Continuing our Myrtle Beach trip in the Summer of ’06…After our time at the KISS Coffeehouse and Johnny Rocket’s, Mom took Grandpa back to the condo, while Ashleigh, Briana, and I browsed the shops. After she returned, we continued to walk around Broadway at the Beach until we happened onto Ripley’s Aquarium. Briana had never been there, so she was able to talk me into going in with her while my Mom and Ashleigh shopped.
It was great to spend some quality time with Briana, just the two of us, as we perused the exhibit. There were several underwater tunnels surrounded by glass through which we could view many different species of fish – including many giant sharks – as they swam beside and over us. 
There was a ‘petting’ area where Briana got to handle a giant horseshoe crab. There was also a neat presentation about stingrays, followed by an opportunity to touch them as they swam by. This was in the days before the Crocodile Hunter was speared by a stingray – and these particular animals were ‘de-barbed’ – so it was safe.
One of the highlights of the trip was a special display on the planet Mars, where Briana and I posed inside the astronaut suits. One of the videos in the display indicated that we may one day be able to move to Mars when the Earth becomes unsuitable for life. Briana then uttered the classic line, “I don’t want to move to Mars. I like it here.”
It was an enjoyable tour and well worth the price of entry to see all of the exotic undersea animal life. Ashleigh’s favorite photo of all time is the one below that I snapped of a jellyfish.
Outside the aquarium, we took a photo of Ashleigh, Briana, and me – basking in the red glow of the Ripley’s sign…for what reason, I don’t know.
Our Myrtle Beach trip will continue…
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