Vacation Blues

I know what you're thinking...that sounds like an oxymoron...but give me a minute.

For the past 6 or 7 years (we've lost track), my entire extended family (the cool ones, anyway) have gone to a place called Mullet Hall (near Kiawah) for a wonderful, glorious, do-nothing week. The kids can roam free, it's on about a bazillion acres of undeveloped land so there's gators and deer and all the fishing you can handle, plus fields to pick whatever fruits and veggies your heart desires. At one point there was a pig (Magnolia), but sadly, she died. She was old and was attacked by dogs. We told the kids she had a heart attack.

Our kids have literally been going to Mullet Hall their whole lives. We've been backtracking it through pictures and memories and we believe FrogBoy was 2 or 2 1/2 when when first went, which would have made my niece 18 months old (and she's the youngest - and about to turn 8).

So this year, the big corporation has decided to - GASP! - sell Mullet Hall. And develop the land. Now this is upsetting for several reasons, the most obvious being that our annual family vacay is screwed, but also the loss of wildlife is very disturbing. Plus, it's MULLET HALL. (I think you have to be part of our family to understand that statement...)

Since this is our last year to go, we decided to make the most of it. We generally go for 5 or 6 days. We extended our reservation - to 7. Then yesterday we found out that the new owner wants in, on day 3 of our already scheduled vacay. And what can we do? He DOES own the joint, and regardless of whether we've been listed on the schedule since January, he OWNS it - so he doesn't owe us anything. And that really STINKS.

We had a lot planned for our last Mullet Hall trip. At least 2 fish frys. Homemade ice cream. ATV rides everyday (me and sis-in-law, not the kids). Boiled peanuts out the wazoo. Now, we're thinking fast and frugal, pack as light as possible, we might have half a week left and nothing to do (ideas, anyone?).

My wonderful, wonderful uncle, who works for Kiawah, is begging for a day or 2 more for us. We should know today. It will be a great time regardless of what happens, but of course, we would like to go out on our own glorious terms.

We leave on Friday - I'll post pictures of the most beautiful place in Charleston when we get back (whenever that might be).