04/03 to 04/10 - Ocean Lakes RV Resort, Myrtle Beach, SC

Savannah/South KOA

Richmond Hill, GA

April 02 - 03 - 2025  

Wanting to avoid what would be the mass exodus of snow birds out of Florida on April 1st, I decided to stay another day before traveling to Richmond Hill, Georgia, site of Savannah/South KOA and a one-night layover.  The ride was just over four hours with one fuel stop and mostly highway...the usual; traffic was not that bad at all and the weather sunny and warm. Fellow RVer and club member, Jack, pulled in after me and was situated nearby. We enjoyed our afternoon cocktails and later, dinner together. 

 

Site 58 was a back-in with full hook-ups and picnic table near the front of the campground, the usual spots KOA puts their short-term visitors.

Here's a 360º view from the middle of the road.

After our overnight stay, a breakfast stop at a nearby Waffle House and our next equally long 4-hour, 243 mile trip to Ocean Lakes Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC. began soon thereafter. 

Ocean Lake RV Resort

Myrtle Beach, SC

April 03 - 10 - 2025  

This leg of trip was also uneventful. Traffic was light along scenic state roads traveling through small towns. 

Observed this interesting sight. No license plate, no tail light, no rear or side windows and multiple dents along both sides. It didn't travel far before turning off a side road. I guess it served the occupant conveniently from getting from one place to another.

Ocean Lakes Campground Visit the link.

First impressions immediately spoke of a huge, well-run operation.

"Huge" becomes an understatement when viewing the campground layout. The white arrow in the brown section is where I spent the week on site H-22. This 4-minute drone footage seen HERE will tell the tale.

After registering and passing through security, here are some views as I traveled to my site.

Laundromat, ice cream shop and cafe.

My site is in the distance at the end of the road.

Approaching my site on the left. Roadways are very narrow and the big rigs have to maneuver very carefully; most just about fit in their site.

My site H-22 accommodated 25' Winnie with no problems.

Here's a 180º view of my site:

The week passed quickly. With just Jack, Tony/Doreen, Johnny and me in attendance, it was all about sunrises, the beach, chilly nights, windy but sunny days and eating out. Who could ask for anything more to wind down the winter season.

Sunrises:

My sunrise

Johnny's sunrise

Tony's sunrise

See? There's no truth to the statement, "You've seen one sunrise, you've seen 'em all."

The Beach:

Looking east

Looking south

Looking north. Renaissance Tower Myrtle Beach in the distance.

Dining Out:

And are we good at that!! Be sure to visit the links/websites to see the choices.

Friday night, a BBQ at Doreen's cousins Joan and Stacy's home. Hot dogs, hamburgers and all the fixings'. You know what they look like.

On the quiet back patio, while Tony did the grilling, I spotted and Johnny captured the source of the series of loud, melodious phrases with its characteristic rhythmic, whistled quality. The Northern Cardinal. Both male and female cardinals sing (which is somewhat rare in songbirds), and their tunes can vary a bit from bird to bird.

Saturday night, a trip to Drunken Jack's

L. to R: Tony, Doreen, Johnny, Charlie, Jack...not Drunken Jack

Baked Stuffed Flounder: Skinless tender flounder fillet layered with crab meat, shrimp and cheddar stuffing, topped with panko breading and lobster cream sauce. For the table, a plentiful supply of Hush Puppies

Tony captured one of the many tour boats headed out through the marshes toward Murrell's Inlet. 

Murrells Inlet is known as the Seafood Capital of South Carolina. Local restaurants serve up some of the freshest shrimp, oysters, crab, and fish around — often caught just offshore that morning. The area has ties to the infamous pirate Blackbeard (Edward Teach), who is said to have hidden out in the inlets and creeks. Local lore says treasure could still be buried somewhere nearby.

Sunday night, another trip back to Murrell's Inlet and J Peters Grill & Bar, right next door to Drunken Jack's.

L. to R: Jack, Johnny, Joan, Doreen, Tony, Moi.

Baked Potato Soup: Thick and creamy soup loaded with potatoes and bacon topped with scallions, cheese and bacon.

Fried Shrimp: Fantail shrimp hand-tossed to order in seasoned breading served with cocktail sauce and a side of cheesy mashed potatoes.

After dinner, while the others walked the marsh walkway, I sat and chatted with Bubba Love

Johnny also chatted. Neither of us got a word out of him. Bubba is associated with the nearby Bubba's Love Shack

Monday night: Back to Joan's where she treated us to Pizza from Marco's Pizza 

Delicious choices: Two plain cheese, plain pepperoni, pepperoni with mushrooms. Thank you, Joan. 

Joining us were pets, Abby and (who I'll call) Squeaky...from my past.

Abby enjoyed the attention of Johnny (or vice versa).

And finally, Tuesday night  to  Capriccio's  

Gnocchi Sorrentino: Homemade potato dumplings prepared with fresh tomato, mozzarella, parmigiana, eggplant & fresh herbs. My take home provided two more delicious meals.

And so, the week winds down. I'm filled with gratitude for the simple joys that made it special—meals that delighted the palate, sunshine, breezes that kept spirits lifted and camping friends whose company enrich our get-togethers. Next year, we'll try to get this venue as one of our rallies and have more of our camping buddies share the fun.

There's something about sharing good food under clear skies with people you care about that reminds you just how sweet life can be. Here's to more weeks like this—full of flavor, warmth, and connection. ~~ Charlie