Monday, Dec 31, 2012, James Island, Charleston, SC

Took some early sunrise pictures from the beach - it was so cold I couldn't feel my fingers.

Moved to James Island County Park, Charleston, SC, (50 miles). Had Mom's birthday celebration of margaritas and tacos at Zia Taqueria Mexican Restaurant. It's the last day of the campground's Christmas Lights display - a three-mile loop of beautiful Christmas lighting in the park and a festival of sorts. Took Mom for a little "train" ride and watched as the park put on a nice fireworks display across the lake for her birthday (and New Year's Eve).

Saturday, December 29, 2012, Edisto Beach State Park, SC

Early morning surf action with the birds looking for some breakfast.

We did a little exploring on some trails in Edisto Beach State Park, SC, that were not strictly along the beach, so we had them to ourselves. Maybe the cool weather kept people from doing a lot of hiking, too.

The huge mounds of shells were strange - maybe the ancient people had the equivalent of a dining hall nearby and the kitchen waste was always thrown into the same pile for many years. Eventually, the trash pile became more permanent than the long gone dining hall, leaving us with the mystery today.

Even overcast days at the beach seem to result in beautiful sunsets. Maybe they are all the more beautiful based on my freshly retired frame of mind.

Friday, Dec 28, 2012, Charleston, SC

Drove into Charleston, SC, from our campground at Edisto Beach, SC. Snapped rooftop photos from the top floor of the parking deck. Ate at Sticky Fingers - Yum! (The line was too long at Hyman's Seafood, as usual!)

Walked down Meeting Street to Battery Park and back up King Street. So many pictures it was difficult to pick just a few favorites!

Beware, Joani has a fascination for walls, gates, doors and windows. Oh yeah, and trees! 

Thursday, Dec 27, 2012, Edisto Beach, SC

Moved to Edisto Beach State Park, SC (130 miles). Our site is 100 feet from the beach - can hear the waves breaking from the motorhome.

Our beach loop campsite at dusk.  

Tuesday, Dec 25, 2012, Tybee Island, GA

Visited Tybee Island, GA, - saw the lighthouse. Walked Sam on the beach (I was worried about not paying for parking, but completely missed the sign stating a $500 fine for taking pets on the beach - fortunately, there was nobody enforcing rules on Christmas Day.)

 Since it was Christmas Day, the Tybee Island Lighthouse and the Museum were closed, but we did enjoy walking around the grounds and we had the beach to ourselves.

 I had fun with a closeup of a bolt head on old farm equipment.

 Down at waters edge, I found tide pools.

A full moon peeking through the Live Oak canopy.