Day 12: Savannah to Beaufort, S.C.

I cycled into Savannah this morning to get a look at the old city.  It was laid out by James Oglethorpe and is a masterpiece of city planning.  Every few blocks there is a park.  The buildings are reeking with history.  Most are occupied.  There is also an old cobblestone street along the banks of the Savannah River which is  a mixture of history and tourist kitche.  Nevertheless, it is easy to look beyond the commercialism and see the old city for what is once was.  I was lucky to encounter another recumbent rider.  He was a history buff, lived nearby and was pleased to escort me around, giving me some of the stories he knew about the city.  We did some riding and walking about.  What a nice happening.

I left the city and wended my way through the nicest part of the day, a two-lane country road with little traffic that traversed the Savannah Wildlife Refuge.  It was a haven composed of miles and miles of lowcountry marshland, teeming with animals.  I saw many herons and two alligators--see pix below. 

The rest of the ride was better forgotten, on a four lane hi-speed highway, safe but unattractive.  I arrived in Beaufort to find that my planned night's campground was no more.  Alas!  But motels here are $40-45.  It makes recharging all the electronics a breeze!  After showering, I rode the mile or so into Beaufort.  The second oldest city in SC, it also boasts a historic section as well as being home to a University of SC   campus. 

This and the next few from Savannah.  Notice all the trees.  Providing needed shade in the summer's heat.

Waterfront walk.  Oriented for the tourist.

The bridge leading to the Refuge.

Shrimper.

My first SC alligator.

This is a picture of the Broad River going into Beaufort.  I did manage to get a dip in it.  It is saltwater as it is near the ocean. It is 1 1/2 miles across the river.  The walkway over the Hudson is 1 1/4 miles; the river is less.  You can't even see both sides of the river in this picture.

Beaufort.  One of the buildings of the college.

This is a National Cemetary in Beaufort, similar to Arlington, and just as impactful.

Tomorrow I go to Charleston where I am to be hosted by a member of the WarmShowers organization for two nights.  It is like Savannah but larger.  I can't wait and hope to go to Fort Sumter.  SC, the home of secession.