Charleston, SC August 26th and 27th, 2005

We came to Charleston to see some of the historic homes and to learn more about the history of this old city. However, we had to cut our trip short because of weather conditions. With Hurricane Katrina doing its damage along the gulf coast, we are experiencing a lot of rain, along with thunder and lightning. We were starting to get a little nervous about weather conditions. The local news is indicating that another storm is starting to form out at sea. They don't know if it will hit the US but we have decided we should move inland and avoid getting stuck in a hurricane. So we are off to Tennessee.

Boone Hall Plantation

This plantation dates back to 1681. With 738 acres, this plantation grew indigo and cotton. When these crops were no longer profitable, the owners planted pecan trees. For many years, pecans were sold all over the country from this farm. With the destruction of the pecan trees due to hurricanes, the main source of income came from making bricks. The mansion was built in 1935. Prior to that time, an old farm house was on the property but was destroyed in order to build the mansion. The gardens were absolutely beautiful. The other building is where the cotton gin was located.

Old Oak Trees

The oak trees that line the entrance to the Boone Hall Mansion are approximately 150 years old. However, relatively speaking, this is young compared to the 600 year old oak tree which is located in the backyard of the mansion. Although damaged by Hurricane Hugo, this old tree has managed to survive.

Slave Houses at Boone Hall Plantation

These were some of the remaining slave houses at Boone Hall Plantation. At its prime, Boone Hall had over 200 slaves. These slave houses were for the skilled slaves; such as carpenters, cooks, craftsman of all sorts. Other slaves lived in wooden structures which are no longer standing due to hurricanes.

Sweetgrass Baskets

Sweetgrass Baskets is a very old craft. These baskets are beautiful and are now considered a work of art. They were originally used by the slaves to carry goods. The tradition has been passed down through the centuries. Vendors and artists sell these baskets in stands along the highway.

N Myrtle Beach, SC Aug 22nd thru 25th, 2005

We were pleasantly surprised with the Myrtle Beach area. It is a beautiful coastal community with pristine beaches. There are plenty of resorts and unique shops. The ocean was extremely warm. It averages 89 degrees in July and August. This is a great family vacation destination. We would recommend this area to anyone planning a vacation. There are plenty of activities and entertainment for the whole family. While we were here we were introduced to hush puppies. (No, we aren't talking shoes). Hush puppies are round pieces of cornbread that are deep fried and served with a mustard sauce. Boy were they delicious! There were lots of seafood restaurants. We are now heading to Charleston, SC.

Golf and Mini Golf

Myrtle Beach is a golf mecca with over 100 golf courses! Golf fees were very reasonable due to heavy competition. Outstanding signature courses could be found very easily. In addition, we were surprised to see so many putt putt golf courses. These mini courses were like nothing we had ever seen before. We had to take pictures of some them just because so much detail had been designed into them.

Cherryville, NC August 20 and 22nd, 2005

We arrived in Cherryville to visit an old friend. Tony hadn't seen Don in over 19 years. It sure was great to see Don and Sam again. They were so hospitable. They showed us what Southern hospitality is all about. They also taught us a new language. We learned such words as "critters, taters, ya et yet? yont to? purty and young ens. We also had some down home cooking. If you are ever down this way you will have to try the liver mush. (Yummy). North Carolina is another beautiful state. As you can see by the pictures, Donnie and Sam have a beautiful gentleman's farm. They hosted an outdoor cook out. Steaks were cooked on an open fire and afterwards we had a marshmallow roast. Tony kept telling Don what an expert horseman he was so Don finally asked him to prove it. When it came time for the ride, Tony was on the gelding and Donnie was on the stallion. (By the way, Don had to saddle both horses). Now we're off to the Carolina coastline.

Horseback Riding

Tony and Don went for a horseback ride. Tony, the cityslicker, saidhe would show Don how to saddle a horse correctly. (Yea, right)

Southern Bar B Que

We had an outdoor bar-b-que. The menu consisted of ribeyes, taters and whole lot of southern hospitality.

Life on the Farm

Don and Sam's farm is beautiful and so peaceful.

Washington DC August 17 thru August 18, 2005

We arrived in Washington DC on Wednesday and found a beautiful RV Park about 10 miles from downtown. We decided to ride the Harley to visit the Wall and other monuments. This turned out to be a terrible decision. It was extremely hot and humid. Manuevering downtown DC with all the traffic and security barricades was challenging to say the least. We decided to take a tour bus the next day to see the rest of Washington DC. The air conditioned bus was a great idea because Thursday was just as hot as the day before. This city is truly the heartbeat of our nation.

White House and Capitol

The White House and the Capitol could only be viewed from a distance. Security is quite stringent. Roads to the White House are all blocked. You need to make an appointment through your congressman at least a month in advance if you want to take a tour of the White House.

Arlington House

The Arlington House was once owned by Robert E. Lee. When the Civil War broke out, Lee left his home to lead the Confederate Army. The Union seized his home and buried many of their soldiers on the grounds. The Union Army waited for Lee's return in order to capture him but Lee never returned. The government took over the house and the grounds and converted it to a cemetery. This is how Arlington Cemetery began. The house itself was built on a hill and has a beautiful view of Washington DC.

Arlington Cemetery

This is a huge cemetery with 290,000 tombstones. Most of the important generals from the past 150 years are buried here along with 2 presidents. We visited President Kennedy's gravesite with its eternal flame. Jackie and their 2 sons, Patrick and John, are also buried here.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

We had the opportunity to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was a very hot day and I felt so sorry for the guards who were in their dress Blues. The ceremony is very formal and precise. The Tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

US Marine Corps Memorial

This is the memorial of the soldiers raising the American flag in victory at Iwo Jima.

Vietnam Memorial Wall

This was a must see for Tony since he is a Vietnam Vet. Standing at the wall is very moving. There are so many names. Nearby is a memorial honoring the nurses that served in Vietnam. Also at the entrance to the wall stands a monument depicting 3 fighting men.

World War II Memorial

This was a very large memorial dedicated to the veterans who served during World War II. It sits just below the Washington Memorial.