Like promised, we have arrived in Charleston SC and this is the first of, hopefully, many blogs of our trip.
That we escaped Michigan before the serious “spring winter” arrived was fortuitous. The freezing weather there and the snows have set back the arrival of spring at least for a few weeks. Even the day we left (Sunday the 3rd) there was snow on the north side of I-96 and sunshine (so to speak) on the south side. By the time we reached Ohio the sun was shining and the temperature had warmed a few degrees at least.
Two stops, in Ohio and Virginia, brought us to two days and some sharing with daughter Therese who lives in Greensboro NC. We did the “down to earth “ stuff like Farmer’s Market, home made country meals, and a visit to the Old Mill of Guilford, sort of a “traditional stop”, for family members. (The Old Mill grinds grain and is one of the oldest still operating mills in North america. A great stop if you are in the area. it was a time for a good sharing of our days and some reminiscing.)
Traveling south from Greensboro NC to Charleston, SC, was a trip through a land of trees and forests. Now South Carolinians may dispute this, but on I-77 and I-26, aside from Columbia there are no farms (did not see a cow or any cattle) , few homes, and practically no small towns. Most folks must live in or near the large cities in the Palmetto State. Perhaps it is not so along the coast.
The campground in Charleston SC
Laurel Hill Plantation facts.
The Wood Stork, one of many birds
Our campground is a bit south of the city of Charleston and a well groomed, well managed campground.
Today, Friday we headed for Savannah for the day , but decided to scope out the Savannah National Wildlife Reserve just a few miles north pf the city of Savannah. We never made it to Savannah as this Refuge was excellent for birding. A greeting by a “rookie” volunteer at the Refuge Center got us off to a great start. The collection of bird life “T shirts” was the best we have seen. Name the bird and I think they had a “T shirt” for you. We bought three.
Then came the 5 mile auto tour to see what was out there in the Refuge this early in the season. It begins with a look at Laurel Hill Plantation site. (see next paragraph) The ducks for the most part were already gone and hopefully not freezing “up north “ somewhere. But, there were many other birds to see This Refuge is one that as the paragraph below indicates , is flooded over the previously used rice fields of many years ago. When the fields are drained that leaves the residue and much food for the birds to eat. Today we saw just that. The fields had been recently drained and the photos show the birds that were taking advantage of that. (Glossy Ibis, White Ibis, Great and Snowy Egrets among others.)
A number of White Ibis young (mottled)
Some of the wading birds in the NWR
Laurel Hill is bordered by the Little Back River, which is a channel of the Savannah River. Rice was grown in fields that were flooded with fresh water from the river. In, 1825, the plantation had a house, rice mill, winnowing house, barns, and dwellings for 150 slaves. Facing three live oaks on this knoll, the two-story clapboard house (Now gone) probably was home for the plantation overseers. A rice mill operated by tidal power was once located on Little Back River. It was replaced by a steam-powered facility built near this location. This building became a ‘house of ill repute’ until the mid 20th century when all the plantation property was ceded for use on the Refuge.
The photos will include some of the birds seen. For me of the 28 bird species we saw , the Wood Stork was the most significant. Usually found in the deep swamps like Okefenokee, here they were flying around and standing , feeding, in the fields. What a treat!
The day ended wth a ride back through the community of Ridgeland, who’s population interestingly is dominated my 66% males and 33% females. The first African/American Vietnam fighter pilot came from Ridgeland. On the way back we stayed on US 17 and avoided the I-95 corridor which was optional. A much quieter, slower paced ride to be sure. Sunny and 75 F.
Tomorrow will include a visit to the Magnolia Plantation , one f the finest on the south her in Charleston.
Alarge flock of Glossy Ibis.
An alligator, one of many.
Roadside red clover were everywhere.
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