Huntington Beach State Park

We love State Parks.

Spotted an alligator as we drove in. Definitely keeping Scooter on a leash.

Our first night out, we stopped at Huntington Beach State Park in south Carolina. When only staying for one night, camping spots are usually first come, first served. There seemed to be some debate among the park employees as to whether the old section or the new section is the coolest location to stay. 

We were given a spot in the new location, and have never seen such glamorous accommodations at a campground.

All in all State and National Parks are our preference for travel. They offer beautiful locations, safe environments, reasonable prices, and accept pets. Is there a way that I can designate all my tax dollars to these beautiful gifts to our citizens?

Our camping spot is on the other side of this dune.

Beautiful location inspires early-morning contemplation. Basically waiting for the coffee to brew.
No makeup. Bad hair. Camping–Don't Care.

We are quite serious about reconnecting with Mother Nature during our trips. We spend as much time as possible in the outdoors, walking, hiking, exploring, or just sitting in stillness.

Getting our exercise in. Morning walk in this glorious location.

Scooter loves running along the surf.

Can you believe this is in a campground? 

One improvises while road tripping. This Blu Storm hand dryer was manufactured by the same people who make G force simulators. (Well, that's my theory.) It's blowing the skin back from my face, but makes quick work of drying my hair.

East Coast Odyssey

And we're off!

We've been cross-country, California Pacific Coast Highway, local, and now we're headed up the East Coast to embrace Mother Nature and connect with awesome women. 

Obligatory start-of-trip selfie

Joelle has flown into Charleston, SC from Dallas. Our plan is to meander up the East Coast, with a final destination in Delaware to inaugurate our friend's new beach house.

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. A ladder for loading the thingie on top.

We've gone quite modern with this 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan Wesfalia Campervan. Joelle found her on AirBnB. Our Mothership has air conditioning, and electric windows, and she can accelerate from 0–60 in less than 15 minutes. Oh, the luxury.

Here is the Mothership, in all her doors-open glory.

Scooter is all ready and buckled in.

This dog seriously loves his road trips.

Traveling with your best canine companion is enjoyable. They snuggle up to keep you warm in your sleeping bag, and you don't miss them or worry if they are being cared for properly back home. Pet travel does come with some restrictions, though. Since leaving them in the vehicle is rarely an option, we look for restaurants with outdoor seating. 

Bovines outside seating at dusk. Not a bad compromise for dog traveling.

Wanting to get a couple of hours of drive time under our belt, we head north up 17 to Murrells Inlet, SC for our first night's stay.

Thanks to Joelle for being photographer and navigator. Look! She let me drive on this trip.