Savannah and Beaufort

We’re stopping two nights here at Lady’s Island Marina across from Beaufort, partly to see more of the area and partly because we just need to stop and sit still sometimes. We’ve been moving at a good pace (55 - 65 miles every day) because we want to be at the Virginia line before Brian has to fly to Europe in two weeks for work. That would set us up well for the rest of the trip.

Both Savannah and Beaufort are charming places. Savannah is about 20 miles inland from the Atlantic and is on the south shore of the Savannah River. The historic district and oldest houses are just south of the river, with a neighborhood park or square about every four blocks. As people moved farther south, they continued to include parks in the overall plan. The city was saved during the Civil War because they surrendered to General Sherman before he could destroy it.

At Isle of Hope Marina, we borrowed the loaner-car and drove in to see the city. While there we found the house of John and Sandy Underwood, Brian’s colleagues from St. Mary’s College. He boldly knocked on their door, and the look of surprise on Sandy’s face was worth the trip! We had a wonderful visit. Sandy has written a book about “The Bird Girl”, a sculpture that is on the cover of the popular book about Savannah, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” by John Berendt.

Beaufort is smaller than Savannah and was also spared during the Civil War, so the antebellum houses still stand. Last summer we had met a couple who winters in Beaufort and summers in Washington Island, Wisconsin, so we contacted them as we headed up the ICW. In Wisconsin they grow lavender and sell their products at the Island Dairy. We have a bottle of their lavender balsamic vinegar that is fabulous on grilled shrimp with avocados, tomatoes and grapefruit slices. In Beaufort, they live in a beautiful home in the historic district and have immersed themselves in the life of the town. They gave us a walking tour like only a local can give.

Today it’s back to doing laundry, getting the groceries, borrowing the loaner-car to explore a little, and tying up some loose ends. 

Tomorrow it’s MAY!