Island Hopping

6 Nov 2012 – from Tybee/GA to Charleston/SC

Fri: a successful pre-school Fall Party for Sophie’s class.

Linn & I headed to Tybee Island/GA, app 177mi/285km 3hrs drive SE of CAE. A beautiful and peaceful sunset was the perfect setting added to a goodnight sleep before a marathon.

Sat: caught the 0600hrs shuttle on the island heading down town Savannah. Cheering Linn on her run in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon with a beautiful sunrise. 3+hrs to explore Savannah in blue sky again was such fun. Random pix while strolling this charming city of parks with fountains!

Linn PR 3.42:33, overall placing 333 among over 2,000 female runners and that is impressive for this mother of 5. The traffic was bad heading back to the island on the shuttle. Celebrated at Crab Shack***with the family who arrived after lunch. An amazing parrot which unwrap lollipop before eating is quite a show at this rustic joint, just as well this bird has no teeth, no dentist bills 🙂

Sun: gained an hour with fall back time. Started out bright and early on our separate ways. Linn & family headed to somewhere near Arcade/GA where Jeff’s sister and family has just moved to.

First stop for this historic island drive was Fort Pulaski, Cockspur Island/GA where the 1862 battle was fought during the American Civil War.

http://www.kidscruz.com/HIST_PU.HTM

Beaufort, Port Royal Island: 34°43′N 76°39′W, established in 1709 was ranked as ‘America’s Coolest Small Town’ by readers of Budget Travel Magazine. Had a delicious lunch at the Market Cafe****

http://historicbeaufort.com/

Angel Oak, Johns Island is probably the oldest and largest Live oak estimated to be app 1,500yrs, stands 65ft/20m tall, measures 28ft/8.5m in circumference, and shades with its crown an area of 17,000sq ft/1,600sq m. It is one of the most magnificent trees seen!

http://www.charlestoncity.info/dept/content.aspx?nid=1740

Arrived Charleston, Mt Pleasant 1700hrs, stayed and dined on yummy home-made dinner at the Wilsons/John & Lynne, McLean & Lauren+, Liz & Brian. Met John on the 2005 AT thru’ hike where he saved me from a snake and made me dinner when I could hardly move! MoFo (John’s AT trail-name) has been my hero ever since 🙂 🙂

Mon: breakfast at Pages Okra Grill***in Mt Pleasant and the first time to taste pickled okra (known as Lady fingers outside of the USA). With an eatery name like this, had to try their deep-fried okra with eggs and bacon! Have always like this veg done in all ways and this was no exception.

Lunched, Fleet Landing****on delicious creamy She Crab Soup made with crab, roe and sherry. Crab cake top with the best onion rings tasted and creme brulee with real vanilla seeds for dessert. Such a feast and in good company that one can ignore the huge cruise ship which was an eye-sore in the beautiful surroundings.

Believe it or not, but the oldest liquor store in the US is established here, The Tavern/1684. Also known as the Holy City, Charleston has long been noted for its numerous churches and denominations. Exciting contrast which explains my fascination for this place!

Mon: the best way to see Charleston is having a personal insiders guide who also loves his hometown. The Southern and Lowcountry hospitality certainly lives up to their reputation. Appreciations to John & his family for a most enjoyable and memorable stay in Charleston. Congratulations for a grand-daughter due in Mar 2013.

Edited 6Jun 2016 with names of places tkx to John – was trying to look for more pix by request from friend who is interested in this drive. Unfortunately unable to find more pix except for these in the blog.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (Tiffany windows), St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, First Scot’s Presbyterian Church (wasn’t open for us), along with a stroll from Corner of Broad and Meeting Streets toward the battery to Whitepoint Garden then over to Church Street and back toward Broad Street, then one will see a sampling of the historic district.

Was so touched to receive this beautiful Tiger Oak box hand-made by John who certainly has more hidden talents than the eyes can see! Here he is featured in a magazine Treasure Chests, The Legacy of Extraordinary Boxes

And of course a plantation visit to complete this tour is a must. Boone Hall was recommended and was happy to drive thru’ this most impressive natural corridor of southern live oaks planted n 1743. The Black History and Slave Trade never fails to disturb the thoughts but one must learn to prevent distasteful history from repeating!

The drive back to CAE was uneventful and the traffic was bad for the last 10mi. Also with fall back time, it was dark on the road. Glad to be back safe and sound and in one piece. Are there any solutions when it is rush hour and people want to live near cities???

Tue: this island hopping trip has been educational and an eye-opener one in the Lowcountry, especially more so after seeing the devastation Sandy just left behind in the NE coastal states. It was in 1989 when Hugo left his footprints in SC. Next weekend heading to Blacksburg/VA and to Sugar Mt/NC. Today is voting day and anyone who knows me also know that politics and religion are not the paths I venture into in this life journey!