Day 71 - Tennessee

Day 71

Dec. 21

Pigeon Forge, TN

My Dearest Miss Smith,

    What a day this has been! I declare, I’m quite worn out. What with getting up before five this morning so I could get Katelyn, Kristina, and Amy to their plane on time, and then doing all the driving today. Though I do love to drive my red RV, one sometimes grows tired of watching the road and wishes to rest one’s eyes on the scenery which is passing. Now Miss Smith, don’t fret that you didn’t send anyone who could drive, I’m sure I’ll have a delightful time with my new companions, though I shall miss Amy dreadfully at first.

    But I must start with this morning.

    Arriving at the airport, we discovered that the departing plane was delayed, and my new traveling companions arrived before Amy and the twins left. We did enjoy a lively time of visiting. Amy gave the others instructions about Timber, for they couldn’t get him on the plane at such a late date. I don’t know how long I’ll get to keep him, but Nellie will be glad not to lose him. Those two are almost inseparable now.

    Anyway, we at last parted ways, and I escorted my new companions, Isaiah, Olivia, and Grace, to the RV where they made the acquaintance of the dogs. After stowing their belongings, we got underway. Since I no longer have Amy to ride shotgun, I let Isaiah ride up there today.

    We had to drive through the Great Smoky Mountains and, Miss Smith, it was very difficult to keep my eyes on the road! A light dusting of snow lay on nearly everything. Not enough to make driving difficult, for the roads were clear, but the landscape, the trees, mountains, and grasses, were softened from their drab brown by a delicate garb of white crystals. Several times we pulled over to get out and enjoy the snow. I’m very grateful that whoever designed these roads made sure there were places to pull off the road. We tried not to stop too many times as we did want time at our first stop.

    It was cold to be exploring Andrew Johnson’s homes in Greensville, but it meant there was no one else there but us, and we were glad we could go inside the different homes. I didn’t know President Johnson was a tailor, did you? In one place there was a timeline of pictures which really were quite fascinating once I realized that this was not Andrew Jackson! For some reason I had mixed the two up and couldn’t understand why there was so much about the Civil War! As you can imagine, Isaiah and the girls thought that was rather amusing. But Isaiah and Olivia were rather excited to see this place since they share the president’s last name. I wonder if they are related?

    I had to keep a close watch on the time as we had to make sure we had time to drive down to Pigeon Forge (what a name for a town!) to keep our reservations at the Dixie Stampede. This time we took the most direct route and listened to Christmas music most of the way.

    Oh, Miss Smith! How can I tell you about the evening? It was a mixture of music and lights, horses, dazzle, splendor, good food, and an utterly delightful Nativity. I would tell you what we ate, but it was dark, and I wasn’t paying much attention, only that it tasted very good and I believe there was chicken, corn, bread, and other things. I will point out, however, that when eating at the Dixie Stampede, you must use your fingers for everything since they do not give you any utensils. None at all! No one cares what your manners are, for everyone’s focus is on the show in the arena. Our servers were dressed as elves which was quite delightful. I did love their hats.

    Here I have been sitting without writing for at least ten minutes trying to come up with a way to tell you about the show, but to no avail. I simply cannot tell it. Perhaps it is because I am tired. Perhaps the wonder of it all is too recent. Perhaps it just can’t be described. Whatever the reason, I can’t do it and I won’t even try.

    Isaiah is up in his loft reading, and I hear the two girls talking in the bedroom. I am going to take the dogs for a quick run outside around the RV before I head to bed myself. We have busy days before us, and I must get some sleep.

Until another time,

Priscilla

P.S. I do hope the girls all made it home safely.

Day 68 - North Carolina

Day 68

December 18

Charlotte, NC

Dear Miss Smith,
    I am sure this won’t be a very long letter as I am yawning already and it is quite late. Everyone has gone to bed except me and I hope to follow them soon.

    Today we visited the Billy Graham Library. It is quite a place, Miss Smith, and you should have seen the bookshelves! But, lest you think this is just a library, it is also a museum, restaurant, and more.
    We started out with a tour of the Graham home were Billy lived from age 9 until he headed off for college. The house is a two-story Colonial house built of bricks and looks like it should be in Williamsburg, or some other such place. But it did have indoor plumbing.

    Our next place to visit was the museum where we discovered so many interesting facts about Billy Graham’s life. This is housed in a large barn-shaped building and the entrance is through a large cross. This building also houses Ruth’s Attic Bookstore which was a lovely place to visit. It was hard not to buy stacks of books, but as you well know, there would be no room in the RV for them. I did buy a book or two and, when the girls weren’t around, I bought them each a necklace for Christmas. But don’t tell them.
    Oh, I forgot to mention that the day before yesterday we stopped by a Christmas Tree farm and purchased a small one for the RV. It smells so lovely, and I bought an ornament from the bookstore.

    Sometime during the middle of the day, I can’t now remember if it was before or after we visited the bookstore, we stopped to eat lunch at the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar. There is nothing quite like a hot lunch on a cold winter day. It was hard to decide just what we wanted, but I ended up with the Grilled Chicken Sandwich and chips, with a homemade cookie for dessert. We ate in a cozy place that looked just like a horse stall only with a table and bench seats instead of straw and a horse.

    Since it is Christmas time, we got to go see the live nativity outside, and after it got dark we took a carriage ride behind some lovely horses, after which we warmed up with hot chocolate before wandering around a little more.
    Then it was time to head back to the RV where we took the dogs for a run and prepared a late supper. Then I cleaned up the kitchenette while the girls took the dogs out once more before bed.
    Now I must head to bed myself, Miss Smith. I have been yawning for the past twenty minutes and I’m afraid I’ll fall asleep right here if I don’t crawl into bed soon.

Sweet dreams,

~Priscilla

Day 66 - North Carolina

Day 66

December 16

Siler City, North Carolina

Dear Miss Smith,

         It has been a thrilling day for me and I must tell you all about it. I am enjoying a very quiet and relaxed night here in my lovely room at Celebrity Dairy Inn. My room, which I shall tell you about soon, is located on the second floor, while Katelyn & Kristina enjoy rooms on the third floor. Dogs are not allowed in the Inn here and so we have left Timber and Penelope to enjoy the entire RV tonight. I have no doubt that Timber will be sleeping on my bed and will most likely encourage Penelope to share it with him since I am sure I forgot to shut the bedroom door before we left. I’m half inclined to get up and tramp all the way out to the RV just to make sure that door is shut properly. But I’m only half inclined and think perhaps I won’t since it is a cold night and I am writing this letter from my warm bed.

         But I must tell you about our day.

         Leaving Roanoke, we drove for a while listening to 89.7 FM on the radio. Since we were going to be in the area, I decided that our trip to North Carolina just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the radio station you listen to all day long. I was wondering, do you have the radio on when you go to bed? I never thought to ask until now. I wasn’t sure what to expect having never been in a radio station before, but those at WCPE The Classical Station were very warm and welcoming.

         Did you know that their tower is more than 1200 feet tall? We could see it for miles and knew where we were heading even before we arrived. Fancy being able to broadcast the marvelous music of the classical composers all around the world. I’m sure Benjamin Franklin would have been pleased, as would Samuel F. B. Morse, Alexander Graham Bell and the rest of those inventors.

         Tara Lynn was so very sweet when we came in and took us on a tour of the station and introduced us to many people who, up to now, have just been names on the radio. Dan McHugh was working that morning and he was kind enough to let me do one of the announcements and send my greetings to you. I do hope you were listening during that time as it’s too late to go back and do it again. You said Dan sounded “cute” on the radio, well he was even better looking in person, but my dear Miss Smith, he was entirely too young for you.

         As much as I enjoyed the tour of the station and getting to be on the air, my most thrilling moment of the morning was when David Ballantyne walked in! As you know, David was born and raised in London, England and his accent is the real thing, not one of those fake accents you hear people try and pass off nowadays. I was wearing my favorite hat and he told me it was the most extraordinarily charming hat he had seen since he was last in London. Imagine my supreme delight at those words.

         Our travels continued after finding a quaint little restaurant in Wake Forest where we ate lunch, followed by a walk around the town with the dogs. I wished it were dark and we could see all the Moravian stars lit up which are hanging in every doorway and window. It must be a lovely sight.

"Aunt Agnes"

         Oh, Miss Smith, guess what I discovered in a quaint little antique shop window. A hat just like my great, great, great, great Aunt Agnes had! I simply couldn’t resist stepping inside the shop and having a better look at it while Katelyn and Kristina held on to the dogs outside. The shop was run by an old man, and he was so kind as to take the hat out of the window so I might examine it more closely. Miss Smith, it was just like Aunt Agnes’s hat. I’ve always admired the picture of my aunt, and how often I have wished for a hat just like hers, since hers became lost in the intervening generations between her and myself, though I never could hope to look as lovely as she did.  I was torn between buying the hat and leaving it there, for I didn’t have a hat box it would fit in. (All those feathers must have some protection or it would be ruined in a week.) I mentioned that I was traveling through the area in my RV and didn’t have a way to keep it safe when I wasn’t wearing it. The man stared at me for a moment and then said, “You’d wear that thing?”

         “Oh, yes!” I replied, turning it around in my hand. “It is just like one my great, great, great, or how ever many greats it was, aunt had.”

         “Ma’am,” he replied, “if you buy that hat and will allow my granddaughter to come take a picture of you wearing it, I’ll throw in a hat box that just fits that hat, for free.”

         How could I refuse such an offer after that? In a few moments the hat was mine. A minute more and the man’s granddaughter (she works for the local paper) came and took a dozen pictures of me with my newest hat, asked many questions, and even interviewed Katelyn and Kristina. It was quite thrilling, I assure you, and my only regret was that we were not going to be around long enough to see the photo and interview in print. I did leave your name and address with the kind man, as well as the price of a paper and postage, and requested that he mail you a copy of the paper. I’m calling this hat “Aunt Agnes.”

         But our travels for the day were not over and we soon set off for the Celebrity Dairy. It is a small family farm, but the Inn is a lovely building. Actually it is two buildings— a modern Greek Revival farmhouse and an 1800 log cabin joined by a two-story atrium. The log cabin was the original settler’s cabin. There are wide porches skirting the farmhouse, and the 250-year-old oak trees are stately and grand even in the winter. I can just imagine what it must be like in the summer when everything is green.

         The dairy is known for its award winning goat cheese and is, as you may have assumed, a goat farm. Their herd is of Alpine and Saanen goats and their cheese is quite delightful. I am glad we chose to visit the Dairy for they do not ship their cheese because it would suffer in the mail.

         When we arrived, we were welcomed and greeted by our hosts Fleming and Brit, along with one of the goats, Kathryn, who is getting along in years but still seems interested in visitors.

         After getting a tour of The Inn and settling into our rooms, we were shown the barn where the goats reside. Kristina and Katelyn would have offered to help milk had there been a chance since they have goats at home, but there were no goats to milk as we came at an off time.

         Supper was delightful and then we retired to our rooms for the evening.

"Katherine's Room"

         Kristina’s room is called “Katherine’s Room” and has light pink walls. Being on the top floor causes the roof to slope down. She has a lovely window seat where one can relax and enjoy the view of the small south meadow.

Bernard's Room"

        Across the hallway from the “Katherine” is  “Bernard's Room” where Katelyn is sleeping. Her walls are also light pink but the bed frame is dark wood and there is no window seat; however, the sheer curtains on the windows were tied back so the north meadow could be seen. Both the upper rooms are quite cozy, and I’m sure the girls will sleep fine.

"Lynan's Room"

         My room is dubbed the “Lynan’s Room” and has blue walls and a quilt with a background of blue. The bed is just lovely, quite unique with its tall pencil posts of a light wood color. The upper parts of the walls, just below the ceiling, appear papered in lace which adds a charm to the room which I can’t describe. When it was light, I could look from my window and see the front meadow and watch the sun setting.

         Now, Miss Smith, as I am quite tired and we will have a busy day before us, I think I will turn out my light and get some sleep. I’m looking forward to our breakfast here on the farm.

Pleasant dreams,

~Priscilla

Day 65 - North Carolina

Day 65

December 15

Roanoke Island, South Carolina

My Dear Miss Smith,
    Here we are having spent our second day in North Carolina. I am greatly enjoying the time with Katelyn and Kristina though I can’t tell them. The first question I have to ask each morning is who is who and then I’m sure to get them mixed up at least a dozen times a day. I suppose this is what comes when you travel with twins who look so much alike. However, they have both assured me that even their family gets them mixed up now and then. That news has made me feel somewhat better, but still, one likes to know for sure who one is addressing when one speaks.  Perhaps by the time our week of travels in this state are over I will be able to tell them apart. I don’t know if the dogs can tell them apart or not, but Timber and Penelope both adore the girls, and both girls are entirely willing to take the dogs out any time.
    But I must get on with this letter or I will never get it finished. Right now we are parked and supper is just over. Katelyn is washing the dishes and Kristina is drying and putting them away. Or is it the other way around? Oh dear, I can’t tell!
    This morning was quite lovely. Our drive to our first stop wasn’t very long and the sun was shining and the prospect of driving along the Outer Banks once more made us all the more eager to get up early.

    Our first stop of the day was at Kill Devil Hills, otherwise known as Kitty Hawk. Imagine being in the very same place, Miss Smith, as the first people who actually flew! There we were able to walk and see what Orville and Wilbur saw when they came to Kitty Hawk to try their experiment in flight. Of course, there wasn’t any visitor’s center or the Centennial Pavilion back then, and certainly not a full scale bronze replica of the 1903 flier, but still it was the same place. There are several sculptures of people who played an important part in documenting and assisting in that first flight.

John Daniels

Did you know that John Daniels, the man who took the famous photo of the first flight, had never taken a photo before in his life? He worked at the Life-Saving Station on Kill Devil Hills, but his willingness to take a photo has earned him a bronze replica of his action at the park.

1903 Flyer

    The exhibits in the Centennial Pavilion were interesting, showing life size replicas of the first plane, glider and even the Wright brother’s wind tunnel. As much as I enjoy adventure, Miss Smith, I’m not sure I’d have been willing to commit myself to such a flimsy looking contraption. But we enjoyed walking around the 1903 flyer sculpture out on the sandy hill.
    We learned some fascinating facts as we explored the area. Here is one of them. Neil Armstrong carried a piece of cloth and wood from the original 1903 Wright Flyer when he went to the moon. Ah, the far reaching results of that first flight. I’m sure Orville and Wilbur never dreamed of reaching the moon when they were first attempting to fly.

    But, alas, our time at Kitty Hawk had to end after only a few hours and Katelyn, Kristina and I set off for the Roanoke Island Festival Park.

    We were overwhelmed by all the things to do at the park and weren’t sure where to begin. At last, after some talk, we agreed to head first to the Elizabeth II. This ship is a replica of a 1585 English merchant ship. There were seven of them in the voyage to Roanoke that year. I always picture old ships as dull in color, but the Elizabeth II was anything but drab and dull. From the green and white Tudor flag and the red and white Cross of St. George flag on the masts, to the blue, red, white and brown of the ship itself, everything was bright.
We got to try our hand at setting the sails, swabbing the deck and raised the anchor. I even played a game of checkers with a sailor, but I was defeated. Perhaps I should have taken Cousin Zelfred up on his offer to teach me to play checkers when I was ten. Oh, a misspent youth is hard to retrieve.

    Our next stop was the settlement site of the first English settlers on North American soil. A fascinating place it was with the added thought of wonder about what really happened to the colony. The speculations must run riot if one thinks about it too long. Did they all die out? Did they move in with some friendly Indians, inter-marry and forget their English roots? Did they perish in a storm? What ever became of Virginia Dare?

    Moving on (We tried not to spend too much time in any one place as there was so much to see.), we headed over to the Indian Town. There we were able to see two longhouses and actually step inside to see what it would have been like. It was all very fascinating, though our house on wheels suites me more than a longhouse would.

    Miss Smith, you must visit the Roanoke Adventure Museum yourself for it would take me hours to tell you about it. I thought it would just be about the first settlement—the Lost Colony, but it was much more. We learned more about “the graveyard of the Atlantic,” what happened during the Civil War; there were also hands-on experiences (We could even dress up!), displays displays . . . we could have spent hours there had it not been closing time.

Alas, night comes sooner in winter months than summer. Since it was winter they weren’t having their “music in the park” as they do in warmer weather. And we didn’t have time to see the lighthouse, or build a boat in a day or . . . You can be sure that this place is already written down in my file of places to visit again.

    Arriving back at the RV, we were met by two very delighted dogs whom Kristina and Katelyn promptly took for a walk while I prepared supper. Yes, Miss Smith, I did prepare it. Of course it was easy, as we had purchased a few frozen pizzas last week and all I had to do was put them in the oven and cut up some carrots. I do like quick and easy meals if I must prepare them.
    But now the kitchenette is spotless and we are all going to take the dogs for another walk and enjoy some Christmas lights. I find it difficult to believe Christmas is next week.

Farewell until another time,

~Priscilla

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 57 - South Carolina

Day 57

December 7

Lexington, South Carolina

Dear Miss Smith,
    This was our first day without Amy and I must say that I missed her. Susanna, Abigail and I began our day with a delightful breakfast fixed by the girls while I took the dogs out for a morning walk. It was a lovely morning to drive over to Kings Mountain, and since we were headed to such a place of interest, Susanna and Abigail took turns reading Manly Wade Wellman’s book Battle for King’s Mountain aloud. Miss Smith, you really ought to pull that book off the shelf and reread it if only for the sake of feeling more connected with me in my travels.

    A fact I found quite interesting was that we were there two months to the day (and many years later) of when the battle was fought. Thomas Jefferson called the battle “the turn of the tide of success” since it was the first major victory by the Americans after the British invaded Charleston.

Loyalist's hat on left, Patriot's hat on right

    When we arrived we first visited the Museum, as all well bred persons do. It was fascinating to see an original Ferguson Rife. And as we wandered through the exhibit, which was created to resemble an old growth forest, we listened with interest to the talking trees which tell the story of the battle and the people involved. We also watched the film “Battle for Kings Mountain.” Did you realize, Miss Smith, that the battle for Kings Mountain only lasted one hour? I wonder if that was the shortest battle in the American Revolution?

    We were all so interested in what we saw that it was nearly lunch time when we left the visitor center and headed outside. After a quick lunch at one of the picnic tables, we leashed the dogs and headed out for the one and a half mile walk up the mountain trail to the top of the ridge where the Patriots assaulted the Loyalists. We even saw Ferguson’s grave. Timber seemed to greatly enjoy getting outside for a nice long walk, and even Penelope pranced along with a perky tail. The weather was perfect for a walk up the slopes of Kings Mountain; the air was brisk and chilly, but we didn’t have to wear heavy coats and warmed up quickly with the climb.

    We thought we might drive over to Kings Mountain State Park but discovered that most things were closed, so, after a trip to the bookstore, where we purchased a few things, we headed on down the road to Lexington. Of course as soon as we pulled out of the parking lot, Abigail picked up our book and began once again to read aloud.

    I purchased three Kings Mountain pins, one for each of us. Perhaps I’ll wear mine on my 50-State hat. I haven’t decided. The girls say I should wait and see if I discover something else. That sounds like good advice and I do believe I will follow it. Oh, how I miss Amy at times like this.
    We are now situated in an RV park. Supper is smelling good, and after we eat, I promised the girls we’d finish the book, so I must go and help with supper.

Farewell,

~Priscilla

Day 56 - Georgia

Day 56

Evening

Dear Miss Smith,
    Since Levi has written you about the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum, I won’t spend much time on it myself except to say that it was a fascinating place to visit!

    Of course my favorite exhibit was the centerpiece of the museum which was a train. It was an old steam locomotive named “Texas” which was used to pursue the Union raiders who had captured the Confederate locomotive “General” and were steaming away with it. The “Texas” not only pursued them, but also recovered the coveted engine much to the Confederates joy. The story about the raid, pursuit and recapture of the “General” was so interesting that Disney made it into a movie in 1956 called “The Great Locomotive Chase.”

    The other thing worth noting was the purchase of Civil War Rifle Pens for each of the boys, Amy and myself. Mine will go on my hat to add quite a unique touch. Amy has fixed it so that I might pull it out to use should I so desire.

    It is evening now and growing late. We met Susanna and Abigail at the airport, and, since the boys’ planes didn’t leave until a later time, we all enjoyed supper together. It really was quite interesting, Miss Smith, since Abigail is the older sister of Christian, and Susanna is the older sister of Levi. The four of them chattered non stop until the boys boarded their planes for home. And alas, Miss Smith, I had to say good bye to Amy as well. The farewell was touching, for in spite of our extreme differences in character, we had grown quite fond of each other. I will still keep Timber for a few more days before he is picked up. I am grateful to have Susanna and Abigail with me for South Carolina or I would be quite lonely.
    But all is now quiet and I must get some rest.

Must love,

~Priscilla

Day 55 - Georgia

Day 55

Dec. 5

West Point, GA

Postcard

Dear Miss Smith,
    I'm short on time and space here. Just finished visiting Fort Tyler in West Point, Georgia. The Union troops attacked this earthen fort on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1865 and many soldiers died. That was seven days after General Lee had surrendered to Grant. One thing that Christian found interesting was that the "spoils of war," the Confederate flag, was given to the Wisconsin regiment. Since he is from Wisconsin, he wondered what happened to it.
    Off to Nash Farm Battlefield. No more room.

~Priscialla

Day 54 - Georgia

Note from Miss Smith: This letter must have been delayed in the mail. Sorry.

Day 54

December 4

Fort Benning, Georgia

My Dear Miss Smith,
    We are so busy these days and enjoying the time we are spending here in Georgia. At least Christian, Levi and I are, though I can’t be sure Amy still is since she has been so distracted. At least, now that arrangements have been made for her return home, the last few days should be quieter. Timber will be traveling back with some friends of Amy’s who we will meet in South Carolina. It will be sad to see him go as he has been a wonderful traveling companion for Nellie. Yes, Miss Smith, Penelope is now responding more to the name Nellie then to her real name. I suppose I must not complain for as Amy put it, “She’s too small a dog to carry around such a long name. And she’s so cute, she needs a cuddly sounding name.” As though names could really be cuddly!




    This morning we drove up here to Port Columbus and headed to the museum. Our first stop was the Water Witch which is actually outside between the museum and the highway. This U.S. steamship served a surveying ship in South America before the Civil War. During the War between the States it was a supply ship, mail ship and then became part of the North’s blockade of Savannah, Georgia. However, in a daring raid one night, a group of Confederate Naval forces captured the Water Witch! But alas, Lt. Thomas Pelot, the leader of the raid, and Moses Dallas the new pilot, were both killed. Without the new pilot, the ship had to be kept hidden for months and at last sunk to prevent the Union from recapturing it.

    Inside the museum we were able to see what part of the USS Hartford was like. That was the flag ship of Admiral David Farragut. It was quite fascinating, I assure you. There was a flag collection as well as many other exhibits including the CSS Jackson which is the largest surviving confederate warship! It was captured in Columbus in 1865 by General James Harrison Wilson. Perhaps you recall hearing or reading about Wilson’s Raiders, Miss Smith. This General Wilson was the same man. He ordered it set on fire so the Confederates wouldn’t be able to use it later. The blazing ship drifted for two weeks down the river before it finally sank nearly thirty miles down river. Ninety-five years later the citizens from the area banded together to pull it from the river during the Civil War Centennial. Imagine pulling a ship that had been sunk ninety-five years before, out of the Chattahoochee River!

    After spending the morning at the Naval Museum, we headed to the National Infantry Museum. Yes, we are doing a lot of war things in this state. It’s because we have the boys with us.

    Our first stop at the museum was the Fife & Drum restaurant. The food was delicious! We all enjoyed the Big Benning Burger, Chicken Brie Grape Salad and the Infantry Chili Cheese Fries. Miss Smith, those Infantry Chili Cheese Fries were the best any of us had ever had.

    Once we had fortified ourselves we started our tour. First stop: Last 100 Yards. The life-size dioramas took us from Yorktown, to Antietam, Normandy to Iraq; we crossed Burnside Bridge where the Confederate soldiers held back the Union longer than anyone expected. Above our heads a WWII troop glider hung. We saw the D-Day landing, a Huey helicopter during the Vietnam war, a damaged Bradley Fighting vehicle along a bombed road in Iraq. The entire thing was incredible! We were all awestruck and even Levi was silent. An event that rarely happens.
    We found out that the figures in the scenes were not just mannequins; they are actually sculptures of real active duty soldiers who auditioned to be the ones to represent their fellow soldiers.
    A loud and somewhat intimidating drill sergeant’s voice pulled us into the Fort Benning gallery. That was the place that loosened Levi’s tongue again!

    It would take me much too long to try and describe all the places and scenes we saw at the museum. One place that I have never seen before in a war museum was an entire gallery honoring the families of our military. It was quite refreshing to see that here at least, those who stay at home and wait are remembered and honored. Tell Bekah that if she ever comes to Georgia, she should do a book signing of her book “Home Fires of the Great War” here in the Soldier’s Store. It would fit right in.

    One other place I must tell you about the World War Two Company Street. During the second world war Fort Benning had to expand rapidly to meed the growing demands of building a larger military. It was then that the “series 700” buildings were built. They were intended to last only as long as the war; however, they proved to be so well built and so solid that it wasn’t until the 90s that they began dismantling them. The Museum was able to rescue one of each kind of building. They even have the headquarters used by General George S. Patton before he was deployed to North Africa.

    It has been a busy day and I am quite tired. The boys have gone to bed and even Amy has quit packing. She still has two more days before she leaves. Now I must get to bed. Tomorrow we drive up to Fort Tyler.

Love,

~Priscilla

Day 51 - Georgia

Day 51

December 1

Midway, Georgia

My Dear Miss Smith,
    Here we are in Georgia, and it is the first of December and no snow. What was I thinking when I planned to spend fall and the beginning of winter down south? I’m longing for cold, brisk air, cheery fires - not that we have a fireplace in this wonderful RV - hay rides, pumpkin patches, snow storms, sleigh rides and such like. Ah me. Perhaps when this trip is over I shall turn around and head the other way to experience autumn and winter up in the north. But should it be spent in the New England states or out in the northwestern states or perhaps somewhere in-between? But that is a long way off. I must stick with the here and now.
    As Levi has no doubt told you in his letter, we camped near Fort King George Historic Site. A fascinating place along the coast, it is the oldest English fort remaining in Georgia.

Though not on the sea coast exactly, this fort was built in 1721 along the Altamaha River. The fort, the most southern outpost of Britain’s North American Empire, was abandoned only seven years after it was built due mostly, we learned, to disease, a harsh, coastal environment and the threats of Indian and Spanish attacks. However, General James Oglethorpe (I seem to connect John and Charles Wesley with the name Oglethorpe for some reason.), and a group of Scottish Highlanders arrived in 1736.

Officers' Quarters

    A settlement, which they named Darien, became a center of lumber export until as late as 1925!

I am not certain about when reconstruction was begun for Fort George, but now they have officer’s quarters, a blockhouse, a guardhouse, barracks, museum and even some cannons along the palisades. Levi and Christian enjoyed pretending they were soldiers.

Inside Barracks

    It was fascinating to wander about and try to imagine what it must have been like for those first soldiers stationed here, so far from their homes and everything they had known.


    We didn’t spend more than a few hours there before we loaded up to head farther up the coast to visit another fort.

    When we arrived at Fort Morris, the first thing we did was to eat a picnic lunch. The dogs thoroughly enjoyed being outside with us, and the boys, especially Levi, kept us amused by a steady flow of talk about anything and everything.

    Unlike Fort George, Fort Morris was built by order of the Continental Congress and first manned by 200 patriot soldiers. Guarding the Medway River at Sunbury, Fort Morris is known for the defiant words of its gallant officer, Colonel John McIntosh who, when the British demanded a surrender, replied, “Come and take it!”

The British, however, decided that they must hurry back to Florida right then and only returned later with a vastly superior force and took the fort.

    During the war of 1812, the fort, then named Fort Defiance, was again used to safeguard the harbor.

    There was a lovely nature trail there which we enjoyed exploring late in the afternoon before returning to our home-away-from-home.

    After eating our supper of lasagna, salad and french bread, we all agreed to drive the rest of the way up the coast to Tybee.

    Now we are relaxing. Allow me to clarify, Amy is busy on the phone. Since her older brother, I don’t recall which one, is getting married, she has been rather busy and distracted. She has even talked about going home. Perhaps she should. The only problem with that, Miss Smith, is that I would be alone when we reached States where no one is joining us. Perhaps you could check around for me and see if there is anyone who could join me. It may be that one of my relatives or friends could come.
    The boys are heading up to bed now and Amy is off the phone. I should head to bed as well.

Love,

~Priscilla