Columbia Zoo with the Clarks

Braeden and I went to the Columbia Zoo with Uncle Jim, Aunt Alice, Jordan, and Brandon. It was a beautiful day and the zoo was worth going back so I bought a membership. The nature walk is worth the trip alone. Braeden loved seeing the Tigers and Hyenas. 

The giraffe exhibit was amazing. We walked on top of a platform and the giraffes walked over to be fed. In this picture Braeden did not realize the giraffe was so close until it leaned over and breathed on him. It was too funny. 

 

Freke Family in Charleston - July 2012

Mema, Pepa, Uncle James, and Aunt Kristin came to Charleston to visit. Braeden had a blast because he was able to spend an entire week at a "Pirate" hotel. We were able to go downtown, the beach, the market, on a harbor tour, and enjoy the lowcountry summer.

 Beautiful day at Folly Beach.

 Mema, Pepa, and Braeden at the Folly Beach Pier.

 Braeden refused to put his shark in the net for a photo because the sign read, "NO SHARKS IN NET." He is a rule follower.

 Braeden and Aunt Kristin at the Battery. We were lucky enough to see dolphins in the harbor.

Spring Break in Chicago

Braeden and I traveled to Chicago for spring break. Braeden was able to go to Brookfield Zoo and Cantigny to see the tanks. We had a blast but it went by too fast. Braeden was not a fan of driving through Indiana. He kept asking me in the car, "Are we still in Indiana?". Then he would say, "Indiana drives me nuts", as he was crossing his arms and "making angry eyebrows."

We were also able to go to the Field Museum and Braeden was able to see two of his favorite things: dinosaurs and mummies. Cant wait to go back during Xmas.

Winter 2012 In Charleston

This "winter" was very mild. It rarely dipped below freezing - even at night. Braeden and I were able to spend a lot of time outside. We even made it to the beach a few times. With such a warm winter down here people are expecting a busy hurricane season.

I hope to get back into updating this blog. Enjoy the pictures from this past winter.

Breach Inlet

Very important site during the American Revolution. A British regiment was tricked into crossing the inlet on foot, not knowing about the depth and riptides. American spies told the British it was safe to cross. Many British troops were lost and the Americans were able to prevent the British from capturing Fort Moultrie by land.

During low tide much of the beach is exposed. Many sandbars are visible and lots of people go on them - not knowing about the tides - and then when the tide comes back in they are stuck. During high tide this part of the beach is completely submerged. This might be one of my favorite spots in Charleston. On my bike rides I stop here all the time. I am then reminded how close to the ocean I live. How is this view, Katie?

December in the Lowcountry

Last weekend I went to the islands to take some pictures for a friend back home. As usual, the views, and the dolphins, did not disappoint. The dolphins must have been eating because one kept jumping out of the water - not Brookfield Zoo-style, but still pretty high. Enjoy, Katie...

This inlet is one of the most dangerous waterways in the lowcountry. Riptides and undertows are very strong here. At least one person per summer has died trying to swim in it despite the warnings. There used to be a warning sign that was black with a skull and crossbones and tally marks for the number of people killed in the inlet.

You can see the bridge in the background.

Same view of inlet. Photo taken from the Isle of Palms facing Sullivan's Island. Photo taken during low tide.

This dolphin popped up right below me on the bridge. It was swimming around the inlet for about 20 minutes.

Cypress Gardens III

My little navigator.