Untitled Document

The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens was established in 1676 when it was purchased by Reverend John Drayton and expanded into a rice plantation, maintained by enslaved Africans. Sitting along the Ashley River, the current house is the third on the property. The previous homes were destroyed by fire (in 1810) and the Civil War (in 1865). In 1870 the gardens, for which the plantation is known today, were created and opened to the public. The next few photos were taken on the plantation grounds.

There's no doubt I speak for all who were able to make it to this, our 20th reunion, that it was bitter sweet. We missed those who have been so loyal to past reunions, but for one reason or another, couldn't make it this year. Most profound, of course, was Jerry Oliver who passed away last November. The absence of others was also greatly noticed.

Yes, our 20th! There were seven of us, and we pondered whether this would be the last one. But we all agreed that we'd like to do another year, Lord willing. A location was not determined, but we feel pretty sure it will be "out east."

Charleston was a delight. And I suspect our usual chauffer, John, enjoyed it more than anyone since we turned the driving over to Uber, definitely a common sense thing to do.

We visited the Magnolia Plantation, took a harbor cruise and walked the Battery and City Market. We must admit, the walking part was a little harder for some this year, but we did what we could and enjoyed this charming, delightful city.

And, as always, we had some great meals: seafood our first night, BBQ the next and sandwiches at an English pub on the last day.

As always, thanks to those who contributed photos. To our fellow Vilseckians, enjoy the reunion virtually, and we hope for a larger presence next year. Until then, please, please stay safe and stay healthy.

The "From Slavery to Freedom" Tour was interesting, told to us by a way-too-fast-talking Irishman. After his introduction to the enslavement here, we were able to visit the cabins. Each cabin represents a different time period from the beginning of slavery through emancipation. The tour was in honor of the men, women and children who lived and worked the rice fields and the property gardens.

I think we all agreed that Poogie's Smokehouse was some of the best BBQ we'd ever had. This monster of a sandwich is called the "Four Porksmen," made up of a rib on top, with sausage, bacon and pulled pork inside. Yep, I ate it all, and I'm sure my cholesterol was raised a few notches. Diane's rack of pork ribs were the meatiest we'd ever had, and because she ate only a small portion of the whole rack, the group of us ate off of them for the next couple of days. Thanks, Diane.

I guess we were too busy shopping to get pictures at City Market, and afterwards, we all split up in different directions, to meet up again at the Battery. Here, Rainbow Row on East Battery Street, the heart of old town Charleston. The remaining shots were taken along the Battery between the White Point Gardens and the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park.

I do not normally alter my photos, but when we saw these huge birds in the trees at The Battery, we analyzed them to be Anhingas. But we couldn't get a clear view since they were so deeply nestled in the trees.

So, I asked ChatGPT to take away the branches and leaves. This is the result. Chat did not alter the coloring of the birds.

I'm pretty sure the dark colored birds are Anhingas, but not so sure about the white one.

It's common for coastal birds to co-exist in habitats, so the white bird may be a heron. Frankly, its stance looks more like the penguin we saw at the Magnolia Plantation house!