![\"Judith's](\"http:\/\/yourpcgeek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/20151016_084058-2-e1445213853171.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nJudith’s Last Day<\/p>\n
We packed up our trailer “Lucy” and pulled out of Woodside Lake Park, stopping by\u00a0ALT to let Judith’s co-workers see our new home, and headed south out of Cleveland just before the first snow of the season (just a dusting) hit Cleveland.<\/p>\n
We headed South about 3:00 and spent the night in a Walmart Parking lot in Parkersburg WV. \u00a0Then on toward South Carolina on Saturday AM. \u00a0We had some minor mis-adventures as we attempted to spend another night “Wal-docking” \u00a0north of Charleston, but awakened on Sunday morning ready to start investigating the Charleston area.<\/p>\n Our choice for the day was Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, just north of Charleston along the Ashley River. \u00a0There are many historic plantations around Charleston, but the Magnolia Gardens sounded particularly interesting. \u00a0This property has \u00a0been in the same family since the late 1600’s and the gardens are the oldest and largest Romantic Gardens in the US. The gardens were fantastic, as was the nature preserve. \u00a0However, our first challenge was parking our 55+ ft truck and trailer. \u00a0We spent several minutes, but were finally successful:<\/p>\n The Gardens were spectacular! \u00a0They are dsigned so thata there is always something blooming. \u00a0In Mid-October it was some of the Camilla and the Encore Azalia.<\/p>\n The ALT cup made its appearance in more than one location during the tours. \u00a0There remain about 500 acres of ther original plantation and the grounds and nature preserves are spectacular.<\/p>\n On the boat tour we saw many alligators<\/p>\n Including an alligator sharing his sunning spot with a large turtle: There were also many birds, the\u00a0Anhinga (or snake bird) that swims with only its head and neck above water:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Common Gallinule (or mudhen) with it’s read beak:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Great Blue Heron:<\/p>\n and the Common Egret, plus several others.<\/p>\n The Plantation house was impressive, but it was eclipsed by the gardens and the nature preserve.<\/p>\n Finally, we found our campground & settled into our Home for the night.<\/p>\n Judith here.<\/p>\n Mark has done an excellent job driving the truck and trailer, with only 2 mishaps so far. \u00a0The pole at Walmart will probably be okay, the tree I’m not so sure… \u00a0Lucy has a few new scratches but is holding up well.<\/p>\n As is our relationship, as Mark barks out instructions to me while backing up with me not really paying attention and\/or hearing him, him getting a bit peeved, me laughing, you guys get it, right?<\/p>\n Today was interesting on so many fronts – fascinating history, which we love, an amazingly beautiful garden. SUNSHINE, and no time restraints.<\/p>\n Most interesting fact: \u00a0During the Civil War, the owners of the plantation actually stayed until the very end. \u00a0Reverend John Drayton, who owned it, had taught all of his slaves to read (which of course was illegal) and trained one slave to run the plantation. \u00a0The family escaped to North Carolina,\u00a0the North burned down the house, and the one slave walked over 200 miles to tell the Reverend that the house had burned down but his beloved garden was still intact. \u00a0Most of the slaves stayed on the plantation after the war because they had been treated well.<\/p>\n The\u00a0family still owns the property, 11 generations!<\/p>\n The best part so far is running around, being good and tired, and getting to return to our own little home, which is comfortable, easy and charming!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Next Post<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Previous Post<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Mark “mostly retired” on September 30. \u00a0Judith retired on Friday, 10\/16. \u00a0For each of us, our co-workers gave us a delightful send-off and good wishes for our new adventure. \u00a0Here is Judith getting ready to leave from ALT: Judith’s Last Day We packed up our trailer “Lucy” and pulled out of Woodside Lake Park, stopping … Continue reading Our New Adventure – Part One<\/span> <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n