The coast of Georgia is a series of "islands". Next to Tybee was Skidaway Island, home to a lovely state park with lots of walking trails--and a wonderful gift shop where I could finalize my holiday gifts.
So the day after exploring urban Savanah, we explored the local nature world, walking about three miles on park trails that led us through swampgrass, palmettos, pine trees, across Confederate earthworks and among cheerful bird songs. We enjoyed new textures and colors--the black-tipped grass, the unusual bark of the palmettos, deep shades of green in the woods, and the gray Spanish Moss clinging to it all. The weather has been perfect, mild and breezy with little humidity, adding to the special feeling we've enjoyed this part of the trip, all made even nicer by Ruthie letting me pick trails WITHOUT alligator ponds...
The next day we headed to Charleston, SC, thinking we'd take in some more history on our way to Congaree National Park the day after. Our KOA, a Holiday set up on a quiet lake, was on the far side of Charleston in the town of Mount Pleasant. I was surprised at all the Sunday traffic and we chose to just stay in Mount Pleasant rather than fight it to go back to Charleston. We did explore the Mount Pleasant Memorial Park, a waterfront park and fishing pier, and had a great Mexican carryout supper. We also stopped at one of the many roadside stands selling Gullah Sweetgrass baskets. The baskets are full of history and tradition and very beautiful, and also very expensive, so none will come home this trip. We also declined walking the local nature trail in the campground after reading the alligator warning signs. Is there a theme here? I am enjoying both the history and scenery we've had the chance to explore but I think I may be ready to head north again.
 |
| Sweetgrass basket image from fineartamerica.com |
 |
| Mount Pleasant KOA |
 |
| Mount Pleasant Memorial Park |
No comments:
Post a Comment