Briarcliffe RV Resort, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Today we moved on to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

While driving to our next destination, we saw a couple of things that were perhaps foreshadows of our future.

First, we saw this carnival food vendor. Who knows? Maybe we'll join a carnival sometime.

Next, we saw Pedro beckoning to join him at some place called South of the Border. That might be in our future, too.

Our present was this rv site at Briarcliffe RV Resort.

The resorts we have stayed at have had so many miniature golf courses...who needs to pay to play anywhere else?

The clubhouse at the resort features two lounge areas, an exercise room, free wifi...

a nice big pool...

same pool...with the intercoastal waterway just beyond it...

same intercoastal waterway...

and a big entertainment hall for all the talent shows we like to perform in.

There are a few streets populated with very well kept park models, primarily used as vacation homes.

There's even a church big enough for a few to attend services on Sunday.

For more pictures of Briarcliffe RV Resort, go to http://public.fotki.com/Marlonfleenor/1/2008/may/briarcliffe-rv-resort-/ .

To be continued...

Eating & Exercising in Santee, South Carolina

Thanks to a fellow rver, today we found a neat place to eat...Lone Star Barbecue & Mercantile is located in Santee, South Carolina.

Opened in 2001, the restaurant is comprised of four old country stores from the late 1800's and early 1900's. They are connected to each other via a long corridor at the rear of the buildings.

Each building has its own dining area and its own history.

The O.K. Zeagler's store was used as a setting in the 1989 movie, Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken, starring Gabrielle Anwar of the USA Network's "Burn Notice".

Lone Star Barbecue & Mercantile was the dream of Pat Williams, pictured below with another happily-stuffed customer.

The post office of the Lone Star Community, in use until 1995, is on display.

Each dining area is packed with antiques and memorabilia for all to enjoy.

Marlon had to use the bathroom but it too was closed in 1995.

Next, we went to see the Santee Indian Mound. At least sixteen graves have been uncovered at this mound, which was also the site of various religious rites in the 17th and 18th centuries.

During the American Revolution, the mound was used by the British as Fort Watson. Action at Fort Watson lasted eight days and ended with an important American victory.

Marlon needed some exercise. So he began his ascent to the top of Fort Watson/The Santee Indian Mound.

Stopping at the top to catch his breath, he found time to pose for a picture.

The top of the mound provides a wide view of Lake Marion.

Chatfield was bored by all this talk of old buildings, old mounds and old wars.

For more pictures, go to http://public.fotki.com/Marlonfleenor/1/2008/may/lonestarindianmound/ .

To be continued...

Congaree National Park, Hopkins, South Carolina

Today we visited Congaree National Park. Congaree became a National Park in 2003, making it one of the newest National Parks. It had previously been the Congaree Swamp National Monument since 1976.

Congaree is a 22,200-acre park and home to some of the tallest trees in the world, including giant sweetgum, tupelo, hackberry and many other varieties of hardwoods.

Approximately ten times per year, the Congaree River floods its banks and the Congaree Swamp acts as a giant sponge, by cleansing and filtering the water.

Marlon balances daringly over the Congaree River which comes as no surprise as some of his ancestors were circus performers...really!

Nearby, a deadly snake waits...hoping for Marlon to fall in the water so he can have lunch.

Every other Sunday here at Congaree, seven canoes are provided for free ranger guided tours of the river and swamp. Reservations can be made 14 days prior to the tours and, as we found out, tours are booked within 10 minutes of the park opening on that first day of reservations.

Here is a canoe on its own self-guided tour of the park.

Luckily, they made it past this snake.

Doug was looking a little pale.

An elevated boardwalk winds about 1.3 miles through the massive trees. In all, there are more than 25 miles of hiking trails in the park.

After leaving the elevated boardwalk, we then walked the 4.4 mile Weston Lake Loop Trail.

Did you know that turtles like Froot Loops? We found out they did when we saw someone sharing with them.

For a 7 minute video, click below. C'mon...it's ONLY 7 minutes!

For more pictures, go to http://public.fotki.com/Marlonfleenor/1/2008/may/congaree-national-park/ .

To be continued...

Edisto Memorial Gardens, Orangeburg, South Carolina

Next, we drove to the City of Orangeburg to check out the Edisto Memorial Gardens.

The gardens were originally developed in the 1920's.

In 1951, the first rose garden was planted. From then to now, the garden has grown to more than 50 rose beds featuring over 4000 plants and at least 75 different varieties of roses!

The Edisto Memorial Gardens are one of only 23 official test gardens in the United States and introduces up to five different hybrid roses every year.

Statuary is abundant in the gardens.

See...Doug was really there.

The Orangeburg Festival of Roses is held every year to celebrate the garden's blooming.

We don't think we have ever seen a rose tree before.

This paddle wheel can be viewed from the 2,600 foot boardwalk which meanders through the nearby Horne Wetlands Park.

Marlon was really there!

The boardwalk runs along the north fork of the Edisto River.

More statuary surrounds the garden's pond.

These, and their doodoo, also surrounded the garden's pond.

Brand new little ducklings waddled around.

On the lookout for intruders.

Darn goose poop on my foot...

This War Memorial stands at the entrance to the Gardens.

For more pictures, go to http://public.fotki.com/Marlonfleenor/1/2008/may/bee-city-and-edisto/ pictures 89-142.

To be continued...