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Thursday, August 18, 2011

Camping Adventures

It's been an exciting week!  Rob and I have been camping since Sunday at Hunting Island State Park with Amy and Isaac.  This was our first time there and it was so much fun and very relaxing.  Tent camping in South Carolina in the middle of August may seem a little insane (even I thought it may be) and while it was VERY warm and sometimes buggy, there was a near constant breeze (or strong wind) every day but Monday and Thursday.

One of the great things about the beach here is that it's still dog friendly, which means that Sophie got to enjoy the beach too!

She loved playing in the surf.  Surprisingly, she enjoyed the ocean even more than she likes swimming in the lake.  I think that she likes having her toes in the sand a lot more than in the mud.  Surprisingly, she also enjoyed fetching her tennis ball with Rob on the beach (fetch is something she normally only does inside).

We all got to climb the lighthouse (some of us were more nervous than others) and see views that should not be missed!  On a clear day, you can see 40 miles from the top.  Be sure to check out Edisto Island in the distance.  This climb is challenging, especially in the August heat, but the temp is cooler and the top and the experience is breathtaking.



The boys got to do some fishing.  There was a no pet's on the pier rule so Amy and I stayed behind with Sophie.  They caught several baby Blacktip sharks and a lot of Atlantic Croakers.  A Blacktip also washed up to shore one afternoon and I felt his back.  That's the first shark I ever touched and it was strange feeling, very rough.

Hunting Island is an amazing park and wonderful camping experience.  They stay booked solid so reservations have to be made well in advance.  I think we'll definitely be making next year's reservations soon (you can reserve up to 11 months out).  If you're planning on tent camping, I recommend site #63 as long as you aren't planning on going the same week I am!  Be prepared to spend a lot of relaxing time on the beach, check out the amazing wildlife, do some fishing, and definitely climb the lighthouse steps.  Bring lots of bug spray and sunscreen.



Saturday, July 16, 2011

Canning Adventures

Today was unusually cool for July in South Carolina.  So cool in fact that we cut off the air and opened the windows.  I really enjoy airing out the house whenever possible and this was the perfect day for that!

A few weeks ago I decided it would be nice to start hanging some of our laundry out to dry for that fresh air dried scent (and to save a little dryer time).  We searched store after store looking for one of those round folding clotheslines to no avail.  Finally, we found one of Ebay.  It arrived this week and it is so nice to see the laundry blowing the breeze and smell the fresh scent.

I also did some canning today.  I gained a little experience with canning last fall when I made apple sauce and apple butter.  With all the fresh fruits available right now I decided to do a little more.  Today I canned sliced peaches, peach preserves, blackberry jam, and blueberry jelly.  All night tonight, Rob and I get to listen to the reassuring "pop" which indicates success!