Moving on

 12/5 - I left Beaufort after walking Zoe into town for her last biscuit from the Ferry folks.  I wanted a last walk to the water on such a beautiful day, but knew it was a risk that I would have to take Zoe all the way into town for her treats, and yep, I just couldn't say no.  Definitely ready for the next phase.  I called my leaving Sue's phase 2, so I guess this would be phase 3.  

I made my stops in Wilmington at Fleet Feet (amazing store if you're ever looking for sneakers - it's a chain) and Trader Joe's.  TJ's parking lot is tight and was full so I parked on the road, but not without turning around in a church driveway with low hanging branches that I didn't notice.  SCREEEEECH!  No harm done as far as I can tell.  From there I went to Southport, NC, which is a really nice town.  It looks pretty touristy, but what coastal town isn't?  Zoe and I walked around and stopped in at Fishy Fishy Cafe and ate an early dinner watching the sunset.

My travel companion.  That does not look very comfortable!

cajun shrimp and scallops.  All good, but scallops were fabulous!

I didn't leave the farm until probably 10 or 10:30 - my norm...  I headed to Georgetown, only to realize that we had been there last year.  I totally spaced it and didn't realize it until we were walking around and by that time, I couldn't ask Zoe to get back in the car.  And what's wrong with visiting a beautiful town twice?!  

I just love these trees (I believe they're Live Oaks) and my "little" van in there too.

This was one confident kitty!

From there I decided to head to Boone Hall Plantation as I thought that I could just drive the road with the oaks with Spanish moss overhanging the road.  Well, it costs $28 to enter and it was almost closing time, so I wasn't going to do that...  So, now it's 4 PM and Charleston rush hour.  I considered doing another Harvest Host, but decided to bypass Charleston and head to Beaufort, SC (not to be confused the Beaufort, NC!).  As I was driving, I was thinking how I wasn't enjoying myself (partially due to traffic!) just going from place to place.  Since I don't have places/things that I want to do in most places, I feel like I'm just kinda wandering aimlessly.  Like I wanted to go back to Charleston, but didn't have specific things I wanted to do, so I'd probably just basically repeat what I did before.  Sometimes this is a good thing as I'm open to whatever happens, but often nothing happens!  

Anyway, I arrived in Beaufort, SC, and went to a place on iOverlander, which was in an area near hotels and completely uninteresting.  Since it was dark and I put the covers on my windows it doesn't seem like that should matter, but I'd still rather something nicer.  So, having been here before, I decided to drive into town and see if parking on Bay St was OK.  Nope, not OK for overnight, but I parked and took Zoe for a walk around the side streets.  I found that the marina/public parking area only requires payment between 11 am and 7 pm, so figured it should be ok to park overnight.  To be sure I called the police and they said it was fine.  He said that they might drive through, but wouldn't bother me.  YAY!!!  So much nicer to wake to water and boats than hotels!  I'm so glad I called.  

Kinda eerie and lovely

Morning view out my window

"Draw" bridge

Soaking up the sun as per usual

I guess because it's been cold most of my travels, I haven't spent too much time outside in the evenings.  I'm holed up in my tiny home and it's really OK, but I had envisioned much more time outside the van.  Hopefully that will come with warmer climates.  

12/7 - Today, we drove to Savannah.  I parked in the Visitor Center lot and walked from there, but I could have just parked where I'm parked now on a street near Forsyth Park.  I really do love Savannah and am glad I came back as the buildings and parks are just so pretty.  Driving in Savannah, at least where I am, is easy enough.  I do remember thinking the streets were tight in Charleston, so I'm glad I didn't go there.  It's only 6:30 PM and quite a bit of traffic, so I'm hoping it will die down.  I moved from another street, thinking I'd be more comfortable here, but now I'm wondering if this is a busier street.  Oh, well, ear plugs to the rescue.

I'm supposed to remove the derm shield from my tattoo today.  I wish I could shower - I probably should have found a YMCA or something to shower at, but I'll just heat up some water and wash with that.  I hope it doesn't ooze too much and mess up my sheets and clothes.  I'm anxious that I'm really not going to like it...  I don't think the tattoo artist has posted my tattoo, which I think means it isn't one he wants to show off.  😒  That's the trouble with a tattoo - it's permanent!

I finally added some diesel to my heater tank without spilling!  I had pulled up to a pump at one station, but it looked like a high flow one for trucks, so I moved along until I found a normal one at a Circle K.  I was very careful and probably could have added a bit more, but I didn't want to risk it, because it foams.  I need to build my confidence.  I'm glad I wore gloves as the hose was dripping a bit, but all in all, it was a success.  Now it won't seem quite so scary.  

Tomorrow I'm heading to Jekyll Island campground.  I got the last spot (it's the weekend and Sisters on the Fly have a gathering there), so I guess I was lucky.  I did have to speak to the manager to get approval for my site - something about it not being for vans, but since my van has essentially been converted to an RV, then it's OK...  I've heard such great things about Jekyll Island and seen the amazing photos of driftwood beach, so this is on my list of places to go and Marta and Annie will be there until Sunday, so that's a bonus.  

I spend a ton of time researching where to stay/go - decision fatigue is real!  I'm looking forward to a couple of days on Jekyll Island!