September 12, 2016

Solomons Island – Savannah, GA Adventure Highlights: Part 3

Elizabeth H. Uncategorized Coral sandals, Express, Fashion Blogger, Macys, neon sandals, Solomon's Island, Southern Maryland, Steve Madden sandals, Steve Madden Stecy sandals, Summer Fashion, Summertime, Washington DC 10 Comments

Charleston, SC is a city I enjoy visiting because of its Civil War past.  So, it was only natural for my Forever BFF, Tammy, and I to take a day trip there.  We left Savannah early Sunday morning.  When we were about 20 miles into South Carolina, traffic came to a crawl on Interstate 95 North.  Tammy exclaimed:  “Look!” and we saw an exit ramp flooded with a submerged car!

 

Passing a copse of trees, we saw all lanes on 95 South shut down.  A man walked into the flood and was caught in water above his knees!  Surprisingly, we were driving through Tropical Depression Bonnie!  Our backup was due to flooding in one lane and beyond it, the freeway opened up.

Our first stop was Magnolia Plantation.  Unfortunately, the rain closed all the outdoor tours.  So, we only took a house tour, saw the research library, and walked around the plantation taking pictures. I learned Tammy LOVES selfies!  I loathe them!   😉

I had mixed views about the plantation.  I loved being there with my BFF, but I also wanted to experience a true Southern interpretation of history.  What Magnolia Plantation offers is a beautiful setting with a politically correct interpretation.

Next, we headed to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center for a tour of the H.L. Hunley, a Confederate submarine that was the first in history to sink an enemy ship.  We were approached by two women who had purchased a Groupon for 4 people, but 2 were not able to come.  So, they invited Tammy and me to be their substitutes. Of course, we agreed and got in for free.  🙂

I was very excited about this tour led by Friends of the Hunley and the tour did not disappoint.  The stories were riveting and seeing the well preserved Hunley in person after 131 years on the ocean floor was impressive.  Even more impressive was learning that the crew was found still at their posts upon discovery.

The Hunley crew was given a proper burial at Magnolia Cemetery.  Being directionally challenged, it took us a while to find the burial site.  We were going in circles until Tammy pointed out a road I kept dismissing and sure enough, that road led to the burial spot.  I felt relief and sadness as I walked among the graves of these brave men.  I lingered for a while reflecting on their mission and wondering about their thoughts.  Did they know they were sinking?  Or did they suffocate or drown first?  I am hopeful the artifacts and clues left behind will tell the complete story one day.

By 4PM, Tammy was hungry.  We spotted a Taco Bell on our way to Fort Moultrie and ordered some food.  At the window, the Manager told us he knew from the sound of our voices we would be pretty girls.  We giggled.  He thanked us for making his day and gave us a few extra tacos.  We thanked him and I commented, “More free stuff!  Maybe we can get into Fort Moultrie for free…”

Ask and you shall receive!  The admission was waived at Fort Moultrie because it was 30 minutes to closing.  I remarked perhaps dinner would be free too!  It was so much fun watching Tammy be a kid again as she walked the fort and posed with cannons.  🙂

We had dinner in downtown Charleston and walked around the Battery afterwards.  Conveniently, the rain had ended early making for a beautiful afternoon.  However, we had a miserable commute back.  The rain started again and 95 North was still shut down.  A police detour got us around the flood, but it took an additional 2 hours!  Despite, we had a great time!

Have a wonderful week.  🙂

Lizzy’s Latest for this week is the Steve Madden Stecy Two-Piece sandals.  I will give my review of these sandals on Wednesday.  For now enjoy the pictures!  🙂