By Jonathan Eggleston, for RealWV
Editor’s Note: With so many Mountaineers flocking to Myrtle Beach during the summer, and for their Memorial Day celebrations, we wanted to provide a reminder as to why some West Virginians spend their vacations outside our hills and hollows.
As I stood on the shores of North Myrtle Beach, SC, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony of the situation. Sure, Myrtle Beach isn’t nestled within the hills of West Virginia, but the captivating sights that unfolded before me were too extraordinary to be confined by boundaries.
In a world that thrives on the constant hustle and bustle, I felt an urge to share the awe-inspiring beauty I encountered during my vacation, an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up.
Vacations, a time-honored tradition etched into our cultural fabric, serve as a much-needed escape from the stresses of daily life. From the first seaside getaways of the early 19th century to the modern-day retreats, these getaways have always held an essential place in our lives.
A chance to recharge, rejuvenate, and rediscover our zest for life, vacations contribute immensely to our mental health and overall well-being.
As the sun kissed the horizon, I realized that these cherished moments weren’t just about capturing the perfect photograph – they were about forging deeper connections with my loved ones.
The salty breeze seemed to carry whispers of nostalgia, invoking the same sense of wonder and magic I felt as an eight year old child standing on this very beach.
A mere 5-7 hour drive from West Virginia, Myrtle Beach has become an annual hot-spot for many residents, and I soon understood why!
Embarking on my photographic journey, each day brought new wonders to capture. At the close of day #1, the sky crackled with an intense lightning storm over the ocean. My camera incredibly captured the raw energy and power of nature, freezing a moment that would forever remind me of the mesmerizing beauty of the sea.
Day #2 greeted me with an equally enchanting gift – a breathtaking sunset that painted the horizon with hues of gold and crimson. The tranquil waves mirrored the sky, creating an awesome fusion of colors that danced before my lens.
On the third day, a tiny rainbow emerged against the backdrop of the endless ocean. With impeccable timing, a boat glided gracefully beneath, rendering a scene straight out of a dream. And as night fell, a rare break in the clouds allowed me to capture the elusive Milky Way as it emerged from the hazy light pollution.
Day #4 unfolded at a slower pace, allowing me to relish quality time with my family. Our laughter drowned out by the crashing waves. A true day of joy on the South Carolina coast.
As night fell once again, I ventured to the pier, where long exposure photography allowed me to add some drama into the tranquil scene. The rhythmic waves softened beneath the pier, producing an artistic masterpiece that was as therapeutic to create as it is to behold.
It was here, amidst the serene beauty, that I realized the true impact of taking a break from the daily grind. The realization washed over me like the ocean tide. We all need moments of respite, time to clear our minds and indulge in the activities that nourish our souls. The allure of Myrtle Beach for West Virginia residents became clearer than ever before, a cherished escape that offers a haven of tranquility.
As my vacation drew to a close, I felt a newfound motivation to embrace challenges and step beyond my comfort zone. The rejuvenation of body and spirit had transformed me, igniting a fire to pursue my passions with renewed vigor.
In the end, it was more than just a collection of stunning photographs that I carried home from Myrtle Beach; it was a profound reminder of the importance of self-care and the magic that unfolds when we allow ourselves to just simply be.
