Disappointing black & white photos

I should have realized that the film wasn't fresh and wouldn't produce very good photos, but I will post some of them anyway. Here are some taken at Bonaventure Cemetery. Cherubs on a tombstone indicate a baby or young child's grave.









And my favorite statue:



This is the bridge from Hwy. 80 over to Cockspur Island. It crosses the South Channel of the Savannah River, which was extremely calm and beautiful this morning, but none of the pictures showed it very well.



I have received several comments on a previous post regarding an organic product I recently bought for treating the waste tanks. I have only used it once so far, but have been very happy with it. For the past month or two I have patiently pulled apart the two plies of the Angel Soft toilet paper. This vastly improved the sensors, although not completely. After using the product once the lowest level sensors - those which indicate Empty and 1/3 - must be clean because after the first use and emptying the tank, the sensor showed Empty. That has never happened before since I owned this 5th wheel.

Another question is why I empty the tank on a weekly basis. I have read many posts on this subject on just about every RV Forum I know of, and they are all conflicting. Some say empty only when it is full, and others say empty once a week whether it needs it or not. I have had problems in the past with odors when the tank gets too close to full, so I opt to empty it more often and use plenty of water. It works for me, and if it ain't broke, I ain't fixin' it.

So while I may find that in the long run the Happy Camper product isn't perfect, I am satisfied enough so far to keep on using it. For those who might be doubtful but would like to try it, you can purchase the 4 oz size for $4.50, or the 18 oz size for $17, both plus S/H. The company promises a total refund if you aren't completely satisfied. The completely organic treatment is 100% made in the USA, and this is a "plus" in my book.

Clarification

I posted yesterday about Confederate Sunday at Fort Pulaski, and I would like to explain a little about our program here. On Monday-Friday we alternate between guided tours of the Fort, usually led by a ranger, and musket firing demonstrations. The shooters wear Union blue uniforms, as do some of the rangers leading the tours.

Saturday is Living History Saturday, and interspersed with the tours and musket firings, are three sessions of cannon firing demonstrations. Again, those firing the cannons are dressed as Union soldiers, and you can see that from some of the cannon and musket pictures I've posted.

Monday through Saturday the Union flag (U.S. flag) is raised, a replica of the one that was flown during the civil war.

Sunday is Confederate Sunday, and along with musket firing and tours, is a special tour and explanation of the prison which held "The Immortal 600". To make a long story short, the Union was often retaliatory against the South and in this case, handpicked 600 confederate officers who were in prisons, most of whom were amputees, and all of whom had serious illnesses. They were kept in a relatively small space in the Fort, and deliberately fed a starvation diet. The winter of 1864 is the coldest on record for this area, and several inches of snow lay on the ground, but the prisoners' coal was taken away, leaving them without cooking and heating. They began to burn their wooden bunks just to keep warm.

The volunteers and re-enactors wear the confederate uniform, and the flag over the Fort is the Stars and Bars, the official flag of the Confederacy.

Today, Monday, the uniforms were all blue, and here are a couple of re-enactors who play fife and drum.



A word about re-enactors - they probably exist in most states and sometimes form groups representing units from their state or area. They make or buy their uniforms and weapons, and take it all very seriously. They study the history of the war, the people who fought in it, and individual battles. In many cases they pass their love of history on to their children, who themselves take part in the re-enactments. I have a high regard for their knowledge and their attention to detail. If any of my readers are re-enactors, I would love to hear from you and to pass on your individual stories. And of course, if I've written anything that is not correct, please let me know.

On a different note, and if you can tolerate a couple more river pictures, here are two from this morning. Neither of these ships is carrying containers and I don't have a clue about their purpose. One is from the early morning dog walk, and the second was taken a little later in the morning. I caught it as it was going by the Coast Guard Station, and as you can tell, it is up close!

Working Confederate Sunday

I was busy from the time I went to the Fort this morning until closing. Sunday is normally a day off for me so I don't get to hear the piper, for one thing. I've been on the Prison Tour, plus the guided tour and musket firing, so the piper was an interesting event for me. I took two photos - one of him on the terraplain playing the bagpipes, and the second one of him playing the penny whistle. (Note: click on photos to get an enlarged and much better picture.)




The morning went pretty smoothly and in the early afternoon the young teens started coming in small groups. The first four were just looking at everything and acting silly. One was a tall skinny boy, who probably grew so fast he hadn't yet learned how to manipulate his arms and legs in a graceful fashion. I was relieved when they started out the door, but then the last boy stopped, pulled out his wallet, and inserted a donation to the Park in a special barrel for that purpose. I thought that was such a sweet gesture and then I felt a bit guilty for hoping they wouldn't stay long.

After that I tried to look at everyone who came in without making judgments, which is easier said than done, but I'm trying.

I took a package of Ritz crackers and a jar of peanut butter for my lunch, so it was a long day in the store. I think I'll plan to come home for lunch tomorrow. Lady was glad to see me when I arrived home - she is used to me dropping in during the day. On our walk I took this picture. Whenever I see the birds congregated like this I think of the song that goes something like this:

All God's children sing in the choir; some sing low, some sing higher;
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire, etc.



The weather was mild today, with a brief shower and a couple of episodes where the wind really kicked up. I think it will be a few degrees lower tomorrow, but it really doesn't matter because it is always colder inside the casemates at the Fort. We got a load of firewood, wonderful smelling hickory, but unseasoned and wet! I can deal with one more day and then have a couple days off - hopefully.

Not sunny and warm here!

It's raining and pretty chilly, if not downright cold. The rain is really coming down and I'm glad I got home before it got too bad. Lady had a very quick walk and I think even she was glad to get back to the warmth of home. And the heck with worrying about propane, this weather is tolerable if I am not shivering. I decided to live wild with the setting at about 62!

I took some photos at the visitors center before I went over to the Fort to work today. Thomas wasn't in so I filled in at the Sutler Store, but was dressed for working in the warm VC today. At noon I came home for lunch and put on my long underwear!

Ranger Matt (who is also Thomas' son):


Ranger Joanne is clowning around with her baseball cap turned sideways.


Ranger Patty came into the store to get warm by the fire:


Since Thomas is still sick I will be working again tomorrow. Today I was out of firewood at the store and since the heat hasn't yet been fixed, I was desperate. Megan helped me find some and carry it back, and then built the best fire I've ever seen! I could never have gotten the logs positioned so well, and with such a good start, it wasn't difficult to keep going all day. When I was leaving this afternoon I saw them bringing in a load of firewood, so I'll be good to go.

Today, Living History Saturday, features cannon demonstrations plus the musket firing. With about 5 Union soldiers firing muskets at the same time it is almost as loud as the cannon, but not quite. The cannon is deafening.

This is a warming trend?

I guess it is but I am not warm yet. Tomorrow promises to be 63F, with the following week in the 60's by day and 40's and 50's by night. I'm happy with that, but I would love to be out without having to wear a coat and gloves. Some hardy Minnesotans who also volunteer at Ft. P. - Fred and Mary - were seen going into the visitors center this morning in just short sleeves - no jackets! I wonder when I'll be able to do that.

I have to give a thumbs up and recommendation for a commercial product, for RVers who have problems with the sensors in their waste tank. The website is: yourhappycampers.com Click on Order at the bottom of the page to get to the list of their products, for both RV and boat. I ordered the 18 oz holding tank treatment, and after only ONE use my sensors work perfectly. That hasn't happened since I've had this 5th wheel, with the possible exception of towing it over the gravel washboard road at Lassen Park last summer. I have also used this treatment per the instructions in the kitchen sink drains, but the black tank is where I found an incredible difference. The recommendation is to use 1 oz (powder) for every 30 gallons your tank holds. My black tank holds 38 gal. but since I try to empty it once a week, I just use the 1 oz scoop of product figuring I won't ever reach the 38 gal limit.

There wasn't much to photograph today, but I did get a picture of a warning sign posted:



Before each tour the folks are warned that the fort was built for war and not for safety, and to exercise caution. There are circular iron stairways, unlit, that lead up to the top, but no railings along the top of the fort where many of the cannons are located.

Not much is going on and I'm getting ready to just chill and enjoy Friday night, even though I have to work tomorrow. I'm just about halfway through my commitment here at the Fort.

Home on the range

I don't know about antelope, but there are plenty of deer playing on the grounds of Fort P. It's amazing how deer are so prolific and are seen just about everywhere, and I think they are in all 50 states. I doubt there is anyone in the United States who hasn't seen a deer up fairly close. Yet do you ever notice that folks always slow down to watch them, and get excited about it.

I see deer from my rv windows and drive past them at least twice a day, but I still marvel at these beautiful animals. Maybe it's something in their eyes, or in their expressions when they look up to watch you pass, and decide if you are friend or foe. Whatever it is, I don't think anyone is immune to slowing up and taking a good look, although some might be seeing venison on the table.

This morning was cold but with a hint of warmer weather to come, and there was no wind. I took some photos of the moat which was calm and reflected the Fort and the sky:







Today I took a photograph of a photograph of Robert E. Lee, which looks to be from his graduation from West Point.



I always thought he was a handsome older man, but he sure looked fine as a young guy!

Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah

The sun was shining from early this morning, and although it was still cold I headed out to Bonaventure at 9:30. It is about a 20 minute drive from here, which insures that I will return at least once.

I had read so many stories about this cemetery and how it is haunted, that I hoped I would at least feel a little trepidation as I entered the place. Strange visions and spirits hovering about would have been welcome too. But as any genealogist knows, a cemetery is one of the most peaceful, calm, and loving places you can be. When approached with respect, the spirits of the dead seem to be clamoring for attention and remembrance - "See my marker? Read my inscription! And those of my spouse and children!" I felt an immediate sense of welcoming calm and benevolence as I began my walk through Bonaventure Cemetery.

I came in through the Jewish gate and all of the graves in that section are inscribed, at least in part, in Hebrew. Most of the graves were topped with lots of small stones, which is not uncommon in many cemeteries, although I only found it in the Jewish section here. As I was leaving I again went through this section, and noticed that one of the graves had no little mound of stones, so I found one and placed it on Rose's tombstone!

I was struck by the beautiful, fluid movement of the spanish moss which is draped from the trees. There was even a tall statue on one of the tombstones that had moss hanging from various parts, but unfortunately the light in that particular spot made photo taking an absolute zero.

This is one of the many lanes that crisscross the cemetery sections, allowing access to just about all the graves and family compounds:



I got several photos of interesting looking mausoleums and structures:




Then there are the statues, and I'm including a sampling. Several aren't as clear as I would like, but the surrounding foliage is interesting, I think.






The next two statues are the one I think is most beautiful, and the other is of "Gracie", a small child who died of pneumonia at the age of 6 in the late 1890's. You can see that the fingers of the statue are all missing. This is the case with nearly every statue I saw, and is no doubt from vandalism - maybe people want a souvenir? That would certainly bring a person luck! Those fingers don't just fall off, at least not in the numbers that are missing. Gracie's grave is surrounded by an iron fence, no doubt to deter souvenir hunters, and I had to take the picture through the bars.




No visit to Bonaventure would be complete without viewing the graves of Savannah's famous son, Johnny Mercer, and his family. Johnny was a composer and singer, co-founder of Capitol Records, and winner of 4 Academy Awards. His and his wife's graves are inscribed with the titles of two of his songs: "His: "And the angels sing", and his wife's "You must have been a beautiful baby". I got a decent photo of his wife's marker but Johnny's was in too much shadow so I'm not including either one. There is a memorial bench though, which is inscribed with the titles of some of his songs, including the one I know best, "Moon River".



I walked a lot more than I'm used to, and although it was warm enough in the sun it was still cold in the shade, so I came back home after about two hours. I changed clothes, packed the dog and an empty propane tank into the truck, and headed to Ace Hardware. I was going to have the second tank topped off but it was heavy and I figured I could probably have waited a few more days before running out. See, I'm learning - put off getting propane and risk freezing!

I also took about 24 pictures in black and white, plus the 40 in color. I won't be able to get the B&W developed until Sunday, my next day off. I took a lot of statuary and obelisks in B&W. The cemetery sits on a bluff overlooking the river, and when I go back I hope to get some pictures from that area. It is really a huge place and needs much more time and repeated visits.