beach access

Papa’s World – Living our dream one day at a time!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

This is a big part of our “DREAM” life!

The island of Ocean Isle Beach!

If you look at the picture –

On the mainland side –

Upper left center is two clearings in the forest.

We live close to the clearing to the left!

For us to get to the causeway bridge-

Is about four miles.

But that is not how the crow flies-

But the way the road goes.

If you could fly –

Then it would be about two miles!

Also on the mainland side –

Just before you enter the causeway bridge-

Upper right is a straight, cleared space running to the right.

This is the OIB airport-

Small planes –

I guess mostly used by wealthy owners who also store cars there for when they fly in!

On the center right –

Is the splash park – rides and area for children to play.

The open field and the amphitheater-

Is for summertime open-air free concerts!

This is for locals and weekly renters!

Oftentimes, this is also for events with music and vendors in the off-season.

And then a couple of miles Southwest is Sunset Beach.

That also has its own facilities that we enjoy!

The splash pad and tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts-

Covered pavilions for picnics.

This is all free to the public.

Restrooms are also here and are the town’s center for activities!

This is the stage for the Friday night free open-air concerts!

This was early, and it fills completely up by concert time.

This park sits right across from the mini-golf and our local hangout-

PELICANS PERCH and a new bar and restaurant –

THE SAND DOLLAR!

There are donuts, slushes, ice cream, and açai bowls to be had!

Shopping for beach items, and the pier is right across the street!

Papa and Sherry on the beach with the pier in the background.

Ten minutes from our home, we are here.

Our dream was always to be close to the sand and water –

And we found it here –

Cameron Woods Community near Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

Looking at the sunrise from the front of our home!

We built here because it was cheaper than buying and updating another home!

Plus – we have all our needs within 16 miles-

From entertainment to big box shopping.

Gas – groceries are but minutes from the house.

If we want city life, Wilmington is 45 minutes away.

And the airports in both directions are less than 60 minutes away.

Sherry and Papa are sitting in the park in Sunset Beach –

The causeway bridge is in the background, and we watch the boats traveling on the ICW!

We have the best of both beach towns just minutes away!

OIB from the far East end by the “GROIN” which was put in a few years ago-

To stop beach erosion.

The town with the water tanks –

The pier and the West end are defined by the tall building.

In the distance,

Before the skyline-

Sunset Beach is,

And the skyline is Cherry Grove and North Myrtle Beach.

We are living our dream one day at a time.

Here we are in July 2024-

Sitting on OIB celebrating both of our 75th. birthdays with family.

We are well into our SENIOR YEARS –

Twenty plus years prior –

We read research and decided to take a supplement –

To age as healthily as we could into our SENIOR YEARS!

This supplement has been on the market-

For 35 PLUS years and sold in over TWENTY COUNTRIES!

Forty research studies have been published in Journals proving what it claims to do!

It is NSA-approved for professional athletes and also for the USA Olympic teams.

We have never missed a day and continue to this day-

To age as healthily as we can in our SENIOR YEARS!

www.https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Sherry’s email and phone number are here.

She will guide you and answer what questions you might have.

She has been a partner for over Twenty Years – just order.

We have never regretted this choice.

If out of the country, it is distributed in over twenty COUNTRIES –

She can help with that!

Sherry – CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH –

www.https://sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Family celebrating both of ur 75th. birthdays in July 2024!

Papa’s World – A look at our life memories!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

OCEAN ISLE BEACH CAUSEWAY!

This is the “WHY” we choose to live near here!

It has everything we ever wanted.

If you look toward the upper middle left-

There is a large community there.

Then straight back through the woods –

Toward the left –

It is an area of cut wood.

That is almost where our home is!

It takes us a little over ten minutes to get to the Causeway Bridge!

Across from the miniature golf in the lower right picture-

Is the park – splash pad and open-air concert area!

To the right of the miniature golf course is Pelican Perch –

One of our favorite local bars and restaurants!

The parking lot at the bottom –

This is where we have a season pass to park, and this is the OIB Pier!

On the left middle is the blue roof of the church, and where in the back by the marsh-

I have taken many pictures of family and friends at the sunsets!

Jinks Creek is just to the right of that, and fine dining with sunsets!

The cluster of buildings just across the street to the left of the park-

Offering bars and restaurants- ice cream, slushes, and commercial sales.

There are now two other places to grab doughnuts and Accia bowls.

In the upper middle, a boat marina,

And a gas station,

And three restaurants that are local favorites.

Also, toward the right is the start of “CANAL SIDE HOMES”!

And this is just the commercial part of OIB!

On the mainland side are more stores and places to eat – plus a small airport.

We chose this barrier island for its beauty-

Closeness and easy access for us.

A LOOK AT WHAT IS NOW BECOMING OUR LIFE MEMORIES!

We volunteer our time and effort to many things that are important to us!

Living life to the plus – one day at a time.

What we love to do and have the ability to do every day-

Walk the surf on the sandy beach of OIB!

ANOTHER LIFETIME MEMORY!

I am happy we lived through this age of peace and happiness!

AND WE CONTINUE TO BELIEVE IN-

PEACE-LOVE and MUSIC!

A LOT OF LIFETIME MEMORIES!

ANOTHER LIFETIME MEMORY FROM 2024 –

OUR 75th. BIRTHDAY WITH FAMILY ON THE BEACH!

Thanks for reading-

PAPA’S WORLD –

My site: livinglifedoingitmyawya.blog

SUBSCRIBE – IT IS FREE!

TWENTY PLUS YEARS AGO –

WE READ THE PUBLISHED RESEARCH AND DECIDED THIS SUPPLEMENT WOULD BENEFIT US –

TO AGE AS HEALTHY INTO OUR SENIOR YEARS!

WE HAVE NOT MISSED A DAY IN ALL THAT TIME!

HERE IS THE WEBSITE IF YOU WISH TO SEE AND READ WHAT IS PROVEN TO DO!

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

SHERRY CAN HELP IF NEEDED!

HER EMAIL AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PROVIDED!

Aging as healthily as she can into her senior years!

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Papa’s World – Pictures in a lifetime.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

To us, being retired, there are no Mondays!

Every day has a sunrise and sunset – beach included.

The days run together –

Senior living spent doing what we want to do!

MONDAY – MONDAY – hello and goodbye-

But you are always there.

OCEAN ISLE BEACH –

Where we decided to plant our feet in N.C.

Close to the border of S.C.

A new house – one we had built.

Much cheaper than buying and renovating!

We got to select what we wanted!

Close to shopping –

Entertainment –

Beaches and golfing.

Warm weather and almost no snow or ice.

Within a day’s drive back to NVA,

And the same for the deeper South.

We have made new friends here,

And old friends have either moved here or were already nearby!

Welcome to our world.

There is a place on Sunset Beach – Bird Island with a mailbox.

Sitting atop a large dune –

Two benches to sit on and read the journal in the mailbox.

A large piece of driftwood sits silently behind it!

A plaque tells the story of the two people responsible decades ago-

Of placing a mailbox here.

You are invited to read the journal and write down your thoughts.

The journals are collected and preserved.

It is about a mile and a half walk down the deserted beach.

No houses – only beach, sand, surf,

And large dunes-

With marshes and sand on the other side.

View of Little River – Cherry Grove and North Myrtle Beach in the distance.

A quiet place to think and watch the birds and the surf roll in.

On the water, ships

And boats are coming up and down the coast.

THE KINDRED SPIRIT MAILBOX-

A bucket list of things to see in our area!

We tend to live by this motto.

We volunteer –

The church food pantry is once a month for Brunswick County.

Once a month, we volunteer at Coastal Living for the elderly.

Sherry helps set up the store so residents can shop at different times with a sense of shopping.

I clean up and organize the library for the residents.

We also volunteer for the Protection of Sea Turtles on Ocean Isle Beach.

Living our lives while we are able in the service of others.

We also collect food from the community left at the community clubhouse –

To drop off at the food pantry!

Marking my ball –

For my golfing friends! LOL!

OUR GOAL IN LIFE

It is to age as healthily as we can.

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SUBSCRIBE – IT IS FREE!

Papa’s World – Blogs – Positive WRITING!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Living a few miles from two beaches –

Whenever we choose –

We go!

This has always been my dream.

I used to go on vacation-

To the beach –

And how fast it would go by –

And then pack up and return home.

Today, on the checkout days –

I watch the families do just that.

And there I sit-

I sit in my beach chair and watch them go back home.

My dream is now real – This is now my life-

A POSITIVE DREAM COMES TRUE!

OUR BEACH LIFE!

LOL – But the POSITIVE is I keep coming back!

Being in our senior years –

We take pleasure in playing golf.

Not all the time –

But when we do –

Being in nature –

On the course –

A dream we had when working.

Now, that dream is a reality.

A POSITIVE LIFESTYLE AFTER ALL THE YEARS OF WORKING!

Humor – smiles – laughter –

Sunshine – blue skies –

Ocean – sand and surf.

No snow-no-ice!

A lot to be said for dreams coming true!

POSITIVE LIFESTYLE!

We live near this.

OIB causeway.

Our road to the beach.

POSITIVE FRAME OF MIND!

Thanks for reading-

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

LIVING HEALTHY!

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG – IT IS FREE!

Papa’s World – It is great to be alive!

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Good day, friends!

In 2013, I had a major heart attack –

Called a “WIDOW MAKER”!

In fact, that day I should have died!

So, I can attest that every day since –

“IT IS A GREAT DAY TO BE ALIVE!

My wife, Sherry, has guided me all these past years.

She is a Certified Health Coach.

I have changed my diet –

Quit fast food –

I do not drink sodas or milk.

I have one cup of coffee each morning-

I drink mostly water.

I really do not like alcohol or wine.

On occasion,

I will have a beer or two, but no more than that.

I will have a Complete shake around ten or eleven.

And a snack then.

I will eat dinner around 4 or 5.

And sometimes a light snack around 7.

At 8pm. I will get ready to go to bed.

After four hours,

I woke up after midnight –

Bathroom break,

And then I post my blog to Facebook-

and go back to bed.

I wake up around 5 or 5:30 am.

Shower – shave – brush teeth and get dressed.

I keep a calendar and write down appointments –

Also, Sherry’s as I have become in retirement –

“DRIVING MISS SHERRY”!

We both attend to the flowers, bushes – Tower Garden.

And we like to golf.

Maybe every two or three weeks.

Sometimes it is that good shot that brings me back –

Here, I ended up on the fringe of the green.

For me, that is good! LOL!

Since we live close to two beaches –

We often drive over the causeways and park.

We walk down to the surf line –

Or just sit on a bench and look out over the ocean.

It is a great day to be alive!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Papa’s World – Visiting OIB in the Spring!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Sherry and I often drive over the causeway bridge –

To the island of OCEAN ISLE BEACH.

For us,

this is a ten-minute drive at the most!

We pick and choose where to park –

But this year,

paid parking-

goes into effect.

We bought a season parking pass at the pier.

That will limit in season –

where we park and walk on the beach.

In the off-season –

NO PROBLEM!

In this picture –

We choose to walk on the SW end of the beach-

The pier is NE of where we went on the beach.

It was a warm day in mid-March-

close to 70 plus degrees.

And in the sun with no wind –

Quite comfortable.

Even saw people in bathing suits lying in the sun!

The surf on the beach when the family was here!

Here we walk the beach at Sunset Beach – Bird Island in March.

We are so close to both beaches that we have a choice.

All part of why we moved to this area on the borders of N.C. and S.C.

Sherry is coming back up the walkway from the beach.

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – OIB – N.C.

Papa’s World – The Ocean – Both beautiful & Angry.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

It was in early January –

we had a storm come up the coast and from the West – it collided –

And as we stepped out the back door onto the patio-

The sound of the surf carried the couple miles over the land to us –

Standing there listening.

We decided both at the same time –

Let’s take a drive to the beach-

and see what is going on!

The tide was low and the sky had cleared up in spots!

We crossed the Causeway Bridge and saw this!

We were parked at the OIB Community Center –

Gazing out at the partly white and gray skies!

But to the West – a golden hue –

and a breeze that made it colder than what the temperature was.

I think it to be around 53 degrees –

But the wind chill made for gloves – long sleeves and a vest.

You can see the angry waves crashing into the pier and then the shore.

Whitecaps – mist spraying –

as it hits both the pier and the shoreline.

A golden glow frames the pier against the sky.

A reflection of the pier in the water on the shore.

And yet to the east –

a break in the clouds is a forecast to come.

The sky would break up and turn blue.

The front would move out to sea –

leaving a golden glow to the West!

Yes – the Ocean was both angry and beautiful at the same time.

We made a good choice to drive over the causeway and to the beach.

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

LOL – THE OCEAN – BOTH BEAUTIFUL & ANGRY!

Papa’s World – Early December walking Sunset Beach!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Good day everyone – we have a group of walkers that live in the neighborhood of Cameron Woods Community – and it differs each time we walk depending on the weather – and the activities each one has.

We usually meet somewhere at 9am. to walk – so far – it has been decent – 45 to 50 degrees out – sun and hardly any wind.

The beach is wide at low tide and Sunset Beach is flatter than OIB – making it easier to walk on.

This is Sunset Beach and in the far right corner – the tall building is Ocean Isle Beach – with a channel separating the two islands.

This morning’s walk was beside a calmer ocean – lots of sea shells and tracks of birds and footprints of previous walkers.

This is but one “WHY” we moved here to the border of S.C. and N.C. – any day we want can be a beach day!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – EARLY DECEMBER WALKING SUNSET BEACH!!!!!!

Papa’s World – Cameron Woods Community!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We chose this Community after –

we had gone house hunting with a realtor –

We had viewed several houses – condos in the OIB area –

and had not found anything that didn’t require changes inside the homes!

We had instructed her to start looking toward the Leland area –

and then after she left –

I said to Sherry that I had seen a big sign promoting –

CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY =

and it was close by!

So – we drove a couple miles –

and turned into this sign you see above –

And the model was right there.

We went inside-

and introduced ourselves to the agent on duty.

We started looking –

and Sherry whispered to me “I LOVE THIS”!

And we asked what was available-

and she told us a woman had come in that morning –

and had withdrawn her down payment –

and a lot had just become available to be built on!

Today – this is the view from our driveway looking NE –

none of these houses were here.

That day we went and walked the lot –

She wanted an office-

and I wanted a front porch to sit on –

The office had to have doors and walls-

the front porch needed to be shaded-

and protected from rain.

This lot provided what we needed –

We had found what we wanted –

to put the deposit down –

and make selections!

The start of a nine-month journey.

A view to the NW from our driveway –

the first house to the right-

and straight across from it –

and the street continuing up –

were there – most not occupied.

They were in the final stages of being built.

The entire build was less than half built out –

it would take three years to build –

the last section near the front-

is just being readied as I write this.

Wildlife is abundant here –

Turkey – Deer – Aligators – Snakes – Bear – Squirrels – Rabbits –

Birds of all types –

and Coyote’s!

A Coyote was captured early in the morning walking the road.

We are watchful –

and learning to live with the wildlife.

We also have several groups of neighbors –

that form different engagement groups!

Groups getting together to socialize –

Group walking on the beach during wintertime!

Gatherings outside at local restaurants.

There also are many other groups for exercise –

playing board games or dice -dominos!

Neighborhood driveway get-together –

Parties and fire pits!

We are about a ten-minute drive to Ocean Isle Beach –

and fifteen minutes to Sunset Beach-

Here is a view of OIB from the Causeway Bridge-

going across to the island.

The beach entrance- bridge-

and the pier at Sunset Beach.

We choose wisely I think –

And now resales are beginning –

Most are for over $100,000 PLUS more-

then they paid just a couple years ago.

A wise investment –

But our future is here-

in our Golden Senior Years!

We are happy with our choice –

just three years ago,

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – CAMERON WOODS COMMUNITY – OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C.

Papa’s World – Ocean Isle Beach! N.C.

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Here you see the amphitheater –

the playground –

and across the street – the mini putt-putt golf course!

On the far left is the ICW –

and to the right is the beach of OIB.

Rows of houses –

and although you can not see them here –

There are canals on the upper middle left side of the houses!

The Coastal Maritime Museum sits directly behind the open-air stage.

Next to the mini-golf – is Pelican Perch –

a favorite of ours –

for a bar and grill of locals!

Ocean Isle Beach sits between Sunset Beach to the S.W. –

and Holden Beach to the N.E.

The coastline from Charleston, S.C. to Wilmington, N.C. is curved –

sort of quarter Moon shape.

This means the beach is almost facing South!

The storms tend to come up the coast –

and either go in or skip this coastline –

and go directly toward the Cape Fear River-

and onto the Outer Banks!

I think the destruction of a vast hurricane came back last century in the 1950’s.

Not to say storms have come in and caused damage.

OIB is accessed by a causeway bridge –

and if a storm is predicted,

it will be closed both ways.

If you are on the island,

then you are on your own-

as the fire department and government buildings are on the mainland.

The view of Pelican Perch and the mini-golf are illuminated in the night sky!

A couple of the entrances to the fenced-in public park are to the right.

Every Friday night from the last of May to the end of August –

A free open-air concert is held for the public.

And during the same time on Wednesday evenings at dusk –

Movies are also shown in the park for free!

An aerial view of a Friday night concert –

6:30 PM. to 8:00 PM.

Bring your own chairs – snacks, and drinks –

as long as the drinks are not glass –

and mostly in plastic containers.

Hundreds of people attend these free concerts-

And on Wednesday nights –

Sunset Beach has free open-air concerts in the park –

on the shores of the ICW-

and on the mainland side!

There are open-air concerts almost every night of the week in the various towns

close to OIB!

We dreamed that someday we could live near a place where we always went on vacation –

And always thought when we were packing up to leave –

That we could stay here!

Today – WE CAN and DO –

We venture over anytime we want –

watch those coming in-

and those leaving their vacations!

In a little over ten minutes –

we are here from our home.

We are fortunate –

we are blessed –

and we are in our senior years.

Living in OIB on the mainland side-

is our dream come true!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA

Papa’s World – PHOTO’S – family beach vacation.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

At long last –

we managed to all meet in one place –

at OIB – for a family vacation.

We had not done this since before the Pandemic!

We moved to the borders of N.C. and S.C. in 2020 –

leaving our domain of 21-plus years in NVA –

and the two families of grandkids.

We knew we wanted to only be 7 plus hours away-

and we managed that!

We do go back every few months-

and they also come to visit a couple times a year.

But – to spend time together for a week near the Sun – Sand and Surf –

well, that is what we used to do so long ago!

It was time and the plans were made – BEACH VACATION!

At our dear friend Jim’s house on the canals of OIB –

For the Fourth of July golf cart parade!

He invited us and our family to come and view it from in front of his home!

It lasted for over an hour and the family was excited.

We had front-row seats and thank you Jim for inviting us!

That night we went to the beach –

set up chairs and watched the fireworks!

Sherry’s birthday was the next day!

We celebrated her birthday along with mine-

which had been two months prior!

My birthday is 5-7-1949 and hers is 7-5-1949 –

numbers that we have in common!

Our two sons-in-law – Mike on the left and Marcus on the right.

Finding time to be all together takes a lot of effort.

But the rewards of family time far overcome all of that!

Out of six grandkids – five are girls –

and Bode is the only boy!

Sometimes leaving him out of the loop of all girls.

But – Ella especially bonds with him.

Here Ella to the far right stands next to Bode –

He attends her soccer games –

and is one of her biggest cheerleaders!

Our three oldest granddaughters –

Sarah – a senior in H.S. this year!

Ella – a senior in college this year!

And Maddy – a year after graduating from college!

The three youngest on top –

Bode -top –

Cassidy and Taylor are in the middle.

FAMILY VACATION!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – PHOTOS – FAMILY BEACH VACATION!!!!!!

MOTHER AND DAUGHTERS – Debby – Sherry – and Tammy!

Papa’s World – Memories of family vacation.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We all gathered the week of the Fourth of July on OIB –

For a family get-together –

a birthday and a family vacation.

Something we had not done since before the Pandemic.

We had wanted to do this for a long time –

and it was Sherry’s birthday that week!

Cassidy hand-made this card for her MORMOR!

She is the one who calls her all the time.

She wrote a beautiful letter to her on the inside.

She is so artistic – we have several of her drawings and a painting she made – framed!

It turned out to be a perfect week – it rained on the Monday for a couple of hours –

but that brought the humidity way down

and it was beautiful the rest of the week!

Here is the house we rented – about 135 yards to the sand.

We had direct beach access right at the end of the street.

Ella and Maddy – the oldest grandkids.

The water was warm in the ocean.

They were in there constantly all week long!

We were to the West of the pier.

OIB is only 6 miles from our home on the mainland.

After dinner,

we went onto the beach –

and set our chairs up to watch the fireworks!

They shot them off on the pier at the top of the picture.

When they finally started – the beach was packed.

It was awesome sitting here watching the fireworks.

After – we all sat in our chairs-

and let the crowd thin out as it was dark without a flashlight.

But – we all headed back to the house,

and five grandkids had sparklers in the driveway.

This is at the front of the driveway and across the street is a neighbor’s house.

It was a wonderful moment –

hoping we can do this again next year.

We had a birthday party for Sherry who turned 75 and I had turned 75 two months before.

Ella – our granddaughter – designed and handmade every one of these shirts!

Our three oldest granddaughters – Sarah – Ella and Maddy!

It was a wonderful week – full of family time.

All six grandkids and MorMor and Papa.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – both 75 years old and living life to the plus – one day at a time!

Papa’s World – Beaching it with family!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

We all journeyed to OIB –

for a beach vacation –

twelve of us all together once again on vacation!

Our last beach vacation was before the Pandemic –

This one – Sherry and I –

picked out a house just across the main road to the beach on OIB!

It had room to sleep in 12 –

and 3 1/2 bathrooms-

plus an enclosed outdoor shower under the house!

Here is the beach house we rented –

and the front deck was fantastic to sit on in the early to late evening!

NO SUN!

Underneath – we parked two cars –

and two golf carts.

We wanted to leave room to wash off –

plus put the carts on charge each night.

So we parked two other cars in the driveway –

and just off to the side.

Sherry and Papa celebrating together-

our 75th. birthdays.

Mine was two months earlier.

But – this porch was the center of family group time outside!

At the end of the driveway,

the kids had sparklers –

it was near here that we parked the other two cars

plus another car when her sister and her family visited!

Sherry’s birthday celebration –

Ella – she designed and made each shirt –

twelve of them!

She is so talented and will be a senior in college this year!

Family bonding time on the deck for cocktails!

All in all,

it was a great vacation time to spend with a far-away family.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – BEACHING IT WITH FAMILY –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Then and now – family beach time!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Many years ago – we did a family vacation when all six grandchildren were little –

here is a picture of back THEN!

Now Maddy will soon turn 24 – Ella 21- Sarah 18 – Taylor and Cassidy will be 14

and Bode will be 10!

It seems like only yesterday we were here –

and now – years later –

we did another picture of the grandkids

on the OIB !

Maddy – Ella – Sarah – Taylor – Cassidy and Bode – 2024 – OIB!

We had a great beach week –

lots of Sun and they swam every day!

The water was warm –

calm in the morning –

windy all day to cool you off.

A storm came in Monday early afternoon

and everyone got off the beach –

rain – lightning – thunder –

and the temperature dropped 20 degrees and the humidity went away

for a couple days.

We sat on the beach after dinner every night-

And saw the golf cart parade

and fireworks on the Fourth of July!

Celebrated Sherry’s birthday on the 5th.

Welcomed her sister –

and the Jones family during the week.

A shout-out to our friend Jim Moore –

who invited us to watch the parade from in front of his house

and also gave us a place to park two cars-

and two golf carts!

The two families rented golf carts for the week and we went everywhere in them.

Family group picture with GIGI – Sherry’s mother –

who is in heaven smiling down –

on her great-grandkids!

We have always done family outings-

but Covid came along!

This is our first family vacation since before the Pandemic.

Celebrating Sherry’s 75th. birthday – with oldest daughter Debby!

Debby – Sherry and Tammy!

Ella – designed and MADE all the shirts herself!!!!!

Tammy – Sherry and Debby –

on the beach close to sunset –

Mother and daughters!

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Celebrating 75 years –

thanks to the kids for doing this-

and Ella for making all the shirts!

PAPA’S WORLD – THEN AND NOW – FAMILY BEACH TIME!!!!!

Papa’s World – Family heads to SUNSET BEACH!

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They went to the beach to observe the Sunset – this area is noted for brilliant skies at dusk!

Ella – Sarah and their mother Debby – standing at the end of the long walkway to the beach.

Both granddaughters are very tall – their mother is 5’6″!

Looking out over the marsh as they walk to the beach from the walkway.

A slight fog begins to roll across –

The sky is turning gold and orange!

The sun sets over the marsh and they continue along the walkway to the beach entrance!

At the end of the very long walkway – the handicapped ramp down to the sand –

and a couple people along the surf –

the sun is setting here at SUNSET BEACH –

Always a family trip to observe –

Back home we have a fire in the SOLO STOVE –

We also observe sunsets from here –

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FAMILY HEADS TO SUNSET BEACH!!!

Papa’s World – A walk on the beach in the wind!

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Our friends – Jayson and Ginger – just built a house some 40 miles from us –

On this day – he was back for work in NVA – and she came down for a visit and saw our two beaches!

Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach.

It was sunny – but also very windy!

So – we stopped at both beaches and Sherry and Ginger took short walks while I stayed at the

entrance to both beaches. Too windy for me! LOL

The beach at OIB – start of low tide – blue sky and a few white clouds – beach deserted!

At Sunset Beach on the West end – the marsh where there are fantastic sunsets –

this also is where the transition of Sunset Beach goes to Bird Island –

This area for the next 21/2 miles is all protected and where the “KINDRED SPIRIT” mailbox is!

A bird in the protected area.

Walking the beach on a very windy day is challenging at the best –

Me – I just wanted to stand and gaze at the beach and then head back to the parked car! LOL

But Ginger and Sherry braved the wind – took short walks and came back to the car.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

GINGER AND SHERRY – A SHORT WALK ON THE BEACH ON A WINDY DAY! livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Calm before the storm – Sea Turtles.

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We have volunteered to watch Sea Turtles’ nests to ensure they make it into the ocean.

Many nights – 7pm. to 11pm. are long – sitting – keeping watch on the nest and when it gets dark

blackout exists – no lighting – even phones.

This light could cause great harm to baby sea turtles.

So, we use red lights, not directly shining on the nest or the turtles.

Part of our training was when we volunteered.

The beginning of sunset – OIB – just before dusk – in the distance a storm front is forming and coming our way.

Sunset – but we know a front is coming – hoping it stays out over the water.

We have endured rain before – huddling under walk ways until it passes –

but what scares us the most is lightning!

The front has moved to just offshore – with lightning in the distance 10 miles away.

For safety reasons – if it gets within 7 miles – we leave the beach!

In this picture, you can see the rain coming down on the water.

It was okay when we saw flashes but could hear no thunder.

Then it became flashes and thunder!

Another storm front came from the NW and moved in over the SE – time to leave which is what we did.

This was the 4th time we have left because of lightning!

All part of volunteering for the protection of Sea Turtles!

Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

CALM BEFORE THE STORM – SEA TURTLES

Papa’s World – Turtle Nest – a place for social gatherings.

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Disclaimer: The work for Protected Sea Turtles is authorized by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission – Permit: ST020232

The parents bring the children and the children bring their parents!

Nest sitting not only to keep a watch on the Sea Turtles hatching – but to share with the community

and teach what this whole process is all about – NEST PARENTS!

The team gathers while the team leader prepares the microphone buried in sand to “LISTEN”

to the baby turtles inside.

The crowds come each night – week to week different as the changeover occurs in rentals.

Each week starts over by teaching each group “WHY” we are here and how they can help.

People bring chairs – food and drinks and talk – to the team and amongst themselves.

Conversations with team members from Sunset Beach Turtle members – sharing information.

They are in blue shirts.

The female Sea Turtle does not start laying eggs until she is 25 years old – through DNA testing

done by cooperation between N.C. – S.C. – Ga. – and Northern Flordia –

they have traced a daughter – mother and grandmother Sea Turtle –

which places the grandmother Sea Turtle at more than 75 years old!

Welcome to OIB Sea Turtle Nest Sitting – a social event as well as teaching!

Thanks for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa – observing the team members and the people of OIB – SEA TURTLE NESTING!

Papa’s World – SHERRY – committed to TURTLE NESTING!

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The Work for protected SEA TURTLES is authorized by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

PEERMIT ST020232

A nest on OIB – Sherry and I have committed to walking the beach and she committed to sit and observe the nest until hatching.

This involved TEN TEAM MEMBERS who started on a specific day of the nest being laid –

They go down at 7PM. and stay until 11PM each night until they hatch.

Each member is given a task to perform upon arrival and during the hatching.

This must be performed each night – and the nest is checked each morning by the ATV-GATOR patrol

and daily checked by the OIB police patrol.

When the walkers observe a Turtle having come ashore through the gigantic crawl tracts –

A verification occurs and a team will ready the nest by adding protection and roped off.

This is all done by volunteers – there also is fast response teams and relocation teams

in event the nest is in a dangerous area of survival, and it is moved very carefully.

Predators are watched for and everything for the hatching is provided to insure safe passage to the ocean.

Sherry – volunteer for SEA TURTLES ORGINATION OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH. Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

TEAM MEMBERS SET UP WITH PATHWAY FOR SEA TURTLES TO GO TOWARD THE WATER OF OIB!

SHERRY – COMMITTED TO TURTLE NESTING – PAPA’S WORLD!

Papa’s World – Our neighbors took us to dinner at BUMMZ – in Myrtle Beach!

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Diane and Steve – our neighbors who also happen to be from WNY and have a cottage on

Rushford Lake near where we lived!

They now live two houses from us and we met them as we were visiting our building.

A lot in common and we walk almost every day.

They know Olean and Portville where we worked and lived.

We had never heard of this place and it sits right on Myrtle Beach between all the 20-plus stories hotels!

It was very nice and the layout reminded me of Snookies and Bouys – both in North Myrtle Beach.

We ate outside and they took us there for our Anniversary and as a gesture of friendship!

Here is the view from the patio of Bummz – from the dining terrace.

The view South from the beach entrance to Bummz!

A walk toward the Ocean from the beach entrance and the lifeguard station.

Sherry returned from the water to see how warm it was and it was warm!

Our temps have risen in the Ocean to the mid to high 70s!

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OUR NEIGHBORS TOOK US TO DINNER AT BUMMZ IN MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.

Papa’s World – Walking OIB to see sunrise with friends!

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The morning of the last day of friend’s long weekend – we all get to the beach at 6am. to see the sunrise!

Friends for years and years. Always exploring and new adventures!

A turtle nest on our walk – protected – Sherry and I are part of the Turtle Protection program on OIB!

We sign up to walk the East end of OIB and have to be on the beach by 6am.

We also pick up trash along the beach.

Friends walking the surf line into the sunrise.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

SUNRISE ON OCEAN ISLE BEACH – WITH FRIENDS AFTER A LONG WEEKEND!

Papa’s World – The MAZE at Sunset Beach!

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We have what everyone calls THE MAZE MAN – who starting in the Spring – creates MAZES on Sunset Beach near the 13th. street!

He creates the by hand and free to the people on the beach to walk and solve!

They are really big and you walk them from a starting ENTRANCE point to the end EXIT point!

there is only one way to make it through to the exit and requires several attempts most times and sometimes you can not find the way out!

Here our granddaughter Taylor is on her way to solving the MAZE!

That would be me in the woods – rabbits have nothing to fear from me!

The MAZE is a fun activity to keep exuberant grandkids occupied! LOL

Sherry takes a selfie of Taylor and Bode solving the MAZE on Sunset Beach, N.C.

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The grandkids – Taylor – Cassidy and Bode – PAPA’S WORLD – THE MAZE AT SUNSET BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA!

Papa’s World – Revisited our old neighborhood – NMB!

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Main Street and Beach Blvd intersection of North Myrtle Beach – during our nine-month condo stay here – we walked this almost every day – heading for the beach – you can see the stage at the entrance to the beach.

The radio station 94.9 THE SURF is on the left along with HODO’S Beach Club and the Old Arcade on the right.

The parking lot on Friday nights is full of beach chairs and the streets are closed off for concerts on the stage.

Turning around from the intersection is Main Street and you can see Sherry walking up the street.

We were here at the beginning of the Pandemic and this was a ghost town – although the stores were open.

Our favorite nightclub to go to where we finally learned what THE SHAG was!

A dance that came from the Rythem and Blues of the 40s and became a cross-over called Carolina Beach music.

And has become the state dance!

This scene has been ongoing for 80 years!!!!

“ENTER THROUGH THE JUKEBOX DOORS” so goes the advertisement heard on the radio.

This club is full of history – pictures and items from the past 80 years!

The dance is like the STROLL-JITTER BUG – SWING where you never lose contact with your dance partner.

Yearly competitions are held here and every four months SHAG comes to town –

Bands – music- dancing in the streets!

Like the Hollywood Walk of Fame – the sidewalks are full of plaques from all through the years of people and dancers and dates!

The big water tower that overlooks the town has a picture of a couple dancing THE SHAG!

On the beach from the beach entrance – we walked this every day while we lived here!

Sherry walking North Myrtle Beach – one of the widest beaches at low tide I have ever been on!

Exiting the sixth street beach entrance and looking up the street to where we stayed at the back entrance to Ocean Keyes.

Over 700 condos and a huge lake with six water fountains.

Six pools – tennis courts and a workout room.

Loved living there but no garage and no storage space – or else we might have stayed there.

Looking back from sixth street beach parking to the main town of North Myrtle Beach – our old neighborhood.

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PAPA’S WORLD – REVISITED OUR OLD NEIGHBORHOOD – NORTH MYRTLE BEACH! livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Good times when family visits!

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Ella – Debby and Sherry – trying to solve the maze on Sunset Beach at the third street! The Maze guy is talking to Debby.

Sarah – Debby and Sherry and Ella – beaching it at the OIB community center – volleyball net in the background!

A little smile for the day! LOL

Sherry and Ella on the maze – never did solve it! There was another one up on the 15th. the street that they went to and solved that one!

We had fun and while it was not really warm – the sun made it feel warm!

They will be back in June when we will have warmer weather and the ocean is warm to swim in.

Thanks for reading – some more beach time – relaxing. Papa’s World – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

GOOD TIMES WHEN FAMILY VISITS – THE MAZE MAN EXPLAINING THE MAZE TO DEBBY AND SARAH!

Papa’s World – Spring has Sprung – the Beach got busy – and they are in the water!

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Here is our before 9:am. early morning walk – a little more crowed but nothing not expected! Looking South to North Myrtle Beach from where we enter the access to the beach.
From the beach access looking toward Cherry Grove – a few more people – but not a lot!

But – this is the beginning of the week for Spring Breakers –

and we noticed traffic getting heavey.

We have found our way around and avoid the high traffic on rte. 17!

We take the side streets as far as we can – and one side street takes up to where we can shop!

Now – in the afternoon we decided to do a couple hours of a beach day – taking and carrying our chairs to the beach. Here is the same view looking toward North Myrtle Beach – a lot more people and a lot of people in the water. But we still had our own space – no one within thirty feet of us!
Here is the same view in the afternoon looking toward Cherry Grove! And – it will get more crowed as Spring turns into Summer with vacations! We are in the open space and avoid large gatherings which happen mostly toward North Myrtle Beach town center. A lot of young H.S. and college students gather on the beach there in a large group. You just avoid them as they will do what they do regardless!

Being here is still our dream – we will come back often as we like it here –

but also where we are moving too – no traffic – country quiet – we can walk –

and still be in access to the other two beaches!

The beach here is very wide – I have been told it is the widest on the Grand Strand!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World –

MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD

MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

FAMILY MEET FRIENDS!

SHERRY – CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH

SHERRY’S SITE: http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

SHERRY’S COMPANY: THE JUICE PLUS COMPANY

SHERRY’S TEAM: TEAM GENERATIONS ( helping a child eat healthy one day at a time.)

SHERRY’S EMAIL CONTACT: ssherrylynn49@aol.com

PAPA’S WORLD livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – decided to visit the other beach near the new house – SUNSET BEACH! N.C.

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The pier in the distance – we went in and grab something to eat and just sat and enjoyed the view!

We knew Ocean Isle Beach was a eight minute drive from the new house- without heavy traffic.

Now – it was time to see just how far the other beach – Sunset Beach – was from the new house.

So – we drove and it was 13 minutes!

About five minutes longer in no traffic!

So – there you are – two beaches to choose from – and if we want – we can go back to NMB –

some 30 minutes away – with no traffic.

We checked out the parking as we understand that in the busy part – this could determine where we go!

They have pay parking – which you can pay a set price for the year –

and – like the other beach – off the road parking –

but we were told to be careful on that – if you do not do it right –

like blocking the bike path or sidewalk –

you will get a fine!

The other direction on Sunset Beach which we were told was voted one of the top ten beaches in the country! And it really is nice – time will tell if we like it more that either of the other two beaches!

It was a very windy day on the sand – so we decided not to walk the beach –

but rather see where we can walk among the streets and houses.

We did find a path to walk – while not going on the sand –

and could see we could easily get our three mile walk in!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World!

WHERE FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS – FRIENDS MEET FAMILY!

MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD

MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Sherry – too much wind – another entrance too the beach – CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH!

SHERRY’S WEBSITE: http://www.sf.juiceplus.com

Her Company: The Juice Plus Company

Her position: Senior Sales Coordinator

Business: Network Marketing

Business email: ssherrylynn49@aol.com