So far, it's been a comfortable drive through the Southeast and lower Mid-Atlantic; I've encountered more beautiful landscapes and historic sites than I could possibly hope to experience in one lifetime. Here are a few of the highlights.
Land Between the Lakes - tennessee
November 11-12, 2017
True winter weather had finally arrived in Tennessee, so this would be not only my final gear test but also a test of my mental well-being - a psychological trial run, you could say. A cold, damp forest under a gray ceiling of clouds served as the perfect proving ground; in ten days, I would officially be a nomad. I won't lie, either - I was scared.
Wildlife Refuge - yemassee, south carolina
December 12, 2017
Spooking a herd of feral pigs and watching them slosh off into the cypress forest, grunting in disapproval at our presence.
The optical illusions created when driving past row after row of loblolly pines, like being in a carnival hall of mirrors.
The artificial wetlands of old rice paddies serving as a layover for migratory birds heading south to warmer climes. Thunderous shotgun blasts in the distance, echoing low from the winter clouds overhead. Gabby seemed intrigued - I think I could see her as a bird dog.
Francis Marion National Forest - south carolina
December 13-14, 2017
Idling there on the I-526 bridge over the Cooper River during rush hour traffic, it finally clicked: "Oh I know why the name Francis Marion sounded familiar! He was the Revolutionary War general that the British nicknamed 'The Swamp Fox!'
...wait, shit, that probably means I'm going to be camping in a swamp tonight."
Sure enough, I camped in a swamp that night.
Congaree National Park - South Carolina
December 15, 2017
Established in 2003, this park contains the largest tract of old growth bottomland forest anywhere in the country, including one of the highest concentrations of champion trees (an individual tree that is the largest living example of that species within the contiguous United States). I love me some big trees.
Appomattox Court house - virginia
December 22, 2017
What many people don't realize is that the actual surrender didn't take place in the court house. The battle of Apomattox Court House took place on the outskirts of the village, to the southwest; it was here that General Robert E. Lee of the Confederacy made the decision to surrender.
Most of the town's residents had evacuated, knowing full well what danger lay in store for them. However, one resident, Wilmer McLean, opted to shelter in place with his family since they were new to the area and had no relatives nearby with whom to take refuge. As the story goes, when he heard the shelling stop off in the distance, McLean ventured outside to see what he could see. A confederate officer, riding through the town center on horseback, approached him and asked for the use of his parlor. Because it was a Sunday, the court house itself was closed, so it was there in Mr. McLean's parlor that the surrender officially took place. That just goes to show why you should always keep a tidy home - you never know when company will stop by and maybe end a war in your living room.
Monticello - Charlottesville, Virginia
December 31, 2017
Because many of the artifacts are on loan from private collectors, photography inside Monticello is not allowed. It's too bad, though, because ol' TJ and I seem to have the same philosophy when it comes to interior design: 1.) Decorate your home like a museum, educating your guests on the wonders of the natural world and 2.) Encourage them to state their business and get out as quickly as possible. A brilliant introvert with an eye for efficiency - my kind of guy.
(Sources: All images are the author's own)