Thursday with my in-laws

The Morning
Goodale State Park

The first morning while Janice and Shawn were walking around the neighborhood they ran into this man that told them about the local state park. The man told them about the nature trail and how you could see a real live alligator which sold them instantly.

Finally we got to see the park early mid morning before our trip to Columbia. We arrived at the perfect time, sky full of sunshine, and the temperature was just right. We looked at the map for the nature trail started walking around the lake hoping to spot the 14ft alligator. As our walk in we spotted a few different trails that went into the woods then walked around the lake to it ended in the lake. It was all so beautiful.

View of the Goodale State Park


This is where the trail ended into the lake




On our walk back to main land while Shawn was our leader with her dog Bella, all of sudden we heard a big splash in the water. Guess what? Yes, it was the alligator. Instantly Shawn grabbed Bella and stepped back. The alligator was just relaxing in the water while swimming. While he was sunbathing Shawn and I were trying to take pictures. Here is one of the best that I captured:


After our relaxing walk with nature it was potty breaks for all. The bathrooms were right next to the main office which was opened with an older man working by himself. He had asked if we had walked on the nature trail and we said yes. He said "What trail did you walk on". Shawn and I both pointed then he said "that is the wrong trail, are you gonna walk on the trail now". We said "no we are leaving but maybe next time". This man was a little creepy and very weird. I guess that's why he works by himself.


We had originally planned to go to the Riverbanks Zoo today but Ray was busy at work and couldn't get away. So Ray found that they were having live music downtown Columbia at Five Points (Five Points means: there is five streets that all connect at the same point) then we would visit the zoo on Friday.

Upon our arrival we started walking around to see which place looked the best to eat. We stumbled on a few restaurants that looked tasty but we gave Andy's Deli a try. We each ordered subs, came with a pickle and chips of your choice. They were all delicious.

After our meal we listened to the opening band. The lead signer had a great voice, it was very unique. Between the first band ending and the new band setting up we decided to walk around to find ice cream. We found this place called: Fruiti Cup with frozen yogurt. As you walk in its self serve with a few different soft serve machines, then you can add whatever toppings you'd like and you pay by the pound. It was all very good.

The Evening
Five Points







We ended our night at home with playing cribbage till 1 in the morning. Off to bed to get some rest before the SC State Museum and the Riverbanks Zoo.