Anyone who decides to do touristy things in the South or West in the HEAT of June, July or August is a head case. I fully qualify.
Today's premier location was the Bamboo Forest and Coastal Garden, operated by the State of Georgia Extension. The place has a colorful history, which is set out in detail at its website
(link is here). While the developed part of its 50-acre plot is a relatively small affair, it has a lot to offer. The bamboo is incredible. There are about 50 varieties in individual clumps set in a grid with each clump separated by about 20 feet of open space. Each variety is identified by name, maximum dimensions, place of origin, and primary uses. Some of the varieties have been in place since the 1920s. Another prominent feature is 20 to 30 specimen trees, all of which are fully grown and quite spectacular. This arboretum was just the right size to allow time to give each tree a good long look. Among the varieties: Lackbark Elm, Chinese Zelkova, Formosan Sweetgum, Dawn Redwood, Chinese Pistache, and Oliver Maple (much like a large Japanese Maple). There is also an extensive camellia garden, a rose garden and a daylily garden. The Bamboo Forest and Coastal Garden has a very ambitious master plan, and though it is not well-known, it holds a lot of promise and it was well worth the visit.
Below are examples of bamboo varieties in the Barbour Lathrop Bamboo Groves.
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| Meyer Bamboo |
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| Giant Grey Bamboo |
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| Golden Vivax Bamboo |
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| Detail of Golden Vivax Bamboo |
I also ventured out to Ft. Pulaski National Monument on Cockspur Island, mostly to get in a healthy hike. The fort is similar to Ft. Pickens on Pensacola Beach, and both were established for coastal defense after the War of 1812. The only action seen by the fort occurred after the Georgia militia took possession of the fort in 1861. However, Union forces took possession of nearby Tybee Island, and on April 10, 1862, they bombarded the fort with rifled cannon from a distance of a mile. The Confederate forces surrendered after the wall was breached. The fort was declared a national monument by President Coolidge in 1924.
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| Ft. Pulaski showing impacts from cannon balls |
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| On Left is repaired area where wall was breached |
Mileage: 78. Cumulative mileage: 685. Today's earworm: "Carolina In My Mind"
