After hours, we arrived to a locked gate. With no reservations we were hoping to slide in and get a site. Someone had pulled up and was trying to unlock the gate so we waited, but after a few minutes with no luck they took off. I decided to give it a go however my multiple guesses at the combination didn’t work. I headed back to the coach and resumed my seat in the captain’s chair contemplating our next move when a fellow camper pulled up and yelled at us to follow him into the park. Past the holiday lights we followed him into the darkness to find a campsite.

More holiday decorations assured us the vibe was all good.

We found a spot and settled in for bed as it was late, and we had schoolwork to complete in the morning.

I was excited to be here as Myrtle Beach offered the first prospect of surf since we left California. I had been land locked and out of the water for the longest time. I was at the beach early to check out the prospects.

 Oh well, there’s always tomorrow.

Back at the site, I made some coffee, hung out with the boys and dreamed about the next time I would surf.

Once we roused everyone we headed out through the park to explore.

The nature center was full of information. The animals here include Raccoons, squirrels, birds, and snakes. Snakes, ewe, mostly Copperhead snakes and yes they are poisonous. The ranger assured us that they most likely wouldn’t be out yet due to the cool temperatures. When they do come out, they have plenty of camouflage.

We stayed a few days as they were getting ready for Santa with a big weekend planned. We arrived early to see Santa on the beach, but we were not the only ones with the great idea. The line to see Santa was long and all three kids opted out, so we checked out everything else.

Where is Santa?

Has anyone seen Santa?

The picture taking ensued.

We scored with some nice weather however we were looking forward to getting to the warm temperatures of the Florida Keys.

They had camel rides, a bake sale, numerous projects and crafts. It reminded me of a little beach we go to over the holidays back home, minus the camel rides.

After a long morning, we headed into town to run some errands and sight see. Every so often you run across massive stores here that dot the landscape. They are monoliths to overseas manufacturing, with names like Whales, Surf City and Beaches which visually pollute the landscape.  There are so many it is hard to believe there is enough business to support them all.

 

We relish in the more obscure sights and attractions. Hurl Rocks Park was one of the kids favorites. A park that actually encourages you to be a kid.

We didn’t stop here but it’s nice to see the celebration of all species.

That evening back at the campground we ventured deeper into the park.

Fellow campers with a very tidy campsite.

Myrtle Beach State Park got us in the Holiday Spirit as many campsites were decorated for the holidays. As much as we wanted to stay, we had a campsite reserved in the Florida Keys and had a few more days to get there. Next Stop, Saint Augustine, Florida.

Saint Augustine, Florida.                              Anastasia State Park. 

Over the draw bridge and past the Alligator farm is Anastasia State Park. A real gem in the Florida State Park system.

Saint Augustine is notable for vast, deserted beaches, the Fountain of Youth, a quaint pedestrian village and a waterfront Spanish Fort. I am sure there is much more, but we only had a couple days to explore.

Our visit to the 1872 Spanish fort, Castillo de San Marcos coincided with our daughters studies so it was even more cool to walk around a place she had been reading about.

After bumming around the fort, we walked across the street into the pedestrian village and had some dinner.

We passed this one up based upon the name alone.

We ended up eating at Pizza Time, the number two ranked pizza joint in the country according to TripAdvisor.

We took some time out to hang out with the owner. Can you say Italiano? All fueled up we explored the village for a while and headed back to camp to get an early start on a long drive day ahead. Saint Augustine will be the future destination for a long weekend as you can leave your car parked for your entire stay.

It was December sixth and our reservation in the keys started on the eighth. With over four hundred miles to go we headed to a local farm in West Palm Beach the following day to break up the drive. We arrived thirty minutes before closing and were greeted by the manager who encouraged us to take our time. So, we stocked up on fresh veggies and the first of many Key Lime pies to come.

Next stop, Sunshine Key.