Safely in at Greenwood

Had a long trip, about 470 miles, and about 11 hours on the road today, but had a great trip.

Left Coquina at about 720 or so, not bad traffic through Jax, then arrived at the Matkoviches in St Helena Island (Beaufort) at about 1115.

John had just spent 9 weeks in the hospital recovering from a heart episode, and while he was clearly recovering, was in good spirits, and doing well.  He has lost a considerable amount of weight, which is good of course, and he reported he was doing well with his therapies- he has someone visit every day! 

Cheryl fixed a super lunch for us, and we dined like kings!!

I was releived at finding John with a big smile and a very positive attitude. 

 

Cheryl has been a trooper and there for him all the way.  I had the priviledge of being in John's wedding and he was in mine back in the day, and he's been a pal all these years.

 

Then, we headed up for a revisit to Congaree National Park in Hopkins, SC, which is about 30 miles or so from Columbia.  Picked up the 5 new stamps I was missing for this park, and a new for me pin and hiking medallion as well. 

An interior shot of the park

This sign is above the entrance to the bathrooms, and is so SC!

A view of where the park is. 


Then we hit the road and made it over to Greenwood by 6 pm.  Then Tina, the boys and Bette and I headed out to O'Charley's for dinner-  then a Wal Mart stop,  a visit to the hot tub, and then blogging. 

Tomorrow, I'm headed up to Lander for a short visit, Bette is taking Buster to get clipped, and then I will pick up Cooper from school. 

Friday evening, Tina Brandon and I are headed down to Columbia for Brandon's student orientation at Carolina (USC) on Saturday.