Pausing Along the Way

I've been traveling south for the past two weeks, with stops in three states, as I head toward this year's seasonal job. All three "pauses" were new locations for me, so indeed, new adventures, too! The days were warm but the nights were challenging in the Carolinas as it hit low 40s, and we did the clock change. 

My first stop, Carolina Beach, NC was at a lovely campground with friendly people. While it's a fairly small state park (600+ acres), it's a little oasis on Cape Fear, and near the oceanfront. Once you leave the gate, however, civilization is right at you, though safe cycling brought me south to some beautiful spots. 

Next stop, Murrell's Inlet, SC at a state park that caters more to the RV crowd (just 6 tent sites), but offers 2500+ acres, walking trails, 3 miles of oceanfront, and a tour of Atalaya ("watchtower"). This former winter home of Archer and Anna Huntington is a structure only at this point, but the story of the building of this "castle" during the depression, and their personal story is quite interesting.  

My final few nights in the tent for a while have been enjoyable (warm days and nights!), as I'm at Faver-Dykes State Park, just 15 miles south of St. Augustine, FL. The campground is delightful with just 30 sites, and thanks to a nearly 2 mile, sandy and narrow road in, the "big bus" RVs simply don't come here! It's quite peaceful and feels like Old Florida with deer, wild turkeys, and over 100 bird species. I'm waking up to the sounds of mother nature each morning. 

Just 24 hours to go before I hit the Florida that Carl Hiassen satirizes oh-so-well! Onward!