Fort Sumter

The day after his cousin's wedding, Daniel and I headed out for a day in Charleston. We boarded a ferry to take us out to Fort Sumter.

Now if you don't know what Fort Sumter is or didn't have South Carolina history in the eighth grade like I did, it's the place where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. It's not exactly a particularly proud moment in South Carolina's history but fascinating nonetheless.

The views of the Cooper River Bridge were gorgeous.

We visited the fort's museum and saw old cannonballs, weapons, and a 33-star flag.

The bunker in the middle of the fort, which now houses the museum, was built during World War II. Did you know that German submarines actually came in as far as the Carolina coast?

Of course, we explored and ate in downtown Charleston with its iconic rainbow colored buildings, which are my favorite part of the city!

Adventures in the South: Part Four

After all of our traveling, Daniel and I spent a few days at home in Greenville, and he got to meet my parents and sister. We took him out for some good ol' southern barbeque.

I also took him up to Caesar's Head, which has some spectacular views of upstate South Carolina.

We hiked down to this viewpoint and watched the sunset.

We then walked back through huge rocks to a higher viewpoint.

A gorgeous sunset over the mountains...

The next day, it was time for Daniel to go, and I really miss having him here in the south with me!



Adventures in the South: Part Three

The day after the half marathon, Valentine's Day, Daniel and I stopped in Savannah again on our way back to Greenville.

Why?

We had lunch reservations at Paula Deen's restaurant, The Lady and Sons!

Much deliciousness (and butter) was had.

Just to make you a little more jealous, here are some pictures.

We browsed through Paula's store while we were waiting for the restaurant to open. Meanwhile, our stomachs were grumbling.

That's me in front of the restaurant!

Before the resataurant opens, this lady comes out and rings a dinner triangle while saying, "Come and get it!" And then they leave you hanging for 15 minutes...while your stomach is still grumbling.

We finally got called in, were shown to our table, and then made our way to the buffet.

Mountain o' fried chicken, anyone?

And here's me with my plate of goodness...

Before dessert arrived, I hear an "aww" coming from the restaurant. Huh? Oh. Those are for me?

Daniel had these gorgeous purple flowers delivered to our table along with Hiccups the bear. It was only slightly embarrassing...but mostly awesome.

And why yes, Daniel is, in fact, the best.

Dessert was also amazing. Paula knows what she's doing.

And here we are at our lovely table by the window!

We both agree that it was the best Valentine's Day ever!

:)



13.1 {Miles That Is}

This is a long post. I warned you.

But this is also a post of which I am extremely proud.

I finished a half marathon. 13.1 miles.

(And there was no death. Or throwing up.)

To see why I did this, besides being completely crazy, read this post about Beth.

Daniel and I went to the Expo the day before the race before we headed to St. Augustine. I signed a large board with a note to Beth. These boards were later placed along Memorial Mile on the beach.

I chose the Inspire board because Beth was and always will be a huge inspiration in my life.

Here I am getting in line and trying to warm up. It was freezing and super early, but I was ready to help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer and to celebrate the life of an extraordinary woman.

The start line was full of excitement, with music to get us going, pink confetti flying everywhere, and over 10,000 runners!

This is a solid wall of people heading up and over the bridge...

Mile 2 took us over the Intracoastal Waterway - with the sun just rising and some stunning views.

Around Mile 5, we headed onto Jacksonville Beach for the Memorial Mile.

Mile 7 - over halfway there!

Mile 12. Evil. Evil. Hill.

I felt like dying or asking for a bike by this point, but I kept plugging along.

And here I am crossing the finish line! Daniel was waiting for me at the end to take pictures and give me a hug! It's such an exhilarating feeling to cross the finish line of a race!

I've thanked Daniel many times, but I don't think I can thank him enough for supporting me on this special and meaningful day!

According to Daniel, this is my best man pose yet.

Beth was with me the whole way.

This is my beautiful finishers' medal!

Daniel and I got to stay with a friend of mine on Amelia Island for the weekend, and on the day after the race, we got up early to go to the beach. Beth loved this beach, and I'm glad we got to go for a bit.

We then stopped in Savannah again on our way back to Greenville.

More on that later.

;)

Adventures in the South: Part Two

After our stop in Savannah, Daniel and I drove on to St. Augustine. We got there a little late in the afternoon after dropping off our luggage on Amelia Island, but we still got to see a few sites.

We stopped by The Old Senator, a 600-year-old tree near the Fountain of Youth.

(We missed out on the Fountain of Youth, and I think Daniel was secretly glad to not try the water. I was going to make him taste it. It is, in fact, disgusting.)

Daniel insists that he doesn't take good pictures, but I love this one of me beneath the tree.

I also love this one of Daniel. The weather was so gorgeous that afternoon!

Here's my ever-improving man pose with the old City Gates.

We also walked around the Castillo de San Marcos...

...and watched the sun begin to set.

We got our picture taken by the marina...

...saw the oldest wooden school house in the United States...

...and enjoyed walking around downtown to find a place for dinner.

I hope we can go back someday to do more exploring!

:)