Holden Beach, N. Carolina

This morning I came to work with John. I dropped him off at the service station and then I headed for very to Holden Beach, it's only eight miles away, for some sunrise pictures. I got there right mind n time to capture some beautiful shots. 

If it wasn't for the cloud I think I would have been to late for these images. 

There was only one boat out that I could see. It was freezing cold for this California man!

The waves were lit from behind and they were putting on a show. 

The town was calm and quiet at this time of day. Not a single person was out on the beach, it was so peaceful. 

After about an hour there was a single jogger. 

When the sun came out the shore birds also started coming around me. This group of Sanderlings were running back and forth every time a wave came in, I can sit and watch their antics all day!

This little guy, called a Rudy Turnstone, landed about ten feet from me and then proceeded to check me out. 

At first he was cautious....

Then he turned back and came closer. I think he was wondering why I was down on one knee!

Then he started strutting as if to let me know it was his beach!

When he decided I wasn't interesting enough he turned around and just took off and continued his beach patrol. 

A pair of Willets also came along as they searched for breakfast. 

After a while on the beach I made my way to the inland waterway. There wasn't much activity there either. It was too early in the morning and I almost ended up on my behind as I walked onto the dock. There was a thin layer of ice that I didn't see and thankful for the rail that held me up!

This one isn't going to make it out of the waterway anytime soon!

The locals started arriving for their day out on the water. 

This year I am thankful for all of my friends that have made my journey possible. If you had asked me five years ago where I would be now I would never have guessed it be all the way across the country in N Carolina. I'm so lucky to have met some of the most amazing people along the way, experienced so many new things, situations, food and diversity. It all comes back to choosing to remain positive, working through the challenges that have come my way one at a time and keeping an open mind to anything and everything in my path. 

Myrtle Beach, S Carolina

On Sunday we took a drive to Myrtle Beach. It was a beautiful and clear fall day. I had heard of Myrtle Beach for years and how busy it gets during vacation season in the summer. I wasn't prepared for the number of hotels, restaurants and tourists attractions the city has to offer. 

We stopped at one of the public access points to the beach. Thankfully it wasn't difficult to find parking because it's off season. If you looked one way or another ou could see dozens of hotels and the giant Farris Wheel. Turn around and you will see dozens more hotels. 

This beach seems to be very vibrant during the vacation season but I was glad to have visited during the slow season because the Johns and I were able to walk along it without crowds. 

I was able to get some nice bird pictures while here. 

There were a few people on the beach but not many. 

John Messmer and I on Myrtle Beach!

After spending a while on the beach we then took a drive down the main drag of what is Myrtle Beach....

I love old vintage signs and there are plenty in this town. 

It was a warm day and we saw people enjoying what looked to be nice cold ice cream...

They still have old style buses to get people around the city...

I like anything Americana and this carousel horse was just waiting for me to take its picture!

Helicopter rides are a great way to see the entire city but I'm too chicken to do them!

This seagull pretty much describes our day in Myrtle Beach, so relaxing and beautiful. 

Thank you John and John for a fun day. 

A small apology for not posting...

As I sit in a doctors office waiting for John it's giving me the chance to do some blog entries, since the signal at his home is too weak for my iPad to connect. That's a small price to pay for being out in one of the most beautiful areas of our country. 

You might not see me post as often while I'm in the area but I promise I will catch up on my entries. I've been busy in a good way. John has been incredible, and so hospitable, that I have not taken my normal daily naps. I have done something different every single day. The weather has cooperated and if we are not visiting one beach we are going to a different city and even another state as in the case of visiting Myrtle Beach, Georgetown and the Charlston areas of S Carolina. 

Moving to the N Carolina coast...

I had the pleasure of moving to another friends home on the N. Carolina coast. This stay was totally unplanned. I knew that my Facebook friend John Messmer lived in N Carolina and I decided to contact him. He told me he was only a couple of hours from Raleigh and invited me to visit. Mark and I decided to visit him for the day in order for me to see the coast. We took off really early in the morning and John was the very description of Southern Hospitality. 

He drove us around the area including Wrightsville Beach.... Which made it possible for me to see the Atlantic Ocean in person for the very first time in my life. 

The pier is amazing from the underside....

There were a few surfers in the water but being that the tourist season is pretty much over it wasn't crowded. 

There are many beautiful shells all over the beach...

John also had some Miniature Donkeys that were so cute....

He also took us to see the local Aquarium on Fort Franklin and Columbia Beach....

I knew I had to come back and stay for a while in the area because the beauty I saw in one day was not enough. So after going back to Raleigh John and I messaged back and forth and he invited me to move MotelMiguel down to his home in order to have the opportunity for exploring more of the coast. 

Thank you Mark!

I stayed with my long time friend Mark from California for a week and I want to thank him for showing me the beauty surrounding Raleigh. 

The rivers are so beautiful this time of year. 

The waterfalls over the local dams were putting on spectacular shows after the rains. 

Most of the deciduous trees were almost done dropping their leafs.

The weather was definitely chilly in the morning and I had to dress appropriately for my coffee!

I was able to find some of the birds that I thought I didn't have a chance of finding such as this Brown-headed Nuthatch. 

Being out by the rivers was so peaceful and calm. I love these settings. It gives me the chance to reflect on how lucky I am to have so many wonderful friends that have made my adventures possible. 

So thank you for being part of my adventure Mark and I wish you all the luck in world in all you do in the future!