Fort Moultrie, South Carolina was our first stop of the day. Honestly, I didn’t expect much more than a chance to get Chris’ National Parks book stamped. It was the keeper of the stamp and all things Fort Sumter.
It proved to be quite the pleasant surprise. For one thing, Chris actually found a commemorative thimble. Those are getting hard to find. But the fort itself provided three other surprises, two involving a certain telephoto lens. We were able to see the Sullivan’s Island lighthouse off in the distance, and we took a selfie with Fort Sumter in the background. The third one came as we settled into the car to depart. A very large, beautiful ern (sea eagle) alit on a treetop right in from of us. Photo op!
We left in a hurry to get to the highlight of the morning. We caught a ferry out to see Fort Sumter. It was my only anticipated site in South Carolina. As a bonus, the ferry was docked right next to the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. We didn’t hop on that one, but we were able to see numerous planes on deck. Thought about you, Caleb and Josh.
On the way to Fort Sumter we saw Schutte’s Folly. It’s just a much smaller version of Sumter.
Off in the distance we saw Fort Johnson. That’s where the first shots of the Civil War were fired from.
Fort Sumter was a lot smaller than I pictured. But then, I never knew that the whole island was man-made. After the War of 1812, the country wanted to shore up coastal defenses (the British had sailed right into Washington and burned down the capitol and the White House), so they shipped blocks of stone from the north and had slaves push the blocks overboard. It took several years to get it all done. Just in time for it to be destroyed by the end of the Civil War. Lots of history. Glad we included this one.
From Fort Sumter to Firestone. Well, after a brief stop to refuel at Wendy’s. We had a 3:00 appointment to get our 12% oil life left oil changed. After we ate, it was still just 2. So we went anyway. And imagine this … they took us right in with no wait. And the charge was $25 less than I expected. Wow. Let’s travel.
Last night we bedded down in the town of Santee. Pretty good hotel this time. Even had a Cracker Barrel in walking distance. The town is about 45 minutes away from the next National Park - Congaree. Headed there this morning.
Colossians 3:12-13 says, Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.
Father, please be with my big brother Jay today. Guide the hands and minds of his heart surgeons. Give him some gentle and caring nurses. And be with Fran as she waits. Thats a pretty tough place to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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