Kelly Trips and Tours

We've had a wonderful time here on Hilton Head Island and last week in Branson. Early tomorrow morning (5:30am) we head home - the end of our 2-week vacation. We'd love to stay longer but we have a trip to Sacramento next weekend, then Kayley's college graduation on May 18th, Bill heads out on a business trip on May 19th then Austin graduates from high school in Arizona on May 24th...a very busy month. But before we say good bye to this beautiful island, one more round of golf for Bill, Larry and Randy at Hilton Head National Golf Club, just what the golf gods called for this morning. Although they did not see any deer this year, they did see a male turkey trying to sweet talk several girl turkeys and a number of Fox Squirrels. Meanwhile, Karen, Ellie and Martha headed to the Spartina store followed by lunch. Ellie's Spartina wallet she's had awhile was beginning to tear around the change pouch. Spartina was very understanding and gave her a great disco...

Today was our day to do whatever the ladies wanted. Since Karen loves walking on the beach, off we went at 7am. Ellie also joined us but we split up so we could walk faster, further and longer. It was a beautiful, sunny morning - the coolest morning yet at 65 degrees requiring a light jacker or sweater. Along the way we picked up a few shells and enjoyed God's creation. When we met up with Ellie after our walk, she was talking with a couple visitors from Columbia, SC. While they were beach combing, they found a really nice sea shell that a crab had made his home. It's against the law to remove any live creatures so we had to throw it back...and Ellie warmed up her arm and made a beautiful throw back into the surf. On the way back to the car, we spotted a wayward turtle on the sidewalk about 50-ft beyond the pond, so Karen gave a helping hand and transported him back to the pond where he look up at her to say, thank you for the lift and immediately swam off. ...

Today we had an excursion to Daufuskie Island. The only way to get there is by water, so we boarded the Delta Lady on Broad Creek and headed to this island inhabited by numerous native tribes until the early 1700's. From Broad Creek Marina to Daufuskie would take 1-hr. All went well except for a wind gust that blew Bill's hat off and well, bye bye! Once we disembarked, bought Bill a hat at the local mercantile before we took off on our golf carts to visit several sites on the island (the only transport on island). Unlike others on the boat, we decided to skip the included buffet lunch (and our ticket price was discounted) and headed out for lunch at Bloody Point where we would enjoy a very relaxing lunch on the veranda at Eagles Nest Restaurant.  And as Carla would say...and this is why we don't take the included tour! It was quiet, serene and lovely. After lunch, the adventures continued over some paved roads, some dirt roads with bumps and dips over tree...

Fantastic weather this morning after rain last night. So guess what the guys did? Hilton Head National GC was in spectacular condition. In fact, the guys said it was in the best shape ever! The greens were like carpet and the cashier said some that came to play after playing Harbor Town Links where it cost $400, said this course was in nicer shape than Harbor Town at 20% the cost. While the guys were chasing the little white ball around, the girls headed to the outlet mall to help out the local economy. For lunch, we met up at Panera Bread to brag about golf and things bought at the outlets. After lunch the guys stopped by the local discount golf store to see if they could get any discount coupons. They got a coupon for Palmetto Dunes but the cost with discount was still over $100, so they won't be going there. Bill did buy a used 3-wood for a whopping $15! If he hits well, he'll keep it - if not, he'll donate it to Larry for the kids he teaches. Once back at the...

Our good friends Tom and Sue Ann Summers, members of our Bible study small group from Saddleback, drove from NC today where they now live to join us for lunch and an afternoon and evening of fun and games. It was so nice to have them join us. We went to lunch at JB's where we had dinner a couple days ago to catch up. After lunch we went to Harbor Town as Tom and Sue Ann had never been to Hilton Head. Another beautiful day although clouds and thunder started to appear early evening. Tonights dinner was prepared by the ladies and then the guys took over by grilling this beautiful bounty. At the grill, I think the guys were having a good time. What do you think? Dinner was very tasty thanks to team effort...ummmmm good. After dinner we played a wicked fun game of Mexican Train and ate desert. When the Summers left at 10:15 pm, the sky opened up 15 minutes later with thunder, lightening and rain. The rain was tears from heavan as we said good bye for now ...

Hilton Head - a golfers paradise! But you'll have to wait a bit to understand todays title. As planned, the guys left the condo early this morning so the ladies could catch up on their beauty sleep -like they need it. They always look good. Anyway, today's challenge was The Golden Bear at Indigo Run, a Jack Nicklaus golf course. The golf pro (Larry) managed to tame the course although he had a ball in the water as did Randy. Larry convinced Randy to leave his ball as an alligator was staring him down. Good thinking Randy. Even though the "pro" had a ball in the water as well, he recovered and shot 3 over par...that's our golf pro Larry. Bill had a rocky front nine after paring the first hole but, after a golf lesson/tip from Larry, he made up ground on the back nine. They had a good time and enjoyed the course although the greens this year were a little sad. Meanwhile, back at the ranch - oops, condo - the ladies enjoyed their morning breakfast then we...