A Trip to the Lowcountry

Cindy and I spent Easter weekend with my parents and sister at their home in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. They live on the shore of Lake Marion, S.C. The area is famous for wildlife and fishing. Dad took us to the national wildlife refuge, huge protected area that is mostly swamps, creeks, and fields.

The refuge is home to many alligators, some reaching lengths of over 20 feet! We went looking for some, and another group of watchers helped us find some...

The following series was shot in sequence. I happened to be focusing on a group of gators when one moved, and then STRUCK!

Cindy got a great portrait of my dad and I...

I got some of the old man doing some kind of "old folks" aerobics...

I found out that he and Cindy were sharing a laugh at the gyrations I go through while changing lenses...

The "ugliest tree"...

The next morning, we went to Taw Caw creek park with Bella.

And two of my most favorite people in the world...

---Sam

Beach Trip!

Cindy and I spent a couple of wonderful days at Garden City Beach in South Carolina. Cindy's aunt and uncle, Dottie and Glenn Badger, were our hosts for the weekend. I don't think that two nicer people exist, and they are great fun. We filled the weekend with great conversations, laughs, and food!

First we headed to the beach Friday evening after an early supper. This was Bella's first trip to the ocean, and we were all looking forward to seeing her reaction to the waves. She wasn't so thrilled with the surf, but she loved the sand, water, and wide open spaces.

Cindy grabbed a few stunner shots of Bella's companions!

Saturday morning, I headed to the beach long before the sun came up. I love the ocean before dawn. The sunrise was stunning!

After some of Dottie's killer blueberry pancakes, we headed to Georgetown for some shopping, photos, and more food!

The sun was gloriously warm, so we decided to head for Brookgreen Gardens. Cindy and Dottie headed for the statues and flowers while Glenn and I took off for the zoo.

Dottie and Glenn were kind enough to sit for an impromptu portrait session. I think that it shows that as a couple, they still got it!

Sunday sunrise was a family affair, with all members pitching in.

Thanks Glenn and Dottie for being so patient with your slightly photography crazy relatives. We had a great time!

---Sam