Camping at North Myrtle Beach
Shells in the Sands Series #7
The intention for this series is to share cherished thoughts and reflections of life in bite-size pieces. I have been an avid journal writer since my early teens, and most of the original writings were initially captured in my personal journal. I have chosen the most pertinent ones to share with the world through this series. This joy is similar to picking out beautiful shells while walking on a sandy beach.
We have established a tradition of taking our first vacation of the year in early May. There are several reasons behind this choice. May 1st marks Labor Day in China, prompting a natural inclination to take time off and enjoy a break in sync with family and friends back home. This timing also aligns with the end of the spring semester in the United States that goes well with the academic flow, a recommendation I initially received from an experienced mentor.
This marks our third visit to the North Myrtle Beach area. The first was two years ago, coinciding with my birthday, when we stayed in a vacation resort. Last year, for Roger’s birthday, we chose camping at the Myrtle Beach Travel Park and found it immensely enjoyable. It was an easy decision to return here with our camper for our first vacation of the year, before the summer crowds swell. We have found North Myrtle Beach to be as delightful as ever, striking a perfect balance between nature and culture, offering an abundance of experiences in both realms.
Our favorite pastime is cruising along the beach on our electric bikes. This time of year the Grand Strand ordinance only permits bikes and dogs on the beach before 10 AM and after 5 PM. This aligned perfectly with our preferred riding times when the sun is not too harsh. In the mornings, we hit the beach by 9 AM, enjoying an hour-long ride before exploring the campground. Afternoons mirrored this routine, often extending our ride well past sunset. On several occasions we took special care to bring our beloved dog Miss Sadie to the beach for a short walk to enjoy chasing the waves. She is aging rapidly and requires limiting her activity to avoid overexertion. In her early days she would put on a display of physical dexterity fetching sticks in the surf that amazed every passing beach walker.
We particularly cherish the serene stretches of beach void of the masses of population and high-rises, providing ample space to ride freely. Roger enjoys riding alongside the surf, following the rhythm with the tide drifting and weaving next to the waters edge. We spar with sandpipers and seagulls, delighting in their flutters and squeaks to our bike bells. Along the way, we engage with fellow beach enthusiasts, exchanging stories and admiring treasures like shark teeth, jellyfish, colorful shells and sand turtle sculptures. Roger even rescued a stranded horseshoe crab, easing the worries of two nearby observers.
Throughout our rides, smiles abound, echoing the joy felt by many on the beach. There’s something magical about the soothing sounds of the ocean, the salty breeze, and the vast expanse of the sky. It felt like a spiritual spa. The few challenges like soggy sand after high tide add to our rides filled with memorable moments. We treasured glimpses of a Snowy Egret fishing, marveling at its precision and focus. We felt a sense of wonderment as we pedaled toward a magnificent rainbow stretching across the sky, imagining what awaited us at its end. We walked barefoot on the beach, relishing the sensation of the sand and waves caressing our feet.
Vacation provides the opportunity to decompress in new and expansive surroundings. Away from the confines of work and responsibilities at home, we revel in the solitude, of nature, and the simple pleasures of everyday leisurely tasks.
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. — Anonymous
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” We saw this quote on the back of a camper along the highway. It resonates deeply with us. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to slip into autopilot mode to cope with stress. But on vacation, I find myself fully present in each moment, capturing the beauty and meaning. These moments are like shiny pearls preserved in time.
The other half of Myrtle Beach is filled with shopping and dinning. Brunch at Dino’s House of Pancakes was exceptional. The owner, George took pride in his shrimp and grits dish and made sure it was the best. His attention to detail made us feel very special. Similarly, at Tanger Outlet, salespeople like Mike from Under Armour and Adele from Loft were attentive and helpful without being pushy. Adele, in particular, demonstrated excellent leadership by guiding me through my choices and encouraging me to explore new options, supporting my mission to “lean into my edge”.
After shopping at Tanger Outlet and donning our new clothes, I watched Roger enjoying his favorite snack — ice cream. He looked so healthy and happy from our beach rides and time in the sun. For a few moments, I felt like a carefree princess with her loving husband, free from worries about health issues, career concerns, or household chores. In that moment of abundance, gratitude overwhelmed me, especially for Roger’s radiance, kindness, and generosity.
Travel also provides opportunities to experience ordinary things from different perspectives.
Roger and I are quite different. While I bury my head in books, he immerses himself in everything around him. He has a knack for meeting people and always finds himself in the middle of exciting happenings. For example, he discovered a new house being delivered, befriended the owner, and we visited the site daily to witness its progress. Through this experience we gained valuable insights into real estate and construction in the area. He effortlessly makes friends, like our neighbors Gary and Debbie from Ontario, Canada, with whom he had engaging conversations. I enjoyed observing their interactions from the camper, relishing my solitude. Previously, I favored book knowledge over practical experience, but my marriage with Roger has completely changed that perspective. I’m grateful for such a wonderful husband who teaches me so much through his life experiences.
Sadie is always a source of joy for us. She always knows where she wants to go, often leading us on her chosen path. Even when we try to guide her, she uses her Houdini-like skills to slip away from her collar and follow her instincts. Of course, we follow her lead as she takes us on adventures, tracing invisible trails of scents wherever we go. Traveling with Sadie is an adventure in itself. She’s been by our side for 11 years now. During our cross-country camping trip in 2021, she fearlessly dived into every body of water we encountered, from Jenny Lake in Grand Teton to the Pacific Ocean. Despite her age, her spirit remains as lively as ever.
Our only paid entertainment was the lunch ride aboard the Barefoot Queen. We delighted in the well-maintained boat, the charming houses lining the canal, many owned by celebrities, and the quintessential Southern hospitality evident in the abundance of sweet tea and the warm smiles of the staff. What truly captivated us was Les, the singer. Not only was he incredibly talented, but he also exuded a genuine passion for his craft. From the moment we boarded, he welcomed us with enthusiasm, inviting special song requests and setting a vibrant atmosphere. After the ride, when we commended him on his performance, he humbly shared, “My mother said I hit a high note when I was born. I hope to hit a high note when I die as well.” His profound love for singing and being totally comfortable in his own skin and station in life reminded me of the transformative power of love in silencing our inner critics. In the presence of such genuine affection, judgment simply fades away. I’m deeply grateful to Les for imparting this lesson in unconditional love and its ability to dispel many doubts and fears.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to my dear husband for discovering this delightful spot, taking on the lion’s share of the preparation work, and opening my eyes to countless precious and joyful experiences.
Our upcoming camping trip to Fancy Gap along the Blue Ridge Parkway awaits us. The mountains are calling, and I must go. The tagline on the rear spare tire of our camper says it all about camping:“Wandering not Lost”.
