More from TopSail

Our trip ended this past Saturday when we headed toward home. We made sure to spend a little extra time with our toes in the sand and the girls enjoyed riding a few more waves before we hit the road. What a great trip we had! The day before leaving the Gardner's had one more special place to take us to. The Sea Turtle Rescue Hospital, just a mile down the road, was such a great experience. This little building housed (at the time) over 2 dozen rescued sea turtles..weighing between 40- 600 pounds! The girls all had favorites...Lenny the 400 lb. blind sea turtle, Boater the equally larger turtle who played with a red ball..in all we learned the near fatal stories of 5 of these very spectacular creatures and the dedication this small operation has to helping them all. There are only 2 Sea Turtle Rescue Hospitals in the US and we were fortunate enough to have the chance to get to meet these great folks..and turtles!
We enjoyed yet more yummy fare from my new favorite restaurant, Just Baked..also located less than a mile from the house. I think me and the girls could honestly live on Just Baked and Luna Pops if given the chance! One night Ang and I were able to steal away for an adult only meal (and a little retail therapy). Shopping first in Wilmington, then we crossed the International Waterway and entered Wrightsville Beach where we dined at a quaint little restaurant, South Beach Grill, and truly enjoyed the experience altogether. We couldn't have been happier...new clothes, wine and a fab meal...what a great time!
The last night the girls all painted their very own sand dollar (we purchased these). This craft was made even more special when Kayla cracked open an extra sand dollar and showed each girl the 'doves' inside, letting them each have one of their own. Special indeed.
As if it needs to be said, we will be returning to Top Sail Island. Maybe even this Fall, depending upon the circumstances that are hovering around the beautiful waters of Destin, Fl. Whether it be this fall or next spring, we are sure to retrace our steps as best as we can. We know the treasure that awaits us on this narrow strip of land!