the area was all about as well as checking into the potential to fish. There are several islands that make up the outer banks and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It was not very crowded this time of year but it is pretty obvious the beaches would be swamped during their peak season.

Walking the Beach

Close to us was the spot where the first motorized flight took place. Do you remember when that happened? It was on December 17, 1903 at 10:35 AM. Orville Wright was lying prone with the controls in his hands. Wilbur and Orville were successful in completing four flights at this location with each one going a little farther.

 

Replica of the Plane

 

The National Park Service maintains this National Monument which contains a museum, markers of where the flights took off from and ended, replica of their hanger and cabin, a monument, and sculptures of the folks involved and airplane. Well worth a visit if you are ever near here.

Markers Where Each Flight Ended

Wright Brothers' Cabin and Office

They picked this spot due to the sand dunes, height of a hill, and winds. They needed the wind to help test their gliders and theory, which gave them the ability to make adjustments in the airplane. They wanted the sand so the landing would be cushioned and they wanted nice weather.

 

The view from the monument which was constructed in 1928 gives you a great view of the area they used. The sculpture is pretty cool too and the statues include the men from the ocean rescue station that were helping with the flights.

 

View From The Monument

Recognizing History and Achievement

Orville Ready for Take-Off

Wonderful

Enjoying the Day

This was our first history lesson. The next one came when we went to Roanoke Island and visited Fort Raleigh. Before I tell you about this I need to refresh your memory about something we also learned on our journey.

Remember we told you about the first permanent settlement in Jamestown when 104 English men and boys landed there on May 13, 1607. We also told you about the Pilgrims’ first landing in America in Provincetown Harbor on November 21, 1620 after 67 days at sea. Well would you believe there were some English dudes arriving in North America in 1584 and some 600 people arrived on Roanoke Island.

Well guess what happened back then? This site became known as the Lost Colony. According to the information Roanoke Island has been the scene of historical dramas spanning over three centuries and between 1584 and 1587 England took its first steps toward settling North America, making three voyages of exploration and settlement to the island.

1584 was the year of reconnaissance by Sir Walter Raleigh with his venture focused on finding a suitable place for settlement and to counter Spanish domination in the New World. In July he arrived and met the natives who made them feel welcome. After several weeks the English departed taking with them two Algonquians, Manteo and Wanchese natives.

1585 was the year 600 people sailed to Roanoke Island with the hope to occupy the island for England, find precious metals, and establish a base from which to raid Spanish ships. Things didn’t go quite as expected so all but 15 men left to head back to England.

 





1587 was the year when a true colony was the goal for England but not on Roanoke Island. This “Citie of Ralegh,” led by John White (artist), was supposed to be on the Chesapeake Bay. However in July, the 117 colonists stopped at Roanoke Island to search for the 15 men left behind. They were not successful in finding them and White’s pilot refused to take them any farther. So they stayed and repaired the fort.

Entrance

 

Earthen Fort

Remnants

 

Things didn’t go well with the natives as they had been attacked previously so they decided to kill a colonist as they were fearful of these people now. The colonists retaliated attacking a nearby Indian village, killing a villager before learning they were friendly.

White decided to head back to England to get more supplies and return as quickly as possible. The colonists told him they would leave a message if they decided to leave Roanoke Island so he could find them upon his return.

White was not able to return until 1590 and the settlement was silent with the only letters CROATOAN carved on a post. White tried to get to Croatoan Island but a hurricane prevented him and he was forced to return to England. No one knows what happened to the colonists. Archeologists have not been able to find any trace of where they went or what fate might have befallen them. What do you think?

 

Hanging Out in Shallowbag Bay

Now that you have been exposed to part of the history of the Outer Banks I am going to shift gears. We decided to check out the Bodie Lighthouse and a nice little marina. If you are into searching out lighthouses you can find quite a few in the area.

Bodie Lighthouse

Boat Avenue

 

We left the Outer Banks and spent a few days at Carolina Beach where we enjoyed a nice rain storm and a day of golf. We liked the golf better than the several inches of rain and wind.

Inviting Water Hazard Hole - We Missed It

 

Our next stop on our trek south is Myrtle Beach South Carolina.

 

 

The Historic Triangle

October 17-23, 2014

Our journey through some of the historic towns in Virginia took us to the area known as the historic Triangle. For those of you like me who didn’t know what towns make up the triangle it is Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown.

When you look on a map they don’t quite layout in a triangle but there isn’t really a shape to use that best describes it.

We stayed at a nice RV park in Williamsburg which had a great nature trail Izzy could travel on as well as run on with Steve on the motorcycle. They also had a great place for her to play floppy.

Sunrise from our spot

Getting Ready To Run 

We happened to be here at the right time to take in the commemorative celebration in Yorktown of the surrender of Cornwallis on October 19, 1781. The American victory at Yorktown was the last major battle of the American Revolution, secured independence for the United States and significantly changed the course of world history.

Historic Battle

Surrender is a Possibility

Soldier's Life



The Colonial National Historic Park under the National Park Service is a great place to come anytime during the year and learn about the town and the battle. Since we were there during the time of surrender we were able to enjoy the firing of the cannon.

 

 

Soldier's With Cannon Duty



 

 

Preparing to Fire

Waiting for Cannon Fire



We traveled through the battlefield and learned about the French and American troops, the defense by the British, and the battle that led to surrender.

 

British Inner Defense Line 

Second Allied Siege Line 

Steve with "The Fox" - French Six-Pounder

 

French Artillery Park 

French Cemetery

Mortar at Redoubt 10

Redoubt 10 Captured by American Troops



You can tour the Moore House where terms of surrender were drafted and accepted. If you enjoy learning about this part of our history it is a great place to come.

Augustine Moore House

Surrender Terms Negotiated Here

You wander through a few streets within the historic Yorktown and can enter the home of Thomas Nelson Jr who led the local “tea party” and tossed tea off a merchant ship in Yorktown harbor in November 1774. He was a signatory to the Declaration of Independence and was elected the third governor of Virginia, succeeding Thomas Jefferson. He was also a military man and was a brigadier general, commanding the militia at the siege of Yorktown.

 Cole Digges House

 

Customs House

Sailing by in History

 

As you wander through his house, which was built by his grandfather in 1730, you learn a bit more about how he lived. The house also bears the scars from the artillery bombardment during the siege. The battle that took place in 1781 destroyed much of Yorktown (almost two-thirds).

 



 Thomas Nelson Jr.'s House

 

Yorktown Victory Monument

 



The next place we saw was Colonial Williamsburg. We were actually able to ride our bikes around since they close the streets to cars. You can wander the streets and observe townspeople from the early 1700s. If you choose you can go on a tour and step back in time in many of the buildings and learn all about their lives.

Colonial Williamsburg

Biking Through Town

 

The Governor's Palace 1722



We enjoyed riding around and stopping to read the interpretive signs and watch the colonial citizens.

Catching Up

Deep in Conversation

Hanging with Jefferson

 

The Capitol

Storekeeper

Taking a Break



 

The next stop was Jamestown. The National Park Service provides you with a great visitor center where you learn about the first permanent English colony. Exhibits trace history of Jamestown, and the Powhatan Indian, European and African cultures converging in 1600s in Virginia.

 

 Cultures Blending   

Life in Jamestown

Oven from Jamestown Ruins - Put Back together from 200 pieces

 

You also learn about Pocahontas who had married a Powhatan Indian in 1610 and was kidnapped three years later. During captivity she met and married colonist John Rolfe. Her Father, Chief Powhatan, accepted the union and peace was maintained for eight years.
 

You can do a driving tour through the historic park and take in the beauty of the land and water.

 



 

Even though it looks like we were in history class the entire time we were here it isn’t true. We did manage to play golf on my birthday so were treated to a different kind of scenery. Beautiful course and the weather was just right for golf.

 

Challenging

Pretty Hole - Just Don't Hit in the Water

We enjoyed the time spent in Virginia and learning more about the beginning of America, but it is time to head a little further south. Next time you hear from us we will be some place in North Carolina.