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PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 5:23 am 
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Location: Bath, NY
Saturday, April 7th

The Trip Down

5:07am 24 hours ago I was in a trance, navigating the dotted white lines on the By-Pass around Richmond, Va. I usually just blast through the city on I-95, but they were apparently doing bridge work there, so.....

Here we go:


The trip down was pretty uneventful. Wanted to leave at 10pm, pulled out of the driveway at exactly 10:00 pm.

Traveled with another family, and we made an attempt to drive together. Traveling through the night brings new issues, but speed of travel isn't a negative one - we FLEW along, setting personal land speed records - never saw ONE officer of the law out on patrol. I am convinced, many states or local municipalities have adapted the "just put a sign up warning them that we patrol a lot" philosophy - instead of putting actual officers out there to look - as a way to save money I"m guessing. Boy, did we drive fast.

Potty and a coke in Shamokin Damn, PA. Gas in Martinsburg, WVA. Potty and another coke in Ashland, Va. Just potty at the Rocky Mount I-95 rest area. Gas and breakfast in Warsaw, NC (our first Waffle House!).

While eating there we asked the other family if they wanted to A = take the slow way into MB from North MB, seeing all the restaurants, hotels, mini-golf locations, attractions, etc., etc.........or B = take the express way from Route 9 to the Robert Grissom and to the hotel. They thought the slower - take a look at everything route was a good idea - I am SOOOOO glad that just before we did that I remembered that it was GOOD FRIDAY. I have made that mistake before. So, I overrode that decision and we went straight to the hotel. Just the traffic getting from the Robert Grissom to south Ocean Drive was wild! Of course, it was 11am - everyone leaving their hotels for the weekend and others coming into town at the same time!

Anyways, checked in just after 11am. EVERYONE at the Paradise Hotel has been EXTREMELY nice. Very accommodating. Our room was not ready, but we could get the kids into the indoor pools.

Will add a report on the Paradise to the HOTELS thread after awhile.

added: http://funbeaches.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=13074&p=87510#p87510

Oh, by the way, for the entire trip - my friend's car was right behind me the entire time - even while trying to navigate around MB on Good Friday afternoon. From our driveway to the parking garage at the Paradise, he was just like my dog at home, right on my heels the entire time!

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1978 MBSP
1979 Captain's Quarters
1981 Polynesian
1993 Beach Cove
2001 Compass Cove
2002 Coral Beach
2003 Sand Dunes
2004 Long Bay
2005 Long Bay
2007 Ocean Reef
2008 Long Bay
2009 Island Vista
2010 Island Vista
2012 Paradise Resort


Last edited by Rick on Sat Apr 07, 2012 6:09 am, edited 1 time in total.

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PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 5:44 am 
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Location: Bath, NY
Day 1 - Good Friday

Arrived at the Paradise Hotel just as those leaving had finished checking out - 11am. As mentioned, the front desk personnel were very polite, very helpful, very accommodating. They took my cell # so they could tell me when our room would be ready. The kids got their swim gear on, and headed for the indoor pools.

Now, I need to tell you........Friday was the coldest day I have ever spent in MB. It was warmer at home in upstate NY when we left at 10pm than it was when we arrived Friday afternoon in South Carolina :dontknow: A weird cold front plowed through - it was 48 degrees and a cold north wind. I bring that up, well because it's worth mentioning, but also to tell you that the adults in our party were sort of looking for a special libation upon arrival, only to find the Tiki Hut closed! But, as mentioned, the workers here have been very accommodating, and noting that it was not yet noon (ok, so we were a little eager!) they did open it at noon, but not really "open" it. The kept the building closed and served from the side door - the winds were so strong and cold! But we sat inside by the pools, watched the kids, had a round or 4, and as far as I was concerned, I was looking at palm trees, so I was happy!

:beerchug:

They had our room ready about 1:30. So, up we went, unloaded - we loved the 4 bedroom suite we have - we are sharing with our friends - it works out perfectly for our family dynamics.

The kids went shell hunting, while the adults went grocery shopping. Hit the Food Lion near the airport.

As we had not had lunch yet, we decided on an early dinner. The sun had come out as we left the Food Lion, so it was decided we would head to BATB and our annual (first for our friends) stop at Yamoto's. Tip - if you call for a reservation there, they seem to always be booked. But if you go and just show up near when they open (4:30) - you can just walk in as they always have openings it seems - you might have to wait a bit for a seating (they sit by table in staggered times). Had a great meal, fantastic food, a great show (kids love this) - and as always, a great lunch for tomorrow (can never eat all of it).

Even though chilly, we plowed along on one circuit of BATB, stopping here, looking there, essentially, just being tourists on vacation! Got back about 9. Hit the hot tubs, and that was enough to put me out. 40 hours without sleep - a few afternoon beers, a great meal, walks in the cold wind, and a hot tub and I was dead to the world at 10pm.

Only to wake at 4:30am - because I am in Myrtle Beach !!!!!!!! :hello:

Not sure what today (Saturday) will bring. Except - I know the sun is supposed to be out all day and it is supposed to be warmer and we are soooooooooooo ready to hit the beach!

:sunny:

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1978 MBSP
1979 Captain's Quarters
1981 Polynesian
1993 Beach Cove
2001 Compass Cove
2002 Coral Beach
2003 Sand Dunes
2004 Long Bay
2005 Long Bay
2007 Ocean Reef
2008 Long Bay
2009 Island Vista
2010 Island Vista
2012 Paradise Resort


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PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 7:21 am 
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Rick, so glad you get here safely, and have settled in for vacation!

Wally and I were out yesterday running errands. It was cold, and the streets were way more busy than we're used to. I know it's a really big weekend here, and I'm sure people were disappointed it wasn't "beach weather." All the unusually warm weather we've been having came to a screeching halt. You should have sun with a high of 70 today and the same for the next several days. Certainly not as warm as it has been, but better than rain.

Thanks so much for the trip report, and looking forward to hearing more!

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PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 8:10 pm 
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Rick wrote:
Saturday, April 7th

The Trip Down


Traveled with another family, and we made an attempt to drive together. Traveling through the night brings new issues, but speed of travel isn't a negative one - we FLEW along, setting personal land speed records - never saw ONE officer of the law out on patrol. I am convinced, many states or local municipalities have adapted the "just put a sign up warning them that we patrol a lot" philosophy - instead of putting actual officers out there to look - as a way to save money I"m guessing. Boy, did we drive fast.


Nothing like traveling at night. After doing this for basically the last thirteen years, I really don't know if I could handle a daytime trip. Having the road basically to yourself and not having to worry about cops for the most part makes it a peaceful trip. Not to mention that the kids sleep most of the way.

Sounds like the weather is going to get better. Thanks for the report.


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PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 9:37 pm 
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Yeah...two trip reports in one week. I am so happy :nanner:

I have a co-worker in North Myrtle this week and she was so bummed out that the weather is going to be cooler, but just like Patrish said NO RAIN. Have a great vacation!

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PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 10:33 pm 
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So glad you are there and reporting...yahoo! Sorry it has been cool...it is much cooler here in OH, too! We got really spoiled in March...hope you all have a FABULOUS time... :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:


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PostPosted: Sun Apr 08, 2012 6:29 am 
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Location: Bath, NY
Day 2 - Saturday

First wake up in MB was early enough to catch the sun rise. I'm guessing the salt content kept the water from freezing as it washed over the sands. Yeah, it was that cold! Beautiful sunrise though, not a cloud in the sky, could tell that it was going to be a gorgeous day.

Took a bit of a walk to look around at the neighborhood. Finding out where the mini-marts are, places for breakfast, etc. Decided to try the hotel breakfast at "Sandals". Simple buffet, but done well - omelet station, waffle maker, and the key - biscuits and gravy, gotta have 'em. Will probably try someplace else though next time.

Our suite started waking about 8:30 - one by one. I went down and reserved a cabana and chairs on the beach, knowing it was going to be sunny, but with a cool north wind, glad we did. My wife and I decided on a walk - on the beach heading north to the swash by Family Amusement Park - and then back along Ocean Blvd. Got the Hawaiian Tropic on - and hit the beach. We had discovered that the Tiki Hut here at Paradise had some rather expensive drinks, not that we were surprised. But I discovered today that there is a beach bar called "Makos" located beach-side at The Reef hotel that had very reasonable prices (half that of Paradise's Tiki Hut). So, my friend and I helped support their business for a bit -sitting in the sun and developing an enhanced reality. We eventually went to the mini-mart across the street and purchased a Styrofoam cooler and some ice and a dozen silver bullets and had a very nice first day on the beach!

:beerchug:

Got just enough sun. Watched the end of Saturday's round of The Masters - you go Phil!

After waiting awhile to adjust - decided to head out to Barefoot Landing. Went late - in order to miss the Easter Saturday lines - ended up deciding on Wild Wing Cafe. I had the sampler platter - 5 different flavors of my choosing - 25 wings in all. Watched a couple of us try the "Braveheart" sauce - wow, I mean WOW! Hot!!

:oops:

Ended up back at the hotel about 11. Then our wives realized they forgot to go get some things to be "from the Easter Bunny" for our youngest kids for Easter Morning. They ended up having to go to the Walmart south of MB. Made it back about 12:30am.

Sunday looks to be even nicer - totally cloudless again and warmer - looking forward to another day on the beach!

:sunny:

_________________
1978 MBSP
1979 Captain's Quarters
1981 Polynesian
1993 Beach Cove
2001 Compass Cove
2002 Coral Beach
2003 Sand Dunes
2004 Long Bay
2005 Long Bay
2007 Ocean Reef
2008 Long Bay
2009 Island Vista
2010 Island Vista
2012 Paradise Resort


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PostPosted: Sun Apr 08, 2012 8:05 pm 
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Loving the trip report!!! I was hoping these would all be starting soon.

I think we want to try Wild Wing Cafe this trip. Since our last time down, in 2009, DS has become a HUGE fan of wings- along with DH and I who already were. DD will eat them too, though I'm sure they have other choices. I bet DS would really like this place!


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PostPosted: Sun Apr 08, 2012 9:09 pm 
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I'm so glad you made it safely and are having fun! Hopefully the weather will warm up for you. :sunny:

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PostPosted: Sun Apr 08, 2012 9:32 pm 
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Quote Rick:
>...Sunday looks to be even nicer - totally cloudless again and warmer....

Today was PERFECT! Not too hot and not too cool! Hope you didn't get sunburned! :cool:

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PostPosted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 7:03 am 
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Day 3 - Easter Sunday

You are so right Patrish - the only word for it was gorgeous!

Did you know? If you are standing on the 16th floor patio deck and you see the sun begin to crest over the horizon - you can take the elevator down quickly and run to the beach and watch it rise again! There you go, your new fact of the day!

So, I was sitting back in my room just a few minutes after sunrise, when I heard this really loud party begin outside - music blaring really loud - and I thought "what the heck?". So, I went out onto the patio, only to discover a huge group of people gathered next door between the pool and the deck chairs at The Reef hotel - for a sunrise Easter service! PA system and all. It was very nice, and not too long, and well attended. Looks like they had coffee and donuts after too!

Apparently, the Easter Bunny has a key to all these rooms along the Grand Strand. In fact, my two boys have had so many Easter mornings in hotel rooms, that last year, a rare year when our spring break was not lined up with Easter, I remember my youngest asked "Will the Easter Bunny know to come to our house?"

My wife and I took another walk - this time heading south from Paradise Resort - walked to Springmaid Pier along the beach, and then back up Ocean Blvd. Got my morning coke at the mini-mart across the street. Interesting note: I remember the days here - having made the mistake of waiting - that you could not buy beer on a Sunday. Well, things have changed, not only could I buy beer in a store on Sunday, but I didn't even have to wait for Sunday church services to get over! I thought for sure I would have to wait until Noon, but nope, bought an 18 pack at 10:30am.

Got the sunscreen on and headed to our cabana on the beach - it's so nice to be at a stage where we don't have to sunscreen the boys all up anymore - they just take care of that themselves now. What a tremendous day on the beach - perfect temperature, perfect light southerly breeze. Spent the morning building a sand castle. Now, everyone knows, the ultimate goal of the sand castle building exercise comes at the end of the day, when the tide eventually comes to destroy the creation. So, as I watched everyone carefully dodging, stepping around, and politely respecting my creation - I was very discouraged when I saw, late in the afternoon, as the high tide slowly approached, what I'm guessing was a six year old - a very naughty six year old - came running from nowhere, and just sooooo purposefully, began playing Godzilla on my creation. I would have been really angry if I had seen the parents not care what their son did - but I could tell from their reaction that they have had to deal with this type of behavior from him before, and they did address it with him. Oh well - I have a few more days!

6:51am Monday - here it comes again :sunny:

After a really long day on the beach, came back to the room to watch much of the end of The Masters - great tournament again this year.

We asked the other family what they would like to do for dinner - and they asked for a steak house. We briefly thought about walking over to Angelo's, but after much discussion, we headed for Carolina Roadhouse. Great choice. As usual, great salads, and I had their really good baked potato soup.....mmmmmmm. I had the NY strip, and everyone else really liked what they had, except my wife, she said her's was ok - just her "crab cakes" were not done how she expected. She said it was really more of a stuffed crab, and that she didn't really taste much crab. Her meal was a combo, and she said her flounder was very good though.

Went to BATB to walk it all off. A much nicer evening than Friday had been. Could walk around comfortably in shorts and no jacket. The only thing we are disappointed in: we have been twice, on Easter weekend no less, and we didn't see the Klugg's Kite guy. Hope he's ok - but we always see him, and didn't at all yet.

Got back about 10:30 and we just sat around and talked about things for a bit, then off to bed.

_________________
1978 MBSP
1979 Captain's Quarters
1981 Polynesian
1993 Beach Cove
2001 Compass Cove
2002 Coral Beach
2003 Sand Dunes
2004 Long Bay
2005 Long Bay
2007 Ocean Reef
2008 Long Bay
2009 Island Vista
2010 Island Vista
2012 Paradise Resort


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 8:26 am 
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Excellent report - love all the detail !!!! :nanner: :nanner: :nanner:

Looking forward to more daily installments :hello:

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PostPosted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 9:17 am 
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Rick, it sounds like you all are relaxing and enjoying your time in MB...that tip about sunrise was GREAT...never thought about that before! Thanks for sharing with us!

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PostPosted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 7:16 am 
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Day 4 - Monday

I don't know - which day was more perfect weather wise - Sunday or Monday?

Took advantage of another beautiful day. We had our morning walk first - down to Springmaid Pier and back. Well, not quite. Just before the pier is a swash from the Midway golf/South Beach Resort triangle of land at the end of Ocean blvd. I saw a narrowish part and decided to make the jump - otherwise it was going to be wet shoes and socks, and that's no fun. So, I ran up, jumped........and made the jump.....but........the upper body weight carried me farther then my lower legs wanted to move......causing a tumble into the sand......which my wife of course found hilarious, and probably everyone else in viewing distance too! Now, she was left on one side - me on the other. So, being smart like I am, I decided I could make it this time going back across..........which I fortunately did. Nice walk back.

Did another day of the sun - need to get it while we can.

Question: we have never experienced these before, but we are finding these little brownish, greenish beetles - they look just like ladybugs, but not red with black dots. We noticed a few of them over the weekend as we sat on the beach - but sitting in the grass area by the pool yesterday, wow, more of them. At one point I was about to leave - there was one landing on me about every 15 seconds - and then all of a sudden, they stopped. Didn't see another for the rest of the day. Anyone know what they are - or what their story is?

Had a tough time deciding on a dinner location. My friend said crablegs......so, I narrowed it down to 3 options for him to choose. He chose Crabby Mikes - because he thought more people would have a better selection at a buffet. I knew from experience that it would most likely be a wait - we were leaving a little after 7pm. Didn't look like a crowded parking lot, and didn't see much of a line, but when we got to the greeter station, they told us about 90 minutes. We said no thank you.

So, I had read about this place called The Driftwood - a locals favorite over on 707. But I missed the turn from business 17 and the next thing you know we were near Murrell's Inlet. So, we headed to our 3rd choice. Now, my Aunt had been down here in March, and she said she went to a great place up in Cherry Grove area - called Captain Poos. And I read yesterday that there was another one down in Murrells Inlet - not much to look at - but great food supposedly. When we got there - it was closed - and I don't mean for the night - it was closed up. So now, we are just hungry. I figured getting crablegs at just about any of those places in MI was a possibility, but didn't know which ones for sure - so we just took our chances and went next door - to Nance's. We were tired, and hungry, and had a 10 minute wait, but got seated. Thank god for the complimentary hush puppies - and really good ones too! I'll be honest, the ones we had the night before at Carolina Roadhouse were nothing special - these were good ones at Nance's.

I had an order of raw clams - I don't get them very often - nice treat. They must have been ok because I am typing this the next morning! For my main meal I had the fried shrimp - very good. Most everyone liked their meal, but tiredness and grumpiness led to a less than fun evening for all of us. Oh, by the way - they had crab legs, but he changed his mind - had a steak.

:BandHead:

Wanted to hit the Lazy Gator on our way out - and saw the lights still on - but they just closed - it was 9:01.

My wife and I took a long night walk on the beach. Along the way, we saw from the beach side, a very nice looking larger hotel and decided to take a look. (I have commented before on this forum about how I don't think it would hurt anything to have a SMALL lighted sign on the beach side of these hotels - so that people can know the name of the hotel they are looking at - there most be a zoning law against it - because none of them do. Just a small one, that's all.) Anyways, this was a beautiful place - great pools, and when we went inside - what a lobby area - just beautiful. It turned out to be the Hampton Inn - around S. 18th. Will need to look into that one for next time for sure.

Exhausted, we turned in. I definitely need to change the dinner routine. Do you know the feeling after a Thanksgiving dinner? Well, I feel like I've had 4 thanksgiving dinners in a row, as I have that feeling every night so far on this trip.

But, I will again tonight, I'm sure!

:hello:

Till tomorrow!

_________________
1978 MBSP
1979 Captain's Quarters
1981 Polynesian
1993 Beach Cove
2001 Compass Cove
2002 Coral Beach
2003 Sand Dunes
2004 Long Bay
2005 Long Bay
2007 Ocean Reef
2008 Long Bay
2009 Island Vista
2010 Island Vista
2012 Paradise Resort


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 8:18 am 
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I think this may be your bug. It is fairly new to our area:
http://livingwithbugs.blogspot.com/2011/10/

I don't know why the hotels don't have names on the ocean side. I never really gave much thought to it until you mentioned it sometime back and I thought "what a good idea!"

I>... saw a narrowish part and decided to make the jump - otherwise..."
LOL! I've run into the same thing, although my starting point is MB State Park, heading south toward MB Resort. It pays (for me) to be aware of the tide schedule. I've jumped over a small swash, realizing on my way back that the tide has come in and I need to wade back. That's OK in the summer, but not in colder weather wearing shoes and jeans.

Sorry it took so long to find a place to eat.

Looking forward to your next installment!

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