Myrtle Beach-Ripley's, Le Grande Cirque

On our final day in Myrtle Beach, we saw some early bird arrivers for Black Bike Week 2008 which was held May 23-28. Over 350,000 bikers travel to Myrtle Beach annually for the event.

We also found our way to Ripley's Believe It or Not! where we found Colorado artist John Bedford's rhino made of chrome bumpers from cars of the 1950s and 1960s.
One of Snow White's Seven Dwarfs, Sleepy (or was it Dopey?), posed on the left in the picture below next to the world's tallest man.

Over 30,000 matchsticks went into the creation of this roller coaster, "The Dragon".

This was the punishment in medieval Spain for men found guilty of sexual assault of single women.

On a lighter note, this appears to be the punishment of inbreeding.

Next we headed to the Palace Theater to catch a performance of Le Grande Cirque. Although not to be confused with Cirque du Soleil, the shows contain some of the same entertaining features.

The pre-show performers show off their best assets.

The lion at the entrance to the Palace Theatre is made of solid gold, weighs 1000 pounds and at $800 per ounce is worth over $12 million.

Just kidding on that one.

For a short video of Ripley's Believe or Not and a special nighttime show in Myrtle Beach, click below.
For more pictures of today, go to http://public.fotki.com/Marlonfleenor/1/2008/may/ripleys-and-cirque-/ .

Ser continuado...

The 3 B's of Myrtle Beach-Beach, Broadway, Barefoot

Today Doug celebrated his 40th birthday at The Farmer's Daughter Buffet and then we went and burned off at least 10 calories walking one of Myrtle Beach's many beaches.

We found these replicas of the famous pyramids.

A short clip of the beach is below.
Then we headed over to Broadway at the Beach where the birthday celebration continued with some friends Doug took for granite.

Nervous parents watched as their children climbed the playground equipment.

Broadway at the Beach at night...

These reminded us of H.R. Pufnstuf and the talking trees...

These reminded us of ducks and fish.

Ducks and fish need food.

The ducks were swimming right on top of the fish...battling them for food pellets. What a life.

The following day we headed over to Broadway at the Beach's competition...Barefoot Landing.

Barefoot Landing also had ducks and fish (not pictured).

Barefoot Landing had cows...

who helped make Marlon this chocolate malt.

Barefoot Landing had squirrels...

and big old meat-eating felines.

Preservation Station is a free exhibit at Barefoot Landing brought to us by T.I.G.E.R.S.-The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species.

Dr. Bhagavan Antle founded T.I.G.E.R.S. to teach the world about wild animal conservation.

Looking for a little cool shower...

Not to be outdone by the cats, this monkey does a little swinging. He pointed out that cats don't swing.

To see the animals at Preservation Station in action, click below.
For more pictures, go to http://public.fotki.com/Marlonfleenor/1/2008/may/exploring-myrtle-be-1/ and http://public.fotki.com/Marlonfleenor/1/2008/may/exploring-myrtle-be-2/ .

To be continued...

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...