Friday, April 21, 2017

Old Sheldon Church Ruins

One of the cooler ruins that I've been to in the States, the Old Sheldon Church Ruins are located about an hour south of Charleston. It's actually a really easy drive. Get on 17 south and drive. It's in Yemassee, right outside of Beaufort. I found this place by chance seeing a historical marker sign on the road while on my way to a vacation on Hilton Head Island.

If you live in Charleston or traveling around Beaufort or on the way in between Charleston and Savannah, I suggest stopping it. Get of the car and stretch your legs. Get some fresh air. Bring your camera and take some pictures.

The ruins are located on a 2 way road with a beautiful tree canopy. I had to take a picture of that as well.






Enjoy some pictures below:
Kevin Brunson
Kevin Brunson

A little history for you.

Enjoy your visit!

Hutchinson House Edisto Island

Edisto Island is located about an hour south of Charleston. One of the many barrier islands of South Carolina.

And it happens to be my favorite place to go camping. Hopefully the secret doesn't get out and I'll still be able to get a camp site from time to time.

If you happen to find yourself on Edisto Island, or if you want to make the trip from Charleston, you'll want to check out the Hutchinson House. I found out about by chance when I stopped at a produce road side store and asked if there was anything interesting to check out.

I don't know a lot about the history of it personally, so this blurb is lifted from the Wikipedia:

The Hutchinson House is the oldest identified house on Edisto Island, South Carolina associated with the black community after the American Civil War. It was the residence of Henry Hutchinson, a mulatto who, according to a local tradition, built and operated the first cotton gin owned by a black on the island from about 1900 to 1920.

Following the Civil War, Jim Hutchinson worked to assemble groups of freed blacks who would collectively purchase land on Edisto Island. Each contributor then received a fractional interest in the lands acquired. Jim Hutchinson's children built their own houses on his portion; one of the children was Henry Hutchinson. Henry Hutchinson's house is the only one remaining.[2] Henry Hutchinson is said to have built the house at the time of his marriage to Rosa Swinton in 1885, and resided here until his death in about 1940.

The house was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

Get ready to climb over overgrown grass, weeds, and all sorts of greenery if you want approach the house.
Note: I believe this is private property so visitors inside might not be welcome.
If you make it inside, you'll see a rundown home. Here you see an old vintage fireplace. The floors creek and maybe you'll hear other odd sounds.
A view from the other side. Very cool.


Be careful on your visit.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

James Island County Park Festival of Lights

I know it's not the right time of year, but I was looking through the pics on my phone and felt compelled to write about this. During the month of December there's the Festival of Lights at the James Island County Park. If you haven't been, and you find yourself in Charleston, I strongly suggest going.

Before going, visit their website and checkout the Events Schedule. They usually do something special and unique each night of the month. While there, you can drive in your car to take a slow drive around to see all the displays. Also, get out of your car and take in all the activities, shopping, food, entertainment, and more.

The pelican is literally my favorite bird so I had to take a picture. I remember going to South Florida for vacations as a kid and going fishing. At the end of the day you'd see people skinning the fish with all the pelicans hanging around for the leftovers. Beautiful and majestic birds!
The classic Charleston, South Carolina oak tree with Spanish Moss. Nothing brings to mind Charleston more than this. Just brings images to the mind of sitting under a tree in the shade in the summer trying to stay cool.
You know what they say, we are the 3rd rock from the sun. Start planning for the winter, sounds crazy to say being it's about to be summer.

Monday, April 17, 2017

Bulls Bay Island

Bulls Bay Island
It’s springtime in Charleston. Winter, if that’s what you want to call it, is officially behind us, and it’s time to start planning weekend activities. Get out of the house and do something. Charleston is such an amazing place and we are lucky to call it home. One place I suggest planning a trip to if you haven’t been is Bulls Bay Island. What a gem!

Before you go, plan on bringing, or wearing, comfortable shoes for walking, a bicycle (if you want), suntan lotion, bug spray, a beach towel, a camera for pictures, water, and a snack. And whatever else you need.

How to get there you might ask? You'll have to board a ferry to get to the Bulls Island. There are several departure times each day leaving from Awendaw. Definitely call before planning your visit to confirm times. The ferry ride to Bulls Bay Island takes about 30 minutes. The captain and mate will keep you entertained with stories about the island, wildlife, and more. Be on the lookout for dolphins, all types of birds, and more.

Once you arrive on the island, your adventure begins. If you brought a bike you can enjoy riding around. Otherwise, get started walking as there are no golf carts or cars here.
Depending on how long you plan on staying, I suggest starting the trip to Boneyard Beach. This is my favorite part of the island. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and if you are a photographer, either professional or novice, you will take countless pictures here.
The actual boneyard beach is what’s left of a forest that has been overtaken by the ocean and beach. What’s left is beautiful and unique.

On your way to or from Boneyard Beach, enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Stop, be calm, and listen. You’ll hear no car traffic, or music, or construction noise. Enjoy the sound of nature, the birds, the insects, the waves crashing.
They say there are 293 species of birds. In addition to the alligators, bald eagles, bobcats, dolphins, and more. And don’t forget the mosquitoes. Depending on the time of year you visit, do not forget to bring bug spray.

In total there are around 16 miles of trails going in and around the island and 7 miles of beach. I went for a day, so I didn’t even see a quarter of it. I’ll be back for sure.

Oh, and if you like beach combing and collecting shells, this is the place to go. Be sure to bring a bag to put them in. What are you waiting for? Get out and see Bulls Bay Island. A gem just minutes north of Charleston.

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