Day 2, Beaufort..... It started out at the

Cypress Wetlands Rookery.  We went into this Gulf Station afterwards that was a coffee/Tea shop.   The minute we walked in the door, we left the cold, gray, rainy weather outside and felt the warmth, heard the conversations and smelled all of the wonderful aromas of the place.  We sat and talked with some locals who were very willing to tell us some of the history of their area.
  Extra #1 is Diane looking up at a very old Live Oak, I think wishing the rain away.   Extra #2 is the St Helens Chapel Ease that was burned down in the 1880's.  There are still live services that are conducted in the church.  I was struck by the peacefulness and quiet of the resting place for so many.
Extra #3 is a Paris Island Training Marine Base.  There is a Marine Museum  that tells the story of marines since the revolutionary time when the marines began to modern day era......  the principle and codes of conduct, the dedication and commitment, the rigors of training, the skills taught, survival and love of country and fellow service men and women.   This photo shows a marine in Viet Nam, sleeping , on the ground with his rifle near by.    The story told in the museum is of tremendous commitment, love of country, sacrifice, loyalty, courage and bravery in the face of fear.....     I was very moved walking through the museum.   
   The last extra is of Fort Freemont built in the 1840's for the Spanish American War.  It's job was to protect the coastal areas from sea assault and invasion during the war.  You can see where the gun was located, the munitions bunkers and the berms built up against a landing assault.
    We had a wonderful day.....  dogging rain drops and drizzle, seeing great places, eating dinner at "Frogs" and enjoying a delicious piece of key lime pie afterwards.  When we got back to the motel, we still had energy left to go walking in more the historic district of Beaufort!!!!