The Greatest Show on Earth

The weekend we had a week ago a blast. We had what could be described as great February weather. The sun was out and I think it hit 72 both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday we went to the circus downtown. The Ringling Brother's Barnum and Bailey Circus was at the Bi-Lo Center. Jane got the tickets earlier in the week. We weren't certain about taking Isabelle to a show that might be loud and have a certain amount of peril, but in the end we are glad we did. Now, before I get too far in to this I know there are those out there who don't believe the circus is a good thing. They have a reputation for mistreating their animals and a few other issues. I'm not saying this one is any different but they did make a fuss about preservation and a few other things. Either way just put it aside for a minute and let Isabelle enjoy the show. (I have to admit I had a hard time finding too much good publicity about the whole thing; now I'm having second thoughts...) The whole things started with a carnival type sideshow with clowns, a painting elephant, dogs, and ponies. There were areas where the kids could dress up and meet some of the performers. Then everyone went back to their seats for the show. The big opening was pretty spectacular. They brought out pretty much all the performers and had lots of music and lights. I thought the elephants would never stop. There were 11 in all! The acts were pretty impressive and the clowns did a wonderful job between the main shows. At one point they even ran down the aisle we were in and gave my head a polish. Isabelle loved it! I think the most remarkable acts were the elephants dancing in unison, the Asian acrobats on the swinging bars (not exactly trapezes but close), and the two fellows who did the big counterbalanced swinging thing (sorry I can't describe it any better). The only thing missing was the sphere of death with the two motorcycles flying around.

Isabelle liked the dogs and the horses. Jane really enjoyed the zebras. The tigers were pretty neat too. The only thing Isabelle really didn't like was the cannon. It made too much noise and frightened her. One thing that was really impressive was watching the goings on behind the scenes. The set-up crew did a great job of getting things in place and pulling on ropes for the silk cloth dances (very Cirque du Soleil) and generally moving the set around. It wasn't a true three ring circus but there was always something going on somewhere.

I guess it certainly was worth the money (as long as you can keep from buying the $7 drinks, the$9 cotton candy, and the $20 program.) In the end we did get Isabelle a coloring book that she proudly took to school for show and tell.

Sunday was another pretty good day. Isabelle was overtired and did have a few meltdowns but I still managed to get away to the lake for a paddle. Down here it is hard to find a place to paddle because everything is privately owned. The lake I went to was Lake Robinson. It is operated by the Town of Greer as a watershed and as such you need a permit to be on it. I paid my $3 and had a nice paddle amongst the powerboats, rowboats, and other kayakers. The lake itself is about 3 miles long and located about 25 minutes north of where we live. It might be worth getting a yearlong pass for the lake. That would be $30 but also gives me access to another less busy lake just downstream of this one.

This week we have company so there will be lots more adventures to go on about.