5/7/2023 – Day 1 – Arrival
The journey to Folly Beach was arduous and challenging for our intrepid travelers. Two sets arrived by air and uber. Two sets arrived by a half cross-country drive. Adventures were had by all from chatty seatmates to finding a bullet casing in the parking lot of a true roadhouse.
At 4pm all travelers arrived at their rental home to relax, eat, and play games.
Medical Alert: 2 of the 8 have already been stricken with the sunburn. If they do not heal soon, we may have to put them down.
We toasted the evening with Prosecco.
Dinner: Taco Boy restaurant
Libation: Patron Pouch
5/8/2023 – Day 2 – Feet in the Water
After an impromptu breakfast we divided our crew into two distinct parties: foragers and advance surveillance.
With a list of needed provisions, which included one toothbrush because your diarist forgot his, four of our membership ventured inland to two locations, Costco and Target. Their excursion lasted a worrisome four hours. However, their travels proved successful and uneventful. I am pleased to note that the mess hall is fully stocked.
The advance surveillance team ventured further east on foot to find the front and assess the conditions to be found. The beach is strewn with various shell fragments and other ordinance. Serious times.
Medical Notes: We learned from the two canaries in the mine from day one, that it is wise to cover yourself in a jelly like liquid called sunscreen. The canaries’ redness deepened throughout the day. And while we do not wish to put them down, it looks to be a necessity. We will let an additional day pass before final termination, I mean determination.
One of our canaries fell to another wound, having skinned her knee. Surely the profuse amounts of blood called to all the sharks in the region. Here’s hoping she will retain a battle scar she can be proud of.
Dinner: Quin’s Chicken Sandwich Especiales
Libation: Kirkland Wine
Celebration: Vesta’s birthday
Interesting Find: A shark tooth
5/9/2023 – Day 3 – Surf’s Up
Today we ventured north to meet up with Kyle from the Carolina Salt contingent to learn a new way to travel amongst the waves. Kyle must have a pirating background as he gave each one of us a plank that allowed us to stand upon the water. It is truly magical. His first mate, Pete, was of great personal service to your diarist. All members of the crew thoroughly enjoyed this mode of travel. So much so, arrangements were made with Kyle to borrow three planks for the rest of the week. For a modest fee of course.
After a quick lunch most of our people opted to rest for the afternoon, as “surfing” was physically taxing for most of our contingent.
The late afternoon brought us to a coffee apothecary and a visit to multiple store fronts offering a menagerie of items.
While composing this entry we have hunkered down for an evening of thunderstorms and fellowship.
Medical Notes: The sunburned canaries are still tender but are finally showing signs of healing. We intend to keep them. The skinned knee has improved as well and currently presents itself with a lovely bruise.
Many express a little soreness from this morning’s instructional adventure.
Dinner: Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli
Libation: Classic Margaritas
Physics Lesson: Your diarist received a stark reminder that water does not compress when striking it.
5/10/2023 – Day 4 – Rest and Relaxation
The midpoint of our journey found us rising in the late morning hours searching for ideas of what to do. Your diarist and his blushing bride considered a jaunt into the wilds of Charleston, but those thoughts were quickly converted to ones of focused rest and relaxation. The younger generation opted to surf again.
And surf they did for most of the day. With our books in tow the love of my life and I meandered to the beach to find most of our crew on the water. Who, upon spying us, announced that they were tired and abruptly left. So be it. We read, looked for the perfect shells, and found a second shark tooth.
Speaking of books, Vesta continued her journey through “Franny and Zooey” by JD Salinger. Whilst I completed my journey through “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus. A book that I highly recommend.
Medical Notes: At some point one of the canaries was stung by a bee or a wasp. She is surviving. More concerning though, is that the sunburns appear to be infectious. I certainly hope the CDC is on top of this. We will let them know we can supply them with a couple of patient zeros for the current outbreak.
Dinner: I Dream of Mac and Cheese
Libation: The cocktail with no name, so here is the recipe:
Ingredients:
Target Brand Natural Margarita Mix
Captain Morgan White Spiced Rum
Red Wine (Pinot Noir Works Well)
Steps:
- Mix the margarita mix with the rum to your desired strength
- Chill – if necessary
- Fill glasses 2/3 to ¾ of the way
- Carefully pour the wine into a spoon placed near the surface of the beverage. Your goal is to achieve a layered drink that looks mysterious
- Enjoy and be transformed
Provisions Crisis: Ground coffee is devastatingly low. This situation may tear our group apart.
A puzzle was completed.
5/11/2023 – Day 5 – Aimless
We started the day strong, albeit a little later than prior days. Your diarist and his remarkable spouse starting building breakfast, which included biscuits, pre-cooked sausage, bacon, eggs, and fruit. A very hearty spread for a very hearty people. Unfortunately, such a large meal before our day began left the crew in a lethargic, motionless state. Sure, we talked a good game about surfing some more, or playing a round of disc golf, but that large gut bomb of poorly masticated food swirling around in ineffectual gastric juices would not allow us to move.
Well at least until lunch time came round. A semi last-minute decision had us dressing southern chic and on our way to Charleston. The best part about the lengthy prep time for travel is that it allowed Papa Bear time to take a nap. All praise be to the Saints.
Our first two stops in Charleston were parking lots. What can I say, our band has odd proclivities.
Our third stop led us to Off Track ice cream. I partook of the Key Lime flavor and Vesta had the Salted Pretzel Toffee. Both were tasty. The others did not share their ice creams with me. May they all be damned.
Earlier in the day Mama Cat prepped some proteins and mushrooms to marinate. Upon returning from Charleston, Vesta began cooking with a fury known only to those who actually witnessed the Big Bang.
We finished the day with half the crew watching “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.” While the other half went out to enjoy an adult beverage.
Medical Notes: The canaries seem to be past the worst of their injuries. Your diarist has a slight sunburn on the top of his feet. So, it has become imperative to wear socks with shoes. Even with shoes you shouldn’t wear socks with. Gross.
Interesting Site: We perused the Angel Oak Tree. I recommend you visit given the chance.
Dinner: Bulgogi
Libation: More wine, Rosé and Red
The provisions crisis has been resolved.
5/12/2023 – Day 6 – It Went by so Fast
We were devastated to hear that Folly Beach has lost dogs. Dogs are near and dear to our hearts, Annie RIP, best dog to have ever existed. We felt it was of paramount importance to help in locating the lost pooches. To which we noticed that Folly has a headquarters named “Lost Dog Café.” As we entered the establishment, I was devastated to see so many pictures of lost dogs aligning the walls. I am not ashamed to admit, I wept. Gratefully a human person brought me a plate of French toast and fresh strawberries. Otherwise, I could not have survived the moment. Residents of Folly Beach, our hearts, our love, our thoughts, and our prayers go out to you. We are awestruck in how you continue to function every day with so many lost loved ones.
As we walked back to our encampment, I, your diarist, mentioned to my favorite person in the universe, “this week has gone by way too quickly.” She agreed, making our walk solemn and circumspect.
For the afternoon of our final full day, half our group tackled the waves again. Filling their souls with waves, surfing, shells, and beach time.
The other half opted to pursue a most noble sport, disc golfing. Those who participated had a grand time at James Island County Park. A small fee allows entry to the park, which happens to be most lovely. Avoiding alligators, poison ivy, and all manner of other creepy crawlies, we managed to safely get 18 holes completed.
As the day concluded, we all made one last visit to the beach. Most importantly we were able to place our feet into the water one last time.
Medical Notes: The canaries are molting.
Dinner: Tacos – I mean what else are you going to do with 3 lbs. of uncooked hamburger.
Libation: whatever was left my friend
Broken Items: We managed to only break one wine glass and the carafe from a blender. Not too shabby.
5/13/2023 – Day 7 – Departure
We express our great thanks to Folly Beach Best Rentals for the home they shared. To the interesting community of Folly Beach itself. And to the staff over at Carolina Salt. You all truly made for a wonderful, memorable trip.
Your Diarist – Brent Morgan
Panclog 
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