Day 3 - Taking It All In

 
Today we didn't do too much. After lunch we drove out to Paris Island (Marine Base), across to Port Royal and on to Lady's Island and Saint Helena Island. It really wasn't very far - about 15 miles. It is hard to tell where the island ends and the water begins. River, ocean, and land all ooze into each other.

I am enchanted with the area. The sea and the wilderness are ruler here. Humans are only interlopers. Every inch that is not maintained is quickly overgrown and reclaimed. There are homes of every quality and size. It certainly isn't a subdivision. Instead each home is nestled into a small clearing of wilderness. Like south Texas, there aren't many lawns. You just pick which plants to let grow and which plants to dig up.

I had to get a book of local plants and birds. I didn't realize that the kids were accustomed to me naming every plant and most birds. I didn't know I could identify most of our local fauna. It had just become a habit. So now I am learning a whole new vocabulary. So far we have identified the following: Lobolly pine, Longleaf pine, magnolia, and red oak. We also saw a snowy egret, small turtles, and a little tiny frog. The frog was happily hopping around in the puddle in front of the hotel.

Today we avoided the usual afternoon thunderstorm. Apparently these deluges are a nearly daily occurence. While they are wonderful for little frogs, they are also wonderful for mosquitos. As I expected, I am covered in bites and as most of you know I really swell where ever I am bit.

We did stop at two bookstores today. At one we met an author from Charleston named Nicole Seitz. She was doing a book signing so while I got a signed book Peter got to talk publishing. She is really nice and so friendly. She was promoting her third book and I can't wait to read it. We also picked up the kind of local books that we can't get in Boise.

We are hoping to just rest tomorrow. Jost is not adjusting to the change in weather. Of course he insisted on wearing jeans and a ball cap today. I think he learned his lesson. Anyway, I want to draw and read and Peter wants to read and write. We are all a little overwhelmed.