The 2023 Winter Season Had Other Travel Plans

Pool at After Dune Delight Condo in Hilton Head

Traveling sometime puts things upside down and this winter’s travel season 2022/23 had a divergent plan for us in mind. At least for the first part of our six months winter vacation. We did the usual visits to kids and grandkids in Michigan, friends in Tennessee and Georgia,  in the snow bunny route south to Savannah Georgia but then plans quickly changed. Han wanted to spend some time with his brothers in the Netherlands as they are all getting older and TJ for some reason had absolutely no wish to fly that long trip to Amsterdam.

So we agreed that she would stay in several AirBNB’s in the southeast to relax while Han would fly United Airlines from Savannah to Newark and from there to Amsterdam for a 7 week stay with his family in the Netherlands. I quickly cancelled my already booked flight and started making reservations for my southeast stay.

Starting sometime in March we would take a 28 day roundtrip Pacific cruise on the Crown Princess out of San Pedro/Los Angeles on the Crown Princess. What we liked about the itinerary was that the ship was mostly at sea. We needed the rest and recreation with some sun on our faces, because the job on Beaver Island is 7 days a week for the entire 6 months season.

So on January 4th Han flew out of Savannah to Newark, NJ and from there to Amsterdam, the Netherlands. I would pick him up on his return on February  25. (7 very long weeks, we both agreed never to repeat). While in Europe, he spent 6 weeks with his 3 brothers, taking care of one who was in bad health. One week he took the speed train to Vienna to visit our “heart-adopted” son Nikki, who has a beautiful home about 40km southwest of Vienna in a little village called Mayerling. In the foothills of the mountain range that is part of the Dolomites and Alps, nature is extraordinarily peaceful and relaxed.

I took off for extended stays in 2 different  Hilton Head condos that were offered on the AirBNB platform, followed by a trip to South Carolina’s LOW LANDS and the city of Beaufort.

Bathroom in Condo

Had to fix my own coffee and meals. Oh the dread of it all. LOL

My days consisted of walking, relaxing, reading and exploring. Actually quite a lot, considering I was by myself. We spoke everyday with each other.
I had an ear infection for two weeks. Didn’t get out much as I was staying in this beautiful condo with pool in the center hall and many comforts and conveniences. Not very impressed by Hilton Head these days. It just feels a bit boring with very little color schemes and many restaurants offering the same fare. The only mention I have is Five Brothers, which serves a mean burger.
For the remainder of time until Han’s return from Europe, I went to stay at the Sunset Marsh Airbnb located approximately 2 miles from beautiful downtown Beaufort. 1 mile from the National Cemetery. 10 miles to Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Hunting Island State Park Beach is only 20 miles, and a must do visit. Just a short Walk to the Spanish Moss Bicycle and Walking Path. located across from a tidal marsh.
The porch is a wonderful spot to enjoy cocktails or coffee while taking in the beauty and serenity of the setting sun. The house decor is light and airy. Home away from home. Only 2 miles to the center of downtown Beaufort, and the water front Marina.
The military planes from nearby Parris Island Marine Corps can be loud for a short period of time in the mid-morning, but also fascinating to see them take off and land. Gated community Fripp Island offers pristine beaches, golf courses, and abundant wildlife, making it perfect for 1%’ers seeking a vacation-like, highly protected atmosphere year-round.
Sunset look over the Marsh
Entrance to the Airbnb
Living room to bedroom Two
I loved Beaufort and the outer islands so much better. Went on a golf cart tour through the city and outskirts, which was quite enjoyable.
So when Han landed at Savannah Airport, I took him back there to spend a couple of days with our gracious hosts and the southern charmed city of Beaufort.
Maryland’s Fried Chicken, one of the few ones left in the US, we ate at.
The “Outer Banks’ series on Netflix shot some of its scenes at the large black and white lighthouse in my pics.
The long road of overhanging trees has been in many films over the years.
When our time was up at Sunset Marsh, the owners invited us to stay longer without charge (we had become friends) but we had to get on the road to reach Nashville, where soon a plane was waiting to take us to Los Angeles and a southern Pacific cruise.

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