#12, Family Time and the Drive South

 February 17 - 20

After a good sleep and excellent breakfast at my hotel just over the border in North Carolina, I turned my little rented Kia towards the south.  My eldest son, Brandon, his wife and two littles moved to South Carolina last summer.  Brandon is a very skilled carpenter and jack-of-all-trades so has been remodeling a house in the little town of Landrum.  

He's been working on this house for many years, bit by bit, making trips back and forth from Washington.  Their daughter is now in kindergarten here in their quaint little town so they are now residents.

I got to spend parts of three days with them, taking in some local sights, having a back yard bonfire, and seeing some of the local birds.  Their resident cardinals were too shy for me to get pictures, but a sweet bluebird couple and a jay posed not too far away. 

On a sunny, but chilly Saturday we drove to visit Campbell's Covered Bridge.  The last remaining bridge in South Carolina, it was built between 1909 and 1911 of pine.  The 12 foot wide, 38 foot long structure was so named for Alexander Lafayette Campbell, who used to run the grist mill nearby.

Though far too cold for wading, the stream below, with its smooth rock shore was a fun place to explore.

In the evening we were treated to brilliant color from their upstairs window.

Sunday afternoon, following their church service, was still chilly but warm enough for a walk through the little town and around the neighborhood. 

On Monday night I said my goodbyes.  Tuesday morning I packed up, and after one last good breakfast, I turned my car towards the south.  Stopping only at rest areas and for gas, I kept on going.  First I-26 E through North and South Carolina, and then I-95 S through Georgia and down to St Augustine, Florida.  

I have never driven so far in one day, or for that matter, so fast.  When I finally arrived in the city I found myself relieved, thankful, and, I admit, a bit surprised that I had safely found my way.  I did have a little trouble finding my lodging, the parking, and then my way back to the inn, due to a street being reconstructed, but eventually I was able to pull the covers over me for the night.  Lots of history to visit in this ancient city.