3546 days into our open-ended journey

Am I Dreaming, Or Is This Savannah?

Posted February 6, 2018 – Narrated by Carmen
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One morning, about two weeks ago, I woke with the sudden cognition that my dreams had turned inside-out.

Siesta key Beach
This week on Siesta Key Beach in Florida

For as long as I can remember, my dreams were centered on the interiors of dozens of houses I’ve occupied from early childhood to the present.

But now, if any of those houses materialize at all, I am always on the outside viewing the exteriors as the structures wash up on a seashore, emerge in a clearing on a forested hill or pop up into the center of a highway.

Skidaway Island State Park campground
Skidaway Island State Park, a few miles from downtown Savannah, Georgia

Only rarely do I enter the “dream” houses but when I do, the windows are disproportionately large, gaping open like industrial garages and all kinds of wildlife nesting in and around the furnishings and crawling up in the trusses.

Skidaway Island State Park campground
Skidaway Island State Park campground

I shared all this with Jim and asked him if he thought we might be going feral.

After a moment of quiet consideration, he said that he didn’t know and conjectured that boxed wine and Salonpas would be prime bait for trapping feral trailer geezers.

Sheesh! Cajuns …

Grove Winery, Gibsonville, North Carolina
Grove Winery, Gibsonville, North Carolina.

So, I take this flip side of my dream-work to mean that, maybe, a shift has occurred …? that LIB is no longer in the realm of fantasy – the dream is now realized and I’ve entered a new dimension of unexplored territory.

I don’t know, but I wonder if other creatures released into their native habitat experience a similar transition.

pico de gallo
Fetchy Puppy and Pico

I fly more now, too.

Before living in Beauty, I’d bump my knees while gliding over rooftops, get tangled in power lines … but these days, I gracefully skim along rivers, lakes, and fields – run my fingers through the leaves and watch the road below for the streak of silver which will be Beauty, Jim, and Pico meeting me for a rendezvous …

Skidaway Island State Park
Biking around Skidaway Island State Park

But, where are they? Oh no! Time is running out!

One dream-theme that has not changed is the ever-present antagonist, Time.

Which brings me to Savannah. If any city could cast a spell …

Talmadge Memorial Bridge, downtown Savannah
Talmadge Memorial Bridge to downtown Savannah

So, that’s where we spent my 62nd birthday week!

Savannah knows how to tame Time …

Paula Deen's Store, Downtown Savannah
A decoration for Daddy’s new kitchen.

The weather couldn’t have been better.

It rained – drizzled mostly with a few downpours. When it wasn’t raining the soggy Spanish moss tapped a tune on the trailer roof that went something like, “take-a-nap, take-a-nap, take-a-nap …”

Skidaway Island State Park
Skidaway Island State Park

The tantalizing food scene – just a short drive from our campground – roused us out of Dreamland and into Comfort-Food land.

Back and forth, back and forth – like windshield wipers – this dining out and napping thing played out for days.

The 5 Spot, Downtown Savannah
The 5 Spot‘s fried green tomatoes… to dream for!
Sweet Potatoes savannah
Sweet Potatoes, our favorite lunch!
Driftaway Cafe, Savannah
Driftaway Cafe, Savannah, GA – fresh succulent fish and charming potted garden!

Savannah had a deep-tissue effect on me. Even though it’s one of the most beautiful cities in North America …

Downtown Savannah

… hailed as the Hostess Of The South, and growing faster than all other Georgia cities – ranked first for public parks

Downtown Savannah

… and second only to Chicago for cool buildings and architecture, the place doesn’t put on highfalutin airs.

Pirate House, Downtown Savannah
The Old Pirates House, the oldest standing building in Georgia

Savannah is too big for that. She has softness and pulse, prays for me, feeds me biscuits and calls me “Baby.”

Downtown Savannah - Living In Beauty - Full-time Airstream travels

Now, we were sure to bring our church, synagogue and freemasonry manners with us, because The Hostess City is kinda-sorta ground-0 for prayer and politeness.

Downtown Savannah - Living In Beauty - Full-time Airstream travels

Then, we grabbed us some beers and set out to solve the great southern conundrum and had a good’ol history walk-about to boot.

downtown savannah
Jim let me wear one of his Tommy Bahama shirts for my birthday walk through Savannah.

Sipping a local IPA while taking a self-guided tour of the downtown historical area proved to be prescriptively beneficial when confronted with the harsh realities of colonization, slavery, the Civil War and the struggle for civil rights …

Downtown Savannah

On the first sunny day, we took the Old Town Trolley Tour. This is another nifty and thrifty way to explore the city, enjoy all-day transportation and get elevated open-air city views from a cool, comfy seat.

Downtown Savannah old town trolly
We rode three buses over the course of the day and all of the guides gave us their valuable local perspective of Savannah.
Downtown Savannah old town trolly
Downtown Savannah old town trolly
Cobblestone streets abound

That voluptuous tree canopy hinders views of those bodacious buildings from the curb, so the bus tour was essential for safely taking pics of the iconic street scenery from the middle of the street.

Downtown Savannah - Living In Beauty - Full-time Airstream travels
Downtown Savannah - Living In Beauty - Full-time Airstream travels
Downtown - Living In Beauty - Full-time Airstream travels
Downtown Savannah - Living In Beauty - Full-time Airstream travels
Juliette Gordon Low's Birthplace (founder of Girl Scouts of America)
Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthplace (founder of Girl Scouts of America)

It was really hot on that late October day and this birthday girl worked up quite a thirst.

Our guide told us that the best bar in Savannah is in the Prohibition Museum!

Savannah Prohibition Museum
Savannah Prohibition Museum
Savannah Prohibition Museum

Then, before going home, we stopped by Red & White Grocery and stocked up on smoked butt, slow-cooked field peas, turnip greens with extra pot liquor, fresh cornbread … and Mascot Chocolate Covered Pecans.

Red & White Grocery

During our early supper, it started to drizzlin’ again. So we did the dishes and stretched out for a movie and a cozy nap because, Baby, that’s how it goes in Savannah where – for some reason I do not understand – you’ve got all the time in the world.

You can see our exact route on this map.

*photos in this post (unless otherwise noted) were taken and copyrighted by Living In Beauty.


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21 Comments
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Lori Thompson
Lori Thompson
8 years ago

I have always wanted to go to Savannah and almost feel like I was there with you! Eat nap eat nap…. there ya go!

Jodie
Jodie
4 years ago

And people say it is like Charleston as well. It is not even close. Savannah is much more beautiful!

Ben Macri
Ben Macri
8 years ago

Savannah is truly a unique and beautiful spot in America. Architecture second to none, a town frozen in time.

Mitzi Gantt
Mitzi Gantt
8 years ago

When we met you guys in Marathon, we had just left Savannah. Although we had been there before, it was still as magical as it was the first time, and this time, it had Christmas cheer and good ole southern music and charm hovering over the moss filled trees. I so love following you guys, and you write such beautiful articles. I always look forward to hearing about your latest adventure. It sounds as if you are heading up the coast toward us. If you find yourselves in Va Beach, please let us know. We would love to get together with our fellow “Streamers”, and who knows? Maybe we’ll be in your blog one day…lol!!! Hugs to Pico and Jim! Keep LIB beautiful girl!!!

mrsjpvan2
8 years ago

Just beautiful!! We love Savannah. If you’re there, please try Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. You won’t be disappointed. http://mrswilkes.com/

Eva Chamberlain
Eva Chamberlain
8 years ago

Great piece, as always, dear ones.

William (Bill) Grant
William (Bill) Grant
8 years ago

Once again, enjoyed your work, you young whipper-snapper…only 62!

William (Bill) Grant
William (Bill) Grant
8 years ago

That would be great if we could work it out. If you get within a 100 mi. of St Louis, give us a shout. We have a nice State Park not far from us Called Pere Marquette. It’s close to the little town of Grafton that I think you would enjoy. A winery/brewhouse on top the bluff has a view to die for. I’m buying!

Kathy and Steve Maczko
Kathy and Steve Maczko
8 years ago

Sorry we missed you in Sarasota. We returned to snow here in Michigan on Sunday. What a difference a few days make. It was a fun first run and we learned a lot. One question, what type of camera are you using to take your beautiful photos?

Kathy and Steve Maczko
Kathy and Steve Maczko
8 years ago

Thanks for responding. Off to listen to the new post. We love you two. ❤️

Barbara Mandel
Barbara Mandel
8 years ago

So fun reading your adventures! I am skiing this winter in my new retired state! Yah! Free time is so great!!!

chapter3travels
8 years ago

We loved Savannah and we REALLY loved Skidaway State Park. That was one of the nicest parks we stayed at on the east coast. It also gave easy access to Tybee Island which was lovely. Can’t wait to get back to visit all of the above. Your photos perfectly capture a wonderful city.

dondavies686
dondavies686
3 years ago

Tybee Island was my first love and will remain so till the end of my days! The setting is very stunning and soothing! The restaurants, hotels, historic residences, and picturesque spots helped me fall in love with the area, changing me from a visitor to a resident! I initially learned about it and chose to visit in 2017! The rest, as they say, is history!