Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba and I visited the Fort Dorchester Ruins in Summerville, South Carolina , where the remarkably preserved remains of an 18th-century fort stand within the archaeological footprint of an entire colonial town that effectively disappeared more than two centuries ago. Located inside Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site along the Ashley River, approximately 15 miles upriver from Charleston, the ruins preserve multiple layers of South Carolina history. Weathered tabby fortifications, an old brick powder magazine, the towering remains of St. George's Anglican Church, historic graves, archaeological foundations, and traces of a colonial shipping wharf are scattered across a landscape that was once a busy trading community. Unlike a reconstructed colonial village filled with recreated buildings, most of Dorchester is simply gone. That's exactly what makes exploring it so fascinating. And Simba got to explore it with me! 🐾 🏘️ Before the Fort, There Was a Town The story of Fort ...

I visited Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve at the northeastern end of Folly Beach, South Carolina , a beautiful coastal preserve where maritime forest, dunes, salt marsh, wildlife, Civil War history, and one of South Carolina's most iconic lighthouses all come together. Located near Cummings Point at the end of East Ashley Avenue , the preserve protects a surprisingly wild section of Folly Island just outside Charleston. A relatively easy walk follows an old paved access road through coastal vegetation before eventually reaching Lighthouse Inlet and a spectacular view across the water toward the historic Morris Island Lighthouse . The scenery alone makes the walk worthwhile, but this quiet landscape has witnessed an incredible amount of history. Union troops operated here during the Civil War, the property later served military and navigational purposes, and the lighthouse visible offshore now provides a dramatic example of how quickly South Carolina's barrier-island coast ca...

Simba and I visited the famous Folly Boat near Folly Beach, South Carolina , an unusual roadside landmark with one of the most fittingly bizarre stories in the Lowcountry. Covered from bow to stern in layer upon layer of colorful paint, the old boat has survived two major storms, been carried through the marsh, changed locations, and somehow become an unofficial community canvas associated with the wonderfully eccentric personality of Folly Beach. The Folly Boat wasn't originally placed beside the road as an attraction. It arrived there courtesy of Hurricane Hugo in 1989 . After the storm deposited the abandoned vessel near Folly Road, people began painting it. What started as graffiti evolved into a decades-long tradition involving birthday wishes, marriage proposals, memorials, celebrations, jokes, artwork, and countless other messages. More than three decades later, the Folly Boat is still being painted. 🌀 Hurricane Hugo Creates a Roadside Landmark The Folly Boat's unusual ...

Simba and I visited the legendary Angel Oak on Johns Island, South Carolina , an enormous Southern live oak whose massive trunk and sprawling limbs create one of the most incredible natural sights in the Lowcountry. Located inside Angel Oak Park near Charleston , this centuries-old tree has become one of South Carolina's most recognizable living landmarks. The Angel Oak isn't exceptionally impressive because of its height. Standing approximately 65 feet tall , there are countless trees that tower far above it. What makes this Southern live oak extraordinary is the way it grows outward. Its enormous branches stretch in nearly every direction, dipping toward the earth, twisting back upward, and creating a canopy covering approximately 17,000 square feet . Standing underneath it completely changes your sense of scale. Some individual limbs are so enormous that they look like entire trees. And Simba got to experience it with me! 🐾 🌳 Meet the Legendary Angel Oak The Angel Oak is a...