From Wilkesboro I drove two hours, just south of Charlotte, to meet up with a couple of friends to watch the Virginia Tech/UVA game.I would have never expected last week's ACC Championship outcome based on how good the Hokies looked that game and how poorly Clemson played South Carolina.After another six hour shift at a Starbucks in Rock Hill the next day, my night ended with the Eagles getting smoked by the Patriots and a must see movie, Bad Teacher.
I had only heard back from my couchsurfing request that morning I was leaving Rock Hill, so the timing worked out perfectly because I had to be in Beaufort to build the following morning.My intentions were to spend the day in Charleston, wandering the beaches, soaking up some rays…seeing as if it was 81 degrees when I pulled in to the Quizno’s (sorry Subway) parking lot at noon that day.But plans quickly changed when it started pouring non-stop, and I found myself in yet another Starbucks pulling a six hour, five dollar latte shift with my electronics.
My couchsurfing plans worked perfectly.I had fully expected to stay in a bigger city (Charleston, Savannah, Hilton Head) and make the commute to the build site as I had in North Carolina, but on an offhand chance I searched Beaufort.Much to my surprise, there were a few couchsurfing hosts in this fairly small town.Enter Erika.There were such nice reviews written from other travelers she had hosted.We met at her cottage around 7:30 and talked for a while about both of our life experiences.This girl could write a novel, it’s amazing the places she’s been and the things she’s done.Her stories from teaching in Japan for three years were fascinating.She took me to Bricks an awesome restaurant, where the food was absolutely delicious, and drove me around the historic area of Beaufort.Wow, was this town not only so beautiful, but the amount of history that backed it was incredible.Erika drove me in and out of every street block, educating me on the layout, the trees, the homes and the historical implications of Beaufort. She was a wealth of knowledge on her town.
Historic Waterfront
Beautiful Architecture & Landscaping
Highest priced piece of real estate in town...the tree was incredible
Famous low tree
speaks for itself
My drive was a short one to the site that following morning.Beaufort, I would say, was the one build I originally felt least confident with, but that was based on my lack of communication with them leading up to my arrival.Like North Carolina, the Beaufort build site was all men on the first day, with the exception of two women, who showed up a little later that morning.I felt a little out of place at this build.While the men were very welcoming, funny and hard working, I didn’t get much direction on what to do.This was new to me because the previous three builds I participated in, I was given direction upon walking on to the site.
This was the fourth house currently being built on the street purchased by Habitat
back of the house
A cold front came through the night prior and it was really cold for South Carolina standards that morning so we couldn’t paint right away.The exterior of the house was getting a second coat of paint.The ladies and I worked on that for a few hours once it warmed up.Once the painting was done, the three of us cleaned up and headed off to lunch.It felt a little unsettling that there wasn’t anything else to be done, but again the direction was lacking.That’s not to say the men were not working hard, they were working very hard and knew exactly what had to be done.They had been working as a unit long before my arrival and will be long after I leave, but I was just looking for a little more direction towards what needed to be accomplished.These were simply my thoughts, based on my previous experiences at the other three builds.
I was happy to get to spend some time with the ladies after we were done painting.They too, taught me a lot about the town of Beaufort and how their Habitat runs.Because Hilton Head has their own Habitat affiliate, it’s tough for Beaufort to pull in the funds like Hilton Head does.Beaufort is the only remaining beach left on the east coast that does not have a resort.The Beaufort islands naturally erode, sending a majority of its beautiful white sand to Hilton Head, helping create it’s beaches.Case in point, Hilton Head is covered in resorts, retirees and wealth.You do the math.
We went to lunch at the Low Country Store.Seemingly known for selling things other than food, the veggie chili, gumbo and biscuits were so good. (I went back the next day for lunch as well). After sitting down for lunch and being bombarded by a stranger who had quite the political opinion on EVERYTHING, I headed off to Hunting Island, a must do on everyone's list including Erika's.
Little gem off the side of the highway
Everyone told me what to expect, but it still did very little justice as to how enamored I was with the beauty of this island and it's beach. So naturally beautiful, yet tragically sad that these beaches were disappearing over time. I will let the pictures do the talking...
entering hunting island
first beach entrance
the famous lighthouse that they have relocated in hopes to preserve it from being destroyed
second beach entrance
my view from standing in the tide
emerging from the trail
lots of trees down on the beach
What I will take from Beaufort is a huge sense of pride that each individual living there has for this town.Though I do consider this the least productive build I have participated in thus far; Beaufort was the most captivating town.Just naturally, a very beautiful site to be seen.
A big thank you to Erika for her generous hospitality. I wish the very best to the Low Country Habitat in continuing their selfless work for the Beaufort community.
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