Mt. Pleasant All Over Again.

 The illustrious Holly Rose reminded me not long ago that enough happens in a single day to contemplate for a lifetime.  The last week has been a great reminder of that.  We decided to stay an extra day in Charleston and really take in the events during the Piccolo Spoleto festival.  During breakfast at the hostel we met a fantastic older woman who was in town for a roller coaster convention.  One of the things that I have found most interesting on this trip is the various passions of everyone we meet.  Who knew there was even such a thing as a roller coaster convention?

Heading downtown we decided to spend the afternoon at an art festival in the park.  In the course of the afternoon we met far too many people to mention, a disadvantage both of only blogging occasionally and of having the worst memory on record.  At any rate, we did meet an immensely talented photographer who supports both herself and her daughter through her craft.  After talking with her for a while she connected us with a woman by the name of Gracie who was running a homemade jam stand.  Gracie was a gruff older woman, who didn’t even crack a smile as she handed us free lunch and homemade brownies.  I was thoroughly scared of her until we returned to thank her for lunch and she reveal the marshmallow beneath the stony exterior. 

One the way out of the park we past an Italian Ice stand.  There was a beautiful girl handing out free samples, and when she heard what we were doing, filled out Nalgene bottles with the frozen nectar of the gods.  Becca inquired about the hiring process for Italian Ice vendors, as she had noticed only young, beautiful girls were working the carts.  Apparently women are hired in an attempt to lure male customers.  This particular vendor had been hired at the tender age of 13.

We also met a wonderfully talented artist named Marty and her husband Chip.  Immediately we knew we had found kindred souls, and this was only reinforced when they invited us home for the evening.  At one point Marty remarked that we reminded her of Aboriginals in Australia who go on walk-abouts and trust that the universe with provide them with whatever they need to survive.  If the necessities do not come, then it is taken as a sign that they should not be there.  I really liked that comparison, and think there is really something to be said for that lifestyle. 

The next morning we said goodbye to Marty and Chip at the foot of the 3 mile bridge heading into Mt. Pleasant, SC [it was strange being back in Mt. Pleasant].  Immediately after crossing, we saw a sign for a church service a mile away.  Walking up to the church we noticed that everyone was dressed in beautiful summer dresses and suits, and that the kids were wearing seersucker smocks.  We fit right in with our sweaty t-shirts, hiking boots, and giant backpacks.  We were welcomed by a man named Carl who let us stow our backpacks in the entry way so we wouldn’t have to deal with them in the pews.  A congregation membed later mentioned that they were glad Carl took our bags because we might have had guns. 

After service we met a woman named Linda and a woman named Ingrid [or Ingy, as I like to call her].  They were very sweet and welcoming, and Ingrid invited us back to her house for the evening.  As soon as she mentioned that she had a pool, we were sold.  We ended up spending a wonderful two days there full of Scrabble, Star Wars, and S-mores.  Linda came over to spend some time with us [during which she graciously offered to be my graduate school mentor] and we got to meet Matthew, Ingrid’s adorable little boy. 

I find that it keeps getting more and more difficult to say goodbye to the people we meet along the way.  Each has been so special in our lives, and this trip would not be possible without the kindness and genorousity they have shown us.  That said, if we have met or stayed with you on this trip and you are reading this post, please send us a little comment so that we can stay in touch with you.

 

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