Why Not Just Queue Up Another Disney Trip? Link to New TR 6/24 p136!

[Captain_Oblivious]

Looks like the kayaking was a lot of fun! Except for Chatty Kathy the Tour Guide, I mean. Still, sounds like it was worth the time.

And I'm very glad you didn't try ramming that boat while you were out there. I don't think that would have gone well, for you or your iPhone.

 

[MEK]

Looks like the kayaking was a lot of fun! Except for Chatty Kathy the Tour Guide, I mean. Still, sounds like it was worth the time.

The kayaking was great! I highly recommend it if you ever get a chance. All the extra banter was really only mildly annoying in the beginning when I was trying to concentrate. Then we got so spread out I couldn't hear him anymore!

And I'm very glad you didn't try ramming that boat while you were out there. I don't think that would have gone well, for you or your iPhone.

That's for sure, plus P was to happy with me with the number of boats I did hit, but I couldn't tell because I was in the back of the boat.

 

[MEK]

So I have about 10 days until we leave for Disney and I really want to finish my HHI TR. Not Rush it, but just update twice a week until we leave. I figure the rest of the weekend is busy, busy....so it looks like its time for another update.


Our second resort day was better than the first. I was really settling in at HHI and it felt like home. Starting the day off with some exercise, picture taking, a kayak trip, and a lazy afternoon at the pool….well, it doesn’t get much better than that, does it? I finally had to drag myself out of my chair and go inside and get ready for the evening festivities.

Our plan was to visit Harbour Town, which is a tourist area located in the Sea Pines Resort on the island. Sea Pines, of course, is a gated area which requires an admission fee ($5 I think). The center point of H T is the lighthouse, which is 90 ft tall.

http://www.harbourtownlighthouse.com/

The area also hosts several shops and restaurants as well as more kayaking. The Spirit of Harbour Town, as well as several other boats, sail out of the marina.

http://www.vagabondcruise.com/

I was initially interested in taking the Spirit of Harbour Town Cruise to Savannah, but we decided to drive instead. I still think this cruise sounds pretty cool, although if I go back to Savannah I will probably just do one of their river cruises.

Here we are driving through the Sea Pines community, which was even more upscale then the rest of the island and just gorgeous. The picture doesn't do it justice, but the tree lined roads were captivating.

This shop was right next to the parking lot near the light house. Looks pretty much like a typical beach shop.

But what was around the corner was not so typical.

A whole marina filled with the biggest boats and yachts I personally have ever seen

Not your everyday speed boats, that's for sure.

We stopped in a shop, where I did NOT take pictures , that was pretty upscale and sold the most beautiful beaded pocket books. L was seriously contemplating buying one to take to her son’s wedding, but she refrained.

When we left the shop we walked down by the marina and came across the biggest darn yacht I have ever seen (except on Life Styles of the Rich and Famous). I told L that instead of the pocket book, I was going to send her DH a picture of her standing in front of the yacht with the message “Look what L just bought”. After he recovered from that shock he wouldn’t care if she bought a $250 beaded handbag to use once!

Just to give you an idea of how BIG that yacht actually was, I made L and P stand in front of it.

the middle of the yacht

the back

OK - so just for the heck of it I googled the name of this boat to see if I could find out more. According to one site the owner named the boat after his three daughters, hence the Pa, Li, Ne and he rents it through International Yacht Charters (or something like that). And you know what the guy does - owns nursing homes and hospices all over the southeast. Interesting?

Here's another "small" yacht

Here are few pictures of the shops at Harbour Town

Restaurant with live music (he sounded pretty good)

Next stop – the light house.

There are a little gift shop at the top and it cost a couple bucks to go up there.

The view from the lighthouse was wonderful.

The last boat is the Spirit of Harbour Town. Looks like a dingy compare to the Pa-Li-Ne.

Unfortunately, we were still well over an hour from sunset. How I would have loved to be there during sunset, but there was no way I could hang up there that long and I don’t think they would have readmitted me.

I tried to stay a little longer and take a few more pictures after the ladies descended.

Then I took some closeups of the surrounding marina

Continued Next Post..........

 

[MEK]

You know I love my flags!

The gift shop at the top of the lighthouse had a few fun things to admire

Scuppernong jelly? Really???? Buy one, get one free.

This could have been the title for my trip report:

Being the straggler again, I descended the light house which was lined with all sorts of cool old pictures and educational facts, which I could have read had I more time!

I know we DIS people love our pressed pennies

If you have an extra couple seconds, read this.

Go Ida!!!!!

Seriously - this is cool stuff! Why rush through it?

A sweet grass basket on display

Ok - so maybe Harbour Town is a tourist trap, but I have to say that it is a nicely done tourist trap!

Back outside:

We decided to visit the outdoor bar and have a drink.

I have no idea who had what or even what each drink was called. All I can tell you is this sugary sweet ritas make me long for the taste of a Ditch margarita. Those ritas have spoiled me for life.

But, it was a great girlfriend moment and we decided right there and then and we needed to plan another GF trip. We tentatively decided on NYC or Williamsburg for a spring long weekend. I think we will probably end up going the W-burg route because it’s a little more budget conscious and L has never been there.

When we were done toasting and drinking I noticed that the sun was starting to set. Woo Hoo – Here was my chance to get another spectacular sunset. I asked P and L if they would mind if I set off to take a few pictures.
Wow – I arrived right on time! The sunset was gorgeous. I took a bunch of pictures with the boats in the background.

I was so afraid those pictures would look bad, so I hurried to the end of the dock to get a few more with an unobstructed view.

Continued.......

 

[MEK]

I’ll tell you – the sun sets fast in HHI, but it sure is a spectacular site.

Sunset cruise anyone?

I guess I did get a little carried away with the sunset shots. Shocking, I know!

Post sunset, we hit a gift shop to buy T-shirts for our kids at home.

See all the folks watching the sunset. Nice!

Beautiful sky. Beautiful night.

Come home Kayakers

Bye Lighthouse

Bye Harbour town

Next stop – dinner. It was dark by the time we left Sea Pines. Our dinner destination – The Alligator Grille with a restaurant.com coupon courtesy of Bill (Saintstickets).

Well, Hello Alligator

This restaurant was inside a pretty shopping center and had some interesting decorative pieces.

The bar area actually got a little noisy during our meal. There was live music and one rowdy girl at the bar, who was extremely loud or extremely drunk, or both. Strange, because it was a Wednesday night at dinner time. I tried to get a pic, but all I could get was this quiet guy who was staring at me. Yup, paprazzi for you my man!

The ladies had water, while I had this lemon chiffon martini

It was good!

I didn't order an app because my GF's, as you can see, are light eaters and I didn't want to be the pig in the group. Mistake!

This is L's entree.

I know its some kind of fish and I have no idea what all that other "stuff" is?

P and I had the red snapper

I enjoyed this very much. I guess it was a special that night because I can't find it on the menu. Oh well!

So you know that my GF's didn't want dessert and when the bill came I forgot one important thing about the restaurant.com coupon. It was a $50 coupon and you have to spend $100, which we had not done. So to use the coupon we each had to order dessert and I got some sushi to go. The waiter was very patient with us over this snaffu. The funny thing, I knew the rules, but I just completely forgot.

So we got our desserts packaged to go and when we got back to the villa we each made a little trio with the yum-yums

It actually turned out to be a fun way to cap off the night.

I'm thinking we probably hit the hot tub as well!

So, thanks, Bill....it was a great meal. Totally enjoyed it AND I had sushi the next night....and it was GOOD!

Up Next......The most beautiful city in the USA (Charleston).

 

[Nermel9]

Ahhh, I just read your kayak update, and I see you just posted another update! I'll have to go back and read that one after I comment on the kayaking...which looked awesome! I'm glad P went with you, I would have been nervous going alone!

Your tour guide sounds a little annoying, but at least he told you some interesting things!

So jealous of those people who had the dolphin swim right up to them, I love dolphins!

The pool looks beautiful! I'm not a lounge around the pool kind of person usually, but I feel like I could be there!

 

[Queenofallthings]

I think that yacht is bigger than my house What a great day....and beautiful pictures once again! What was that jelly that was buy get get one>??? With that name I'm not surprised they had to give it away

There is something about being near the ocean that I love...guess it comes from originally being an east coast girl! Your Christmas tree is gorgeous btw and I love all your Disney ornaments!

 

[MEK]

Ahhh, I just read your kayak update, and I see you just posted another update! I'll have to go back and read that one after I comment on the kayaking...which looked awesome! I'm glad P went with you, I would have been nervous going alone!

I'm doing double duty on the updates until I leave for Disney, then I will slow down to my regular pace of one every 5 to 7 days.

The kayaking was so fun. I definitely recommend it. It was easier than I thought. Yes - the CM who booked me made me nervous to go alone, but I think I would have been fine. I am so glad P enjoyed herself.

Your tour guide sounds a little annoying, but at least he told you some interesting things!

I think he was most annoying in the beginning when I was concentrating. I don't like a lot of noise when I concentrat. But he definitely got way more tolerable as the trip went on and I would go with him again without reservation.

He was knowledgeable and competent and that's what counts!

So jealous of those people who had the dolphin swim right up to them, I love dolphins!

Seriously, how lucky was that. I would have loved to see that.

The pool looks beautiful! I'm not a lounge around the pool kind of person usually, but I feel like I could be there!

I'm not a big sit in the sun person either, but I really had no problem wasting away the afternoon at that pool.

I think that yacht is bigger than my house What a great day....and beautiful pictures once again! What was that jelly that was buy get get one>??? With that name I'm not surprised they had to give it away

Seriously, that yacht is freaking huge! I think I even changed my lens and I couldn't get the whole thing in the picture. L and P look like dwarfs beside it.

Scuppernong jelly??? You know that's got to be a first. Maybe they should change the name and it would sell better. I was curious, I will admit.

There is something about being near the ocean that I love...guess it comes from originally being an east coast girl! Your Christmas tree is gorgeous btw and I love all your Disney ornaments!

HHI is fabulous because its completely surrounded by water in every direction. I love that. It's not just the ocean by all the cute little inland bay areas and the intercoastal.

I have to say that I am quite happy I put the tree up early. Denny and Nick are really enjoying - especially Nick who has commented several times how he loves seeing it when he gets home from school.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I have no idea what a scuppernong is or how it is turned into jelly, but it is a fun name to say!

(I just Googled. It's a grape. I'll admit, that's slightly disappointing hahaha)

Your sunset pics, as always, are gorgeous! The sky is must have been SO orange that night, how cool!

 

[saintstickets]

The scuppernong is a variety of muscadine, which is a species of grape native to the southeastern United States. It is usually a greenish or bronze color and is similar in appearance and texture to a white grape, but rounder and larger. The grape is commonly known as the "scuplin" in some areas of the Deep South. It is also known as the "scupanon", "scupadine" or "scufadine" in some parts of the South. It makes a great wine too!

So glad you enjoyed Alligator Grille, in spite of the rowdy gal. DW and I were looking at the menu and wondering how we were going to get to the $100 limit when adult beverages weren't included. We were going to do the same thing you did and order something to go for later. So glad you enjoyed it, both that night and the next day. Your TR is as great as ever. Keep it coming and I'm looking forward to your next one at WDW as well.

 

[jenjolt]

That is one very NICE boat!

Loving your pictures!!

EEEKKKKKKK 10days...you have to be over the moon excited! I CANNOT wait to see your holiday pictures! They are going to be amazing!!!!

 

[rndmr2]

That Harbour Town looks like a nice place. Those boats were really cool, especially that one big yacht. Beautiful sunset pics, too. yay for your DW trip coming up soon!

 

[Pinkocto]

So glad you stayed and enjoyed the Lighthouse exhibits a little longer. If I don't start reading I'm fine, but if I read one plaque I have to read them all, feel like I'm going to miss some fantastic tidbit.

Your fish looks fantastic! Glad you were able to use the coupon.

The sunset pictures are just gorgeous.

 

[Poolrat]

Fabulous sunset pictures. I am a sucker for sunsets and fireworks.


HHI sounds so neat and it is so close to me. I have to make a point to check it out. Someday.

 

[MEK]

I have no idea what a scuppernong is or how it is turned into jelly, but it is a fun name to say!

Good one Sara! It is an odd name, is it not? I have to let it roll off my lips a few times before I feel comfortable with saying it.

(I just Googled. It's a grape. I'll admit, that's slightly disappointing hahaha)

You go girl. I never thought to google it, which is strange because I google everything! Grape, well Ok then!

Your sunset pics, as always, are gorgeous! The sky is must have been SO orange that night, how cool!

The sky was beautiful that night, but the intense orange may have had a little help form some photo editing.

The scuppernong is a variety of muscadine, which is a species of grape native to the southeastern United States. It is usually a greenish or bronze color and is similar in appearance and texture to a white grape, but rounder and larger. The grape is commonly known as the "scuplin" in some areas of the Deep South. It is also known as the "scupanon", "scupadine" or "scufadine" in some parts of the South. It makes a great wine too!

Thanks Bill! That's great information. I am impressed with your southeastern grape knowledge. So, tell me this - should I have tried the jelly. Now I'm a little disappointed that I didn't buy it.

So glad you enjoyed Alligator Grille, in spite of the rowdy gal. DW and I were looking at the menu and wondering how we were going to get to the $100 limit when adult beverages weren't included. We were going to do the same thing you did and order something to go for later. So glad you enjoyed it, both that night and the next day. Your TR is as great as ever. Keep it coming and I'm looking forward to your next one at WDW as well.

Thank you again Bill. We really enjoyed the restaurant, the food, the left overs, our server. It was a wonderful evening and we totally enjoyed it! That girl was definitely odd. Maybe she had a couple of drinks BEFORE she got to the bar. The singer was good. Fun night!

That is one very NICE boat!

Jen - How the heck are You?????


It was amazing. I have been to plenty of marinas along the Chesapeake but I have NEVER seen a boat like that before.

Loving your pictures!!

Thank you! Make sure you stop back for the Charleston pics because I think those are my favs!

EEEKKKKKKK 10days...you have to be over the moon excited! I CANNOT wait to see your holiday pictures! They are going to be amazing!!!!

I am very excited about the holiday trip. I really can't wait. I am trying to stay calm and not get overly exited. I keep telling myself - FOCUS.....finish getting ready for Christmas and the ENJOY!

That Harbour Town looks like a nice place. Those boats were really cool, especially that one big yacht. Beautiful sunset pics, too.

Harbour Town was really nice. I really enjoyed our visit there. It was pretty, plenty to see, and everyone was friendly. So glad you enjoyed the sunset pictures. I am really happy with them!

T yay for your DW trip coming up soon!

I can't wait!

So glad you stayed and enjoyed the Lighthouse exhibits a little longer. If I don't start reading I'm fine, but if I read one plaque I have to read them all, feel like I'm going to miss some fantastic tidbit.

My DH is like that too. He loves to read every single plague work for work. I did enjoy all the information in the lighthouse. If I remember one tidbit, it's worth it.

Your fish looks fantastic!

We all thoroughly enjoyed the restaurant and the fish was delish!

The sunset pictures are just gorgeous.

Thank you!

Fabulous sunset pictures. I am a sucker for sunsets and fireworks.

Me too Pat. I'm totally a sucker for sunsets, sunrises, and fireworks. I'm so glad I got an opportunity to take sunsets pictures on a second night. How could I let that opportunity pass up?

HHI sounds so neat and it is so close to me. I have to make a point to check it out. Someday.

If you love Disney and if you love the outdoors - which YOU do - you have to try this resort. It's awesome and so is the island!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Bring on the updates! I'm loving all the HHI updates. Beautiful pictures, as always!

Your December plans look wonderful - only a week & a half to go!!

 

[Moira222]

Mary Ellen I have completely enjoyed your photos and trips to Williamsburg and HHI and am not caught up. One question....

really what the heck???

Oh Yeah - Here's something you see everyday!

Your plans for OKW and WDW in December look great. the idea of not planning every moment is appealing.....I am hoping I can resist the moment by moment planning in June. I hope to see some food porn from your signature dinners. The California Grill looks nice, GREAT view....

You've taken photography classes right? you have great shots!

When I saw that you took your iphone kayaking I wondered if they made one waterproof? then realized you were being a bit risky

 

[Charleston Princess]

I love when I have a chance to catch up on updates!

I agree -- that bird on the pier needs its own cast member tag! He is a regular, after all!

I have never been kayaking, so I enjoyed all of your pictures and hearing that it wasn't too bad and no stiff arms the next day! Too funny about your good-looking guide who liked the sound of his own voice.

I agree about finding things in the dark on HHI. It is hard with all those small discreet signs!

We have never been over to Harbor Town, so seeing those pictures were neat! What a great view from the lighthouse, the sunset pictures are gorgeous, and those yachts are huge!

Love your new decal!!! So cute! Did you put it on your car?

 

[MEK]

Bring on the updates! I'm loving all the HHI updates. Beautiful pictures, as always!

I'm glad you are caught up. that's the only thing I don't like about going away - you have to catch up on everyone's TRs. Glad you are enjoying the pics. Charleston is next and those pics are .....well....stay tuned.

Your December plans look wonderful - only a week & a half to go!!

It's all good now because I am finally doing the single digit dance!

Mary Ellen I have completely enjoyed your photos and trips to Williamsburg and HHI and am not caught up. One question....

I am so glad you are enjoying my one, long, continuous, trip report! I'm going to update a lot over the next week so when I get back from Disney I can do Christmas and then start the last leg of this journey.

really what the heck???
:

I know. I KNOW! Good thing I don't have a snake phobia because, really, who brings something like out in public along the water front. And yet, strangely, it just seemed to fit it with Savannah. Weird!

M
Your plans for OKW and WDW in December look great. the idea of not planning every moment is appealing.....I am hoping I can resist the moment by moment planning in June. I hope to see some food porn from your signature dinners. The California Grill looks nice, GREAT view....

I am really looking forward to this December get-a-way. It's not the most convenient time to go away, but there is something about the holidays in Disney that's so appealing.

No worries - there WILL be food porn! My DH is used to me taking pictures of everything.

You've taken photography classes right? you have great shots!

No, but I would like to. Thanks for the compliment. I think I have a good eye and I photo edit like crazy.

When I saw that you took your iphone kayaking I wondered if they made one waterproof? then realized you were being a bit risky

Actually, I think if it had fallen it probably would have gone into the bottom of the kayak, although looking back I wonder if I was being a bit careless in taking it out there. Thank goodness for insurance.

I love when I have a chance to catch up on updates!

So glad that you're caught up, because you know what's next, don't you!!!!!! The BIG Charleston update. I just finished editing my pictures and I have to say that I feel in love all over again. I absolutely must go back there.

I agree -- that bird on the pier needs its own cast member tag! He is a regular, after all!

I would think that the rest of the CM's are going to be pretty upset the day he doesn't show up on his perch. I think its so amazing that he hangs there.

I have never been kayaking, so I enjoyed all of your pictures and hearing that it wasn't too bad and no stiff arms the next day! Too funny about your good-looking guide who liked the sound of his own voice.

That he was!

I'm so glad I finally tried kayaking. It took me forever and I am uncoordinated, so if I can do it, anyone can! Loved it. You should definitely try it.

I agree about finding things in the dark on HHI. It is hard with all those small discreet signs!

Fortunately, I never did any night time driving or I would have been totally lost. I have trouble around my own house in the dark.

I
We have never been over to Harbor Town, so seeing those pictures were neat! What a great view from the lighthouse, the sunset pictures are gorgeous, and those yachts are huge!

I'm glad we went over there to hang out before dinner. It was a great spot to watch the sun set. But, really, is there a bad spot? The sunsets were so awesome.

Love your new decal!!! So cute! Did you put it on your car?

Funny you should ask. I specifically had Brian wash my car last weekend so I could apply my new decal. I am certain I am the only person for miles with that decal and I love it!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Wow the tree lined roads look really pretty and I can imagine they looked even better in person!

Lol at sending the pic of L in front of the MASSIVE yacht to send to her DH! You are giving me ideas on how to talk my way around on any future big purchases.

Loving the pics of the views...they are making me a bit jealous as I am sat here on my computer looking out at a dark, rainy, miserable Manchester

You can never have too many sunset pics especially when they look as good as that...love the food you guys ordered as well.