. . . as a Christmas gift -- the City of Savannah." These were the words written by Sherman to President Abraham Lincoln after his successful march to the sea. I never knew how much I would admire Savannah, Georgia, until I spent a day walking her streets. But, backing up a bit, here is the story of our day. Having camped overnight at Fort McAllister State Park, (Charleston, SC) we toured the Fort before the day heated up. The park showcases the best-preserved earthwork fortifications of the Confederacy. The earthworks were attacked seven times by Union ironclads but did not fall until 1864 when Sherman ended his “march to the sea.” The park and fort is nestled among giant live oaks hanging with Spanish moss in a salt marsh setting. The tour was self-guided with sufficient literature and signs to describe the activity during the war between the states. Leaving Fort McCallister and Charlotte we headed for Savannah. At a road-side rest we pulled in beside this silver beauty; look in the reflection and you will see . . . . us! By mid-morning we routed our way through Savannah to the historical river walk area. There were lots of shops and restaurants, and a real antebellum feel with balconies overhanging the cobblestone street. Walking towards the old town area there were tree-lined streets with hanging moss creating picturesque boulevards. Plotted out in geometric perfection were dozens of small "squares" offering moss- draped, shaded benches to sit and enjoy some leisure time. Homes were on a grand scale with many famous ones open for tour. _ It is considered the finest example of Gothic Revival architecture. This Savannah treasure features a beautiful cast iron portico at the entrance and a covered porch on three sides of the house surrounded by ornate ironwork. We’ll have to go back sometime to see the inside. Hours of waking left us primed for an air-conditioned rest stop -- the Savannah Public library where there was a chance to catch up with some blogging, and to take a rest from the walking. The afternoon agenda put us back in the van following that river-walk road all the way out of town to Old Fort Jackson. The fort itself was an absolute beauty as far as forts go -- but the $12 self-guided tour was a bust! We were the only ones there, and there was nobody to provide information or to direct questions to. On that end of town we continued the drive out to Tybee Island to see for ourselves why the island environment keeps popping up as a rally location. OK -- I get it, and will add a rally on Tybee Island to my bucket list! Heading back to our campground we went slightly or of the way to stop at Nancy's seafood market. Everything you could think of, but we settled for a pound of shrimp. Grilled Creole sausage, onions and peppers, hash browns on the cast-iron griddle, and a side-order of that unbelievable shrimp. Oh, and fresh, sliced Georgia peaches! In the famous words of Big Sam living in Savannah's shanty town: "hoss--make tracks." (you may need to think deep for that one--let meknow if you got it!) the next few days are just about making miles. Our destination is the Houston Hobby Airport to pick up Caleb who is flying down to continue the vacation with us. 1,000 miles and 6 states (Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas) in two days. At that point we’ll settle in with Grandma Brown for 3 days and then follow the Natchez Trace towards the Great Smokey Mountains.
1 Comment
Terry
6/23/2012 02:02:03 am
Love following your magnificent trip! I am delighted that you are having the time of your life in your airstream. Your reflection shot of the polished airstream with yours included reminds me of the photo I sent Dutchmen CEO one time with our TADA sitting alongside of our polished 18ft 1971 caravel .. The image of the TADA was so clear! a little cubed up but awesome! He replied back and said he sent a copy of this to his airstream CEO friend and told him "there will always be a TADA (Dutchmen) in your shadow!" :) safe and happy travels to you 3 this summer!!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
October 2021
We don’t go camping any more . . . we go ‘streamin’ ! The “SIlvermine and His” is our 2018 25' Airstream Serenity with Salsa interior and front twin beds., and ‘streamin’ is the name we use to describe our adventures. Stream along as we document everything from weekend trips to longer summer excursions and full-blown vacations. You know what they say: if you’re not in an Airstream – you’re just camping!
Tom & Ella Brown |