SOUTH CAROLINA

SOUTH CAROLINA - Myrtle Beach, The "Grand Strand", January 31st - February 3rd

We arrived without incident in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and were met at the airport by PGER and State Sponsor, Jack and Sharon Frost, Special Deputy Bob and Diane Ressler, and State President Terry and Becky Wade.

We arrived at our hotel, the Landmark Resort and settled into our room.  Upon strolling out onto our deck, we were greeted with a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean.  We then joined the Past State Presidents and South Carolina State Association Officers for a welcome reception and a chance to say hello to everyone and hand out our pins. The reception was followed by a wonderful filet mignon dinner at the Myrtle Beach Elks Lodge #1771.  Their chef was excellent and we all had a great time at the Lodge.

Friday morning, we were treated to a beautiful ocean sunrise from our room.  The sun does not come up over the ocean in California.  Sure confused me for a while. Tom left early for breakfast and the morning committee meetings with Jack and Bob.  Venita had a more leisurely start and met with many of the ladies for a "meet and greet" breakfast in the hotel.  Lunch for the ladies was held at a restaurant called the Sea Captain's House.  Built in 1930, it was a beach residence for many years, and later an inn with nine guest rooms and three home-cooked meals a day.  In 1962, the property was sold and plans were put in place to tear the old home down and build a high-rise motel.  While waiting for financing, the owners decided to operate the building as a restaurant.  That was over 49 years ago.  We had a superb lunch with beautiful ocean views and warm southern hospitality.

Meanwhile, the gentlemen had gone to Murrell's Inlet for lunch.  After lunch, Jack and Sharon took us to the local Harley-Davidson shop to purchase the traditional souvenir t-shirt.  Tom took the opportunity to restock his supply of "do-rags" for whenever we get to start riding our motorcycles again.  (That would be August, I believe.)

Friday  evening, we joined the Past State Presidents for social time and a very nice dinner at the hotel.  Later, we toured the four hospitality suites, visiting with the South Carolina Elks, sampling their BBQ and handing out pins.  A great time was had by all.

After the Saturday morning breakfast and meetings, the South Carolina Elks held their memorial service followed by the convention luncheon.  Tom had the opportunity to share his vision and hope for the future of the Order and everyone appeared to appreciate his remarks.  They presented Tom with a beautiful Pulsar watch sporting the trademark South Carolina palmetto tree and crescent moon. Venita received a beautiful pendant and earring set, also representing the palmetto tree and crescent moon. The Association also made a very generous donation in Tom's name to the ENF.

Saturday evening we went out to dinner with Jack, Sharon, Bob and Diane to a wonderful Italian restaurant, Villa Romano.  After stuffing ourselves on osso bucco, manicotti, shrimp and the best spumoni ice cream ever made, we returned to the hotel, donned our formal wear and attended the GER Dance. This dinner was  appreciated by Tom because of a chance to relax and casually enjoy the comraderie of a couple of good friends. The band was great and we enjoyed ourselves very much, and Venita even got me off my bottom to dance a few dances.  Seems to me that I moved better in high school!   After the Eleven O'Clock Toast, we bid everyone goodnight and headed for our room to get a few hours of sleep before our early flight home.

We truly enjoyed our time in South Carolina.  We know we only touched a small corner of this beautiful state, but we have put it on our list as a return destination to do some more exploring.  Thanks, South Carolina Elks!  Your generosity and southern hospitality made our weekend very special.