Travels with CC and Dixie: Spring in The South

Our last two weeks in Georgia’s Eastbank Park was very relaxing as we observed the subtle changes of foliage and birds and insects each day. Other than one major lightening and rainstorm on our first night, the weather was mild and we spent the majority of our days outside.

Every day the tight green buds on the trees were more swollen and eventually began a week-long unfurling. Delicate pink and soft yellow blossoms painted the grass where they fell and were replaced by leaves that smelled like a fresh tossed salad. A few trees appeared to have red blossoms but up close revealed their clusters of new scarlet maple keys. The lawns were woven with white daisies the size of a green pea and purple mats of blossoms invaded the woods and even crawled across gravel. Softly scented violets popped up through the pine needles. We saw four different butterfly species about.

The birds were frisky in their courtship displays and a few began their meticulous nest constructions. Some migrating flocks made a quick stopover at the park. The most notable were the gorgeous Cedar Wax Wings. And suddenly the Bluebirds were back and thrilled me with their presence. Like clockwork, the Ospreys and Eagles performed a few flyovers shortly before sunset. We witnessed a high drama one day where two Eagles were chased by an Osprey. The Eagle carried a large fish which no doubt he had stolen from the Osprey and a standoff and loud squawking session ensued until the Osprey finally gave in to defeat. A couple of Navy helicopters including a huge Chinook thudded overhead each day.

We spent most afternoons at the picnic bench reading or in my case, drawing and watching the ducks, geese and fisher folk casting for Bass. The biking and hiking were good and a couple of paved roads led to the Woodruff Dam where we watched the locals, the Cormorants and the Ospreys fish.

Nothing is greener than freshly popped spring leaves!

We took a day long drive northeast to South Carolina on March 18 and settled in at Oak Plantation RV Park near Charleston. Signs of Spring are everywhere and tree blossoms and gardens blooms are showy white, red and pinks. The town has a rich history as a port. Wealth was built on Plantations growing rice and Indigo and later cotton and sugarcane. Sadly, Charleston was the largest seaport bringing in thousands of slaves from Africa and trading, selling and exporting them throughout America. Today Charleston has a huge tourist industry with many restaurants, historic homes and churches, museums, forts, parks, cobblestone walks, boat tours and civil war history to experience. I guess we were there at a busy time of year as lineups and crowds, traffic and overpriced venues put a damper on our enjoyment.

cottonball wreath

There are a few beaches close to town. We visited Folly Beach, on the Atlantic, where dogs are actually permitted It was rough and tumble compared with The Gulf beaches, very rustic and romantic. Bare of tourists, it was a peaceful place to stroll.

We took a ninety minute boat tour of Charleston Harbour. Beyond passing Fort Sumter, famous for its part at the beginning of the Civil War, WWII USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier and the beautiful Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, there was not much to see. It was great being out on the water and we enjoyed watching the dolphins surf at the bow of the ferry.