As the clock struck midnight, this Cinderfella cued for his 3^rd red-eye of 2015.  Marathon #20 destination: South Carolina.

today’s travel log – cheap flight to Florence SC Regional Airport (via Charlotte), followed by an hour half drive to Myrtle Beach. [always looking to save a buck – this 50 State Quest isn’t cheap – crazy, alternative travel plans add flavor to the journey.]

Myrtle Beach.  Hmmm…ocean.  downside: coldest temps of the year.  40mph wind gusts off the Atlantic made for a chilly 25°.

Runner Expo, bib pick-up – then phoned to confirm my Alligator Adventure was still a possibility.  Alligators don’t feed during winter months but because they’re sluggish in the cold, I’d most likely be able to hold one.  Sweet!

Gator shows are pure redneck entertainment – and that’s ok by me 🙂  Didn’t understand much of the young showman’s dialect (subtitles would have helped) – but impressed to see him pull out one, then two juvenile gators for our small crowd.

[First reptile nipped him.  Wrapped electrical tape on his wound, then tossed the small gator back. Blood ran down his hand, which he promptly rinsed in the sludgy pond, before grabbing a 2nd gator by the neck.  Yep, redneck entertainment – LOL>]

Having missed out on seeing gators before both Louisiana & Florida marathons, today satisfied my curiosity.

Hotel check-in & a pasta dinner rounded out evening activities.  [Met 2 marathoners from Wisconsin while in Jackson MS’ airport last month & kinda invited myself along to dinner tonite.  Thanks again Toni!]

Early to bed, early to rise – 26.2 South Carolina miles loom ahead in the a.m.  FAAANNNTASTIC!