Have Cool, Will Travel

If you go to the Myrtle Beach area I would highly recommend the Brookgreen Gardens. This was an incredibly beautiful place. Acres of sculpture gardens, a nature preserve for native animals, a cool butterfly house all surrounded by wonderful botanical gardens. In the previous post, this is where the giant oaks lining the road were. The sculpture gardens are divided up into 'rooms' and this was one of the first ones we came to, aptly named "Ann's Garden"!
Now, when I go to another state, especially driving that far, I want to get out and see some stuff; to explore, you know. I love the beach as much as the next person, and I did want to spend time there since we won't get to enjoy ours anymore, but I just don't see the point in driving almost 600 miles to sit in one spot for a week. On top of that, the poor kids would have been burnt to a crisp by the end of the week, so we decided to take some excursions. Now, everyone was invited but only the kids wanted to take advantage of these opportunities. Well, sister and BIL did show up there after lunch but he tried to rush us through the rest of the place. Claiming they had already seen the whole thing in about an hour. Bullshit. We took our time and saw everything.

Myrtle Beach proper is a stinky, commercialized Hell as far as I'm concerned. Crowded beaches, unsavory shorelines and unbridled development, but 30 minutes to the south it was wonderful. Beautiful wetlands, state park beaches, museums, you name it. Why would anybody not want to enjoy all of that? Most people might think the kids would be bored stiff with the art but they had a blast. They took it all in, reading abut everything we came upon. Maybe I don't understand because I don't have kids, but I think they need to be encouraged to get out and see the world and learn about new things every chance they can get. Admission is about $12 or $15 (I can't remember) for adults but your tickets are good for 7 days. I thought that was great.

This was probably my favorite sculpture in the whole place. Of course, this is Diana; goddess of the hunt etc. A wild, free woman. I can relate. Sissy mentioned in the comments on the last post that time away often gives you a new perspective on things. I whole-heartedly agree. I certainly came back with a new outlook and perspective. It also gave me a renewed interest and spirit on improving my land. New ideas for my own art and designs.

These pictures just don't do the oak trees justice. They were so massive. The kids chatted with one of the gardeners out working about the place and asked what they thought the approximate age of the trees were. The lady said they estimated these to be around 270 years old. If only these old trees could talk to us. Well, maybe it's a good thing they can't; I'm afraid we would not like what they would tell us.
I was excited to see that many of the fern varieties they had here are the same type I have growing naturally at my place. Cool!

I would also recommend getting to this place early so you have plenty of time to sit and enjoy things and read all about it. They have 2 restaurants here also. I have a few pics of the animals and such but I won't bore ya'll with much more from here.
Now, time for me to get off my butt and get to work around my place. Lots to do!!