Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Swamp Things

We went to Magnolia Plantation in South Carolina, located along the Ashley River directly across from North Charleston. It's one of the oldest plantations in the country, dating back to 1676 when Thomas and Ann Drayton built their house and garden. The plantation has been in the family ever since. 15 generations!

The magnificent Magnolia Plantation house.

That's a little food above his right eye but this African Spurred Tortoise at the petting zoo didn't seem to mind.
 
Of course, I'm sure everyone thought of The Spider Tribe like I did.

The duckweed in the water encircling the trees made for a beautiful picture but don't jump in ...

... because he's in charge of this part of the plantation ...


...  and has many friends lurking around out there ...

... in the dark depths, like this ... thing ...
 
SWAMP THING! Of all the interesting history I learned throughout the afternoon, the comic book lover in me was most impressed with hearing that the 1982 Swamp Thing movie starring Adrienne Barbeau was filmed here.
 

23 comments:

Thomas Pluck said...

Always liked swamp thing. My wife won't live near the bayou.

David Cranmer said...

Living as a rich man I could. Not so sure without the comfortable amenities.

Unknown said...

Gators!

David Cranmer said...

Thought you'd enjoy that, Bill!

Leah J. Utas said...

Fascinating.

Leah J. Utas said...

Fascinating.

David Cranmer said...

Thank you for saying it twice, Leah! :)

Alyssa Goodnight said...

How cool! I've been to Charleston many times (my sister has lived there for probably fifteen years), but I've never been there!

Glad you guys enjoyed yourselves!

David Cranmer said...

Alyssa, I also visited Middleton Place that's a few miles down the road from Magnolia. Another nice slice of local history for which Charleston has in droves.

Chris said...

Love this. I need to go.

David Cranmer said...

Oh, yeah, these historical spots in the Charleston area are made for you, Chris.

Charles Gramlich said...

I remember that movie pretty well. Great pics. Looks like down here.

Heath Lowrance said...

Great shots, David!

Sarah Laurence said...

What a gorgeous plantation - nice photos!

David Cranmer said...

Charles, I remember the film and, of course, Adrienne who was everywhere in the early 80's.

Thanks, Heath.

Sarah, Hello! And thank you for stopping by.

Unknown said...

This definitely gets my imagination going. Great pics, David.

David Cranmer said...

Thanks, Dyer! I'm sure there are a few million stories on this plantation. Beyond Swamp Thing.

Barrie said...

15 generations?! That is a long time to keep a house in a family. Very cool.

David Cranmer said...

Been too long, Barrie! Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope the book business is treating you well. And, more importantly, your family is well.

Dave King said...

Always wanted to live near a swamp - never even made a marsh!

Richard Prosch said...

Beautiful photos. Used to spend a lot of time on the Isle of Palms. Charleston is such a contrast --lovely by the water but you inevitably drive through some pretty seedy areas to get there or depart. Thought those roads may have changed in the past decade.

David Cranmer said...

And I've always wanted to live by a moor, Dave. Switch?

Rich, We were at the Isle of Palms yesterday. Lovely beach. I've heard they are pumping money into the areas you're talking about. Maybe another decade.

Ron Scheer said...

Indifferent to swamps, this Nebraska farm boy is most amazed by the house and that it not only still stands but looks well preserved. In LA, it would have been a tear-down by now.