03 November 2019
Catching up on 2019 Adventures
0840 Departed Cartersville Country Winery in Timmonsville, SC and followed the birds south towards Florida.
By lunchtime we were in Georgia where we pulled off I-95 at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.
The luncheon view was of a 1964 McDonnel 5-4C Phantom. This Vietnam War era fighter-bomber could reach a speed of 1,433 mph. This particular plane was in use until 1987.
It’s nemesis, a Russian MiG-17, shared space outside the museum. The nose is basically an air intake for the engine.
While we didn’t elect to go to the inside exhibits this time, we will do that the next time we pass through on a rainy day.
Beth called ahead and found an open site for us at Crooked River State Park in St Mary’s, Georgia. Since it was still early, we headed back into town to pick-up a few groceries at Winn-Dixie.
On the way back to Crooked River, we stopped outside the gate of the Kings Bay Naval Base where a submarine seems to be surfacing through the lawn.
Civilians aren’t allowed on-base, but if you are interested in another view, click through to this entry from when we were passed by a submarine inbound on the river back in 2006.
Only the Sail is from the actual submarine, but the exhibit does give one a feel for the size of a sub. This is from the USS George Bancroft which was in service through the cold war.
A few minutes after reminiscing about submarine surprises we were backed into site #12 at Crooked River State Park. The fee was $41.38 ($34 + $5 entrance + tax).
The campground store rented supplies and boats for fishing and paddling adventures. Someone creative designed the bollards for the porch railing.
Paddle and hiking trails abound in the park. After sitting in the van half the day, we elected to stretch our legs on a short hike.
Salt marsh fills the space between the curves of the crooked river.
Brightly colored mushrooms made us wonder if they were edible, but we left them behind for others to enjoy.
Wave action from hurricanes has eroded the shoreline. Fences warn people away from the undercut cliffs.
Viewed from another angle, the erosion becomes apparent. Here, an old retaining wall serves as an impromptu fishing pier.
Water always seems to enhance sunsets and here is no exception. This was our third visit to Crooked River and we still recommend it for nicely spaced sites and interesting river views.
Today’s route from South Carolina to southeastern Georgia.