Hiking at Myrtle Beach State Park, 9/25/2017

A trip to a state park is one of the best ways for us to learn about and enjoy the many places we visit, and Myrtle Beach State Park was no exception. Even though I visited the Myrtle Beach area many times in my youth, I had never been here. 

Our first stop was the Nature Center, but it was closed when we visited. Near it is the Activity Center where educational programs are provided. Nearby is a picnic area and the campground (six rental cabins are also available). 

There are two hiking trails here as shown on the park map.

The park is located along a stretch of the Grand Stand coastline and preserves one of the last oceanfront maritime forests in South Carolina. Prior to the extensive development along the coast, this is what the area looked like. The park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during Roosevelt's presidency. 

We started our hike at the Sculpture Oak Trail (.5 mi) across the parking lot from the Nature Center. The Sculpture Oak Trail intersects with the Yaupon Trail (.4 mil).

Sapsuckers (a type of woodpecker) spend the winter at Myrtle Beach State Park. They create "sap wells" in a symmetrical line as shown below. The birds feed on the sap as it drops out as do insects. We also saw a lizard in this tree cavity, but he ducked back in before I could snap a pic of him.

Wetlands can also be found throughout the maritime forest. Check out the fungus growing on a tree (these crazy plants always fascinate me). 

Evidence of hurricane damage to trees can be seen in various places along the trails.

We eventually came to the beach where leashed dogs are permitted 5 pm to 10 am, May 1 to Labor Day, and anytime during the rest of the year. 

Fishing from the pier (for a fee) is a very popular park activity. There is a store and restrooms at the entrance to it. 

While we were walking along the beach we saw many jets flying in for a landing at the nearby military base.

We returned to the parking lot near the Nature Center passing through more wetlands (boardwalk provides safe passage through the area). There are venomous snakes here, but we did not see any. 

Who says dogs can't climb trees? Sadie was very interested in the squirrels that were scampering about... We also spotted a bat house near the Nature Center. 

Admission to the park is $5/adults. Go to southcarolinaparks.com/myrtlebeach for additional information about things to do at Myrtle Beach State Park and information on the campground.

Both John and I had eaten many times with our families at Calabash, NC, in the 1960s. Famous for its fabulous seafood, there are now many more restaurants there. We found the location of the original restaurants near the docks and ate outside at the Waterfront Seafood Shack. The Calabash Fishing Fleet is located next to the restaurant where fresh fish is available for purchase and fishing trips can be chartered. For additional information about the restaurant or chartered trips, click on calabashfishingfleet.com/calabash-seafood-restaurant. 

I had the grilled grouper and John had the fried flounder. It was fantastic with sides of hush puppies, cole slaw, and roasted corn on the cob. Linda, our server, provided excellent service and we enjoyed chatting with her. 

If you prefer inside dining, Captain Nance's and Dockside Seafood House are nearby. 

We also enjoyed checking out the fishing boats next to the restaurant. 

It was a great day bringing back memories from long ago!