Sunday, June 21
There's a saying in Michigan when the weekend or vacation rolls around, "what are you doing this weekend/for your vacation"? The answer is going "up north". Here, in South Carolina, the answer to that question is going "to the beach" (aka ocean).
Today, the temps were close to triple digits. What do you do on a hot day? Why you go "to the beach" of course! Dorothea Benton Frank is a favorite author of mine. The setting for her books is "the low country" of South Carolina -- Sullivan's Island, Shems Creek, Pawleys Island, etc. With that in mind we headed to Pawleys Island...
Pawleys Island, located 70 miles north of Charleston and 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach, is known as one of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast. Pawleys Island was first settled in the early 1700's by the families of rice planters who owned plantations on the nearby rivers.
 |
| crossing the inter-coastal waterway to the island... |
The island community is much like any other community with its shopping, libraries, hotels, local government, etc. Until you get to the beach. The beach community is known for its carefree laid-back life style which includes crabbing in the adjacent creeks and fishing.
Vacation rentals abound along the beach...
 |
| actually the back of the house. the front of the house faces the ocean |
 |
| love all the balconies |
To the left of this home lies the historic district. The district includes twelve residences dating from the late 1700's to the mid-1800's. Unable to get pictures of the homes. Trees were abundant; blocking views of the homes.
 |
| cool shutters. the historic district begins to the left of this home |
 |
many of the homes have boardwalks (these are located across the street from the homes) which lead through
the marsh to the inter-coastal waterway, and their docks |
 |
| another view of the marsh |
 |
| one of the docks on the inter-coastal waterway |
 |
| part of the inter-coastal waterway |
Parking was at a premium, the beaches were packed. We headed off-island back over the inter-coastal waterway to the mainland...
 |
| leaving Pawleys... |
The beach was still on our agenda. We headed south to Huntington Beach State Park...
 |
| heading to the beach... |
 |
| sign along the boardwalk |
 |
| almost there... |
After the above picture was taken, Cooper sat down and would not go any further. He was too hot and the sand was too hot for his paws. As close as we were to the ocean, the shade and the
boardwalk was closer. We walked him back to the truck. Thankfully his paws were fine.
 |
| heading back down. |
 |
| we made it!! |
 |
| the water was warm -- about 82 degrees. it still felt cooler than the air temperature! |
 |
| the majority of beachgoers used these umbrellas...they really do help keep you cooler |
We left the beach and headed to Georgetown. Georgetown is the third oldest city in South Carolina as well as the second largest seaport; handling over 960 tons of material a year.
We ate a late lunch/early dinner at the River Room. The River Room is located right on the harbor. Excellent food...
 |
| another view of the River Room |
Following our meal, we walked along the harbor back to our truck...
 |
| lots of shops and restaurants line the boardwalk |
We had a great day! It was a great way to beat the heat. We will head back to Georgetown when the weather is cooler. We want to dine again at the River Room and spend more time exploring this city.
Til next time,
Dawn, Ron and Cooper
