Invasion of the Viking
The swing across the Carolinas was much more pleasant than the first leg from Delaware to Nags Head. Probably because I took my own sweet time. Spent a day goofing off around Harker's Island. It was virgin territory - no signs of modernity and plenty of nature. In fact, it got too lonesome, and it felt nice to be back in Myrtle Beach. Kindof like reaching civilization.
Of course, the Grand Strand is probably one of the most famous budget summer vacation watering holes for families, so it was a bit too much civilization. But you have to take the civilization you get, rather than pine for the one you want. So anyway, we'll get to the Myrtle Beach beaches later, because first I had to find a place to stay. And this time, I was one of the budget travelers.
It's funny how being on the other side changes your perspective. Last time I was here, I sniffed down on the cheapo groups and families packing it in at the Myrtle Beach motels, and sort of wished that most of them would go back to Kansas or Ohio or wherever it was they came from. But now that I was one of 'them', I felt this unreasonable rage at the people I saw outide the big hotels - like they were the ones responsible for my having to skimp on a measly budget while they splurged.
Anyway, I ended up at the aptly named Viking Motel on Ocean Blvd. From all the noise and bedlam, it did indeed look like a couple of hundred Vkings had decided to sack the place, but it was mostly little vikings and their daddies and mommies. They had a sundeck and lawn area on offer, and from the look of it, the offer was indeed being taken up by almost everyone. The room was too big for me alone, but it was nice to get value for money.
I didn't really have much interest in doing the same touristy stuff that I had done last year, so after a shower and nap, I felt refreshed enough to check out the best place to eat. Walked for a few minutes along Ocean Blvd and then across 7th Ave. Saw the Villa Romana as soon as I reached S King's Highway. It's a great little Italian restaurant. Mouth-watering veal cutlets, sauteed in fresh mushrooms and cream sauce. And you get a free side of spaghetti with tomato sauce and veggies. The delicious meal was topped off with Spumoni ice cream and the whole thing settled down nicely after a few gulps of iced tea. Nothing like a nice and tasty meal which doesn't make you feel like a stuffed turkey.
While the natural beauty in North Carolina was much appreciated, there's a lot to be said for a bustling town like Myrtle Beach. Definitely felt good to be back in civilization.
