GOM 18 : The Olive Garden

Great day planned – it begins for me with a hide report with a difference. This morning I'm a “roving reporter” and am off round the corner to Palmetto Islands County Park. When I say round the corner it is – head out down the drive, turn right and you've arrived.

This park is huge and caters for everyone - you can hire a bike or a pedal-boat or a kayak - you can even fish if the mood takes.

For me it's the nature trails and because I like the quiet life, mid week and out early is just the ticket for a gentle jog, although I have to leave the binoculars behind - jogging can be quite painful otherwise!

The birds are beautiful – bluebirds and the cardinals – vivid, strong colours the like of which you only see in zoos or books. I've never seen a hummingbird in the Park but, come to think of it, I've not seen the colourful feeders to encourage them either. Yet another piece of useless information – did you know that the Carolina wren is the state bird of South Carolina? Neither did I – you learn something every day.

It's really stunning to see the creek at high tide from a completely different vantage point.

Note to self – don't lean on a tree – you never know what might be above you or around the corner!

Back home for a quick change - lunch out at The Olive Garden, a great Italian restaurant in North Charleston near Northwoods Mall – very convenient for a spot of retail therapy afterwards – is there anything better. Eager anticipation, for a I know that I shall be indulging in my absolute favourite, Pasta in Alfredo sauce. What The Olive Garden does do however, better than anywhere are what they call garlic bread sticks – do not be deceived – these are not the garden variety (sorry about the pun, couldn't resist) bread sticks that are the table decoration. These do not snap, they are eight inch warm bread rolls (similar size and shape to a hot dog roll, or a scaled down sub) deliciously soft, glazed with butter and garlic salt, truly a giant amongst breads and the best I've ever had.

I discover that they are now serving a signature bread stick sandwich – chicken parmigiana or meatball with marinara and alfredo sauces – wow – you'd need a run afterwards!

When we get to bread making, we'll include the “bread stick” - I just happened to acquire the recipe.

Off now for that retail therapy and to walk off my lunch, another great day.