Embedded Files
2/23/2019 Caw Caw Interpretive Center. Honestly, I have no idea what an “Interpretative Center” is. I didn’t ask while we were there and I have not used Google to educate myself on the subject. What I CAN tell you is that this place was really, REALLY great and it costs $2.00 to get in. Absolutely amazing nature preserve (my term) with miles and miles of trails and boardwalks, through an extremely diverse assortment of plant communities like we’ve never seen before. Everybody had a great time here and if you’re in the area, I suggest you check it out.
2/23/2019 Caw Caw Interpretive Center. Honestly, I have no idea what an “Interpretative Center” is. I didn’t ask while we were there and I have not used Google to educate myself on the subject. What I CAN tell you is that this place was really, REALLY great and it costs $2.00 to get in. Absolutely amazing nature preserve (my term) with miles and miles of trails and boardwalks, through an extremely diverse assortment of plant communities like we’ve never seen before. Everybody had a great time here and if you’re in the area, I suggest you check it out.
Here’s my semi-heartfelt apology: I took A LOT of picture like this during the day and it might seem repetitive and I apologize for that. I was just so taken back by how amazing the woods were here. It was a striking combination of dense, heavily wooded areas, but still spring time, so the lack a leaves was allowing the sun to come through. I took A LOT of pictures here.
Here’s my semi-heartfelt apology: I took A LOT of picture like this during the day and it might seem repetitive and I apologize for that. I was just so taken back by how amazing the woods were here. It was a striking combination of dense, heavily wooded areas, but still spring time, so the lack a leaves was allowing the sun to come through. I took A LOT of pictures here.
You get a prize if you spot what Grace is looking at…….
You get a prize if you spot what Grace is looking at…….
…..okay, it’s an Owl.
…..okay, it’s an Owl.
When you really start looking, there were gators everywhere!
When you really start looking, there were gators everywhere!
This is “Brutus”. Based on the other gators we saw here, I am almost thinking that Brutus didn’t grow up here. Maybe he was a rescue from a circus or somebody’s pet that got out of control? I’m not sure, but he seems out of place a little bit and there just doesn’t seem to a food source to support something of Brutus’ size. Maybe I’m wrong, but it’s still fun to seem him in his element.
This is “Brutus”. Based on the other gators we saw here, I am almost thinking that Brutus didn’t grow up here. Maybe he was a rescue from a circus or somebody’s pet that got out of control? I’m not sure, but he seems out of place a little bit and there just doesn’t seem to a food source to support something of Brutus’ size. Maybe I’m wrong, but it’s still fun to seem him in his element.
This little guy was almost the size of a grasshopper…..and I nearly stepped on him because he blended in so well.
This little guy was almost the size of a grasshopper…..and I nearly stepped on him because he blended in so well.
After Caw Caw, we made a journey to what is called “Angel Oak”. Wiki say that this Live Oak tree is 400-500 years old and the trunk measures 28ft in circumference. The more amazing part about it is that they say it produces enough shade to cover 17,200 square feet of area. Make no mistake, it’s pretty amazing to view in person. However, having just come from Caw Caw, it struck me as a little “tourist-y”. It was a mad house trying to get down the road where it is. The parking situation was abysmal. Then you just shuffle into this fenced area, take your pictures, leave and try to fight the traffic on the way back out. On top of all that, it’s virtually impossible to photograph because it’s so darn big! I’m glad I saw it and it was neat, but……anyway, you get the idea. Here’s my attempt at capturing it.
After Caw Caw, we made a journey to what is called “Angel Oak”. Wiki say that this Live Oak tree is 400-500 years old and the trunk measures 28ft in circumference. The more amazing part about it is that they say it produces enough shade to cover 17,200 square feet of area. Make no mistake, it’s pretty amazing to view in person. However, having just come from Caw Caw, it struck me as a little “tourist-y”. It was a mad house trying to get down the road where it is. The parking situation was abysmal. Then you just shuffle into this fenced area, take your pictures, leave and try to fight the traffic on the way back out. On top of all that, it’s virtually impossible to photograph because it’s so darn big! I’m glad I saw it and it was neat, but……anyway, you get the idea. Here’s my attempt at capturing it.
2/25/2019 Fort Sumter. We’ve all been exposed to more Civil War history during this trip than all our school years combined. I’ve enjoyed it MUCH more than I would have ever thought I would. Honestly, it got to the point where I knew we’d be in Charleston and I was excited to see where it all began.
2/25/2019 Fort Sumter. We’ve all been exposed to more Civil War history during this trip than all our school years combined. I’ve enjoyed it MUCH more than I would have ever thought I would. Honestly, it got to the point where I knew we’d be in Charleston and I was excited to see where it all began.
The main visitor center is on the mainland……
The main visitor center is on the mainland……
…..but of course, Fort Sumter is an Island and you need a ferry ride out there.
…..but of course, Fort Sumter is an Island and you need a ferry ride out there.
There is a museum on the Island as well.
There is a museum on the Island as well.
This is the actual flag that flew over the Fort Sumter, and was lowered, when it was surrendered.
This is the actual flag that flew over the Fort Sumter, and was lowered, when it was surrendered.
Dylan was trying to see what was inside this cannonball…..and the picture made me laugh out loud.
Dylan was trying to see what was inside this cannonball…..and the picture made me laugh out loud.
Back on dry land, we continue the quest for another Junior Ranger badge.
Back on dry land, we continue the quest for another Junior Ranger badge.
….and they succeed! (probably the most picturesque Junior Ranger “Swearing in ceremony” yet)
….and they succeed! (probably the most picturesque Junior Ranger “Swearing in ceremony” yet)
Outside the visitor center, on the walk back to the car, Val spotted this guy sitting atop a light pole…and it moved!
Outside the visitor center, on the walk back to the car, Val spotted this guy sitting atop a light pole…and it moved!
A little tip from me to you; when you are out there in the world and you spot something that falls into the category of “Meat Eater” and is typically referred to as a “Bird of Prey”, you should do ONLY one thing…….get CLOSER! By the way, later research would tell us that it is a juvenile Osprey. It was stunning to see in person and I was amazed at how close it actually let me get before taking off.
A little tip from me to you; when you are out there in the world and you spot something that falls into the category of “Meat Eater” and is typically referred to as a “Bird of Prey”, you should do ONLY one thing…….get CLOSER! By the way, later research would tell us that it is a juvenile Osprey. It was stunning to see in person and I was amazed at how close it actually let me get before taking off.
3/27/2019 Pinckney National Historic Site. Charles Pinckney was signer of the Constitution, the 37th Governor of South Carolina and a substantial landowner in the State of South Carolina. There is a small, but beautiful national historic site dedicated to him and this plantation he owned.
3/27/2019 Pinckney National Historic Site. Charles Pinckney was signer of the Constitution, the 37th Governor of South Carolina and a substantial landowner in the State of South Carolina. There is a small, but beautiful national historic site dedicated to him and this plantation he owned.
Across the bay from Fort Sumter is Fort Moultrie. The original design intent was that between Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie, Charleston Bay would be impossible to penetrate by anyone trying to invade the city. Of course, the Civil War would see them firing on each other.
Across the bay from Fort Sumter is Fort Moultrie. The original design intent was that between Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie, Charleston Bay would be impossible to penetrate by anyone trying to invade the city. Of course, the Civil War would see them firing on each other.
Funny to be in a place that is so steeped in history and these two are completely fascinated by the plants that are growing out of the wall! Oh well, “better than video games” is my thought as I am taking this picture.
Funny to be in a place that is so steeped in history and these two are completely fascinated by the plants that are growing out of the wall! Oh well, “better than video games” is my thought as I am taking this picture.
Most of these Forts were re-armed and re-used throughout history. Specifically WWI and WWII, so there are some more modern cannons on display here.
Most of these Forts were re-armed and re-used throughout history. Specifically WWI and WWII, so there are some more modern cannons on display here.
I feel like Grace is Bugs Bunny and Dylan is Daffy Duck. She has just convinced him to look in the barrel of the cannon like it’s a camera and she’s about to “Take a Picture”.
I feel like Grace is Bugs Bunny and Dylan is Daffy Duck. She has just convinced him to look in the barrel of the cannon like it’s a camera and she’s about to “Take a Picture”.
3/28/2019 The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Here’s the deal, I’m not what you’d call a history buff. It’s even possible that I could fall into the category of history “dunce”. So, when I was told that we were going to a place called the “Old Exchange” in Charleston, I had very little idea what that meant. As it turns out this is one of only 4 places left standing where the Declaration of Independence was ratified. Of course, It’s much more than that and the place is bursting at the seams with history of both the country and Charleston. It was a very cool place though and the old downtown area of Charleston is very pretty.
3/28/2019 The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Here’s the deal, I’m not what you’d call a history buff. It’s even possible that I could fall into the category of history “dunce”. So, when I was told that we were going to a place called the “Old Exchange” in Charleston, I had very little idea what that meant. As it turns out this is one of only 4 places left standing where the Declaration of Independence was ratified. Of course, It’s much more than that and the place is bursting at the seams with history of both the country and Charleston. It was a very cool place though and the old downtown area of Charleston is very pretty.
Seriously, that guy in the painting is staring at me!
Seriously, that guy in the painting is staring at me!
They had removed and old post office, restored it and rebuilt it here just as it would have been used for 150+ years in a small town outside Charleston. I believe, Grace is trying to mail something to Bunny Island.
They had removed and old post office, restored it and rebuilt it here just as it would have been used for 150+ years in a small town outside Charleston. I believe, Grace is trying to mail something to Bunny Island.
Dylan is the only one of us that has decided to tackle their history scavenger hunt.
Dylan is the only one of us that has decided to tackle their history scavenger hunt.
You are supposed to read the Declaration of Independence and sign it. We found the cursive writing and the “Old English” vernacular to be a very difficult combination for actually getting through it.
You are supposed to read the Declaration of Independence and sign it. We found the cursive writing and the “Old English” vernacular to be a very difficult combination for actually getting through it.
In the bottom of this building is the Dungeon part of “The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon”. This building’s main purpose at the time of construction was to serve as the place where ALL goods that came through the Port, would be housed and, of course, taxed. This basement area acted as the “trading area” where you came to sell, buy or trade goods. The tour guided drew a parallel to the modern-day New York Stock Exchange. Later in life it did become a place to house prisoners and earn its “Dungeon” name. Our tour guide was VERY good and really did an exceptional job of walking us through the history of Charleston and this building.
In the bottom of this building is the Dungeon part of “The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon”. This building’s main purpose at the time of construction was to serve as the place where ALL goods that came through the Port, would be housed and, of course, taxed. This basement area acted as the “trading area” where you came to sell, buy or trade goods. The tour guided drew a parallel to the modern-day New York Stock Exchange. Later in life it did become a place to house prisoners and earn its “Dungeon” name. Our tour guide was VERY good and really did an exceptional job of walking us through the history of Charleston and this building.
The Old Exchange is just two blocks from the Charleston Waterfront Park, so that it where we decided to have lunch. It was a lovely day and mostly quiet in terms of people being out and about.
The Old Exchange is just two blocks from the Charleston Waterfront Park, so that it where we decided to have lunch. It was a lovely day and mostly quiet in terms of people being out and about.
I had this vision for a great picture here. We’re sitting on a park bench, looking at the Charleston Bay, Iconic Charleston bridge and the USS Yorktown in the background, the USA flag is flying, boats are gleefully skimming across the water, NOBODY else using the walking path in front of us……it’s just “Perfect”….*sigh*…..Grace is eating, Dylan is squinting, Grant has left to investigate a helicopter that’s in the air and I think Val is telling me to hurry up. Can’t win them all I guess.
I had this vision for a great picture here. We’re sitting on a park bench, looking at the Charleston Bay, Iconic Charleston bridge and the USS Yorktown in the background, the USA flag is flying, boats are gleefully skimming across the water, NOBODY else using the walking path in front of us……it’s just “Perfect”….*sigh*…..Grace is eating, Dylan is squinting, Grant has left to investigate a helicopter that’s in the air and I think Val is telling me to hurry up. Can’t win them all I guess.
Just a short drive away from the Waterfront Park and the Old Exchange is the Charleston Museum.
Just a short drive away from the Waterfront Park and the Old Exchange is the Charleston Museum.
3/29/2019 We are moving campgrounds today. We had been staying in a very lovely campground just outside of Charleston and it was very convenient to see the local sights, but was also on the expensive side of our spectrum and was very much in the city. So, it was time to return to our staple for this trip and that is the State Parks. The thing that struck me on this drive was the tree lined roads. Just an amazing canopy like this for miles and miles.
3/29/2019 We are moving campgrounds today. We had been staying in a very lovely campground just outside of Charleston and it was very convenient to see the local sights, but was also on the expensive side of our spectrum and was very much in the city. So, it was time to return to our staple for this trip and that is the State Parks. The thing that struck me on this drive was the tree lined roads. Just an amazing canopy like this for miles and miles.
…..and the speed limit on this 2-lane road was 55mph! Can you guess the likelihood of a road like this in Colorado having a 55mph speed limit?! …..here’s a hint: it’s somewhere between 0% and 0%.
…..and the speed limit on this 2-lane road was 55mph! Can you guess the likelihood of a road like this in Colorado having a 55mph speed limit?! …..here’s a hint: it’s somewhere between 0% and 0%.
3/30/19 Givhans Ferry State Park. We’ve moved inland from the hustle and bustle of Charleston proper. This is a small state park along the Edisto River, which is the longest Black Water river in North America (yes, I JUST learned that). It was quiet and serene and on first day there, we tracked down their nature hike (there’s AT LEAST one in every park).
3/30/19 Givhans Ferry State Park. We’ve moved inland from the hustle and bustle of Charleston proper. This is a small state park along the Edisto River, which is the longest Black Water river in North America (yes, I JUST learned that). It was quiet and serene and on first day there, we tracked down their nature hike (there’s AT LEAST one in every park).
Being from Colorado, the color and smell of these purple flower plants made us believe that we had stumbled into a whole mess of Lilac. Predictably, we were wrong and discovered this is Wisteria. It was in full bloom and it was EVERYWHERE. It was beautiful and the smell was nothing short of wonderful.
Being from Colorado, the color and smell of these purple flower plants made us believe that we had stumbled into a whole mess of Lilac. Predictably, we were wrong and discovered this is Wisteria. It was in full bloom and it was EVERYWHERE. It was beautiful and the smell was nothing short of wonderful.
They don’t exactly get this big or colorful at 8,000 feet above sea level.
They don’t exactly get this big or colorful at 8,000 feet above sea level.
The amount of wildlife we have encountered on this journey has been spectacular! It’s just everywhere!
The amount of wildlife we have encountered on this journey has been spectacular! It’s just everywhere!
4/3/2018 Charles Towne Landing. This is the original settlement in South Carolina and what would eventually become the Charlestown that we know today.
4/3/2018 Charles Towne Landing. This is the original settlement in South Carolina and what would eventually become the Charlestown that we know today.
Turtles….they are like kid magnets.
Turtles….they are like kid magnets.
Honest to god, this is just where this guy decided to sun himself.
Honest to god, this is just where this guy decided to sun himself.
Tarzan-ette!
Tarzan-ette!
I’m not sure how or why I manage to get so many pictures of these kids jumping off of stuff.
I’m not sure how or why I manage to get so many pictures of these kids jumping off of stuff.
Yes, I still give piggy back rides from time to time.
Yes, I still give piggy back rides from time to time.
Grace is learning about a mortise and tenon joint.
Grace is learning about a mortise and tenon joint.
4/4/2019 Hilton Head Island. We’ve looked at our schedule for our current location and our upcoming location and decided that making the drive to Hilton Head Island is going to be best served from where we are currently located. Hilton Head Island has been a curiosity to me for a while. I’ve heard a lot about it and I know tons of people who simply love it and think that it’s a great beach resort place to vacation. So, I really didn’t want to get THIS close and not actually see it. Plus, the kids were excited to have another beach day.
4/4/2019 Hilton Head Island. We’ve looked at our schedule for our current location and our upcoming location and decided that making the drive to Hilton Head Island is going to be best served from where we are currently located. Hilton Head Island has been a curiosity to me for a while. I’ve heard a lot about it and I know tons of people who simply love it and think that it’s a great beach resort place to vacation. So, I really didn’t want to get THIS close and not actually see it. Plus, the kids were excited to have another beach day.
Grace was very “jumpy”’ all day!
Grace was very “jumpy”’ all day!
Lots a little crabs came rolling in with the waves and the kids got a real kick out of that.
Lots a little crabs came rolling in with the waves and the kids got a real kick out of that.
Grant just LOVES to sit on the beach RIGHT where the waves comes ashore. He thinks it’s the greatest part of any beach.
Grant just LOVES to sit on the beach RIGHT where the waves comes ashore. He thinks it’s the greatest part of any beach.
Bear actually sniffed out this crab buried in the sand, dug it up and tried to eat it. We fished it out of his mouth and he would not leave it alone after that! It was extremely comical!
Bear actually sniffed out this crab buried in the sand, dug it up and tried to eat it. We fished it out of his mouth and he would not leave it alone after that! It was extremely comical!
4/6/2019 This would be our last day in this campground and in South Carolina. It was a fairly nice day and the kids wanted to spend some time at the river because it had been pretty dreary and rainy the previous few days and the river was not an option.
4/6/2019 This would be our last day in this campground and in South Carolina. It was a fairly nice day and the kids wanted to spend some time at the river because it had been pretty dreary and rainy the previous few days and the river was not an option.
Butterflies are out in abundance.
Butterflies are out in abundance.
Surface tension is a magical thing!
Surface tension is a magical thing!
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