Thursday, March 5, 2015

Into the Woods

















We headed into the woods yesterday for a morning of wandering and exploring at Myrtle Beach State Park. Although we have hiked this trail the past two years during our time in Myrtle Beach, experiencing it again with my little man, his eyes a little older and wiser, was enchanting. He doesn't recall our visits here from the last two years, so he looks at this place with fresh eyes. He sees things I miss, he picks up treasures, asks questions about the trees and plants, and makes me feel like it is the first time we are hiking this trail. As we stepped on the trail, I let him lead. At times he ran ahead, waiting to ask a question or point something out. Other times he took my hand and guided me to something I had to see. We moved slowly, and just enjoyed the solace the woods offer.

After meandering for a while, the trail ends, and we walk across a parking lot and end up on the beach. I absolutely love that this trail ends at the beach, it really is the best of both worlds. We feel the close comfort of the woods, trees standing tall over our heads, roots reaching deep below our feet, and then we step forward into the open and freeing expanse of the beach and ocean. There was a heavy fog over the ocean, as you can see from one of the photos above (there is actually a pier in that photo, but you can barely see it), which made our time on the beach quite mystical. We walked, collected shells, and stopped for a snack before heading back to the woods, finding our way slowly back to the car, new nature treasures in hand, and a feeling of calm and peace surrounding us.

47 comments:

  1. That wlak sounds so lovely! It seems to be warmer too, just like us today, as I keep Issa at home, a pleasure.

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    1. It was wonderful, and yes, a little warmer, very much like spring. It looks like you had a wonderful day with Issa :)

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  2. I remember each year as you do this and I look forward to this post. I think because the woods are where you go when you are at home and I like seeing the differences to your home woods and vacation woods. Lovely :)

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    1. Awe, thanks Karen. I hadn't thought of that way...my home woods and my vacation woods. They are very different, and yet both so very soothing.

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  3. Lovely pictures. I was always surprised by the beautiful state parks in South Carolina when we lived there. I hope you are enjoying your trip. Take care.

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    1. Thanks Kathleen. I love the state parks here, so much goodness hidden away in them. We are having a wonderful time, thank you.

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  4. Looks such a beautiful trip out. I think most of my favourite walks are those where we start off through woods and reach the sea, as you say, the best of both worlds.

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    1. It was Sally. I feel a deep connection to both the woods and the water, so it really is wonderful for me.

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  5. I just love your photos, Kim! Beautiful! And you are breathing in some ocean air for me, right? ;) Can't wait to visit Maine again ourselves!!

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    1. Thanks Julie. And yes, been breathing in lots of ocean air for you :)

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  6. Красивые фото! Спасибо!

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  7. Beautiful area and beautiful trails!

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  8. Oh, it looks so warm and springy there, like a breath of fresh air!

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    1. Exactly Andrea, and it feels that way too :)

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  9. I know I'm biased, but I think SC has the prettiest beaches and that most of them are next to woods makes them even better!

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    1. I think so too Tracey, it really is a beautiful state.

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  10. Beautiful! Are the green plants evergreens?

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    1. Thanks Karen-Ida. No, not all of them. I am not totally sure what all of them all, but there were some guides along the path sharing information about the various plants.

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  11. That just sounds so perfect- so happy for you all, getting to adventure and relax together!

    www.hollandsreverie.blogspot.com

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  12. Beautiful photo's Kim. How wonderful to walk through the woods and end up on the beach - and no hats or coats either.

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    1. Thanks Emma. Yes, the hats and coats are no longer needed, and it has been wonderful. We are truly enjoying the warmth, and the little bits of sunshine that has shined on us.

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  13. Beautiful... I can only imagine this place in the summer! - i love woods that run up to the water, so magical.

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    1. Thanks Carlin. I think it must be lovely, and so very lush. I agree, magical is the right word for it. We have a few trails at home that do the same thing, but it is Lake Ontario they finish at, and the ocean just seems so much more magical :)

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  14. what a beautiful way to spend the day...that is a gorgeous spot !!! Drive home safely Kim - you'll be heading back the same time we take off for spring break.

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    1. It really is a lovely spot, and I am happy we were able to visit again this year. Thank you Erica, enjoy your spring break.

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  15. Simply beautiful and yes, very mystical. The trail ending at the beach is my favourite bit. It's like that where my parents are currently living (though not for long). A lovely, meandering trail leading to a glorious surf beach. My most favourite place in the world.

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    1. Oh that sounds lovely too Leisa. How wonderful to have your parents living there, at least for now :)

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  16. So beautiful. We just went on a hike today. The desert is exploding with wild flowers right now. :)

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    1. Thanks KC. Your hike sounds pretty awesome too. One day I will hike in the desert :)

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  17. And after the beach nurturing, the tree nuturing. You must be feeling refreshed and nurtured by all the beauty and fresh air!

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    1. Yes, totally refreshed and nurtured. I am heading home with a full bucket :)

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  18. Such a gorgeous, GORGEOUS spot. Those beautiful swamps. Oh how they make everything feel all warm and mysterious. Perfect for an adventure... I'm glad you and he had so much fun. xo

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    1. It really is Yanic, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Thanks. xo

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  19. i've popped over from camilla's space! Love the photos....love the garden in today's post!!! can you turn me into a gardener????

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    1. Welcome Steph, thanks for stopping by. I can certainly try :)

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  20. Thank you so much for taking me to this beautiful place today. I love the woods and the beach, we do lots of wood walks but we are a fair way from the beach and rarely visit. That would be a perfect walk for me too.

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    1. You are most welcome. I have a feeling we would have a wonderful time in the woods together :)

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  21. It really looks as a nice place, your photos are so nice and as I read your post I can tell you are having a nice time, I am glad that you are enjoying so much :)

    Have a great weekend!

    Lluisa xoxo

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    1. Thank you, we had a wonderful time. It was nice to connect to a different spot for a few weeks.

      xo

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  22. Oh I love it - I thought for a moment you were home and your snow had gone but perhaps not yet!!

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    1. Haha, not home for this walk, but so happy to walk in the woods without snow! We are actually home now, and there is still a ton of snow!!!!

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  23. Gorgeous, and a break from the snow. Although I do miss your snow pics!!

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    1. Thanks Aimee. It was nice to have a little break from the snow and the winter gear. We are back home now, and the snow is still here :) I will get a few more pics for you this week.

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  24. This feels so calm and peaceful...like you have had a "real" break, time to relax and breathe deeply...
    Take care on your return trip! "talk" soon, Em xx

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    1. Thank you Em. It was lovely, and felt wonderful to sink into days of "nothingness".

      We are back, arrived late last night. Much better drive home. xo

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  25. QUE HERMOSURA DE FOTOS!!!!
    ESE HUERTO GENIAL!!
    SALUDITOS

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