Magnolia Plantation

One of the bridges over the swamp

Second main bridge

Good view of duck weed

Back to Charleston, SC: we toured the Magnolia Plantation outside of the city. If you go, allow plenty of time and bring your wallet. There are several options as to how you do this, but it boils down to paying for every little tour. We looked at it this way. Are we ever going to return? Probably not, so pay now and shut up. We're on vacation.

The above photos are of the garden/swamp area immediately outside the house. Gives you a good idea of what the original settlers to the area had to contend with. Imagine filling in swamp, loaded with 5 types of poisonous snakes and alligators, to build your home upon. It is very peaceful, and quiet. You do hear the birds as you walk the paths. But we were warned, repeatedly, that if we didn't bring snake boots or snake chaps to stay on the paths. Even then you keep one eye on the ground, because you could come up on a snake sunning. Uh huh. You won't find that information on any of the tourists websites. Trust me.

Duck Weed is the green seed plant growing on the surface of the water. It is not algae as we all assume. It is a plant, necessary to the health of the water and is also food for birds and whatever else lives there.

I loved Charleston and all that we did, and I do want to return. Live there? Naw, not so much. Having that much to worry about in the yard is not to my liking. The second night we walked Folly Beach, we found body parts of sea creatures washed up. Pat was getting super close to take photos when I warned her that it looked like jelly fish to me, and that they are deadly. The tentacles were no longer attached, so we were safe I found out later, but still. This adventure taught me to research an area a bit more than what I did prior to our Carolina's trip.

Enjoy your day.
Linda