Saturday, April 27, 2019. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky when the sun finally came up on this sleepy little seaside beach town. It was going to be a bright and sunny day. The morning air was crisp and cool, with low humidity. And the dry air and endless blue sky would make it an ideal day to get out and do some exploring.
It was around 8 am as I crossed over Moultrie bridge into Isle of Palms. The crown of the bridge providing a gorgeous panoramic view of the infinite aquamarine ocean. I followed the curvature of the road to the right and on to Palm Boulevard, where I found an all-day parking lot across the street from the beach for only $12. It was early and the shops and restaurants wouldn’t be open for a while yet. So with coffee in hand, I stepped out to shore for my morning ritual – to breathe in the salty sea air and listen to the peaceful rhythm of the incoming waves.
As usual, I was one of the first people on the beach. But that’s not to say it was deserted. The residents of Isle of Palms get their days started early too. People were out walking their dogs, jogging, or just standing in the sand, bundled up and looking out to sea. I noticed a younger couple out playing fetch with their Golden Retriever and asked if I could take a few pictures.
They were from Daniel Island, a few miles away, and like me, they were taking full advantage of this perfect morning. Not to mention the dog was having a blast! Then it suddenly occurred to me that I’ve been on this coastal road trip for over four months now and haven’t even had my picture taken on the beach yet!! So I asked the gentleman’s wife if she wouldn’t mind taking a picture of me standing in front of the morning tide.
I hate having my picture taken but sometimes you just gotta man up and do it!
I spent the next hour or so casually strolling the shoreline, picking up any unique seashells that I’d find. Stopping here and there to say good morning and chat with the locals. Eventually the brisk morning chill waned and the temperature rose to a pleasant 80 degrees. Time to grab my beach gear!!
On my way back to the car I met another local couple, with a beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog, who were resting on a park bench after their morning exercise….
I grabbed my towel, my shades and lotion, and breakfast (a banana, protein bar, and some almonds) and triple-timed it back to the beach! Beach goers were arriving in droves now. I found my spot, laid out my towel and headed for the water.
At Isle of Palms the surf is much calmer with a weaker current than at Folly beach. Well suited for a relaxing swim. The water temp was 72 degrees and felt soothing and comfortable. I swam out well past the pier. To where it begins to get deep. Past where any sane person might start to feel a little uneasy. I leaned back and floated the surface, letting the soft undulating swell carry me in whichever direction it pleased.
Then something unseen from below brushed up against my foot and instantly brought me back to my senses, without prejudice!! I had trespassed where I should not be and the creature was sending me the subtle message that it was time to be on my way. (It was probably just seaweed, but I wasn’t about to find out!) I turned and looked back to shore. The beach now crowded with people, everyone indistinguishable as just colorful dots littering the sand. I was out A LOT farther than I’d realized!!
I was exhausted when I reached land. So I took a short nap and when I woke up I could feel I was in need of a break from the sun. I decided to take a drive and look for a place to grab lunch. I drove south about four miles to Sullivan’s Island and didn’t see any fast food joints so I turned and headed back north, stopping for some roadside pics.
I got back to my parking spot around 1 pm. Families of tourists and locals were now strolling up and down Palm Boulevard. The shops and restaurants that were closed only a few hours ago were now alive and vibrant.
I was in the mood for tacos so on the recommendation of a local shopkeeper I walked over to Papi’s Taqueria. Unsure whether I wanted to chance another disappointing Mexican meal in South Carolina, I almost passed on Papi’s. Fortunately Mindy, who greeted me at the door, assured me that I would regret it if I went elsewhere. I told her she had me at “Pork Belly”.
I ordered a frozen margarita and the Pelo Del Perro from my lovely waitress, Kelci. The margarita was excellent! Maybe this place wouldnt be so bad after all….
THE BEST taco I’ve had outside of Texas! Definitely. It hit every flavor profile! Savory, salty-sweet, with avocado creaminess with a little bit of heat!! The pork belly was crisp and fatty – in the best way – and the egg yolk brought all the elements together like they were made for each other. Absolutely delicious and perfectly executed!
I left the taqueria in a state full food bliss (or possibly just a buzz from the margarita) and walked back to the beach. It was mid-afternoon now, and about 85 degrees. The beach was at near capacity!!
Everyone enjoying themselves. Parents and children playing in the water. People laying out in the sun, music was in the air. It couldn’t have been a better day…..oh, wait a second….
“What’s that?” I said. “Sure, I’ll take an ice cold beer from ya’! Thanks, fellas!!”
Now we’re talkin’!!
johnparrishtravels 