Day 64 - North Carolina

Day 64

Dec. 14

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Dear Miss Smith,

            On December 14 I woke up with a feeling of great excitement and anticipation. Today would be the first day of our week in North Carolina. I jumped out of bed to go see if my sister Kristina was awake. I found her up and petting the dogs, Timber and Penelope, while she was talking with Priscilla about the exciting week that lay ahead for the three of us.

            We started our travels on the first day of our trip in North Carolina by taking the dogs out for a walk. They seemed to know that they were not coming with us to Shackleford Banks Island, and were trying to make the most of their morning walk. We were not taking them with us because we didn't want them scaring the wild horses, and I don't think they would be allowed on the island anyway.

            Then we went back to the RV for a delicious breakfast. We fed the dogs too. I wonder if they have been to more states than I have? I'll have to ask Priscilla later. After breakfast we took a ferry to Shackleford Banks Island to see the wild horses.

            We arrived after traveling three miles on the water. Then we started on our walk to see the horses. On the ferry ride we were told that these horses are actually called bankers ponies and that they are descendants of Spanish horses that had survived shipwrecks around that area. We asked one of the men on the ferry how long the horses have been on the island, and he said, “As long as anybody can remember.” You might be wondering how they found out that the horses are of Spanish descent if they have been there as long as anybody can remember. We found out later that they had done some genetic testing to discover the horses’ origin.

            We didn't have to walk far to see some horses. They were wading in a pond known as the Mullet Pond, which is one of their favorite places on the island. I should mention that it was a warm day for December. We kept a safe distance away from the horses as we had been told to, but we were still close enough to be able to see what they were doing, and to enjoy watching them. After we had watched them play in the pond for a little while, then we decided to continue our walk.

  

Our favorite horses

          Next we headed to Bottle Run Point on the inland side of Shackleford Banks Island. This was not difficult because we were near there already. We walked up the coast a ways and then arrived at Bottle Run Point. The island is 9 miles long and not very wide. Most of the island is beaches and grassland, but there is a small forest near the Mullet Pond. There is also some fresh water on the island for the horses to drink. My favorite horse was a palomino colored stallion with a flaxen mane and tail. Priscilla's favorite horse was a dark bay mare that was standing right next to it. Kristina's favorite horse was also the flaxen maned stallion.

Getting a drink

            The view from the point was beautiful. From there we could see Harkers Island in the distance. Harkers Island is halfway between Shackleford Banks Island and the mainland. After we had been enjoying the view for a little while, we saw a horse just a short distance further up the coast. It was a bay mare digging a hole in the sand. As we watched, we saw it put its muzzle in the hole. After staying like that for a little while, it lifted its head and walked away. We were wondering what this was all about; so after the horse walked away, we went over to check it out. We looked in the hole and saw some water in the bottom of it, and came to the conclusion that the horse must have been taking a drink. We found out later that the horses do this when they are thirsty and not near any fresh water on the island.

            By now we were starting to get hungry, so we decided to start heading back. We would have to take the ferry back to Beaufort, because the only way to get to and from the island is by boat. When we arrived back at the RV we decided to take the dogs for a quick walk before lunch. We had not eaten lunch on the island because any food you want has to be brought with you to the island; and when you leave you have to take your trash with you. We had a quick lunch and started driving to Cedar Island. Our plan was to drive across Cedar Island and when we arrived at the port on the other end, to take a ferry to Ocracoke Island.

            While we were on our way to Cedar Island I decided to try to teach Penelope (the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) a trick. It wasn't long before I ran out of treats, so I asked Priscilla if we had any more. She said there was some more in the cupboard above the stove. I opened the cupboard; but I never got around to getting the treats, for all of a sudden three hats fell in my face. Priscilla, who was driving at the time, glanced in my direction, and then quickly turned her head back to look at the road. I think she was trying not to laugh. However, my doggy treat adventure did not end there. No sooner did the hats fall on the floor, than the dogs grabbed two of them and ran in different directions. Kristina jumped up to help retrieve the hats before they were ruined. I know Priscilla would have helped too but since she was driving she had to keep her eyes on the road. I know that this was difficult. I decided to chase Timber; the dog that was going into the bedroom; and finally retrieved the hat, but not before I had chased Timber around the bed a few times. Kristina was able to save the other two hats and thankfully they didn't have any tooth marks in them. After that, Kristina put Penelope on her lap; and I put the hats back in the cupboard. It was then that I decided I didn't need the treats anymore.

            As we were driving over the bridge that connected Cedar Island to the mainland, we looked out the windows at the amazing view. After we had been driving across Cedar Island for a while, I decided to take a short nap.

            When we arrived at the docks we began to wonder if we were going to have trouble trying to get them to take the RV across on the ferry, so we looked for the largest one and went to try to have the passage arranged. We finally managed to get someone to ferry the RV across to Ocracoke Island. When they loaded the RV onto the ferry, I thought I saw the ferry sink a few inches. It must be all those hats in there. The ferry ride was very enjoyable, and after two and a half hours we arrived at Ocracoke Island.

           First we went to see the lighthouse. The Ocracoke lighthouse is 65 ft. tall and white. The whitewash recipe that they used to make the lighthouse white, calls for blending lime, salt, Spanish whiting, rice, glue, and boiling water, and to apply the mixture while it is still hot. We were told that this lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse in the United States that is still in use; and that you can see its beam of light 14 miles out to sea. After this we went to look at the keepers quarters. It was a two-story white house not far from the lighthouse. We found out that the second-story was added to the house later so that an additional keeper and his family could live there, because the duties at the lighthouse had increased. The Coast-Guard operates it now so no keepers live there anymore. We also learned that the keepers and their families went fishing, hunted water-fowl, raised livestock and planted gardens in their spare time. And that the lighthouse service sent a traveling library every six months to light-stations along the coast.

Sunny Green

           After this we went to see the other historic spots in the town and went in and out of a few gift shops looking at their hats. That's when Priscilla bought her hat for North Carolina. It was a straw hat with a green ribbons and sunflowers on it. I'm not sure why they were trying to sell this during the winter, but she did get it for a great price. After Priscilla bought the hat, we got into the RV and drove up the outer banks of North Carolina to visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

  

Only there wasn't any snow when we were there.

         After we got there, we went to see the Cape Hatteras lighthouse. It was tall with black and white stripes spiraling upward, and we learned that it is the tallest lighthouse in North America, with 269 steps! This makes the stairs at home seem like nothing. During the summer months they have special night climbing tours weekly, and they also have a full moon climbing tour every month during the summer. Can you imagine climbing a lighthouse at night?

After that we walked along the beach for a little while enjoying the view. We didn't go swimming because it was too cold. Then we went to visit the Cape Hatteras visitors center. While we were there, we found out that it used to be the lighthouse keepers duplex. I thought this was very interesting.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

            After that we drove to Bodie Island Lighthouse. It was 156 feet tall, with black and white stripes. We were told that its first keeper was paid $400 a year! No wonder he's not there anymore. We were also told that it is actually the third Bodie Island Lighthouse. The first one started leaning because of bad construction plans and had to be abandoned. The second lighthouse was destroyed in 1861 by Confederate troops because they didn't want the Union troops using it. The first two Bodie lighthouses were actually on Pea Island.

            After this we were all getting very hungry, so we went to eat at a restaurant. The food was excellent. While we were there the waitress told us something about the Ocracoke Lighthouse that we had not heard earlier that day. She said that, unlike most lighthouses, the Ocracoke Lighthouse actually signals safety. We asked her how the mariners out at sea could tell the difference between a lighthouse signaling safety and one signaling danger. She said that each Lighthouse has a different paint pattern and light sequence so that mariners can tell it apart from other lighthouses even at night.

            After this we went back to the RV to sleep. It was then that I asked Priscilla how many States the dogs have been too. It turns out that I have actually been to more States than they have. I wonder how long that will last? We were ready for bed soon after we arrived back at the RV. After the lights were turned off I noticed something out the window. It was the beam of light from the lighthouse. I’m so glad all three of the lighthouses we visited are still running. And so ends the first day of our trip in North Carolina.

From,

Katelyn

Day 63 - South Carolina

Day 63

December 13

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

My Dear Miss Smith,
    It has been a few days since I last wrote you though the girls assured me that they have faithfully kept you updated on our travels. It is truly wonderful that I have others to help with all my correspondence, for if I had to keep it all up myself, I would either not get to see much, spend most of my nights writing, or you wouldn’t hear anything! I do hope things have been going well at home. Be sure and tell Amy when you see her next that Timber is getting along just fine and Penelope and I would feel alone if we had to part with him.

    This morning the girls and I took the dogs for a last romp on the beach outside our cottage before we left. Timber has no fear of the ocean waves even in this chilly weather and seemed to enjoy himself tremendously.

We were all a little sad to leave that lovely little cottage by the sea and return to life in the RV, much as the RV feels like home. Getting out of Charleston wasn’t too hard since we waited until the morning rush of traffic had dissipated.

    The drive to Conway, South Carolina was only a few hours and we passed the time with talk of all the places we had been and what Abigail and Susanna were going to do when they arrived back home, since this is their last day. I am just thankful that when I take the girls to the airport, I can pick up the next travelers and don’t have to spend the night alone in the RV. I know, Miss Smith, when I was following the Marshmallow Thief I traveled all over with only Piccadilly for a companion, but this trip is different. It was meant to be shared. But I must get on with our day or I will never get to bed!

    Arriving at the L.W. Paul Living History Farm, we met several members of the farm and began our experience on a “one horse family farm.” This farm was begun by Larry Paul who offered to fund its construction. The goal was to create what a family farm would be like between 1900-1955. I must say it was quite interesting.

We got to help make butter and grind grits and visited the smokehouse to bring some hams to the house for cooking.

They have a darling little wood stove in the kitchen that they cook on.

And you should have seen the front room, Miss Smith; you would have fallen in love with it.


    Abigail and Susanna tried their hand at spinning and did a remarkable job!

I had the job of washing some clothes. Dear me, what a job washing days must have been back then.

They have some darling little speckled hens and of course the other animals you’d expect to find, such as a cow named “Daisy.” Why is it that most cows seem to bear that same name?



    Well, we couldn’t stay too long, as they were starting preparations for tomorrow’s Christmas at the Farm Day. It would have been fun to stay, but we must keep going. Since there were still several hours left in the day, we decided right then to head over to Myrtle Beach State Park.

    Oh, the delight of the beach again! We have gotten so used to hearing the sounds of the waves as we drift to sleep, that we unanimously voted to spend the night right here, since they have hookups for RVs, instead of trying to find a place down the road. The dogs were delighted to be out and we had a campfire this evening. We roasted marshmallows and ate s’mores while I told the girls about my experiences with that elusive yet sticky marshmallow thief.

    Now it is quite late. I let Abigail drive the RV from Conway to Myrtle Beach today. She did a good job, and I was delighted to be relieved from driving. That’s another reason I miss Amy. The girls are in bed and as I don’t hear anymore whispering, I imagine they are asleep, so I should join them.
    Good night, Miss Smith.

Sweet dreams,

~Priscilla

Day 60 - South Carolina

Day 60

Dec. 10

Charleston, SC

Miss Smith,

            We got up early today so we could finish the drive to Charleston. Our first place we stopped was Boone Hall Plantation.

Boone Hall Plantation

We only spent a few hours there so we could go everywhere we wanted to, but we could have spent longer. The house was beautiful.

Middleton Place

            After that we went to the Middleton Place. The house museum was neat.

The furniture and furnishings were beautiful. We went to the garden afterwards. The flowers were pretty. They had some white flowers blooming that were just gorgeous.

 

Middleton Gardens

            Eventually we tired and decided to go to our cottage. We stayed at the Cottages on Charleston harbor. The cabins were roomy.

Soon we settled in for the night.

My favorite part of the day was when we took a tour of the Middleton house. Got to go now.

Sincerely,

Susanna

Day 42 - Florida

Day 42

November 22

Perry, FL

Dearest Miss Smith,
    Here we are in Florida. This will be our last southward state for a while, as after this we are heading north. What a thing, to be heading north as winter comes along. Ah well, we would have to spend the winter somewhere and it might as well be up north where we can hopefully enjoy at least a few good snowstorms, whereas down in the south one may forget what season it really is.
    But I digress from our adventures. I must start with last night at the airport.
    Having watched the airplane carrying Susanna and Elizabeth leave the runway and disappear into the sky, Amy and I decided to go to a little cafe there at the airport for a light snack since Mikayla and Grace’s plane wasn’t scheduled to arrive for another hour. To have a conversation with only the two of us was rather a novelty since we have had so many traveling companions. Lest you get the wrong impression, Miss Smith, let me add that they have all been wonderful and we’ve been delighted to have them along. However, there we sat sipping our cups of hot chocolate and munching on delightful pastries while we chatted about everything: how the trip was going so far, what plans we had for upcoming states, what you might be doing at home, how Amy’s family was surviving without her and things of that sort. Suddenly I happened to glance at my watch and then sprang up exclaiming, “Oh, mercy me! Those poor girls!”
    At that, Amy, who had stared at me in astonishment, looked at her watch and said, “Their plane came in half an hour ago!”
    With that we rushed away. Arriving at the waiting area, we found the two girls talking with a man from security and looking rather worried. When they caught sight of us, they rushed over to us and we all talked at once until the security man came over and said, “I’m assuming you are not in need of my assistance anymore?”
    We assured him we did not and then hurried away to the RV.

    But that was last night. This morning we got up early; well, let me clarify, Amy, Grace and Mikayla got up early. I slept in.
    We arrived at the beaches of South Walton mid morning. Did you know that there are fifteen different “towns” in South Walton? We drove through every one of them, stopping here and there to shop, wander along the beach, eat or even get our bikes down and take a bike ride on some of the
paths. I’m not sure which place was my favorite, but we stopped in Blue Mountain,

  Grayton Beach,

 WaterSound

 and Alys.

 The weather was nothing like back home in late November. The water was glorious! We all went wading. I wore my Lady Diane hat along the beach and Grace told me all I needed was a long white dress with pink ribbons about it and I would look as though I had stepped from a history book.

    Oh, I must mention that when we were shopping, the first thing Grace bought was a purse.

Grace's purse

I’m not sure why she is obsessed with purses. Now if it were hats she was interested in I could understand, but purses? As for Mikayla, she bought some postcards to send back to her parents and brothers.
    One time we just had to stop was when we saw Charlie’s Donut Truck parked in Alys Beach. Oh those freshly made donuts just melted in our mouths! We talked about saving a few to send to you, but by the time we finished talking about it, we had eaten every one. Dreadfully sorry, Miss Smith, perhaps another time.

    Amy just reminded me to tell you of our bike ride. I know I mentioned that we took one, but I neglected to tell you about it.

We rode the Timpoochee Trail. It is an 18 mile long trail which was named after an Euchee Indian Chief who was very influential around here.

Don't you just love this Cafe name?

The path was perfect and everyone greatly enjoyed it.

Of course the dogs loved every bit of it since they got to be outside with us.

 Mikayla and Grace made it the 18 miles but weren’t up to riding back. Amy, wanting to give Timber a chance to really run, volunteered to ride back and pick up the RV. To this I agreed at once. The girls and I, along with Penelope, rested and shopped. Penelope was such a good dog, she stayed outside of the shops and watched our bicycles for us.

    We were planning to leave about mid afternoon, but it was late afternoon before we actually got on the road again heading for Forest Capital Museum State Park, which is near Perry, Miss Smith. Sometimes we could see The Gulf from the road.

We talked the entire way. The girls told us about home and mentioned how much they had enjoyed reading about the last two states on the blog. That was such a charming idea. I’m delighted to know that the others can learn about our marvelous adventures as they wait for us to arrive in their state.
    But now I must close, for it grows late, and so much being outdoors in the fresh air off the sea has made us all tired.

Good Night,

~Priscilla

Day 41 - Alabama

Day 41
Nov. 21
Fairhope, AL

Dearest Miss Smith,
    We have just left Fairhope and are on our way to the airport where we will bid farewell to Elizabeth and Susanna. They have been such wonderful companions that already Amy and I are looking forward to the next state that they will join us for.

    The day started out early, for Amy roused us all before the sun was up so that we might watch it rise over the gulf. As you know, I am not prone to early rising; however, this was well worth the effort of rising from my bed and facing the cool morning. The dogs were overjoyed at being taken out that early though they would no doubt have preferred to roam about on their own instead of being on a leash, but such was the requirement at the park.
    How does one describe the sunrise over a vast expanse of water; the almost magical change of colors in the sky and about one, the disappearing of all traces of darkness while the golden ball of fire glows ever brighter with each passing moment? It is an impossibility to even attempt to describe such a scene, Miss Smith, and it would be futile for me to try.

    Our breakfast was enjoyed on the beach after which we all wandered along and admired the white sands and the shells which had washed up during the early morning tide.

    At last it was time to depart. The drive to Fairhope wasn’t long and we soon reached our destination. Since we were to enjoy a ride on a schooner, and having had such a terrible mishap on my last boat tour, I was in doubt as to which hat I should wear. After much anxious discussion with all three of my traveling companions, it was decided that were I to wear my Cris-Cross-Polk-A-Dot hat, it would be fairly easy to secure it firmly to my head so that no chance wind could snatch it from me (as happened, alas, on the hot air balloon).

    We boarded the Joshua, a 72` wooden schooner, to cruise Mobile Bay. Our captain, Carol Bramlett, was wonderful. She invited us to take our turn at the helm and help with the sails. The crew was friendly, showing us how to hoist the sails, tie the ropes and frequently pointing out interesting historical sights along the shores. I am in doubt as to which of us enjoyed it the most.

Though not as wonderful as a train or the biplane of yesterday, it was still charming. The breeze was fresh and invigorating, the sound of the flags snapping in the wind was pleasant, and even Amy, who after her experience of last evening wasn’t too sure about today, didn’t feel the least sick. Perhaps it was the air, though she had plenty of air in the plane.
    We were all reluctant to depart when we at last docked, but it was time to leave, so we bade farewell to the captain and crew and settled ourselves in the RV once again.

    Elizabeth has seen the sign for the exit to the airport, so I must end.

Much love,

~Priscilla

P.S. The flight was delayed so I am sitting here in the airport with the girl’s carry-on luggage while the two of them and Amy take the dogs for a walk.

    I forgot to mention what I purchased for my 50-State hat here in Alabama. Susanna found a little train engine on a key chain and when Amy saw it, she called me over and told me they had found the perfect item for my hat. Amy has taken the key chain off and attached it to the hat now and the girls say it is just the thing. There is even a tiny red head light which will turn on with a switch.

    The girls also surprised me by presenting me with a pin in memory of our train ride at the Dixie RR Museum. I shall wear it proudly.
    The girls have returned and the first call for their flight has been announced.
PDS

Day 40 - Alabama

Day 40

Nov. 20

Gulf State Park, AL

Dear Miss Smith,

It was so much fun being able to go to the beach right after breakfast.

It was so beautiful with the white sand and all. It was the first time I remember looking out to the seeming endless ocean. Susanna and I went immediately to collecting shells. We found two conch shells almost exactly alike and we are going to make matching necklaces.

After spending a short time at the beach, we visited Historic Fort Gaines.

In 1821 construction of the fort on land began. But the Engineers sighted construction too close to Mobile Bay and at high tide, water would enter the works. So after fixing that problem (and many others) the fort wasn't completed until around 1861 after it had been named by Congress in 1853 for General Edmund Pendleton Gaines who won lasting fame for his defense of Fort Erie. After the outbreak of the Civil War, the Confederates finished the final touches.

After visiting Fort Gaines we took the ferry across Mobile Bay to Fort Morgan and then drove to Gulf State Park. Once we got settled we headed over to the "Bird of Paradise" biplane rides.

Oh, it was so much fun! We got to wear leather jackets, helmets and goggles.

Susanna and I loved it while Amy found better joy on ground. She got sick on the ride and says she'll never ride a biplane again! But Priscilla says it was almost as comforting as the train.

Well, I better go since everyone is tired. I hope you are having as much fun as us. See you soon.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth