Rampant Beach Frolicking

 Good times. Although the weather and water were actually a bit chilly most of the time, and there were occasional thunderstorms, nothing beats the beach. I mean, to each her own, but me, I LOVE IT.

 There was a constant breeze/ wind/ sand blast accompanying the aforementioned weather. This is what our blanket looked like after we got up from reading one afternoon!

Perhaps it was a bit early for beach season but we still got in some great days of reading, walking in the sand, and catching up; it was wonderful.

 Notice that no one else is in the water in these pics...Yep, I'm the only psycho willing to play in the water despite the frigid temps. Can't help it- gotta play in the waves!

                        This is what days of listening to the ocean does for me: chilling out.We drove by this sign at the Cooper River Disco (other sweet sign posted HERE) a couple times. Isn't it great? Eventually I just had to pull over for a little photo shoot.I hope everyone gets a break like this at some point in the summer. It's just SO good.

Biking Charleston, SC

 Now that I've had a chance to upload and edit the photos, I'm going to do a couple posts about Charleston. Because it's awesome and it deserves your attention! First off, this trip was one of my favorite types of vacations. I'd call it an "active relaxation" type. I did spend some time watching movies and lounging in bed, but what I most enjoy about traveling is getting out and taking in my new surroundings.

 My beautiful BFF, Hollie, moved to Charleston several years ago and I have visited a handful of times. Enough to get a feel for it, and know my way around. I love taking a bike out and exploring places I 've noticed before-maybe a sign that caught my eye, a historic site I've read about, or even just a road /path that looked interesting. The pics above are from a sunset ride down a little road that runs through a marshy area and down to a boat ramp. Very peaceful.

          This is on the boardwalk downtown on the harbor side. Charleston is generally very bike friendly. You will see lots of people riding them downtown, and there are a good amount of paths and bike lanes to connect you with some really scenic spots throughout the area.                                                                                                                                                                                              

View from the Cooper River Bridge- the Cooper River emptying into the ocean. It's just so grand. The hugeness of it, the power that can be felt here makes me love it. I get a tiny twinge of fear mixed with a great amount of awe.

A very important part of "active relaxation" is having the right fuel for your adventures. The Village Bakery always has what I need for that, i.e. hot hazelnut coffee and a fresh cinnamon rolls. It's my fave bakery in the area, aside from Baked.

The lovely colors and scents of summer were already out. The sweet smell of Jessamine and Honeysuckle floating on the breeze was heavenly. That may just be the next addition to my garden!

I couldn't not include a picture of Rainbow Row. Sure, maybe you've seen 350 pics of it already but, whatev. Still love it's gorgeous old houses and Southern charm.

That's all for this post. You have a beach-tastic post coming at you tomorrow!

Snapshot

Today I returned home to Nashville after spending the week in Charleston, SC- lucky me! It was a week full to the brim with wonderful fun and sweet friend time. I can barely keep my eyes open, but before I pass out I wanted to post 5 quick pics of some of my favorite moments and places in no particular order:

 1)  Cooper River Bridge- the longest cable stayed bridge in North America. With a bike and pedestrian lane, and an incredible view of the the harbor. ocean horizon and downtown Charleston while the sun sets- it's epic.

 2) Flora & Fauna- wildflowers in the dunes, manicured secret gardens downtown, dolphins, bird watching. I can get lost in watching and looking.

 3) B.F.F.'s- Hollie is the bomb (do people still say that?). I love you girl!

 4) East Cooper Disco- chilling out, spontaneous fun.

5) the Ocean- I love it. I don't know what this gesture is that I'm doing, but I know that I am 100% happy!