After the Smokies, we headed down to Congaree National Park, a large bottomland forest in South Carolina. This photo definitely kicks off our time there. It was definitely accurate for the day we were there.
After loading up on mosquito repellent, we had fun exploring and doing a scavenger hunt.
The trail ended at a large pond where we watched lots of turtles. The butterflies were enjoying our stop too. It probably had nothing to do with the fact that we were very sweaty. :)
After we got back in the car, Colin showed us how his cheese and sticks resembled the cypress knees we just walked through!
Fun at the campground
Next day drove to the Outer Banks. After setting up the camper, we went to a nearby wildlife refuge to listen to their bear and wolf programs. Kayla and Colin were chosen to show off the difference between a red wolf and coyote!
The next day we spent the entire day at the beach! It was the kids first experience in the Atlantic Ocean. I taught them how to boogie board.
After we had too much of the sun, we cleaned up and went to Roanoke Island to learn about the lost colony and eat dinner.
Unfortunately the next day, we had to start our travels back home. Not without one more stop in the Smokies though. And enjoying another campfire!
Hiking to find some salamanders. The kids decided they were in the Temple Run game and had fun collecting points and salamanders.
Our last campsite was near Metropolis. It was fun driving around the town looking for all the superman guys.
Went for a hike where in the southern Illinois swamps where Jordan and I hiked when I was in college. Kept our distance from the cottonmouth snakes!
Drove home the next day and had our end-of-vacation dinner at Mr. Brews. :)
