The historical tour around Savannah was very educational as well as entertaining. I was particularly impressed with the city's twenty-one squares where people could congregate and relax. They reminded me of Golden Gate Park's panhandle except smaller and more abundant. River Street seemed to be the place to let loose at any hour and Forsyth Park, originally a military parade ground, was an epicenter of tranquility in this slow-moving metropolis.
I made myself carry-on after just a twenty-four hour layover and found myself in a town called Blufton by day's end. At Pepper's Porch I befriended a Michigan transplant; possibly the only other non-native in town. And following the advice of the friendly waitstaff, I headed down to the wharf to set up camp in an open field. Closing my eyes on this Saturday evening, I hear some locals getting rowdy Under the Table and Dreaming....
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Sea to shining sea, almost
Georgia has many varieties of birds. Yesterday a bright cardinal caught my attention as I cruised down US-280. Today, a flock of large white birds flew in a low formation late in the afternoon. Both times I pulled over to witness the event but was not handy enough with the camera to catch them.
This region also has a wide variety of trees. With all the logging trucks kicking up sawdust in my face, I am still able to check out the trees growing out of the rivers and the ones completly covered with ivy. In fact, it's quite amazing when I glance to the side and see nothing but ivy growing higher than roadside telephone poles. For the most part everything is green but just a few hours ago I did notice the first traces of autumn colors.
The smell of pine in the morning is something I will always enjoy. But it's when I unexpectedly pass through a stretch of highly fragerant flowers that brings a smile to my face. It's especially true when the flowers are not visible from the road and I feel a bit sorry for all the drivers that miss out.
Yesterday I stopped in Cuthbert for a quick bite and was impressed by the town's historic layout. Similar to Eufaula, this town preserves their local atmosphere near the town square while keeping the chain restaurants at bay along the highway. The statue of a Confederate soldier faced north; always on guard. When passing through Mt. Vernon, I couldn't help but notice the beautiful historical architecture and in Vidalia, I stopped long enough to learn the rich history of their prized export: the vidalia onion. I decided to pass on the Thursday night wet T-shirt contest in neighboring Lyons and called it an early evening behind a church that had only a few cockroaches.
This morning's brief stop landed me in Claxton: the world's fruitcake capitol. I of course had to try the fare at the Georgia Fruitcake Company and was a bit surprised that when it is made with care in small batches, it still tastes like fruitcake. I guess it's a Southern thing. The eggplant parmesan sandwhich at LIPS (Little Italy Pizza & Subs) in Pooler however was quite tasty.
I arrived in Savannah (situated just ten miles west of the Atlantic) a few hours ago and my jaw dropped as I entered the historical district. With brick streets and large old buildings, it's a real blessing this town was spared during the Civil War. Now, joined by a few European students, I walk down to River Street which apparently is a miniature Bourbon Street. My expectations are low however, which usually means I have a pretty good time.
This region also has a wide variety of trees. With all the logging trucks kicking up sawdust in my face, I am still able to check out the trees growing out of the rivers and the ones completly covered with ivy. In fact, it's quite amazing when I glance to the side and see nothing but ivy growing higher than roadside telephone poles. For the most part everything is green but just a few hours ago I did notice the first traces of autumn colors.
The smell of pine in the morning is something I will always enjoy. But it's when I unexpectedly pass through a stretch of highly fragerant flowers that brings a smile to my face. It's especially true when the flowers are not visible from the road and I feel a bit sorry for all the drivers that miss out.
Yesterday I stopped in Cuthbert for a quick bite and was impressed by the town's historic layout. Similar to Eufaula, this town preserves their local atmosphere near the town square while keeping the chain restaurants at bay along the highway. The statue of a Confederate soldier faced north; always on guard. When passing through Mt. Vernon, I couldn't help but notice the beautiful historical architecture and in Vidalia, I stopped long enough to learn the rich history of their prized export: the vidalia onion. I decided to pass on the Thursday night wet T-shirt contest in neighboring Lyons and called it an early evening behind a church that had only a few cockroaches.
This morning's brief stop landed me in Claxton: the world's fruitcake capitol. I of course had to try the fare at the Georgia Fruitcake Company and was a bit surprised that when it is made with care in small batches, it still tastes like fruitcake. I guess it's a Southern thing. The eggplant parmesan sandwhich at LIPS (Little Italy Pizza & Subs) in Pooler however was quite tasty.
I arrived in Savannah (situated just ten miles west of the Atlantic) a few hours ago and my jaw dropped as I entered the historical district. With brick streets and large old buildings, it's a real blessing this town was spared during the Civil War. Now, joined by a few European students, I walk down to River Street which apparently is a miniature Bourbon Street. My expectations are low however, which usually means I have a pretty good time.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sweet Alabama
I was in Alabama for a week back in the seventh grade for Space Camp but that didn't portray this friendly state as well as these past few days.
Yesterday morning in Canoe I met a group of locals who filled me in about the one earthquake they had a few years back and the current unseasonable weather patterns. "Have you ever heard of Burlingame," one man asked. "Because I was there once." Small world.
In Elba, I was awoken by the police in the middle of the night because of my unorthodox campsite (behind a restaurant). However, after learning what my endeavor is they became quite chatty asking how many tires I had gone through and why I didn't choose a Harley instead. Eventually they let me return to my slumber.
Today in Eufaula, I ate stromboli at a local shop. The owner turned out to be younger than I and her older cousin and I really hit it off. He informed me about the nearby Shorter Mansion (as seen in the flick Sweet Home Alabama) and after insisting I didn't need any provisions for the road I grabbed a drink at a local tavern on their historic main boulevard.
Crossing the border into Georgia on the MLK Causeway, clear skies and warm weather were a welcome change. After setting my clock ahead for the final time, the only concern I have as I lay near Lake Eufaula is if an alligator wakes me up this evening. Hopefully not.
Yesterday morning in Canoe I met a group of locals who filled me in about the one earthquake they had a few years back and the current unseasonable weather patterns. "Have you ever heard of Burlingame," one man asked. "Because I was there once." Small world.
In Elba, I was awoken by the police in the middle of the night because of my unorthodox campsite (behind a restaurant). However, after learning what my endeavor is they became quite chatty asking how many tires I had gone through and why I didn't choose a Harley instead. Eventually they let me return to my slumber.
Today in Eufaula, I ate stromboli at a local shop. The owner turned out to be younger than I and her older cousin and I really hit it off. He informed me about the nearby Shorter Mansion (as seen in the flick Sweet Home Alabama) and after insisting I didn't need any provisions for the road I grabbed a drink at a local tavern on their historic main boulevard.
Crossing the border into Georgia on the MLK Causeway, clear skies and warm weather were a welcome change. After setting my clock ahead for the final time, the only concern I have as I lay near Lake Eufaula is if an alligator wakes me up this evening. Hopefully not.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A lesson from the road
I didn't sleep well last night. It might have been because there was a huge radio tower overhead in Ocean Springs that had a sign warning me that the freqiencies in the area exceeded FCC regulations. Back on the road, I noticed the time on a marquee: 12:30am.
Because it was a Saturday night and there were numerous casinos around, I thought it would be best to get off the road until later in the night, even with all the street lights around.
After a late night breakfast and catching up on the news, I continued east to the border. Once in Alabama, I found a roadside spot to nap until sunrise. When I awoke, it was freezing and on the road I was greeted with a cold headwind. It lasted throughout the day forcing me to stop frequently to warm up. At least it wasn't raining.
Calculating the milage, it appears that I'm just 12 days from the Capitol. Rain is expected in the region later this week which might slow me down a bit, but it appears that the end is in sight.
Initially a physical endeavor, this ride has proven to be more of a mental challenge as of late. It wasn't until recently that I've discovered that I have supporters everywhere. It's something I must manifest and allow to happen instead of being strong and independent. And at times it appears my mind - and my mindset - can be my own worst enemy. It's not until I'm able to make a paradigm shift that continuing on seems plausible. It seems I'm learning many lessons on multiple levels.
Because it was a Saturday night and there were numerous casinos around, I thought it would be best to get off the road until later in the night, even with all the street lights around.
After a late night breakfast and catching up on the news, I continued east to the border. Once in Alabama, I found a roadside spot to nap until sunrise. When I awoke, it was freezing and on the road I was greeted with a cold headwind. It lasted throughout the day forcing me to stop frequently to warm up. At least it wasn't raining.
Calculating the milage, it appears that I'm just 12 days from the Capitol. Rain is expected in the region later this week which might slow me down a bit, but it appears that the end is in sight.
Initially a physical endeavor, this ride has proven to be more of a mental challenge as of late. It wasn't until recently that I've discovered that I have supporters everywhere. It's something I must manifest and allow to happen instead of being strong and independent. And at times it appears my mind - and my mindset - can be my own worst enemy. It's not until I'm able to make a paradigm shift that continuing on seems plausible. It seems I'm learning many lessons on multiple levels.
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