Little Bridge in the Woods

Palmetto Trail in the Francis Marion National Park.

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

Yesterday was the first time across the Ravenel Bridge in over a year.  It remains my favorite even after traveling cross country two times!

Cruisin' the ICW

One of the best parts of staying at Buck Hall Recreation Center is watching the boats go by.

Francis Marion National Forest

We walked in the woods yesterday on the Palmetto Trail beginning at the Trailhead here at Buck Hall Rec. Area.  Mud and muck prevented us from going very far which make me wish the government had some of my tax dollars available to build some raised boardwalks.  There are a few in the area we walked and also some waffle board but we need more.  There was no way could we get through any further.

Ferns

 After a years absence I am once again in the Lowcountry.  We are visiting in our camper and right now we are staying in Francis Marion National Forest at Buck Hall Recreation Area.  So, a few more views!

Angel Oak II

This is another view of the Angel Oak Tree.  This gives a better perspective of the size.

Angel Oak

The Angel Oak Tree is located in Angel Oak Park, on Johns Island near Charleston, SC.  The Angel  Oak Tree is estimated to be in excess of 1500 years old, stands 66.5 ft  (20 m) tall, measures 28 ft (8.5 m) in circumference, and produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet (1,600 m2). From tip to tip  Its longest branch distance is 187 ft. 

The Angel Oak Tree is thought to  be one of the oldest living things in the country.

Seeing Double

We went to Sewee Shell Ring today.  The shell ring is in the Francis Marion National Park and is the site of ancient rituals of people over 4,000 years ago.  I had been there last February also and had fun comparing pictures to that visit.  Amazing I took quite a few pictures exactly the same.  I think both seasons are equally beautiful.

Today

Last February

 Today

Last February

Daniel Island

Yesterday I put on a small retirement party for my company at the Daniel Island Grill - on Daniel Island.  We had it outdoors which was covered and had plastic to drop if rain came - and it did.  It cooled things off and made it even a nicer evening.

Tommy Condon's

Tommy Condon's is our favorite pub in Charleston and we frequent it often.  I have never had a bad meal there and the atmosphere is just right.  It is just a couple of blocks from the market so when you are in Charleston you must give it a try!  Click HERE for the link to their website.

The Coburg Cow

The Coburg Cow is an institution in Charleston and has quite a history - standing on this corner since 1959!  I was driving by yesterday, mid-day in 96 degree heat when I realized I was alone and had my camera!  Usually when I pass him, my husband is driving and I don't have my camera.  So I made the quick decision to pull over and get a picture.  Not a good picture - traffic was heavy at mid day.

Since 1959 Mr. Cow has been climbed on, shot at, had his tail cut off and ink splattered on him.  He has been moved to other locations and even evacuated for Hurricane Hugo. But he survives today and is loved by all.  He even has his own Facebook page.

Customs House - What is the Real Front?

If you walk around to the other side of the Customs House, this is what you see.  It appears to me to look just like the first side.  And I don't know which is the front.  Today the other side fronts on the main street and seems to me it should be the front.  This side fronts on the water so maybe it was the original front.

Custom House

Fountain

What do you do about being too hot during the summer?  These people go downtown and play in the fountain.  I remember that when I was a child, fountains were to LOOK at, not play in.  Now they build them to be enjoyed in all ways.  The best part though is the sign announcing that there is no Lifeguard on duty.  That is what the hungry lawyers have done to our country.  We must put a disclaimer at a fountain??  Ridiculous!  Of course, to see a lifeguard stationed there would look even sillier.  I wish I could photoshop one in - wouldn't that be great?!

Sweetgrass Baskets

Sometimes you have to be sneaky to get pictures of the Sweetgrass Baskets.  I have been yelled at more than once.  This guy wasn't watching so I quickly snapped it.  These baskets are hand made by the locals who have passed the art down from one generation to the next.  They are exquisite and very expensive.