Our original plan for today was to stay home and do the laundry but since we did the laundry last night we had the day free. After checking out the map and brochures we had we decided to drive toward Beaufort (bew-fart), SC and check out a lighthouse.
The trip was about 40 miles north and a little east but we finally found the Hunting Island Lighthouse. This is the only lighthouse in South Carolina that is open to the public. It no longer functions as a lighthouse but is unique in that it is built using metal plates instead of being made of bricks or concrete. The original lighthouse was destroyed during the Civil War. The second one was built out of the metal plates in case the ground around erroded. It finally did and the lighthouse was moved 1 1/2 miles inland. The unique construction aided in that move. It was decommissioned in 1933. You can pay $2 and climb the 167 steps but not me. We did walk around the area and both of us fed the numerous mosquitoes. We thought we were done with them. The lighthouse is in a state park and driving in it felt like we were in a jungle.
After leaving there we headed back to visit a place we saw on our way out. Where is that, you ask? Why it is Marine Corps Recruit Base - Parris Island! This is where Bill went to boot camp. Everything was different that he remembered. We drove around and located the new RV park and the Exchange and Commissary. The Commissary was closed as it is Monday and most of them are closed then. We toured the Exchange but couldn't find any "retired" Marine wear. All of it was for the new guys and girls.
After driving around (and around, and around) we stopped at a Backyard BBQ for lunch. I have had a can coozie from them since we were in Memphis two years ago so I thought I should find out how their food is. It is actually very good. The hamburgers taste like they just came off of your grill in the backyard! The veggies on it were fresh and the fries were good. We may have to stop by one again.
Across the street from the restaurant was the Recruit Depots Museum. We decided to tour it when we finished. It was very well done and very informative on the history of the Corps. I bet the "boots" spend time in here learning. They also had some neat things in the gift shop.
When we got in the car there was a really loud siren blowing. I thought it was the MP's or something but I rolled my window down and they were announcing that the base was under a tornado watch and gave instructions on what to do. We decided to head back to the rig. As we left we took pictures of Iron Mike and the Iwo Jima statue. There was also this sign across the street.
We got home before any rain started but it soon caught up with us. We watched the news for any tornado warnings or thunderstorm watches. Our county was under both at different times. Everything has settled down now but we are still getting some rain. We are suppose to leave tomorrow but if it is still raining we may stay put another day. Enjoy the pictures.
No comments:
Post a Comment