Homeward Bound

Hunting Island, South Carolina

"The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone."  George Eliot

McIntosh Book Shoppe

Sadly, my vacation in Beaufort is coming to an end.  So I made one last stop at the McIntosh Book Shoppe on Bay Street (my third this trip).  I love old books and the stores that sell them, and dearly miss not having one on Third Street in Geneva.


Today I acquired a new lowcountry cookbook, an autographed first edition of Beach Music, by Pat Conroy, and an older (c. 1912-37) book, Dick Sand, by Jules Verne.  This is a book store I could spend the better part of an afternoon browsing, and find something of interest on every shelf.

I found this terrific article about owner, Wilson McIntosh, here.

I am looking forward to being back home soon.

St. Helena's Church

I am still on vacation in Beaufort, South Carolina.  I really do miss Geneva, but today, as I walk through these tree-lined streets, I am daydreaming about perhaps one day writing two part-time blogs that celebrate my favorite places on Earth.  Like Geneva Daily Photo, Beaufort Daily Photo has a lovely ring to it too, I think.

This is the of steeple St. Helena's (Episcopal) Church in downtown Beaufort, South Carolina, and the brick wall surrounding the adjoining cemetery.  The church was established in 1712, and the first church building erected in 1724.  The congregation will celebrate its tricentennial in 2012.

Uncle Bubba's

A quick side trip to Uncle Bubba's in Savannah, Georgia for lunch.  Shown here are the Shrimp and Grits I ordered, and they were GOOD!  I think this may well be my new favorite thing to eat, but I will need another bowl to be absolutely sure.

We had a terrific afternoon together, and especially enjoyed visiting with Uncle Bubba, who checked in on us while we were dining, and spent some time chatting with us in the parking lot outside.  I hope he remembers to tell his sister, Paula, we said hello!

You can try this lowcountry favorite for yourself!  Click here for the recipe!

Life's A Beach

Still on vacation, but missing you, Geneva!  After a day spent on the beach, the girls and their cousins have collected a king's ransom in sand dollars, shown here drying as the sun sets.

Frogmore

A small shop in Frogmore, on historic St. Helena's Island.  St. Helena's is one of the sea islands near Beaufort, and many argue it may be the site of one of the oldest European settlements in the new world.  The island was home to large plantations that produced indigo, cotton and rice, and were worked by a large slave population.  The blending of so many traditions produced the rich Gullah culture which is still in evidence today.

St. Helena's has retained its rural, agricultural character, and unlike many of the islands along the coast, is not dotted with gated resort communities.  Frankly, I think that is why I like it so much. There are a couple historic sites that I love to photograph, namely the ruins of the old Chapel of Ease, and the site of the former Fort Fremont, deactivated about a century ago.

They island may be best known as the location of Penn Center, a school which was established in 1862 for newly freed slaves. 

Barbeque

Lunch, Southern style. 

Pulled pork, sweet potatoes, squash, cornbread and iced tea.  The food at Sgt. White's in Beaufort is out of this world!  Which is a good thing, since with such a full plate, I won't be eating again, I don't think, for a couple of days!

Changes In Latitudes

For the past several days, I have been on vacation.  Unfortunately, the images of Geneva that I planned to show you this week didn't make it on vacation with me.

So instead, I bring you sunset in Beaufort, South Carolina.  My other adopted home town.  The South Carolina lowcountry is quite possibly (after Geneva, of course!) my favorite place in the world.