Magnolia Lane Campground – Pollocksville, NC next day

20 Monday Apr 2026

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4/20/26
Location: Magnolia Lane Campground
ChILL
Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, NC
Moonrakers Coastal Cuisine in Beaufort, NC (BOWfort)
ChILL

Joanie and Ross picked us up at ChILL around 10 AM and we headed to Fort Macon State Park, about an hour and a half away. It was a pleasant drive especially when we reached the barrier island where we could see water on the left and right sides of the road as we continued to Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach. Ross brought a kite along in the trunk but decided the wind conditions were not favorable. We hope to visit during a kite festival and see him in action with his kites.

The Fort is nicely maintained and has many artifacts in their collection. They have done a terrific job of presenting the history in an interesting way with many mannequins in uniform and a self guided tour that provides the background for what is on display. The attention to detail is remarkable! The faces of the mannequins closely match photos of the historical figure that is featured.

By now we were all hungry so we headed to Moonrakers Coastal Cuisine in Beaufort (BOWfort). We were seated on the third floor in the open air overlooking the water with the Rachel Carson Reserve in the distance. The Reserve is inhabited by wild horses that Ross said can often be seen from the restaurant. Unfortunately none were seen while we were there.

Another pleasant drive back to ChILL and we had to say our sad goodbyes to Joanie and Ross as they head back to work in the morning and we head to Colonial Williamsburg. More S’miles to come!

Magnolia Lane Campground – Pollocksville, NC

19 Sunday Apr 2026

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4/19/26
Location: Magnolia Lane Campground
Trinity United Methodist Church
Joanie and Ross’s house
Lunch at Marrakesh 
Lejeune Memorial Gardens
Joanie and Ross’s house
Walmart
Fuel
ChILL

Skip willingly woke up early for us to make the 30 minute drive from the campground to meet Joanie and Ross at their church, Trinity United Methodist. We arrived at 8:25 in plenty of time for the 8:45 service. After being greeted warmly multiple times and shown to their restrooms, Skip and I waited outside at the front of the church for Joanie and Ross.

Their church is beautiful with stained glass windows lining the sanctuary and large pipe organs flanking the altar. The contemporary praise band was talented. They performed the songs as well as the artists I hear on Sirius XM The Message.

The pastor’s message was regarding the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin. Skip and I are intrigued by the facts the pastor researched and shared with the congregation. Because we both want to know more about the current views and validated studies about the Shroud, Skip made a Kindle purchase of The Jesus Discoveries by Jeremiah Johnston, founder of the Christian Thinkers Society, and one of the resources referenced by the pastor.

At their beautiful house, Joanie and Ross showed us the variety of flowers, plants and trees they have in their yard, including some they brought from the last house and some they started from seedlings. They have pears, citrus, aloe, pineapple, blueberries and a different species of Japanese maple than I have seen in the past. They also grow peppers and herbs in pots on their back deck. Ross introduced us to a couple of his turtles that were previously injured and unable to survive on their own now living in safety and comfort in the backyard pen Joanie and Ross provide for them.

Even though Joanie and Ross have lived in their house more than 20 years, this was our first visit. Their house has huge rooms and beautiful hardwood floors. Ross has one of the huge rooms neatly organized with his sewing machines and kite materials. The room has double pocket doors to close it off making it out of sight when not in use. Spacious kitchen, large dining room and large main area help when they host friends and neighbors.

Lunch was at a Greek restaurant named Marrakesh, tasty. Next we went to the Lejeune Memorial Gardens, a somber reminder of the horrors of war, the ones who were killed or permanently injured and the families that were left to carry on without their loved ones. It was a touching reminder of Ross’s sacrifice as he served as a Marine and just missed by one year the Beirut bombing that killed 273 Marines.

Back at Joanie and Ross’s house we played train dominoes. Skip and I had never played so they took the time to explain the rules and strategy. Then it was game on! After enjoying a few rounds, Skip and I headed out for groceries and fuel.

Back at ChILL we had grilled cheese sandwiches, fresh Brussels sprouts and tomato soup for dinner. What a life!

Myrtle Beach State Park Campground > Magnolia Lane Campground – Pollocksville, NC

18 Saturday Apr 2026

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4/18/26

Location: Myrtle Beach State Park Campground, Myrtle Beach, SC

Location: Magnolia Lane Campground, Pollocksville, NC (near Joanie), site 2, full hookup
Joanie and Ross
ChILL
Spunky McDoogle’s 
New Bern waterfront
ChILL

After a driver change a little less than halfway, Skip took over and completed the uneventful and comfortable drive from Myrtle Beach to Pollocksville, NC. Magnolia Lane Campground is unique in that they do not staff their office, ever!  My contact person, Mae, sent a text on Friday confirming our site number and provided the codes for the bathhouse and laundry, neither of which we used during our stay. Our site was paid and assigned in advance so we didn’t need any assistance from the campground. Just have not encountered a campground that is not staffed. A phone number was provided if contact was needed. Our site was full hookup but no shade at all and the campground was decent and quiet. If we visit the area again, we would not hesitate to book a site again.

Joanie and Ross came to the campground and took the detailed tour of ChILL. Fun to share it with them because they have some interest in purchasing an RV at some point.

Joanie and Ross drove us to New Bern where we had a delicious dinner at an Irish pub named Spunky McDoogle’s. Joanie loves the Reuben sandwich and onion rings. Skip ordered a Reuben too. Delicious corned beef, cabbage and potatoes was my choice. Ross opted for blackened chicken. My meal was delicious with perfectly prepared corned beef. Joanie and Ross generously paid for our meals.

After dinner we walked along the waterfront in New Bern. The 90 degree afternoon had become a beautiful evening of moderate temperatures with a breeze making our waterfront stroll quite enjoyable.

After bringing us back to ChILL, Joanie and Ross headed home. How wonderful to spend that time with them and then go back to the comfort of our own home.

Myrtle Beach State Park Campground continues

17 Friday Apr 2026

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4/17/26

Location: Myrtle Beach State Park Campground
ChILL
1229 Shine
Food Lion
ChILL

We spent most of the day enjoying nature from our campsite while doing some every day chores too such as laundry, cleaning our living space, tank maintenance and lubrication. After laundry we enjoyed corned beef hash, eggs over easy, bagels and cream cheese. 

Skip reconfirmed our route plan for tomorrow using various resources and found that the truck’s navigation system will take us the way he prefers to go.

Dinner was at a restaurant Skip found, 1229 Shine. It was the best meal by far that we had in Myrtle Beach. Each of us had the seafood boil featuring mussels, clams, shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob and red potatoes.

At a quick stop at a Food Lion very close to the campground, we found some of the items we wanted to restock.

The evening wrapped up with some TV, showers, bed and big smiles.