Salisbury - Last Two Days

Up bright and early. We had our daughter and the boys over for breakfast and then ran a few last minute errands.   Then it was back to the campground and time for me to start decorating. We held my Dad's 90th birthday party at the Campground's  meeting room.  It was just the right size for our group.

We had an awesome caterer - on the menu for his party - Shrimp and Grits, Ham/rolls. creamed potatoes, squash casserole, green beans, and of course birthday cake.  It was yummy!

Although he knew we were having a party, he didn't know so many people would be there to celebrate him. He was surprised when he came through the door.

This is my Dad - he was so happy I couldn't keep him still long enough to give my speech.  He was having such a good time.

Next day - up again early to head into my hometown - Faith, 807 residents in the 2010 census.  They have a old time style Forth of July celebration - the fair with rides down at the park and a parade down main street, not many floats but lots of participants.  Everyone seems to take over my Aunt's front yard.  People come from all over to see old friends and family.

We left right after the parade and lunch - a tradition where we have BBQ sandwiches at my Aunt's house.  Before the parade is over, two of the men, now it's our son and either my Aunt's son on son -in-law take orders and then walk down to the park to get the sandwiches.  Bless my Aunt, she had a basement full of people, the  kitchen and the front yard -  all full of folks - everyone enjoying sandwiches and each other.  

We were on our way home by 1:00. We got back to the McIntosh Lake RV Park by 6:30.  Left the next morning by 8:30 and were back home by 1:30.  Unbelievable, traffic was so light - everyone else must have come back on Monday.  Last year we traveled back home on Sunday as well and the traffic was horrendous.

Glad to be home but ready to go again in a heart beat.

Salisbury - Day One

We got a little later start  than we planned - that all ways seems to happen.  We had been very low on propane since Thanksgiving (we were at Stephen Foster State Park in Fargo, GA) when we ran the heater, a lot, but it has never been convenient to fill up.  We tried on the way up at the Flying J but there was a problem so when we saw we could do it at James Island Campground we took advantage of the opportunity.

It was a four hour trip to our destination - Crosswinds Family Campground.  Once again, a home run! Sites have sewer, cable and a pool. What more can you ask for. We had a great site in the back, nice and private.

We had a breathtaking view.

The pool is very nice.

Our daughter and her boys stayed in a hotel about 10 minutes away and picked us up Thursday morning and we headed to Lake Norman where our son and his family had rented a house.  A great vacation home.  We had a picnic out on the lawn.

Papa and our youngest grandson are twins.

Our son had rented a boat for the day and we had a great time on the lake. The day was overcast making it perfect.  Looked like storms were headed our way but they never materialized until much later.

Our captain did a great job as all ways - but who is the Captain?

 The boys were in the back while the girls worked on our tans up front.

Then it was off to meet my dad for dinner at the K&W Cafeteria - his favorite place. And then back to the coach to enjoy the rain on the roof while sleeping.  The next day will be the big day - his 90th birthday party and I will have work to do for that.

Click on the link for the end of the adventure  Salisbury - Last Two Days

Charleston - Day Two

It was another early start to catch the trolley at 9:00.  Back to the city, but this time we went to Patriot's Point, where we could have spent the whole day.  We took the water taxi over to the Point.  It was pretty neat - I know they are talking about one here in St Pete from the Pier (once we get it) to connect to Channel Side in Tampa.  I think lots of folks would take advantage of it.

The entrance to the Point. 

We explored the Laffey - a destroyer first.

Hubby was in the navy and this brought back memories of his duty in the engine room

The USS Yorktown is unbelievable big!

The flight deck seems to go forever

Next the Vietnam Experience.  All ways difficult for my generation.  They have the dog tags of all South Carolinaians who made the greatest sacrifice with their lives.  

Hubby's  first orders were to a River Boat but had the wrong service number and by some miracle when they came back with his corrected number, he had been assigned to a Destroyer Tender.  We were blessed since the survival rate on river boats was very low..

We took the water taxi ride back into town where we hung out for awhile, taking in the sights.  They have the pier there that I wanted for St Pete - fishing from the pier, lots of places to sit and relax and a water feature for the kids.

Then it was back to meet our shuttle and head to NC the next morning.

Click on the link to read more about our trip   Salisbury - Day One

Charleston - Day One

First some words on the people of Charleston.

As we were coming into town, the police had the road blocked off to allow a funeral procession (one of the victims of the AME Church tragedy).  The procession stopped in front of a sister church with the congregation outside, heads bowed in reference and respect. There was a funeral every day for a victim while we were there.

I was a little apprehensive as to what we would find there after the tragedy. I should not have worried. They handled it like true Southerners. No guns, no fires, no riots, no looting, no killings. The city came together as one. They lined up, starting in the street, over the big bridge and down another street. All holding hands in unity. Charleston Strong is their motto and they are! We heard not a word of hate. Every city in this country needs to take a lesson from them. Amazing!  This is the bridge they crossed together holding hands in support of their city.

We arrived at James Island Campground just after 1:00. We were able to get right on our site and explore the park and campground.  The park is the former site of a plantation.  It includes a water park, hiking trail, fishing and various parks within a park as well as the campground.. This campground, without a doubt has it all (except good reception for the cable).  I rate this one 10+.  They even provide a free daily daytime shuttle service into Charleston and Folly Beach.  We had a great site, private but close to the camp store - we are always needing ice.

The camp store

A recreation house with pool table, foosball table and lots of games and books.

 We took advantage of the shuttle and went into town.

We had booked a tour on Grayline - an air conditioned bus.  We usually do the 'on off trolley" but thought AC would be worth it.  Our tour director never stopped talking the entire 90 minutes.  It was too much, we will return to the trolley next time. But the city is beautiful - all the old architecture is just gorgeous.

After the City tour, we were off to the Ft Sumter boat tour. The first shot of the Civil War was fired from here.

After our busy day, we were able to find a bar to relax at before the shuttle returned us to the campground. This is a Bloody Mary, Charleston style.

To see what's next click on the link  Charleston Day Two

NC Vacation - The Journey Begins

We are just back from a 9 day action packed vacation.  I don't know where to start there is so much to share so I have decided to break it down into smaller events.

We had planned to leave Saturday morning early but as we all know, there is always a bump or two in the road.  And the first bump was a problem with a car at the shop not getting out on Friday so Big Bob had to go into the shop and finish the car himself.  We were on the road by 1:00 but due to the late start, we had to scratch lunch at Whitey's Fish Camp outside of Jacksonville.  Instead we split a Cuban from some gas
station along the way - a very poor substitute for the great fish and hospitality at Whiteys.

We got to our campground - McIntosh Lake RV Park around 6:30.  This was our second time stopping there.  It is exactly half way to our NC destination.  It is a very tranquil spot.  Nothing better after a hard drive, to look out the windshield at the lake.

 

 The campground has a beautiful deck/fishing pier.

 .  And of course, the "necessary room"

We left the campground Sunday morning and headed to the Cracker Barrel for breakfast.  We met up with my best friend from high school and caught up on the many years that have passed since we last saw each other.  It is true what they say, a true friend is one where you pick up where you left off like it was just yesterday.  Once again, we have vowed not to let so many years go by.

And then it was on to our next destination - James Island Campground - home for the next 3 days.

Click on the link to follow the adventure   Charleston Day One