North Carolina 2014

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August 1, 2014

Bodie Lighthouse

Our last day in N. Carolina and it's raining.  Supposed to get heavy showers & thunder so we decided to head north and see Nags Head and Kill Devils Hill.

Marker where Wright Brothers flew their plane

We arrive at Bodie Lighthouse, located in Nags Head around 10.   We want to climb the lighthouse but the first opening is 11:20, so we decided to wait until this afternoon.   We did take their nature walk out into the marsh, saw a crab and an egret.

Next stop is Wright Brothers Museum in Kill Devils Hill.   Here you learn about their attempts and success to fly their plane, which happened on 12/17/1903.   It's amazing that they did not kill one of them!  Their 1st attempt they went 120' in 12 seconds, 2nd 175' in 12 seconds, third 200' in 15 seconds and fourth 852' in 59 seconds, breaking the record.  To break the record, they had to fly 300'.

Wright Brother Memorial

The museum has a replica of the glider and the plane, original is in DC. The ranger gives a 25 min. speech and tells you all about the plane, very well done!

It's pouring now but we decide to walk to the memorial, which is 4-5 blocks away from the museum.  What a mistake!   Came back looking like two drown rats, even thought I had on a rain jacket!

Wright Brothers

Headed home but first we stopped at Duck Donuts in Nags Head.  Penny and the Girls had told us about them.   They melt in your mouth, they are so good.   However when we opened our box, they had given us the wrong order, they are still good, just not the toppings we had wanted.   However won't stop us from eating them!!!!

You guessed it, we did not climb the lighthouse.  Wiper blades going 90 mph so no use in climbing when you can't see anything.  Arrived home around 3, will get ready to head to Williamsburg, VA tomorrow.

July 31, 2014

Its only this tall!

Cape Hatteras

What a jam backed day this was!  Started out by climbing the Hatteras Lighthouse, 247 steps up and down but what a view once you get to the top.  The lighthouse is magnificent in it's black and white design.  This is the best one we've seen yet!

Next we headed to were the lighthouse used to be, they moved it 2,900' in 1999 because it was falling into the ocean, it took 23 days and cost $11.8 million to move it.  You can see the old pilings that held it, which are totally in the ocean today.

Baby Turtle...this one died

Digging for turtle eggs

  Here we also saw the ecologists digging up a logger head turtles nest.  The main hatching occurred 3 days earlier, so they were inspecting the nest to determine how many eggs were laid and how many hatched.   While we watched, they found 1 alive so if it makes it until dark, they'll place it in the ocean, it looked exhausted so it's chances are slim.   Mom laid 150 eggs of which 50 hatched, probably because of Hurricane Arthur and a tropical storm which caused damage to the nest, if they temp drops below a certainly level, not many survive.  It was surprising to see how little the baby turtle was, no wonder few survive.  Ghost crabs and birds are their worse enemies.

Hatteras Pier

Avon Pier

Afterwards we returned to the lighthouse to see the museum and the British Graveyard, which is near the campground.   Both are filled with history.   The graveyard is from the WWI and has two graves from individuals that died from Britain.

Next we head to Hatteras to see the sites.  First we saw the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, this museum shows the history of the Atlantic, in particular the ships that have sunk.   Many were from the civil war, hurricanes, etc.

Sunset from the ocean looking west

Bay near Avon, NC

Then we went and saw the Hatteras Island Ocean Center.   This has various movies that you can watch about various subjects: turtles, fishing, Atlantic ocean, etc.  We watched 2 on the turtles and looked thru the remainder of the exhibits.   This is brand new facility that just getting up and running.  Very nicely done and very informative.

The ocean is calling my name, so we head to Hatteras Pier, this pier is in dire straights and needs to be torn down.  In fact, you are not allowed to walk on it and it's highly recommended not to be near it but everyone was.  Yes, we walked under neath it to the other side.

Avon Pier

 

Atlantic at sunset

It's 4 PM so we head to home for dinner.  After dinner, I wanted to walk the beach to look for more shells (no I don't have enough) and watch the sunset.   We drove to Avon Pier and paid $1 each to walk out on the pier.  It has suffered damage from Hurricanes and is no long straight or level.  In fact it lists in many spots to the left.  After being on the pier, we went to walk the beach, where I got some amazing pics and found a few shells!  Long day but so much fun!


July 30, 2014

Beach at Cedar Island

Pelicans near Ocracoke

What a long day this was!  We started out by leaving the park at 7 AM and driving 1 1/2 hrs to Cedar Island, NC to catch a ferry to Ocracoke, NC.   We were the first ones to arrive, so we got in line for the 10 AM ferry.  We were hoping to go out to breakfast but there is NOTHING in Cedar Island, or at least at the ferry station.   So we had cold cereal, afterwards I took a long walk on the beach.  Did not find many sea shells.

At 9:45, they started boarding, believe me it was a VERY tight fit or at least it seemed to me.  They had us within 6" of the side of the ferry, glad Bobby was driving.  The ride is 23 miles and takes 2 1/4 hrs, they also told us that this is the largest inlet in the world.   While traveling, you see a shrimp boats, but not much else.  So, Bobby took a nap and I rested.   Didn't sleep well last night, nervous about getting to ferry on time I guess.

More Pelicans

On ferry to Hatteras

We finally arrived at Ocracoke and we disembarked with no problems.  We then headed to the eastern end of the island to catch the next ferry to Hatteras Island.   These ferries only hold 30 cars, so we did not take time to look around.  There were 47 cars on the ferry and most of us are heading to Hatteras Island.   Upon entering the bay, you can see Ocracoke light house, small in comparison to Cape Lookout but still beautiful.


Drive to the end of the island is about 20 miles, we arrived about 25 min. before the ferry, so I went to the beach to look for shells.  I know, you are shocked!   Ferry arrived so I went back to the coach, the locals have priority, especially the commercial trucks, so we did not get on this ferry.   They told us it would be 30 min or so for the next one, so I went back to the beach.

Hatteras Island

Stuck on a sand bar

The next ferry arrived but this one is a small one and can't hold us, so we had to wait about 10 min for the next one to arrive.  Yes, we made it on with no problems.   This trip takes 55 min BUT we got stuck in the channel and that took us a little while for the Captain to get us off the sand bar.   This is a constant problem with this channel.

Once we got to Hatteras, we had no problems in getting to the RV park, about 18 miles away in Avon. NC.  We arrived at Sands of Time RV park around 4:30, got settled in and will spend the remainder of the evening just resting, we are pooped! 

July 29, 2014

Cape Lookout

Look out Cape Lookout, here we come!  Left around 8:30 and headed towards Beaufort, NC, this is where we hope to catch the ferry to the Shackelford Islands, so I can see the lighthouse and get shells.   Upon our arrival, the National Park individual told us we’d be better off going to Harkers Island and taking the ferry to the lighthouse.   Apparently we can find shells on Coral Island and be up and close to the lighthouse.

Searching for shells

So back in the truck and off to Harkers Island, it’s about another 30 min. drive but beautiful.   Upon arrival, we see the ferry in the moorage so quickly go get our $15 tickets for the 10:15 departure.  After boarding the ferry, we left the dock; the ride takes about 25 min. to get there.  The Captain tells you about the islands that we pass, the most notably being Shackerford.   This island is infamous for its shelling and has the wild horses.  Next time we’ll go there too (it’s a separate fee), but today I want to see the lighthouse.

Gulf side of the isalnd

We finally arrive and the lighthouse is stunning in her black & white colors.  We decide to go see it up close along with the guard keeper’s quarters.   While in the guard keepers building, we watched a movie about the island, sad that it’s slowly disappearing.  

Atlantic Ocean

Then we walked the board walk to the Atlantic side of the island.   Here we searched and searched (think we walked for 4 miles) for the whelk shells, but to my disappointment did not find any.   However, did find other shells and brought back a number of them.

Wild horses on Shackleford Island

Next we headed back to the lighthouse so we could swim on the bay side, it’s about 10 degrees warmer, Atlantic was cool.   We found a spot to put down our backpack (you have to take anything and everything you need for the day…they don’t have ANY facilities on this island), etc. and headed to the water.   It was cool at first but perfect once we got in.   We waded around for about an hour or so, before we caught the 2:45 ferry back.  

While riding back on the ferry, we got to see the wild horses on Shakerford Island, our captain got as close as he could so we could take pictures.   There were probably 20 but over 100 live on the island. Once we arrived at the dock, we headed for home as it’s an hour’s drive.   It’s been a great day long day, but so worth it!



July 28, 2014

Pearl of Bobby's life!

Beach at Newport, NC

Left Fayettville around 8 and headed to Newport, NC, arriving at Goose Creek RV park, part of the Encore system (Thousand Trails).   Got settled in around noon, had lunch and then decided to go see the Atlantic Ocean.  Our park is right on the NC inter coastal waterway, so it’s just a few miles to get to the beach.


We made a couple of stops to see the ocean and then continued onto Fort Macom.   This fort is currently operated by the state and is free to see.   It a very well preserved fort that sits on the inlet into Morgan City, NC.   They've done a wonderful job at restoring it, since it was in disrepair for so many years, just like all the other forts we’ve visited.   Good thing the Americans want to preserve our history!

Fort Macom

First we watched a movie on the fort and then took a self-guided tour.  From the top of the fort, you have a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean.   In fact, I drove to a near by beach to collect some shells.  Hoping to find one of those big ones, but just found little ones today.  

Thunderstorms are coming, so we decided to head home.   The warning says quarter size hail so we want to get home asap. 

This is all that's left of the original flag at Ft Macom

We have the thunderstorms as I type this but nothing more than what we’ve seen since starting our trip…thank goodness.   Since it's miserable out, I'm making Zucchini muffins!

Tomorrow, hope to see the wild horses and Cape Lookout.  Weather will determine that!


July 27, 2014

Lazy day, it’s raining and windy so we’ll stay in.   Later in the afternoon, the skies cleared and we went swimming for about 3 hrs.  Very relaxing day!
 

July 26, 2014

Fayetteville decorations

Iron Mike

Started out the day by going to the cemetery downtown, they have a great walking path along the creek.   Once we took our walk, we headed to the farmers market, bought some squash, tomatoes and a cantaloupe.   Then we went to the Transportation museum, which is on the same premises.  While driving around downtown, you see these flowers, all painted differently.

Airborne & Special Ops Museum

Our next stop was the Airborne & Special Ops museum.  This museum features the 82^nd airborne division and Iron Mike, the statue as you enter the building.  They take you through the different wars showing you how the 82^nd airborne division played a role in each.  They have a C47 Skytrain airplane hanging from the ceiling, it’s huge!   The museum is free and well worth your time.  In fact all the museums we visited today were free!

Display of dog tags

Across the parking lost is the Veterans Park, it displays all the branches of the military.  In the visitors center they have a great display of dog tags that represent the individuals that sacrificed their lives for North Carolina.

Close by is Freedom park, once again it honors those that have sacrificed their lives to keep us safe.  It is beautiful!

Freedom Park

We then headed to Fort Bragg, this is where Bobby spent his time in the service, some 40 years ago.  Sad but nothing of the fort remains from that era.  In fact, we learned that the fort has been redesigned five times since then.   Fort Bragg is the largest military installation the USA has and is also home to the Golden Knights parachute jump team, Special Forces and 82^nd Airborne Division.  Another interesting fact, they are the second largest facility with their number of generals, the pentagon has four more than Fort Bragg does! While driving around you must have a map or you’d get lost.   Believe me, it’s a city!

Fort Bragg

While on the base, we did visit two museums, plus saw the Golden Knights museum which was closed.   The two we visited were the JFK Special Warfare museum & the 82^nd Airborne Division museum.  These are small museums that had basically same info we saw earlier today except at the 82^nd Airborne they have a display of airplanes & equipment for you to view and the JFK had a piece of metal from the World Trade Center.  They’ve got it displayed just as you enter the building, haunting reminder to us of that awful day.

Bobby at Fort Bragg

We got home around 5 and headed to the pool.   It’s hot out…near 95 but not as humid as it has been…thank goodness!

We’ve decided to stay another day here so will relax and play by the pool tomorrow.




July 25, 2014


We arrived in Fayetteville, NC around noon; it was a boring drive up I-26 & I-95.   Most of the hwy is lined with trees so you don’t see much.  

Once we settled into our spot at the Fayetteville Elks, we put on our swimming suits and headed to their junior Olympic size pool.   It’s very nice and deep.  At the diving board end, its 9 ½’, we both had fun jumping off the board, Bobby dove, I jumped!

After swimming, we cleaned up and went over to the club.  Met some of the locals and had a couple of drinks with them.  Afterwards went to dinner at Mi Casita.  It was very good.

Georgia & South Carolina 2014

July 24, 2014

Pinckney Farm House

Ft Sumter Monument

Another exciting day looking at National Parks & monuments.   Our first stop was Charles Pinckney National Historic site, Mr Pinckey was a rice farmer who owned Snee Farm.   Here you learn about his involvement in the American Revolutionary War and his political participation, in fact he was one of the individuals who helped created the Constitution of the USA.  Nothing remains of the original site, as it has all been destroyed by hurricanes and time.   The house in the pic to the left, is actually one that was built on the farm in 1820's after his death.

We then drove to Fort Moultrie, which is about 30 min away.  Along the way, we drove along the bay of Sullivan Island, stopping at Breach Inlet.   Here is where they had the first battle in 1776, today it's a nice beach for fishing but you can't swim here, if you do you could get at $1,040 fine.  Very strong currents and they want to make sure you don't enter the water. 

Unique house on Sullivan Island

Ft Moultrie

Next we took a drove along the bay and saw some very interesting homes.  Some were unique and others magnificent in their beauty.   Along this drive we also saw the Fort Sumter Monument.  Very unusual.

Fort Moultrie is located just down the road from the monument and across the bay from Fort Sumter.   Both of these forts were built to protect the opening to Charleston.  However, Fort Sumter fell into the British hands, where Fort Moultrie never did.   This fort  was the site of the first decisive American victory over the British Navy during the Revolutionary War.  Fort Moultrie was operational from 1776 until after WWII.   Today they showed us what the guns looked liked and how they helped protect the harbor.  It's a self guided tour but very interesting, plus you get to see a 22 minute movie that's very interesting.   We did not visit Fort Sumter, just did not have the time, plus you must take a ferry to reach it.

USS Yorktown

Flag over Ft Moultrie

Next we went to see the USS Yorktown.   It's a memorial located about 4 miles from Fort Moultrie but still on Sullivan Island, we did not take the tour.   We drove to the visitors center and walked out on the fishing pier, from here you get a wonderful view of the harbor and of the Yorktown.   It's a beautiful pier that you can fish from, sit and watch the ships come in or take pictures, like we did.

By now it's almost 3 and it's time to head home, it will take us almost an hour to get there.  Tomorrow we are heading to Fayetteville, NC.  Bobby is going to show me where he was stationed while in the Army.

 

July 23, 2014

Lake Aire RV Park

Left Hardeeville, SC around 9 and headed to Charleston, SC, arriving around 11:30, I drove this entire leg.   This park, Lake Aire RV Park reminds me of camping in Oregon, it has a lake that surrounds it and pine trees everywhere.   It's located about 12 miles west of Charleston.   We'll probably stay 2-3 days.   The park is actually located in Hollywood, SC

 Today is a relaxing day, got here, set up and then went to do the laundry.   We drove about 7 miles as the rv park only has a small unit and we needed milk anyway.

While we were shopping at Walmart, the thunderstorms started.   They were so loud you could here them inside the store.   Thought maybe we had left them in Hardeeville...lol.

Came home and cooked dinner.  Then I went for a walk around the park.  Saw these cool looking geese.   Look like they're part of the turkey family.

July 22, 2014

Sun Dial in one of the squares

Green-Meldrim House

Our feet are tired from walking 6 miles today but it was so worth it!  We had bought a walking tour guide earlier and today we did 21 of the 24 historical squares plus walked along the river walk.   The river walk features the third largest port in the USA, it reminds me of the Willamette in Portland, but much bigger and busier.  There are many restaurants & shops in this area, yes we went thru many of them.  Had some wonderful pralines at the candy store.  Another store was the "Bob is my uncle" store.

Each square gives you a different purspective about the history of the city, the architecture of the buildings/homes, heroes, plus tells you about current happenings since the war that made Savannah surrender to the North.

Forest Gump bench

St Johns Church

While walking around each square, the guide book tells you the highlights, so you can feel like you know what happened during the civil war plus learn the details of the architecture, who lived where, etc.   Some of the highlights of the famous people:  General Sherman stayed at the Green-Meldrim House.  The owner gave him his house so that he would not burn Savannah down, it worked!   He also charged him rent and General Sherman paid it.

Other famous people were James Pierpoint, he was the choir director at Jingle Bells Church, it's called that because he wrote the tune while tenuring here.  Also Juliette Gordon Low lived here, she founded the "Girl Scouts".   You get to see her home and grave site.  The home of Flannery O'Connor is here, she is a famous poet.

Hampton Lillibridge Home

Container ship passing thru Savannah

 You also see various churches, in particular the Cathedral of St Johns, it is beautiful.  We could only see the outside as they were conducting a funeral.  The First Baptist Church is the oldest church in Savannah, the first pastor Mr William Johnson wrote the constitution for the Southern Baptist Convention.  The Independent Presbyterian Church has a steeple standing 227.5' tall.   Very impressive.   The Second African Baptist Church is famous, as General Sherman delivered the Emancipation of Proclamation from here.   Also Dr Martin Luther King, Jr practiced his famous speech "I have a dream" here before delivering it in Washington, DC.

There's also a "Pirates House", here many famous pirates hung out, they'd get patrons drunk and then take them thru underground tunnels to waiting ships, where they became slaves.

WWII memorial on waterfront

Loved this store!

Various books and movies have been written about Savannah, a few are:  Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, this book features two homes, the Mercer Williams House and the Hamilton Turner Mansion.  This house (Hamilton) also inspired Walt Disney's Haunted Mansion ride.   Yes, they say it's haunted along with many other homes in the area.   Another movie is the Forest Gump movie, his famous scene with him sitting on the bench eating a box of chocolates was filmed here.

Many of the homes are said to be haunted, in particular are the Hampton Lillibridge house, most haunted one in Savannah.  It was for sale, think they might have a tough time selling this one.

I'm giving a brief overview but would recommend if you ever get here to take the walking tour.  I'm sure the riding tours give you the same information but you need to have time to look at all the detail in the houses, building, statues, etc.


July 21, 2014

Shelter Cove Marina

Headed to Hilton Head, SC to see the sights.  We made our first stop at Stacks, a breakfast place.   Had a wonderful breakfast and the waiter was funny!

Hibiscus

We then headed to Port Royal golf course, prices were ok just not the weather, felt like it was going to rain anytime.   Summer rates are reasonable in comparison to winter rates.   We could play at 7 AM for around $85 a person

Sea Pines golf course

Next stop was Shelter Cove, beautiful area, the Hibiscus are gorgeous, they had many colors, this pic shows one of my favorites.   Lots of big boats to look at.   We walked around the marine but that did not last long, started raining, means we won't be playing golf today!  

Lighthouse near marina at Sea Pines

Decided to head towards the lighthouse.  While driving, we entered the Sea Pines area, which you must pay $6 per day to get into.  This area has the lighthouse, major golf courses, beaches, etc.  Once we got inside, we saw the Sea Pines golf course (here they play the PGA tournament) so we stopped to look around.  Again prices were reasonable for this time of year and it being a PGA course.   It was raining, so if we play it will mean staying another day in the area, so we haven't decided.

Macaw

We hopped on the local trolley (it's free) and went to the lighthouse.   What a nice area this is!  The marina & lighthouse are here along with many shops and restaurants. We went thru the shops, took pics on the pier, looked at the lighthouse, etc.  While on the pier, I saw a bottle nose dolphin swim by...very cool! Got back on the trolley around 1 and headed back to the truck.

Near entrance to Hilton Head

After returning to the truck, we drove to South Beach, more shops, another marina, they also had 3 macaws in a store, fun to look at.   Looked thru the shops, bought a gift, then headed for home.   We can see the lighting off in the distance so know it will be a mighty wet trip home.  Sure enough it was, it's supposed to last 2-3 hrs.  Getting used to this afternoon ritual.
 

July 20, 2014

Fort Pulaski damage from guns

Guns at Fort Pulaski

 Left around 8:45 and headed to Fort Pulaski, http://www.nps.gov/fopu/index.htm site of the civil war battle between the Union and Confederate Army's in 1862.   The Union general Gillmore decided to use a new cannon, a riffled cannon, which he hoped would penetrate the formidable Fort Pulaski, which had 7.5' walls and a moat all around it.  After 30 hrs of battle, the Confederate army surrendered, as they were afraid that the cannon's from the Union soldiers would penetrate their ammunition holdings.  You can still see the damage that these cannons did, even some of the rounds are still visible.  

Inside Fort Pulaski

Lighthouse at Tybee Island

Next we headed to Tybee Island, this is where the Union army was stationed.   Today it's a large tourist area filled with shops, history of the above battle, a lighthouse and of course the Atlantic Ocean.  We walked up and down the shops, you see the usual tee shirts, etc.   We went out on the fishing pier, there were hundreds of people enjoying the ocean.

We then drove into Savannah, stopping at the Colonial Cemetery.   What an amazing place this is, it's one of the Nations oldest and has lots of history.  One of the most impressive graves was Button Gwennitt, he was the second person to sign the declaration of independence.  A gentlemen who was visiting the grave also, gave us a lot of the local details.   He explained that General McIntosh killed him two days after he signed the declaration in a duel.

One of many graves of Civil War heroes

Button Gwennitt Grave

In this cemetery are many that were killed by the yellow fever plaque, plus many civil war heroes.   Many of the grave headstones have disappeared do to age but many are there but just unreadable.    A person hasn't been buried here in over 170 years.

Afterwards we headed to the visitor center so I could get a map to do our walking tour.  The gentleman told us about the house that General Sherman lived in, when I asked about that, the gentleman got upset.  Obviously they still hold a grudge towards the Union soldiers!   Got our information, we'll come back on Tuesday and walk the historic section.  So much to see and do in this historic city.


 July 19, 2014

Got up and decided to visit the local flea market, nothing exciting so we headed back to the coach, loaded up and left around 8:35.  

We stopped at Costco in Jacksonville, FL for a few supplies and then continued onto Savannah.   We decided to see what the Elks lodge was like since they did not answer their phone.  No wonder, it's a very run down lodge.   Do to this, we continued on to Hardeeville RV park in Hardeeville, SC.   Arrived around 2 as we had to stop for gas and made a couple of wrong turns.   So many trees here, the gps would not hold the signal....absolutely drives me crazy!   I was very irritated with it....and Bobby was irritated with me...lol.

Once we arrived, we decided to just stay in.  Good thing as the afternoon storms came.   Fairly regular item these days!