“The stop sign comes out,” said our neighbor, standing with a beer, his wife and daughters watching.
“It does? That would help a lot. I could pull up and back right in.” Ron responded.
Arriving just before 5:00 at Lakewood Family Campground, site 5414 sits at the end of the first block on 12th Street. During spring break, a few sites sit empty, kids on bikes, and golf carts fill the narrow roads. Slim, with roots from the old oaks littering the ground, with the help of our new friend, Ron parked the Atlas in no time.
“I’m heading to the beach to stretch my legs,” I said as soon as we finished setting up. Much smaller, the Atlat takes minutes to auto-level and set up camp.
“I’m going to look up restaurants and have a beer.” And so, as Ron found an Italian restaurant, I headed towards the sound of the sea, less than a minute’s walk.
Toes in the sand, wind in my hair, salty smell filling my nostrils, yes, please:-)!
“We’ve been here before. We sat where that guy in the blue shirt is sitting.”
Ron’s memory amazes me. He recalls things I’ve long forgotten, like eating at Casa Calamari, the 4.5-star recommendation he found while I walked on the beach. Eventually, I had a vague recollection, but not to the extent of Ron.
Sun-dried tomato ala vodka with chicken filled my belly, while Ron opted for chicken Alfredo with broccoli. Both dishes tasted yummy and made us sleepy.
After rushing to the beach for a cloudy sunrise to see the brilliant rays of the new day, I headed back to the camper to write. Working on “Living Divinely,” based on Romans chapter twelve, I’m using anecdotes from my life as a flight attendant to tell the tale. To finish by the end of April, I must write three chapters a week, a daunting task for me. But so far, I’m on track.
Taking a break from chapter six, I went with Ron to Pawley’s Island, shopping while he worked. Afterward, we came back to the camper; Ron cooked himself a hot dog for lunch and then dropped me off at the bike rental. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any bikes available, so I walked back to the camper after picking up a couple of t-shirts and a beach blanket from the camp store.
Taking my laptop to the beach, I continued working on chapter six, finally finishing it around 4:00.
“We should have known when it said foot golf, disc golf, and regular golf not to expect much out of the course,” I said to Ron as we walked off hole nine.
Rough fairways, spattered with weeds and greens filled with ruts and divots, Tupelo Bay Par Three Course needs work. What we thought would give us an opportunity to practice our short game didn’t. Practicing our tee shots with irons the only saving grace.
“And it’s better than watching T.V. At least we got some exercise.”
“Yeah, it’s a beautiful night, perfect weather,” Ron replied.
And so our after-dinner nine had its ups and downs but gave us exercise.
While Ron worked on Saturday, I wrote chapter seven of my latest book, “Living Divinely.” With Sophia cuddled up beside me and Rocco at my feet, I enjoyed writer’s paradise. Around me, campers packed up and left, and by the time I finished, our entire row was almost empty. Lost in my writing, I didn’t notice.
Once I had finished the chapter, I downloaded “The Garden Within” by Dr.Anita Philips on my Android phone, plugged in my earbuds, and headed to the beach for a long walk. After leaving my flip-flops by the stairs, I turned right and headed towards Ocean Lakes.
Families played all around me. Fishermen sat, bundled. in sweatshirts, some with music, their poles stuck in PVC pipes, lines taught waiting for some prey. Small carts with “Icee” signs had young girls working them, surprised to see a line of customers in the lower 60-degree weather. Kids love their frozen treats.
I walked the entire length of Ocean Lakes campground, coming to my favorite spot, the three crosses that overlook the ocean.
Ron finished work around noon. After enjoying hotdogs cooked on the grill, we had a compromise afternoon. First, he patiently took me consignment shopping, a failed mission. I found nothing. Then we played 18 holes at our favorite par three course, Aeroclub.
Both of us played well on the front, Ron finishing 1 over and me 4 over. The back nine told a different tale; both of us lost track of our scores. I think I parred either 4 or 5 holes and maybe one bogey, the rest pitiful.
We drowned our sorrows at Gordon Biersch, recounting our round and sharing an appetizer of deviled eggs before heading back to the campground for an evening fire with the pups.
“We could go to the final tomorrow,” I said, hoping Ron would bite.
All week, I prayed we could visit Mt. Pleasant, visit our friends at Life Community Church, and attend the final round of the Credit One Charleston Open, COCO for short, tennis tournament on Daniel Island. God opened the doors and softened my husband’s heart.
“See who’s playing?”
“Danielle Collins.”
“Yeah, I’ve had enough golf. Let’s go.”
And with those words, we had our Sunday plans in place.
Rising early, excited for our day, I spent quiet time with God before showering and heading to the beach to watch the sunrise. While the orange ball made its slow ascent over the horizon, I started writing chapter eight, inspired by God’s creation unfolding around me.
I took the pups for a long walk before we headed out. They enjoyed the smells of the sand and stayed far from the water.
Just before 8:00, we tucked the pups into the Atlas, opening windows for them to enjoy the fresh air, filling their water bowl, and folding up the rug so as not to have any accidents. Putting the handle over the door, we climbed into the truck and headed towards Mt. P.
Listening to Lynda and Mule’s third message in the series, Life Hangs in the Balance uplifted and encouraged us. Answering tough questions, we draw closer to God and each other.
As a bonus, we enjoyed communion with our LCC family. Hugging the necks of people we love always makes me smile.
Lunch at Dog and Duck filled our bellies before we headed to the Credit One Open Singles final. Buying t-shirts, hats, and one drink each, we settled in our seats right before the coin toss. Danielle Collins amazed the crowd with her stunning backhand and grueling forehand, winning her second title in two weeks with a score of 6-2, 6-1.
By 4:15 we pulled out of spectator parking C and headed back to the puppies.
With perfect temperatures in the 60s, our last fire of the trip kept us warm. After Ron grilled chicken and zucchini on the grill, we harnessed the dynamic duo and headed to the beach for a sunset walk.
We woke early and began packing up. After breakfast, I took the pups for one last stroll on the beach. Another beautiful sunrise ushered in the day.
“Alright, we’re going to put in home, right?” Ron said at 7:41 a.m. as we pointed the Atlas northward.