An expensive city (like Savannah) we had made bookings well in advance to avoid weekends, when prices double, but suffering its coldest winter on record, mainly on our first day there! It hit a frustrating 30 degrees overnight last night! On top of that our expensive hotel, which was well situated for walking tours around the many interesting downtown sights, turned out to be next door to a deafening building site where machines pounded from 8am to 6pm every day. Not the wake-up call we had imagined.
Determined to enjoy the one day that was sunny and warm, we drove out to famed Magnolia plantation yesterday before the rain started and the winds blew in from this terrible winter storm which is causing havoc across the US. A rich rice plantation, still owned by the original owner family from 300 years ago, it was an interesting look into the economy and life of the times. The rice paddy area is now a preserved wildlife area, with many ducks, birds, gators, turtles. The gardens are probably gorgeous in season but a bit disappointing for colour and blooms, of which they appreantly have 350 varieties of magnolias.
Wrapping up in 5 layers (we didn't bring clothes for cold weather like this!) we packed and left. Stopping only at the famed market for 3 lbs of pralines which are famous around here. Some may even reach home!
We decided to cut our losses, and drive as far and fast as we could south for the day, missing Savannah and all the other Georgia places en route!
The temperature rose through the day from 34 to 65, a 30 degree increase! Fog built up so we could not see the tops of buildings in Jacksonville, back in Florida. I finally peeled off my merino wool hoodie (my XC ski layer!) and took off my socks. I am going to have to buy more black pants and socks if this keeps up! It's starting to look a lot like our UK trip last spring when I had to do the same.
Now south of Daytona Beach, this is the area where you can pay a toll and drive the long sandy beaches. I guess people like that.
Tonight we can hear the Atlantic waves roaring outside our window so all is not lost. We hope for sun tomorrow so we can actually see out to sea.
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