Exploring

Over the last couple of days we have been exploring.  We went to Murrell's Inlet and took a nice walk along the boardwalk.  It's really relaxing watching all the birds and is a nice place to go exploring.

We also used this as an opportunity to look for a place to go to take sunrise pictures.  We scoped out an interesting place and went there today to take some pictures.  We were a little surprised at how cold it was this morning (3c) which got colder while we were out (1c) but then it nicely warmed up to about 14c this afternoon.

We also enjoyed another round of golf yesterday at The International Club Golf Course.  It felt so good being out in the sunshine with a nice warm day.  We averaged around 3.5 hours for our round even though it was a busier day.  You sure could tell that the sun was shining as there were many more golfers out.

A large group of Cormorants enjoying the sunshine.

Fishing for lunch

Swallowing whole!!

We took a drive to Caledonia Golf course to see if the tree's had leaves on them.  We weren't disappointed.  This is such a beautiful drive into the golf course.

This was yesterday morning.  We had originally planned to drive to Murrell's Inlet but it didn't look like we would get much of a sunrise.  You never know what will happen. I'm glad I had my camera ready to take a few pictures.  The sky was still quite pretty.

Ivory Tusk Shell

The last couple of days have been a little chilly although it's not cold enough to stop us from doing things.  I spent about 2.5 hours outside walking the beach looking for shells.  Today, to my surprise and delight, I have found some Ivory Tusk Shells (also known as Tooth Shells).  I have been looking for these for a couple of years now.  I had met a lady on the beach one day when I was shelling in October a few years ago and she showed me these shells.  They are not easy to find and I guess it's dependant on how the waves are moving the sand back and forth.  You really have to look closely to see them as most of the time they are submersed below the sand in an upright position.  Today I was able to find some as I walked along.  They weren't easy to find, hence the amount of time that I was out looking but I'm quite excited with what I was able to pick up.  Many years ago, the Indians used these shells to make necklaces and beads.  They are like a long skinny tube with a hole at each end.  You can pull a thin thread through it to string them as the Indians did, or they can be cut and made into fine beads.  It's pretty interesting.

While looking for the Ivory Tusk's, I also found a few really small shells, which I normally would have walked right by.  I am amazed at what I find just by stopping and looking.  Sometimes I have to walk in a circle in the same area because the sun hides them from sight.  Other times when I bend down to pick one up, my eye catches sight of other ones.  The beach is filled with these beautiful treasures.

Fun in the sun

It's been a fun couple of days.  We enjoyed playing in a tournament hosted by the Caribbean Resort at River Oak Golf Course.  We've never played this course before and it was nice try a new challenge.  We'll have to try it again in the fall as I am sure it will play significantly different then.  We had a lot of fun.  We were paired up with a couple from New York State (Jett and John) and we enjoyed their company. John is almost 80 and Jett was 63.  While we didn't win the tournament (hah hah), we certainly had some good and maybe not so good plays.  Afterwards we enjoyed a nice lunch together.  We hope to see them again in a couple of weeks for the next tournament.

The weather has been getting cooler these last couple of days but it's still nice.  It's quite amazing at how warm our balcony is when the sun is shining, even when it's a colder day.  Ralph was outside enjoying his book and the temperature outside was sitting at 3c but on the balcony it was almost too warm to sit for an extended period of time.

While walking we have seen the Man O War jelly fish along the beach. The birds love it as I've seen them pecking away at them.

We've seen crab and fish as well.

Yesterday evening we went to a Country and Gospel concert performed by Greg Rowles at the Alabama Theatre.  It was a very enjoyable evening.  If you have never heard of Greg, check out this YouTube link below. He was found through one of the Star Searches (many years ago) and is currently involved in the music Ministry in one of the Presbyterian churches here in Myrtle Beach.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voDPw1cYi3E

I have developed a strong strong respect for the ocean.  I have learned very quickly to watch which way the waves are moving as this gives us an idea of the upcoming weather.  As well, it's not wise to turn your back toward the ocean as you can very quickly be surprised by a rogue wave coming up on shore very quickly and splashing water all over you.  As well,  the shelling on the beach is totally different depending on which way the waves are rolling in.  For example, the last two days have brought in many small conch like shells which are really pretty and very few "olive" shells which are very common.  For me, its exciting to see what will wash up on shore.  My collection is getting pretty significant and I look forward to filling the small garden in our backyard with my seashore treasures.

Later today we played a round of golf at Long Bay Golf Club.  Below is what the parking lot looks like when we usually get to the course.  There are generally only a few vehicles unless the sun is shining brightly.  Since it was a much cooler day (started out at -2c and went up to 10c and very breezy) I expect it will be really quiet at the course.  That's fine for us though as it allows us to play a nice relaxing round.  Sure enough only 20 golfers were registered for today.

Where is everybody??

Love this guy!!!

Before the layers started coming off - 4 layers here.

Reflections

Crazy deep bunkers

This mornings sunrise didn't look like it would amount to much but once again we were pleasantly amazed at God's handiwork.  I think my most favourite thing to do is watch the sun come up every morning and giving thanks to God for blessing us each and every day. 

Another amazing week is coming to an end.  We've enjoyed every minute of it!!

Settling into a routine

Well, we've been away for about 12 days now.  We've settled into a bit of a routine which is working out quite nicely.  I wake up early and check out the sky and if it looks promising I wake up Ralph and we either head out and take a few pictures or I set up my tripod on the balcony and shoot a few shots.  The day is spent in many different ways. We walk,  I collect shells, go out and explore , golf or spend time on the balcony reading.  It's great!  We could get used to this.

Over the last couple of days we have gone to the Pier which is further down the beach to take some sunrise photo's. It's been really nice to do this.  You never really know what to expect when you get there. Will the sun come up with colour, will some nice clouds roll in?  Only God knows.  I can confirm though that the shelling at this Pier looks amazing, but I hold myself in check as I know I can only do one thing at a time.  Ralph has been capturing some long exposure shots which smooth out the water. I think they look really awesome!!

The above picture was also taken by Ralph. I love his creativity and how the sun shines as a starburst. It's so beautiful!!

The above pictures were taken on early Sunday and Monday morning.  We were certainly blessed with a great opportunity to photograph the Pier.

I'm back at work again (on my schedule) and I must say that I prefer my "current office" to my "old office".  What do you think??

Yesterday we played another round of golf.  Originally I thought we were going to Pawley's Plantation but Ralph found a better deal at Founders Club.  We enjoyed a nice round and the temperature was quite comfortable.  Tomorrow we're playing in a tournament at River Oak Golf Course. I'm looking forward to that.

Because we had golfed yesterday, I pushed my work into the evening not thinking it would take as long as it did.  As a result I worked until about 11:30 p.m. (my fault for not starting earlier) and we decided not to set the alarm to get up.  I'm a creature of habit and my internal alarm woke me up at about 6:45.  As I rolled over I glanced out of the window and jumped out of bed.  The sky was on fire!  I couldn't miss that shot.

I wasn't prepared at all and after a mad scramble,  I stood in my underwear on the balcony frantically trying to get my camera set up on the tripod and get dressed at the same time.  Hah hah, I think Ralph would have loved to see that but he was sleeping soundly. Thankfully we are on the 16th floor and no one looks up or was out walking that early in the morning.

After taking a few pictures, I went inside and nudged Ralph awake.  I didn't want him to miss this beautiful sunrise.  God has certainly blessed us with such a beautiful sight.