Tag Archives: live oaks

Uncategorized

Beautiful Beaufort.

6 Comments

.

The Angus drawn carriage tour of Beaufort continued…

.

.

Past Spanish moss and charming antebellum homes.

.

.

You might recognize this tree if you’re a movie buff.

.

.

It’s the live oak Robert Duvall sat under during The Great Santini. They filmed it in Beaufort as the author Pat Conroy is a native son.

.

.

Beautiful homes, beautiful gardens…

.

.

And some of the most amazing Angel Oaks I’ve ever seen.

.

.

The Angel is the variety of live oak that droops it’s branches to the ground….

.

.

And in Beaufort?

.

.

The town is so enamored of their spreading glory it’s illegal to cut one down or even trim.

.

.

Thank you Beaufort.

.

.

I wholeheartedly agree.

.

.

Our guided tour was a little over an hour of immersive history and I loved every cold, wrapped in a blanket, minute of it.

.

.

There’s a strict building code near The Point that says new construction must blend with the old. I’m not sure lime green was a popular Civil War era color, but they’re charming all the same.

.

.

I wish we’d had time to explore this museum.

.

.

But when we disembarked the carriage a certain someone had to strike up a conversation with the guide.

.

.

Hint- it wasn’t me.

.

.

Though I did enjoy a little quality time with Angus.

.

.

He was a wonderful chauffeur.

.

.

And deserved his treat.

.

Uncategorized

Botany Bay birds… and yes, a few trees.

18 Comments

.

Living in Maine, we see our share of shorebirds. But one we don’t have up here in the north is the pelican.

.

.

I don’t know why they fascinate us, but they do.

.

.

So bear with me while I share our pelican watching at Botany Bay.

.

.

The low country provides ideal habitat and fishing opportunities for these guys and they take full advantage of the bounty.

.

.

Herons as well.

.

.

Though they often show a flagrant disregard for the rules.

.

.

I could honestly have stayed and watched them fish all day.

.

.

But we had reservations for a tour in Beaufort and had to get back on the road.

.

.

Not having nearly enough time to finish exploring, we vowed to return.

.

.

And be careful of snakes.

.

.

Saying goodbye to the glorious oaks…

.

.

We made our way out.

.

.

Down that marvelous canopied road.

.

Uncategorized

Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve… are you ready for some trees?

20 Comments

.

We woke up on day 3 of vacation with a lovely pink beach sunrise.

.

.

I have to say it’s not a bad way to start the day.

.

.

Our first adventure found us at Botany Bay Heritage Preserve. A 4,000 acre property, open everyday and free to the public. Originally two cotton and timber plantations, it’s now a haven for wildlife and a wonderful place to explore by car, on foot or horseback.

Upon entry, it’s all about the trees.

.

.

A mile long dirt road of nothing but glorious live oaks dripping with Spanish moss.

.

.

In spots they form a stunning canopy…

.

.

And it feels like you’re stepping back in time.

.

.

When I think of the south?

This is the image I see.

.

.

They truly are magnificent things.

.

.

Driving the loop trail through ruins and fields, we eventually found the water.

.

.

Where oaks gave way to palms.

.

.

And pelicans…

.

Uncategorized

In which I take an old Marine back to boot camp…. part one.

35 Comments

.

Day two of our anniversary trip started with a glorious sunrise.

.

.

And the required selfie with palm tree background.

.

.

We headed out early and pointed the beast south.

.

.

Through low country marsh…

.

.

And those wonderful live oaks. (You’re going to see a lot of them in the days to come because they were everywhere and I love them.)

.

.

More marsh.

.

.

More moss draped trees. (I did warn you)

An hour and a half later, we reached our destination.

.

.

Parris Island, South Carolina. The base that serves as east coast boot camp for the Marine Corps. The last time my Marine had been here was in 1966.

Almost 58 years had passed and he was interested to see how much he remembered.

.

.

Those palm trees lining the entrance road?

Nope.

.

.

The rifle range?

.

.

Yes. Though the brick jersey barriers were new.

.

.

I could tell this was an emotional trip down memory lane for him. The last time he walked these grounds he was fresh out of high school and training to go to war.

.

.

We drove slowly, touring and taking in the sights. Base housing has definitely improved over the years.

.

.

And as we rounded a large bend?

.

.

A beautiful golf course…

.

.

Complete with live oaks…

.

.

Ponds…

.

.

And shore birds.

.

.

Egrets and herons were everywhere.

.

.

As were the moss covered trees.

I asked if the golf course had been there in his day and he honestly didn’t know. During the Vietnam era, boot camp was condensed from 3 months into 2 and every single minute was spent training, drilling or sleeping. No days off. One hour a week to write a letter home and mandatory church service Sunday morning. There was no time for golf.

My husband really wanted to see his old barracks, but they were made of wood and torn down long ago. Modern brick was in their place.

.

.

Just when the husband was feeling disheartened that everything had changed… we saw this.

.

.

New recruits.

Looking lost and scared to death.

.

.

Scurrying to and fro beneath the famous sign.

Turn up your volume for the full effect.

.

.

Now that was familiar.

To be continued…

.