Quite a storm last night. Warnings throughout the afternoon on the NOAA weather radio. Rain by the bucket and lots of wind. The Aliner Mobile Studio barely shuddered throughout, however. Held solid by the wind straps you see in the photo below. One on each side. Better safe than sorry. Opinion within the Aliner owner community varies on the best way to wind-proof an Aliner. This is one simple, inexpensive method I've found effective. Even in very strong cross winds.
[Click all photos for larger version]
This morning, however, the sun is out, already pushing temperatures into the 60s. Only a few puddles here and there on the campground gravel roadway remain as reminders of the storm. One advantage of a sandy soil!
Edisto Island's remarkable restaurants don't have a monopoly on good eating. There are a number of places to buy fresh vegetables and other groceries. Everyone passing on Route 174 notices the sign for George and Pink's. If only for the name! Driving out from the campground, it's on the right just after Main's Market. Make the turn, and drive half a mile or so down a dirt road that's single-lane most of the way. The scenery along the road alone makes the detour worth the effort. Drive slowly or you may miss it, on the right.
Ms. Pink explained that she and her Father, George, started the business some thirty years ago. Raising much of the produce offered here in their nearby fields. Local folks buy their vegetables here, as well as customers from around the United States. Many of them come back year after year. It's a well-known enterprise.
Back down Route 174 toward Edisto Beach, past the Palmetto Road turn-off for the Interpretive Center [more on that later on], a small sign announces the "Live Oak Camping Area." Be sure to turn in and have a look around. Even if you're set up in the main camping area near the beach. This section of the park offers the opportunity to experience quite a different Edisto Island environment. Live oaks hung with "Spanish moss" surrounded by palmetto trees and other vegetation give this area of the Park an entirely different feel. There are fifty campsites in this dense tropical woods, each with water and an electric hook-ups.
Park personnel maintain at least six walking/hiking trails throughout the Park. None are difficult. All are interesting. Unusual plants; wildlife and birds; and even an early Indian shell mound. All available for the walking. Or riding, if you have a bicycle with you. Incredible! The Live Oaks Camping Area is a good place to park and begin exploring the trails.
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