We never got out of the RV park before we saw something we have never seen before. We spotted a white squirrel has been spotted at Lake Aire RV Park in Hollywood SC or was it an Albino squirrel? Research indicates that these squirrels are commonly referred to as "albinos", most of them are likely non-albino squirrels that have a rare white fur coloration, so technically they should be referred to as white squirrels, instead of albino. Did you know that Olney, Illinois, is known as the "White Squirrel Capital of the World." It is home to the world's largest known white squirrel colony. These squirrels have the right of way on all streets in the town, with a $500 fine for hitting one. The Police Department even features a white squirrel on their uniform patches. Along with Olney, there are four other towns in North America that avidly compete with each other to be the official "Home of the White Squirrel": Marionville, Missouri; Brevard, North Carolina; Exeter, Ontario; and Kenton, Tennessee. All five of these towns hold an annual white squirrel festival. We left the park and got back onto US 17 heading north. Heading into Charleston we came upon two side-by-side drawbridges over the Ashley River. Being the lovers of everything military and if you love the military this place is for you. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is located in Mount Pleasant, SC at the mouth of the Cooper River on the Charleston Harbor. Patriots Point is home to three museum ships: USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier; USS Laffey, a destroyer; USS Clamagore, a submarine; and a Medal of Honor museum, with biographies of all medal recipients. At the other end of Mount Pleasant the roadside sweetgrass basket stands are the most visible aspect of the Gullah/Geechee culture along US 17. The Hamlin community – a community of families who are descendents of slaves from area plantations, have stands along this "Seven-Mile" stretch known as the "Sweetgrass Basket Makers Highway." In 2006, the sweetgrass basket became South Carolina’s official state craft. Do you wonder where hurt birds of prey go to rehabilitate? Then an experience of a lifetime is waiting for you at The Center for Birds of Prey. Wild birds are numerous, diverse, widespread and particularly sensitive to environmental changes. Environmental issues that impact wild bird populations often have potential human health implications as well. Situated on a 152-acre site near Charleston, the center is dedicated to the study and welfare of birds and their habitats. The center has treated and released more than 500 injured birds of prey each year. Located in Frances Marion State Forest is the Wambaw Cycle Trail and the Buck Hall Recreation Area. Wambaw Cycle Trail is about 40 miles of sandy trails and loops that wind through a scenic area of fragrant pine and hardwood woodland. There are two main loops and the extensive length of trails. While the trail is designed for motorcycles, it can accommodate OHVs under 50 inches wide and mountain bikes. Along the way riders can glimpse vernal ponds with bald cypress as well as turkeys and white-tailed deer. Buck Hall Recreation Area is a premier recreation area situated on the site of the old Buck Hall plantation. Its location on the Intracoastal Waterway provides the best access to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, 65,000 acres of marsh, tidal creeks and beaches and Bulls Bay, the best area for shrimp baiting on the coast. Another great site to see on US 17 is Hampton Plantation, also known as Hampton Plantation House and Hampton Plantation State Historic Site. It is a building that evolved from a settler's home to become a Georgian style mansion. It is "South Carolina's finest example of a large two-and-a-half frame Georgian plantation house." It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970. If you drive through historic Georgetown SC, stop and enjoy the waterfront community. Easily accessible by land or sea. It is a beautiful hidden gem between Myrtle Beach and Charleston. By sea, this harbor is great stopover along the Inter-coastal Waterway. You don't want to pass it by, you will be pleasantly surprised. As the 3rd oldest seaport in the country and is filled with history, charm and personality. In this harbor, you will be happy to find that a small town still exists. The people are warm, welcoming, and will treat you with their southern hospitality. The stores, restaurants and tours are locally owned and are not part of any big chain so you will get a real feel for this wonderful town. Pawley Island is known as one of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast. The families of rice planters who owned plantations on the nearby rivers first settled Pawleys Island in the early 1700′s. The planters knew that it was unhealthy for their families to remain on the rivers during the summer and that the seashore was much healthier. They moved their families, horses, cows, bedding, provisions and furniture to Pawleys in May of each year, where they remained until the first frost in November! From this leisurely existence has developed the charm of Pawleys that still remains. Also still remaining are 12 residences in the historic district, which date from the late 1700′s to the mid 1800′s.
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