Dodging military Restricted Areas, huge towers, clouds and rain squalls I flew across North Carolina seeking the Atlantic Ocean.
I’d left Atlanta the day before, liftoff at 3:15…much later than I liked, due of course, to low clouds. Here is Fulton County Airport on the west side of Atlanta.
Even though I’d had a lovely long visit with my friends, it was hard to leave them, especially their precious daughter who had begun to call me G-ma Joyce. What an honor. The bear in this picture is “Murphette” named in honor of the couple who gave her to me as a mascot for this trip.
10:25 I’m passing Augusta, read about and now seen then over the Savannah river into North Carolina 8th new state on this trip.
5:10 I arrive in Orangeburg, South Carolina and decide to stay the night. With Path tied securely and armed with map and recommendation, I drive into town for dinner and a room. Spent so much time seeking a souvenir keychain for my son who collects them that it is soon too late for a big sit down meal. I spot Chick-fil-a and remember being told that this chain is a “must try” while in the south. Approaching the door I spot ..a cow and remember that cows are the spokespersons for their ads. Tourist, so must ask for a picture
– the cow is delighted as is his attendant who escorts me inside where I’m introduced to the owner and his wife who are excited to make suggestions as to the ideal choices from the menu. It turns out they are having an “eat breakfast for dinner” event so servers are wearing PJ’s!
With a bag of treats in hand I return to my room at The Southern Lodge on St Matthews Rd (I promised the very nice owner to give him a mention as his place was very reasonable, clean and comfortable.) Settled in and ready to eat and relax I enjoy mini chicken biscuits, made with real, not processed, chicken and tiny cinnamon buns which are not overly sweet. Hand squeezed lemonade rounds out my less than standard, but oh so delicious dinner. Then the floor show starts. Huge cracks of thunder drag me out the door where, with other guests, I watch nature’s entertainment for several minutes as lightning streaks and thunder rolls. Sure hope this isn’t over the airport I think, concerned for Path sitting out on the tarmac. But that was just the beginning. Thirty minutes later the rain arrives…and boy howdy! I opened the door again, and stayed inside, as to do otherwise would provide me with a second shower. Rain in buckets – no barrels, blowing in waves. Waterfalls from overflowing eaves, the walkway a river threatening to flow inside onto the carpet. I looked briefly, took a photo, and retreated. Hmmm maybe I shouldn’t have wished Path could have a bath!
Morning is clearer than I’d expected, so wish I hadn’t elected to sleep in and be lazy. 9:25 when a wet Path lifts off. 25 nm later we’re over the Santee Wildlife Preserve along Lake Marion, with light rain.
Which brings us back to the beginning of today’s tale – flying at 1,200, under clouds avoiding things best avoided. I do manage to note that this is lovely country with farms, lots of trees, homes on large lots, lots of brick buildings. At last land gives in to water as I cross the Alligator River
Then Albemarle Sound
And there, just across Roanoke sound, past that little strip of sunlit land, is my goal… Atlantic Ocean and an airport called First Flight.
Wow! That map is filling in fast. We were at the Outer Banks a few years ago, and drove through the Kill Devil Hills area with the Wright Bros. first flight area as we drove past. Never had time to stop, the road and traffic were horrible. Have fun! Fill in those states!! You must be at 50% by now.
ReplyDeleteYour having a great trip! Hope you get some better weather along the way.
ReplyDeleteLove the picture of you and the cow. I've always wanted to get a photo of me and a black-and-white cow, but I've always been afraid to get that close!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised those other diners even noticed the rain. I seem to remember those gully washers being almost a daily occurrence when I lived in the southeast.
ReplyDeleteAnd 'boy howdy'! Now you're sounding like a Texan.