OK, so where’s the HEAT????? Today we walked on the beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia and then did the trolley tour of their historic district and @#$!%^! it was cold! I don’t think the high today even made it to 50F...it was only in the 40F’s. And tomorrow it’s supposed to stay cold and pour! I know, I know, all you guys back in Canada feel real sorry for us! The only thing that keeps us going is our mantra “at least it’s not snowing, at least it’s not snowing!”
Well it hasn’t been all bad as far as the weather goes...there have been the occasional sunny, though cool days to get out and explore and even one day, (2 days ago), where the high was actually 80F. That’s our warmest day yet on this leg of the trip.
So what the heck have we been up to since my last update?
At the end of November, we spent the American Thanksgiving and almost a week just south of Charleston, SC. Charleston is, by far one of the nicest cities we’ve been in anywhere! Their 300 acre historic district is gorgeous! All of the mansions and OMG the homes are huge and immaculate. There’s A LOT of old money in this town, has to be to keep these places up. We spent 2 days just walking around taking it all in. Well worth the time and we only forked out a little bit of money for some tours. Did the Calhoun mansion which is the OMG house...and for good reason, it’s unbelievable!!! Couldn’t take any pics inside but if you’re curious, check out their website. Hard to believe that some people are that rich and that they actually live there! As our tour guide said, tell your kids to get into International Law (that’s what the current owner does), it’s obviously where the $$$ is!
We also found a “small” house for sale in the historic district for ONLY $6,850,00. We have some pics from the outside but I love the history of this place that we found on the real estate company’s website. Couldn’t link you directly to the house, so in their “View listings by address” search box, select 21 King Street.
On the darker side of history, also toured the Old Slave Mart. It’s a museum in the same building where early on, imported Africans and African-Americans were auctioned off as slaves until 1863. Again, they wouldn’t allow any pictures inside but it’s really disturbing to read, see and hear about how they were treated and how they were valued by the white, wealthy planation owners etc of that time.
Also finally managed to eat Shrimp and Grits! If you’ve never had grits, they’re hard to describe. The closest thing I’ve ever eaten that describes them, especially the texture, is cream of wheat. Dave thought they were gross but when mixed with shrimp and gravy, soooooo good! Cheese grits are even better!
HISTORIC CHARLESTON - You have to see these places to believe them!
Check out the Charleston ALBUM!
After that, headed to Savannah, Georgia to check it out. Ended up staying at a State Park on Skidaway Island which had nice private sites, right on salt water marshes. We were able to find a relatively open site to enjoy the sun when she decided to grace us with her presence...which was rare.
Savannah...well, it’s got a big historic district similar to Charleston but it just didn’t compare. Savannah had some big houses but many were right beside modern office buildings, and they weren’t in nearly as good shape as those in Charleston. They did, however have lots of green space mixed in amongst all the homes. There are about 20 plus unique squares which I’m sure on those supposedly hot, humid summer days in the south, are much appreciated by all the tourists. When we were there though, all I wanted to do was get out of the freaking shade!
Check out the Savannah ALBUM!
Jekyll Island, where we are now is beautiful! At one time it was a club for the rich and famous including Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, and Pulizter to name a few. The tour guide today told us that at one time, when all the residents were together for dinner at the club, 1/6 of the wealth of the entire WORLD was together in one place! You’ll see from the pictures that their “cottages” here are bigger than houses owned by anyone we know!
They’re very bike friendly on this island. Almost 20 miles of paved bike paths, not that it’s really necessary since the island roads aren’t really all that busy at this time of year. And at low tide, the biking on the beach is great, just wish I could do it with out bundling up in gloves, headband etc. But, we did get to bike along the shoreline with dolphins yesterday. They were only about 10 ft off shore so it was worth freezing for!
Check out the Jekyll Island ALBUM
On Sunday, heading for Fort Clinch State Park on Amelia Island, Florida. Only about an hour south of here so not expecting it to be to much warmer...#$$%#! But we’ll be in Cape Canaveral for Christmas and New Years so hoping to get in lots of sun worshipping then! God I hope it gets HOT soon!