Osprey Marina, Myrtle Beach, SC 8/24-28/2012

We left Georgetown, SC in the rain and it stayed that way every step of the way to Osprey Marina. What a shame because it was some of the most beautiful waterway we have seen. We would have really liked to see it better. At least it was fairly cool which was nice because we had to close all the Strataglass to keep the rain out of the flybridge. We will also get another chance to see it when we start south, probably in October.

Paula took this picture from the back of the flybridge as
we were traveling.
Really beautiful Cypress, Oaks and Long Leaf Pine

After the long day Blazer was just whipped and had
to take a nap.

Yep, this is where we were headed!

This is the entrance channel looking from
the marina towards the ICW.

This place is on a huge piece of property, they

have this goat herd that helps keep

the grass trimmed. During the winter the wild

goat herd from one of the islands is also brought 

here to protect them.

This is a section of boardwalk here at the
marina. The owners plan to extend the walk
out to the ICW and put up a gazebo
for their customers to enjoy.

It looks like Sea Eagle is sitting in a pond out in the woods.

Part of the roadway to the boardwalk and another
section of the marina.

I spent the money for a SC fishing license so I am
proud that I caught at least one fish. (Of course
it was a pretty expensive fish!)

A picture of the woods beside the boat. It is
literally about 75 foot from the side of the
boat to the woods.

The Waccatee Zoo is a small, family owned zoo (500 acres) 1.5 miles from the marina. Paula and I walked down there about noon on Sunday. We spent about 4 hours total and walked over 7.5 miles (according to our pedometers). What a neat place. We had a ball and of course Paula got to interact with (feed) a lot of cute animals!

We were walking across a small wooden bridge when
we spotted this Black Crowned Night Heron.  Paula
decided to throw him some food. He came out further
on the branch but didn't try to get any of it. After
a couple of throws we figured out he was watching
the fish come up for the food. I snapped this
picture just as he caught his lunch. Now that's
real team work!

I couldn't pass up this picture of an Anhinga with a
turtle. I think the turtle is a Cooter.

I know you can't believe that Paula would feed a fawn.

Where were these guys back in my hunting days?
There were at least 10 bucks all lined up along
this fence.  Must have been break time!

These guys, donkeys, would open their mouths so
you could pour the food in!  (More efficient that way)

Beautiful Cypress swamp we spotted.

Land Tortoise

Paula feeding Clyde, he followed her like a puppy. We
stopped back by later and he seemed to recognize her.

Must have a 100 different kinds of goats.

I know, there she is again feeding the animals!
But she had that great big bag of food to
get rid of!

A fancy Pheasant 

Another fancy Pheasant

These are some kind of South African rodent (I think).
Any way these are babies they are only about 10"
long. The full grown were about 2 ft.

These are the goats at the marina. On our way back

from the zoo we spotted these 2 guys going at it.

They were still going at it when we left!!

This is a little 3 footer that came swimming by the boat on
Monday. Paula took his picture because 'he was so cute'.

This little cutie is in the marina herd.

Check out the beard and horns on this guy. I think he is the
real boss of the local herd!