Our College
Reunion – Day 8 (4/13/15)
Grand Ocean - Welcome Party
We were at the
poolside mingling with other vacation owners for the complimentary breakfast. This is a very family oriented resort
so the daily activities and events are planned out for a number of friendly
options for both children and adults.
There were yoga, aqua fit, Zumba dancing, bike challenge and card games
in the morning. The wine tasting,
kids tailgate games, sandcastle art crafts and history sharing about Hilton
Island were the long lists in the welcome packet.
There’s so much to
see in this island. We couldn’t do
them all. So far we had only tried
this event to chat with a few timeshare owners. Like us, most of them were finding the long cherished dream of
traveling after retirement. The business-like organizer/salesman called out the
“free gift of joy." It could
be from free vacation days at other Marriott’s International or U.S. locations
to IPAD. We missed every single number.
Oh, well, I am happy with what I have now.
We posed this one
right after the mingle party - the Atlantic Ocean beach was behind us.
Look, the
luxurious villa surrounded by the lushly landscaped gardens.
The balcony from
other buildings overlooks the southern live oak trees draped with Spanish moss. The lagoon side with the covered gazebo
and grill area provided a nice place to hang out or just savor the sights
around it. We planed to enjoy the
outdoor heated pool and the Jacuzzi nestled in the beautiful Azaleas garden one
day.
Believe it or not,
we were welcomed by “Formosa Azalea” at Grand Ocean, Hilton Head Island, S.
Carolina
We were forever
young again in our heart at this beautiful setting – three palmetto trees (S.
Carolina’s state tree) behind us.
The vibrant red azalea reminds me of my Hsinchu Girls’ Senior High
School where we all learned the importance of responsibility and teamwork. Tending the school garden is one of
them.
Lunch
at Frosty Frog Café
We had pizza – a
bit salty, but delicious though.
The ambience was great.
It’s a little hot outside to kick off our shoes and get toasted in the
sun.
The Cool Frosty Frog chilling at Hilton Head Island with the symbols of Palmetto trees
Unforgettable
Alligator Boat Tour
We decided to
embark on a water-based activity for a change. Hilton Head Island is famous for its native wildlife and
beautiful vegetation. We wanted to
get up-close and personal with the island’s natural inhabitants, both of the
animals and the plant varieties according to the resort brochures listed.
Sea Pines Forest
Preserve – 605-acre where plants, alligators, bald eagle, osprey, heron,
turtle, fish, reptiles and unique animals all rely on this swampy/wetlands for
all part of their life cycle.
We were not
disappointed at all. Nick, the
guide, with typical British accent, charming, but foreign, pointed out all
local wildlife as well as indigenous plants to us. The Hilton Head Island history and how it was developed (in
1950) was explained in details as we were floating among the open lakes (all
freshwater with the advanced pumping devices) – Lake Joe, Lake Thomas, Lake
Mary and Lake Chapin. Did I say
foreign?
Yes, the
wildflower meadow has the California’s native poppy flowers, bright orange, are
supposed to grow in the dry desert area.
But, here they are in Hilton Head Island and Four Asian Girls!
Up-close
with the Alligators
We were so quiet,
waiting and waiting for the alligator to jump from no- where!!!!
Nick, the guide
and the young couples from Southern California.
Aaaaaahhh! Alligator!
Scary, yet
somewhat exciting!
Tennis
Anyone?
I once said that I
would be willing to retire just for the fun of playing tennis. Here I am, playing Round Robin with the
tennis nuts from different parts of U.S. at Hilton Head Island. We missed Family Circle Cup tournament by a week.
I was ranked as USTA
3.5 and Ben 4.0 player during our heyday.
The trophy of mixed double champion from Montgomery County was tucked
away in the basement. We were beaten by Howard County - State of Maryland
The class of NCKU
1969 ES and 1971 FLLD – reunion - 44 years later at Hilton Head Island
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