Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take an adventure. Observe the Wonders of God’s Creations. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
On Thursday, Courtesy of Duke Energy, The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium was free from 5 pm until 8pm. Being at the right price (free) and knowing Coleman was wanting to visit the museum again, we took him for the free Night at the Museum.
This free night given to the community by Duke Energy was filled with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) activities throughout the museum. Coleman was so excited to be back in the museum, we didn’t get to every activity. He did enjoy the STEM science activity; it had him cutting and crunching green leaves to create Chlorophyll.
Science STEM activity The Schiele Museum of Natural Science Gastonia, North Carolina
Coleman’s mom & baby Sophia joined us at the Museum. What section of the Museum do you think Coleman wanted to visit first? If you said the Dinosaur Exhibits you were correct.
The Dinosaur Exhibits The Schiele Museum of Natural History
Coleman enjoyed his free night at The Schiele Museum of Natural History. It is a terrific place to visit for all ages.
What we saw as we walked out of our hotel room and walked onto the beach to observe the Atlantic Ocean was different and unique to our surroundings. It was the first time for Coleman to visit the beach and step into the Atlantic Ocean. I hadn’t been to this beach since 2010 or any other beach since 2020.
Here are a few interesting finds seen on our walk the day after New Year’s Day.
Our first sighting after walking out of the hotel …
The outdoor pool area with plenty of places to Pull Up a Seat.
Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, the outdoor pool areas were closed for the season (unheated & closed).
The Pirate Shipwreck Lagoon Kids’ Waterpark
The outdoor pools and kids shipwreck area would not be comfortable to get into without any heat during the wintertime. Moving away from the pools here’s what we discover next …
Coleman checks out the “Dolphin,” a unique design for a trash receptacle.
The next thing Coleman spots is the beach access, and away he goes …
Coleman headed out to the beach
Once out onto the sandy beach, Coleman turns left to see what he might discover.
Naturally, Coleman is anxious to discover what he might find. Maybe some Seashells?
Mostly broken, but a few whole Seashells
We walked quite a ways down the beach before turning around. Coleman was enthralled with watching the Ring-Billed Gulls (just known to him as Seagulls). Here are a few of our Gulls sightings …
Atlantic Ocean Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
And how can we not watch the waves rolling in and out of the Atlantic Ocean, you can’t go to the beach and not . Can you?
Our Walk along the Seashore of the Atlantic Ocean at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
We hope y’all enjoyed walking along Myrtle Beach’s Seashore with us.
Clarefrom Clare’s Cosmosinvites everyone to join her in Sharing Your Desktop (SYD). Below are her suggestions for participating in the Share Your Desktop Challenge. [Clare is taking a break from WP, so this maybe the last Share Your Desktop Challenge for awhile. I will miss her and pray she’ll one day return. All the best to you Clare. Take Care.]
To do so, simply share the photo (not a screenshot) you have set as your wallpaper; Provide as little or as much detail as you wish; Use a pingback, or post a link here so I know you have joined in on the fun; Then finally, share the fun around.
I am sharing my Wallpaper from both my Laptop and my Smartphone. I enjoy looking at different images each month. Most of which revolve around Coleman (my grandson) and nature.
Here are my Desktop Wallpaper and Screensaver for my Laptop:
From My HP Laptop:
Desktop Background Wallpaper
Ring-Billed Gulls at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Desktop Screensaver
Coleman walking along the wet & sandy seashore looking for seashells at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
From My Apple iPhone 16 Pro:
Personal Focus
Coleman holding his baby sister, Sophia Ruthann
Reading Focus
Coleman on the sandy seashore at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Hiking Focus
Coleman walking on the seashore at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; Canon EOS 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
God Bless. You are & will be missed Clare. Take Care of yourself. You are Valued & appreciated. Having a Wonderful Week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Madagascar Periwinkle is a flowering perennial that has glossy leaves and flowers similar to phlox flowers.
Aka Catharanthus roseus
Interesting Note: Catharanthus roseus, aka Madagascar Periwinkle contains vital medicinal properties which are used in treating diabetes, kidney, liver, cardiovascular, and other life-threatening diseases. Its potent anticancer compounds are used in chemotherapy, alongside traditional uses for diabetes, hypertension, microbial infections, inflammation, and wound healing.
God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
CWWC Cee’s Which Way Challenge Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach, SC
Click on each image to enlarge.
Thank you to all who have supported and contributed to the Which Way Challenge this past week or at any time. Be sure to check out other Which Ways by clicking on the links below.
Good Day my friends! This week we are taking you on a Dino adventure at Dino Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Some images you might need to look carefully to see a door/doorway and others will be clearly discernible. Enjoy the adventure.
Entering Dino Park …
Dino Park Myrtle Beach, SC
Dino Park is a family-friendly attraction at Broadway at the Beach which features over twenty (20) life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs in a Jurassic-themed setting. It offers an interactive and educational experience with such activities as fossil dig pit, a large ball pit, and dinosaur rides for younger children.
Notice the dinosaurs on the building, that’s the indication that you’re fixing to enter Dino Park. The first thing you see when you enter the building is a couple of “Dinosaurs” children can ride. Don’t worry about pulling out coins for the children to ride, they are free.
Coleman riding the Dinosaurs
I know you’re not seeing doors while Coleman is riding the dinosaurs. We’ll get to them. But first, let’s look at a different type of “door” or rather an opening …
Coleman popping out of “Dinosaur Eggs
Now let’s walk through the Dino Park to check out the fascinating Dinosaurs on display …
Coleman had fun checking out all the Dinosaurs.
There is a fee to enter Dino Park, however, our entry fees were covered in our resort package. Some hotels and/or resorts in Myrtle Beach offer entertainment/attraction packages to add on to your stay.
Did you spot the Doorways? If not, look again carefully.
Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens
Location: Dino Park; Broadway at the Beach; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take Care. Take an adventure. Capture the wonders around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week’s host for Monochrome Madness is Sarah from Travel with Me. As our firsttheme of 2026, she has chosen Markets. Be sure to check out her post to see her take on Markets by clicking here
I haven’t been to any kind of market other than grocery stores in years. I did, however, manage to find a few market photos in my archives.
Here are my contributions …
Outdoor Markets …
Outdoor Markets in Germany
Another Outdoor Market …
A Spring Market at Anne Springs Close Greenway
Grocery stores are also referred to as Markets … Here’s ours …
Harris Teeter
Like I stated earlier I didn’t have much as you can see, maybe next time I’ll have a better selection. Until then, happy shopping, happy photographing.
Judy from Life Lessons blog hosts a weekly photo challenge called The Numbers Game.This week’s number is 229. Her instructions for playing along are listed below …
To play along, go to your photos file and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find under that number and include a link to your blog in Judy’s Numbers Game blog of the day. If instead of numbers, you have changed the identifiers of all your photos into words, pick a word or words to use instead, and show us a variety of photos that contain that word in the title.
As stated in Judy’s rules for participating, I am choosing a theme of Ripley’s Aquarium instead of trying to find photos that match the number 229. We had a wonderful time visiting Ripley’s Aquarium during the winter break. We visited on December 31st, the second full day of our mini vacay in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Please click on photos to enlarge.
The Moment Coleman knew where we were going. Goldfish Realm Ripley’s Aquarium Penguin’s decked out for the holidays Welcome to Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach SCCondylactis giganteaBanggai cardinalfishRed-capped Oranda Goldfish & KoiGoldfish RealmRed Lionfish (Pterois volitans)JoyRipley’s Aquarium Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens
Location: Ripley’s Aquarium; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Live life to the fullest. Make lasting memories. Take Care. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Dan Antion from No Facilities , the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC)has chosen to continue his themes dealing with this, that, or both. This week’s them is Old or New or Both. It is my opinion that regardless of whether something is Old or New they both can hold precious memories one might choose to hold for a lifetime.
I have gathered a selection of Old and New images that depict things that are Old (or seem to be old depending on one’s opinion) and some that are New and have formed New memories to treasure.
For example, the first picture of Der Weinerschnitzel sparks memories from my high school days. My high school was located right next door to a Der Weinerschnitzel and students were able to go there on their lunch breaks to get chewy delicious food like chili dogs, polish sausage sandwiches, or any type of hot dog and sides one desired. The food was quick, but also tasty and easy to get and devour in a short time span. The Der Weinerschnitzel near my high school still exists in the same location, but the sign has been “upgraded” to no longer contain the “Der” in front of Weinerschnitzel. The rest, hopefully are self explanatory for Old/New examples.
Old Der Weinerschnitzel Restaurant (Before 1974) – New Sign (No More Der)Old Growth /New Growth Same Ole Coleman-New Memories New Family Photo (01/01/2026)Newborn/Grandma (not too old, inMy opinion) New Family Photo (12/2025)Old Family Photo (1940’s)Old Family Photo (1960’s)
This Shiba Inu dog was visiting Myrtle Beach from New Jersey. Before Coleman greets or pets any dog he asks permission from its owner.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu was a very friendly older dog that was all too happy to have a rest and take pleasure in a bit of petting attention from Coleman.
Coleman & dog
The Shiba Inu is a small-to-medium, fox-like hunting dog breed from Japan. They are known for their loyalty, good nature, and charming appearance.
It is considered to be an alert, affectionate, and independent breed with high intelligence. It can also be somewhat stubborn and strong-willed. (We saw no evidence of stubbornness, only very affectionate and even tempered)
Photo Credit: 2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: Near the 2nd Avenue Pier; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy a walk/hike out in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Last Friday while we were visiting Myrtle Beach, Coleman and I took a stroll along the beach northward towards the 2nd Avenue Pier. He was looking for seashells by the seashore as we walked along the water.
2nd Ave Pier Wicked Tuna Myrtle Beach, SC
At the 2nd Avenue Pier is a restaurant called The Wicked Tuna. (We did not stop and try out their menu, maybe another time).
The Wicked Tuna is a premier waterfront dining establishment, a place where friends gather for a unique culinary experience. The restaurant offers fresh handmade cocktails (I’ll skip those), the freshest seafood (I enjoy quality Tuna Steaks), steaks, and sushi (not a sushi fan, but my daughter is).
2nd Ave Pier Wicked Tuna Grill • Sushi • Rooftop Bar Myrtle Beach, SC
The Wicked Tuna is known for its “Hook to Plate” fresh seafood philosophy, stunning ocean views and rooftop bar. (The views of the Atlantic Ocean were stunningly beautiful as Coleman and I walked along the seashore down to the pier and back to our resort hotel.)
2nd Ave Pier Wicked Tuna Grill • Sushi • Rooftop Bar Myrtle Beach, SC
The Wicked Tuna has a second location in Murrells Inlet overlooking the MarshWalk. Every week their fishing fleet heads out into the Atlantic Ocean to catch the freshest Grouper, mahi-mahi, sea bass, and snapper off the Carolina coast. They only serve fish caught locally by their own boats which are then cleaned and prepped on-site in their fish house.
Coleman is holding a, Vesicular basalt, volcanic rock he found on the seashore in an area of the beach where he was finding seashells.
According to Google AI, Vesicular basalt is not naturally apart of Myrtle Beach’s local geological shoreline. It suggests that it could”be either Fossilized Peat or Coal (some found near the Grand Strand), “Beach Rot”or Fossilized Marls (Frequently seen near the 2nd Avenue Pier), or Piddock-Bored Rocks.
The Piddock-Bored Rocks appear vesicular since they are covered with small, circular holes. These holes are actually burrows made by piddock clams (rock-boring mollusks) in softer sedimentary rocks like limestone or siltstone.
Therefore, considering our location along Myrtle Beach’s seashore (we were walking along the Grand Strand near the 2nd Avenue Pier, it could instead be any one of these three. I’m inclined to lean towards the Piddock-Bored Rock, the area is covered with clam shells.
This month Terri with Second Wind Leisure Perspectives is challenging us to post images in Aquamarine and Icy Blue colour pallets. Here is what I have found which I believe fit into the colour pallets scheme.
Pull Up a Seat Murrells Inlet, SCShark Ripley’s Aquarium Sea Turtle Ripley’s Aquarium Margaritaville Restaurant Margaritaville RestaurantAtlantic Ocean Myrtle Beach, SCAtlantic Ocean Myrtle Beach, SC
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take an adventure. Observe the Wonders of God’s Creations. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Walking along the Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach Coleman and I noticed this colourful artwork display for one of the rides at the Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
We went able to enjoy any of the rides due to the fact that it was “off-season” and the amusement park was closed for the winter.
Coleman would have enjoyed going on some of the rides, but that will have to wait for another time and season.
Yesterday, I tagged Debbie’s Six Word Saturday thinking Friday was Saturday. So, I’m posting another on Saturday for Debbie’s Six Word Saturday challenge.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Enjoy your weekend. Here’s to sunny days ahead. (Our weekend is cloudy & rainy). Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Uniola paniculata, aka sea oats, seaside oats, araña, and arroz de costa, is a tall subtropical grass which is an important component of coastal sand dune and beach plant communities in the southeastern United States of America, eastern Mexico, and some Caribbean Islands. The Sea Oats help protect beaches and property from damage due to high winds, storm surges, and tides. Interestingly, it provides food and habitat for birds, small animals, and insects.
Sea Oats are a crucial component of the area’s hurricane defense strategy. They have helped to thwart damage from tropical storms. (Tropical storms and hurricanes typically hit the Myrtle Beach area before or more so than in our area of the Carolinas.)
Sea Oats are a protected grass in several states along the southeastern Atlantic coast. Think twice before picking or disturbing Sea Oats, that action is punishable by fine in Georgia, South Carolina, and Northern Carolina.
Cameras: 1) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; 2-3) Canon EOS Rebel 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens & Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: 1) Crazy Sister Marina; Murrells Inlet, South Carolina; 2-3) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Wishing y’all the best life filled with love, peace, and joy in 2026. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Happy Friday! We’re already nine (9) days into 2026. Does it feel any different? We started off the new year at the beach, which was new, especially for Coleman. His first week back to school is almost over (today’s last for week). (He had wanted to stay longer at the beach, but that wasn’t possible.)
On Tuesday, we went on a Dolphins Sightseeing Tour Cruise in Murrells Inlet. We checked in and then it was time to hurry up and wait. Always best to arrive early, after that all you can do is Pull up a Seat and wait. Coleman got a little restless waiting and waiting. No matter how short the wait time is, it seems like forever. Included below are a variety of Pull up a Seat options while waiting for the cruise and a few on the boat waiting for the cruise to get out of the inlet and the dolphins to appear.
Crazy Sister Marina Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens
Location: Crazy Sister Marina; Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. I hope all y’all’s holidays were wonderful and filled with love and happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Happy 2026 Everyone! This week I’m allowing y’all to make your own choices for the Which Ways Challenge. I’d love to see your first Which Ways for 2026. I’ll be sharing our very first 2026 images this week.
First 2026 image taken at 12:05 am
The next images were taken while walking along the beach with their first steps into the Atlantic Ocean.
Coleman, Sophia, & their mom Walking along the beach Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Click on each image to enlarge.
Thank you to all who have supported and contributed to the Which Way Challenge this past week or at any time. Be sure to check out other Which Ways by clicking on the links below.
Crazy Sister Marina is a locally-owned boat tour company located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Their boat tours let you sit back and relax while appreciating the unbelievable views of the Grand Strand in Murrells Inlet. When you take one of their scenic cruises you might see dolphins, fish, birds, and/or sea turtles. ( The day we took our cruise, the dolphins were barely coming out of the water before diving back down below the surface.)
Crazy Sister Marina offers several different types of cruises to explore whatever your heart desires. Whether you what to take a fishing cruise, an incredible Eco cruise, or a Dolphin cruise they can assist you the most amazing and pleasurable experience ever. They also offer a variety of specialty cruises like 4th of July Firework Cruise, October Murrells Inlet ghost cruise, or celebration of life ceremonies and memorial services; they will provide the tour service that meet your needs or desires and provide you with the utmost respect and service beyond your expectations.
Dolphins 🐬Crazy Sister Murrells Inlet, South Carolina Crazy Sister Marina
Coleman thoroughly enjoyed the Dolphin tour cruise we went on and would definitely go again if and when he could.
God Bless. Happy 2026! Happy New Year! Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
We spent the week before New Year’s down south at Myrtle Beach along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. We had so many activities going on each day that we didn’t spend all day every day on the beach, but the days Coleman and I spent on the beach were beautiful amazing memory making enjoyable times of the week. We saw an enormous amount of birds at the beach both in Murrells Inlet and by our resort in Myrtle Beach.
On the Friday before we left we saw a tremendous amount of Ring-Billed Gulls flying to and fro as well as walking on the sand by the seashore. Ring-Billed Gulls (aka Larus delawarensis) are medium-sized gulls native to Northern America. They breed in Canada and the northern Contiguous United States. They winter mainly in the United States of America and northern Mexico.
The Ring-Billed Gull’s breeding habitat is near lakes, rivers, or the coast across the majority of Canada and the northern United States. (We live in the Southeastern United States). These seagulls can also be seen in several North American parking lots.
Ring-Billed Gulls
The Ring-Billed Gulls are migratory with the majority of them moving southward towards the Gulf of America (formerly the Gulf of Mexico), and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States and northern Mexico.
The Ring-Billed Gulls we saw were numerous and fascinating to watch. You could walk pretty close to them before they took flight. They tended to stay in groups, surprisingly (to us) in groups of three.
Even though they forage in flight or pick up objects while swimming, walking, or wading; they also steal food from other birds or even people’s unattended food. Some beachgoers consider the Ring-Billed Gulls pests due to their willingness to steal unguarded food on crowded beaches. (We didn’t notice them stealing any food while we were walking alongside the ocean waters or anyone annoyed with the beautiful gulls.) Most were merely enjoying the beautiful day, and time with family along the coastal beaches.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: Atlantic Ocean; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take care of yourselves. Get Outdoors and enjoy nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Good Day Everyone! I am a week late on my Nostalgia post, however, it was not Intentional to do so. I had intended to post about what brought Nostalgia to mind last week, but it fell by the wayside. Enjoying the last week of 2025 at the beach with family was more important.
While on our mini vacay at Myrtle Beach, we took an adventure south down to Murrells Inlet.Our Murrells Inlet adventure was Intentionally planned ahead and also sparked a bit of Nostalgia. You might wonder why Murrells Inlet would spark Nostalgia within me. You see, back in the early 1970’s my family took a trip down to Murrells Inlet with my dad’s sister and her family. We had some similarities, some differences between then and now. Memories are vague, but my dad’s old photographs (in my possession) bring those times back to life.
Alex Marina Murrells Inlet 1972
This past week we enjoyed Nature’s beauty on the water and on the beach. We had an amazing afternoon/early evening on the water on the Crazy Sister Marina’s boat. [Same pier, different boat]. I have pictures with my cousins and family on a Fishing boat for an afternoon of deep sea fishing. [Then a Fishing Boat, Now a Sightseeing Boat].
Back to the here and now, the Crazy Sister Marina was Full of boats, the sky was Full of birds, my view of the waters were Empty/Void of what we were supposed to be seeing. After all, we were on a Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise and I wasn’t able (nighttime visibility impairment) to see the Dolphins like Coleman and others were able to see.
Empty Boats Empty BoatsFull DockEmpty Inlet Empty BoatsEmpty BoatFull MarinaSky Full of Grackles Empty Inlet Waters Full MarinaMurrells Inlet, South Carolina
The afternoon enjoyment was Intentional and was not Empty, but Full of excitement, anticipation, and an Abundance of Amazement and Wonderful memories.
Cameras: 1-4) Minolta XG-7 35 mm; 5-14) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens & Altura CPL Filter attachment.
Location: 1-4) Alex Marina; 5-14) Crazy Sister Marina; Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take some time to be Adventurous. Enjoy time making memories with Family and friends. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
We a well into the beginning of 2026. Coleman started back to school today, so now I have a few minutes to reflect on the past couple of weeks.
Hopefully y’all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s Day. Ours was truly an eventful Christmas holiday extravaganza. Of course it was exciting to watch Coleman receive his Gifts on Christmas Day, which he totally enjoyed. We kept telling him beforehand that he had to listen and behave or “Santa” wouldn’t bring any toys. You know what? “Santa” brought a few toys anyway. Coleman mostly received new clothes, which he was just as excited to get especially his new shoes.
Pre-Opening of Gifts Opening of Gifts beginColeman’s excitement Coleman’s new Cowboy Boots
Setting aside the Gifts, we decided to not let 2025 Dwindle away being bored at home. Instead, we chose to leave our little town and go on an amazing Adventure.
Where did we go on our big Adventure? Coleman’s mom was thinking about going to the mountains. Coleman wanted to go to the Beach. So, where do you think we went on our little Adventure? Yep, you’re right, we went to the Beach.
As 2025 was Dwindling away, we packed our bags, loaded up the car and headed out of town for our mini vacay Adventure. Sorry, we didn’t get any pictures of the car all loaded up, but we (I mean I) began snapping plenty of photos from the moment we arrived, all through our many Adventurous activities, and all throughout our entire mini vacation.
Arriving, Checking in, & Checking out our surroundings.
After checking in and bringing everything (and I mean everything) into our room for the week (actually six days), Coleman and I decided to head down to the Beach. We did not want to Dwindle our time away inside the room for one minute longer. Instead, we wanted to begin enjoying the Gift of Adventure immediately.
Coleman’s very first time at a Beach. First time seeing the Atlantic Ocean. First time his feet touched the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel 2000D.
Locations: 1st 4) Cramerton, North Carolina; Rest, 5-8) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. It’s been an Amazing Adventurous beginning to 2026. We didn’t let 2025 Dwindle away. We enjoyed the Gift of Time away together. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Ninth Floor; Captains Quarters; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Hoping you do not experience tumultuous times in the days ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
On Monday afternoon, our first day of our mini vacay, we drove down to Murrells Inlet to go out on a sightseeing boat run by Crazy Sister Marina. We were supposed to be able to see some dolphins, however, my eyesight isn’t very good in the evenings, so I wasn’t able to see what others (including Coleman) was seeing (more on that at another time).
Instead I’ll show you a few of the Crazy Sister Marina windows, both on shore and on the boat.
We are in our first week of 2026; what a week it has been. We spent the week in Myrtle Beach relaxing, “sightseeing,”visiting various attractions, and enjoying time on the beach. [More about those activities to come in future posts].
For the first Monday Portrait of 2026, let’s check out the Southern Stingrays At Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This was Coleman’s first trip to the beach, he was extremely excited about being at the beach, as well as seeing the many different species of “fish” at Ripley’s Aquarium.
Let’s take a look now at the fascinating Southern Stingrays …
Southern Stingrays
The Southern Stingray (Hypanus americanus) is a whiptail stingray which is typically foundin tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, from as far north as New Jersey all the way down to southern Brazil.
Even though we didn’t actually see them in the Atlantic Ocean, we (especially Coleman) were thrilled to see & pet them at Ripley’s Aquarium.
Coleman viewing the Southern Stingrays
It is adapted for life on the sea bed, as you can see here they swim very close to the bottom most of the time, but not always.
Southern Stingrays lying on the sea bed
Southern Stingrays are nocturnal predators, they spray water from their mouths or flap their fins vigorously to disturb the surface in order to expose hidden prey.
A Southern Stingray on the Aquarium sea bed.
Hypanus americanus exhibit wave-like locomotion using their pectoral fins. The wave-like locomotion allowed them to escape predators, forage efficiently, and generally maneuver quickly.
The Southern Stingrays were exciting and interesting to watch swimming and foraging in the aquarium at Ripley’s Aquarium.
Location: Ripley’s Aquarium; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA.
God Bless. Have a funtastic week. May you have many exciting and memorable adventures. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Scyphozoa are exclusively marine class of the phylum Cnidaria. They are known to be referred to as true jellyfish. Currently, there are approximately 200 known species found in marine environments worldwide.
They are characterized by a cell-shaped body (Medusa) that lack a velum (a muscular membrane). Their bodies are mostly composed of a jelly-like substance, and lack a head, skeleton, and specialized respiratory or excretory organs.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens and Altura ND Filter attachment.
Location: Goldfish Realm; Ripley’s Aquarium; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take an adventure. Observe the Wonders of God’s Creations. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Friday, a beautiful sunny afternoon was a perfect time for a walk along the beach. Observing the ocean, searching for Seashells, and enjoying the beautiful sky views.
The Pull Up a Seat Challenge is hosted on Friday’s by XingfuMama at XingfuMama.blog. This will be my first Pull Up a Seat post for 2026. You may find out more about the Pull Up a Seat Challenge by clicking here.
A & W Restaurant
Pull Up a Seat with Rooty
This A & W had an area set up where you could take a photo with “Rooty, The Great Root Bear.”
Coleman with Rooty
Coleman had to kneel on a high stool chair to reach the hole to stick his head out into Rooty’s face.
Terri from Second Wind Leisure Perspective is the host for The #Flower Hour. I am posting my last 2025 Floral images (December 31,2025) as my first Flower Hour post for 2026.
Location: By Dinopark; Broadway at the Beach; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Wishing y’all the best life filled with love, peace, and joy in 2026. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
First off, Happy 2026 Everyone! Did you stay awake to bring in the New Year? Did you watch any Fireworks? My daughter and I somehow managed to barely stay awake till midnight to see the New Year arrive. The only fireworks we say were those on the television as the annual ball dropped from New York. We did hear them in our location prior to midnight, but did not venture out anywhere in the chilly night air to watch them being shot off over the ocean.
Here are my contributions … These are a continuation of Cramerton’s Christmas Parade.
CWWC-Any Which Way with People
Click on each image to enlarge.
Thank you to all who have supported and contributed to the Which Way Challenge this past week or at any time. Be sure to check out other Which Ways by clicking on the links below.
Location: Parade Route; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Happy New Year! Take Care. Stay Safe. Enjoy the Outdoors. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
• NOTE: For next week the theme will be CWWC: Any Which Way (Your Choice)
God Bless. Happy 2026! Happy New Year! Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Brian from Bushboys Worldhosts a monthly challenge called Last On the Card. His rules are simple to follow if you’re interested in participating.
Here are The rules: 1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 30th or whenever your last photo was taken. 2. No editing – who cares if it is out of focus, not framed as you would like or the subject matter didn’t cooperate. 3. You don’t have to have any explanations, just the photo will do 4. Create a Pingback to this post or link in the comments 5. Use the tags The Last Photo and #LastOnTheCard
Here are mine for December …
From my Canon EOS T7 (2000D):
Brachiosaurus Dinopark Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
From my Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max:
Sharkey’s Grouper Tacos These tacos bring together the rich flavors of grouper, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese. Served in a warm flour tortilla with lettuce, topped with house-made pico de gallo, and drizzled with Chipotle mayo sauce. Sharkey’s Oceanfront Restaurant Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
God Bless. Happy New Year! Happy 2026! Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 