Georgia

I enjoyed a beautiful drive through Georgia today. A series of winding rural highways took me through small towns, and unadulterated countryside. The journey was a mottled array of new and old. Small houses from the 1800's dotted the landscape, preserving the vestiges of a bygone era. Some might consider these an eyesore, a bleak reminder of the kindred cruelty of years past, but I view them as the skeletal remains of the valiant south. A footprint that lingers through the years, like the roots of the swamp cypress. I don't claim to be in support of what was made on the backs of fettered men, but rather the aspirations of the ambitious and the hopeful. These homes embody the blood and tears of men that hoped for more, but instead left a carcass, swiftly swallowed by the ravenous vines, and beaten by the harsh weather.

Katie A, a friend of Katy's (and consequently my own) greeted me in Columbia South Carolina. We enjoyed a couple bottles of my IPA, and met up with a large group of her undergrad friends at some local haunts. First, we visited the 'Flying Saucer' for a couple of drinks, then moved on to 'Five Guys' for some burgers, and wound up in a bar I can't recollect, that happened to serve beers for a dollar a piece. She has some of the sincerest and kindest friends I have ever met. Matt bought me a drink at the bar, and gave me the warmest southern welcome I have had to date. Annie from Minnesota entertained me with stories of her childhood road trips west, that never went further than Montana. Back at Katie's house I was greeted by George (her pug) who quickly challenged me to a tug of war with a stuffed hedgehog. I have been promised eggs and toast tomorrow, which is a welcome relief to hotel breakfasts. This part of the journey left me in awe of southern hospitality. I am anxiously looking forward to visiting family tomorrow. It will be nice to see a 'familiar' face on the opposite side of the country. Today, I feel blessed.