Biathlon in Port Royal

Cliff had a biathlon in Port Royal, Saturday. This race was a kayak and running event. As usual, I don't give his race reports....I leave that to him. I do like to share the pictures, though. 

The kayak race took place in the Harbor River. Just across the river was the infamous Parris Island Marine Corp base. The running portion took place through the quaint little town of Port Royal. This area of the state is richly steeped in history. Wars, including the Revolutionary and Civil Wars had a big influence in the area. 

Saturday, however, the only war here was taking place in kayaks and on foot. It was a beautiful sunny day. Cliff did well and I loved all the photo ops. I'm only going to include a few in this post. 

I'll share some gorgeous shots of an old church later in the week. Check back, you won't want to miss them. 

The local ROTC group was there to help unload the kayaks. 

They lined them up just so.

Closer to race time, the ROTC helped the participants 

get the kayaks to the water's edge.

Of course, some are more independent than others. HaHa!! 

Yes, that would be the definition of Cliff. Really, though, 

his kayak weighs all of 25 lbs. He didn't need help.

 All lined up and ready to go.....

And, they are off.

 Cliff finishing the 6-mile kayak portion in an hour.

And then, he was on the run.

Just under four miles and extra physical challenges (at different stations, the runners had to do things like push-ups, burpees, running to the top of a wooden tower.....to name a few) and about forty-five minutes later, he crossed the finish line.

So, while Cliff was doing his thing, I did mine. Photographing the wildlife. We see these birds at the beach all the time, but for the life of me, 

I don't know what you call them.

The seagulls were plentiful.

They didn't even mind posing.

Be Back Later,
Laurie

A Seagull And The Sea

 

Saturday was just a typical seaside January day. Beautiful.

Today?

Rain!

Ocean Senses

 

Cliff and I spent a couple of hours on the beach, today.

All but one of my ocean senses were invoked.

 

Sight:

I watched pelicans dive bombing....trying to catch fish. I watched as the waves rolled in and left again. I watched the seagulls soar just above the surf.

I saw how blue everything looked and I couldn't get enough. 

 

Sound:

I listened to the waves gently crashing on shore. I listened to the sounds of the seagulls. And, I listened to nearby children romping in the waves and their mother calling them in. 

 

Touch:

I felt the cool, slightly damp sand beneath my feet. I felt the warmth of the sun and then later, the cool ocean breeze.

 

Smell:

The smell of salty air reminded me to just breathe.

 

 

 Laurie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Walk On The Beach

A walk on the beach,

toes in the sand,

 

Here by the ocean,

I think I'll stand.

 

By: Laurie Cox

A Slightly Snowy Seaside Sunday

It was a rare occurrence for South Carolina last night. It actually snowed in parts. It was pure delight when I awoke this morning to the slightly snowy seaside. I jetted out of the house with my camera in hand to capture the following images before the sun began to melt away this gorgeousness. It all began last night.....

Cliff and I were at dinner last night, when the snow began. It was a blizzard! See! I mean it was almost a pure whiteout. I almost couldn't find my way back to the car. Thanks to the many streetlights in Market Commons.....the lost in the snow crisis was averted.

Ahhh, daybreak. What new wonders will we behold this Sunday?

Well, what do you know? Snow! On the boardwalk, down by the sea....

A blanket of snow is what you'll see.

Myrtle Beach's shore line with the Ferris wheel in the distance.

Said Ferris wheel.

The gulls gather at the swash near Lakewood.

The snow covered fence dividing the dunes from the campground at Lakewood.

Snow covered deck.

Seaside seagull I.

Seaside seagull II.

One of many seashells by the seashore.

The Pier.

The End.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed the snowy pictures as much as I did. I was like a kid in a candy story scooting around Myrtle Beach this morning.....in 30 degree temperatures.....snapping pictures.

Oh wait! In case you were wondering....................

I've eased back into running after being sidelined with IT Band Syndrome for nearly 6 weeks. I started back slowly, keeping the miles low, as well. And I am happy to report that my knee feels much better. I'm a happy runner, once again. Last week, I ran 4.4 miles. This week I ran 8.1. This coming week I'm hoping to run 17-18 miles. I have that 10K coming up and I need to kick it up a notch. Check back often for updates.....

Until then,

Laurie



Seaside Sunday

One of the loveliest places I know is the South Carolina Coast. 
Starting today, I will be posting pictures of the coast and surrounding areas in a series called Seaside Sunday. As is typical of winter pictures, these take on somewhat of a subdued appearance.
As seasons change, the lighting changes; no more or no less as often as the tides. Hope you enjoy the series.

Where there are palms

and seagulls, relaxing is key.

There are boats

and brown pelicans, sitings are free.

Here families hang out at the creeks

or by the sea.

Laurie