We visited Fort Moultrie National Historical Park in Charleston, South Carolina.
Visitor center:
The fort:
Underground command post:
View of the fort from a deck on top of the visitor center:
Nearby, a funky-looking lighthouse:
exploring
Attractions and other places we visit.
Fort Sumter National Historical Park
We visited Fort Sumter National Historical Park in Charleston, South Carolina.
The fort is on an island, so the only way to visit it is via a ferry operated by Fort Sumter Tours; best to book a few days ahead:
Aircraft carrier across the harbor, part of a museum:
Approaching Fort Sumter:
Entering the fort:
The first submarine in history to sink an enemy ship, in 1864:
Model of the fort:
Back to the ferry:
Fascinating.
Melvin’s BBQ
We ate at Melvin’s BBQ in Charleston, South Carolina. We wanted to try Carolina-style BBQ, which is more pig- and vinegar-based than Texas BBQ. I think we prefer Texas style, but should try more Carolina style someday.
Fort Frederica National Monument
We visited Fort Frederica National Monument in Georgia. It was established in 1736 to help protect the British colonies from the Spanish in Florida.
An interactive map:
Visitor center:
Model of the fort and town:
Building foundations:
Ancient live oak tree:
Archaeology dig site:
Foundations of the fanciest house in town:
Remains of the fort:
The fort info sign:
Cannons:
Fort selfie:
What happened?
The barracks:
Reenactors:
He and Jenn chatted for a while, explaining about the hut, his uniform, his gun, and more:
A fascinating visit.
Driftwood Beach
We visited Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island in Georgia. When we think driftwood, we think logs, but this beach has whole trees.
An interactive map:
Driftwood Beach:
An interesting place.
Crooked River State Park trails
While staying in Crooked River State Park in Saint Marys, Georgia, we enjoyed frequent walks in the park.
Trail map:
Info sign:
Alligator country:
River:
Trail:
Tortoise:
Another trail:
Nature center:
Boardwalk trail without a boardwalk:
The trail was somewhat flooded, but we did it anyway:
Observation tower:
Swampy:
The boardwalk has been removed:
Pond:
A nice park.
Baseball: Baltimore Orioles vs Tampa Bay Rays spring training
We attended a spring training game at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida, between the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays.
Selfie:
Lineup:
Bullpen:
Ballpark:
BBQ:
Chick-fil-A:
Surfside vodka beverages:
Did somebody say roadtrip?
Dippin’ Dots:
Spring Home of the Baltimore Orioles:
Final scores:
Baseball: Detroit Tigers vs Philadelphia Phillies spring training game
We attended a spring training game at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida, between the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Grand Slam Grill:
Lunch:
Beverage:
Distance sign:
Outfield chairs:
Bullpens:
Big D:
Play ball:
Automated Ball-Strike challenge, being tested in spring training:
Mascot:
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
We visited Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Spring Hill, Florida. Famous for its live mermaid shows.
Peacock:
Peahen and young peacock:
Lunch:
Mermaid statue:
Gift store:
Spring water park:
Can’t really see them, but there were some manatees over by the bank:
River boat tour:
Eagle nest:
Kayaks on the river:
Mermaid theatre:
Mermaid show, performing a variation of the Little Mermaid story:
Cheesy fun.
Disney World: Epcot After Dark
We visited Epcot within Disney World during their After Dark special event.
This was unique in that it was the first time we’ve driven to a Disney World park; previously we were staying inside the bubble at the Fort Wilderness campground, but we did this visit when back at TTO.
Epcot parking entrance:
The After Hours info:
We thought it a little odd that the map cut off halfway around the lake… but later found that they blocked off that, which was disappointing; we enjoy walking around the lake:
The Spaceship Earth globe:
Spaceship Earth ride:
Lime dole whip snack:
Luminous show:
Looking towards France:
Ratatouille ride:
Minnie Mouse:
Looking across the lake:
Mexico pavilion:
Norway pavilion:
Frozen ride:
Selfie:
The Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind ride had a somewhat long wait; it seemed like it was going extra slow:
Definitely the least fun of the three After Dark experiences, between not being able to go around the lake and longer lines. But still enjoyable.