Mustang Ropes a Hammock

Windveil pauses in front of a tiny shop which began making rope hammocks in the 1930's. What has become world famous as the " Pawleys Island Rope Hammock " started here in humble beginnings.

This piece of land which is just a few miles north of Georgetown, SC, was once part of a very large plantation tract. The Lachicote family bought a part of the property and began their hammock business in the tiny house in the picture.

The Pawleys Island Hammock is a system of ropes woven into a structured pattern which holds the material together. At either end of the weave is a length of bowed wood which acts as spreaders and through which each primary strand of rope is fed. One through the spreaders the strands are drawn to a single point at which the rings are fastened to support the hammock.

Thirty years ago these hammocks were popular on the coast of South Carolina, but had not become the world famous item which they are today.

The shop had quite a nice variety of these hammocks for sale, but it seemed that letting back the Mustang seats would be almost as restful and costs nothing extra. It's always nice to visit these points of interest, fondle the goods, but practicing some restraint and putting that money into the tank to promote new adventures.

Pawleys is still right nice, but lies a the door step of one of the largest concentrations of tourist traps in the world: " The Grand Strand ". Of course, you can buy souvenirs from Key West to Bangor, Maine, as well as this little shop, but it was quite resistible. Our souvenirs cost nothing as they are the very photos we share with our readers.

Mustang Checks Out HoLLiday Inn

We didn't check in, but did check out the HoLLiday Inn at Folly Beach, SC. The emphasis on the 2 L's is significant. While the lettering on the sign IS green and the font IS somewhat familiar and it IS an inn, it is not, however, part of the famous chain of 1 - L hotels.

Long before the internet brought forth competition for and fighting over domain names, this establishment was out there on its own in a world awash in Holiday Inns. It is a family owned operation and has 14 rooms to let. By and by one of the 1-L Inns arrived on Folly, but it has a few more than 14 rooms to let.

Careless folks might mistake one inn for the other, but certainly that confusion is not intentional. Folly Beach, the Edge of America, was a relatively isolated island so perhaps the 2-L folks were not aware of the 1-L's out there. So, when it comes to lodging on Folly, it's an L of a world.

If you think we're barking up the wrong tree with all of this, wait until you want to board a pet in the Low Country area. We now have the Howl-A-Day Inn Kennel in Summerville. It's a dog eat dog world out there.

Mustang goes National !

Well, the " National Grocery Co. ", that is, right at the corner of Spring at Coming Streets on the peninsula of Charleston. It's an old store which also goes under the moniker of M & J Grocery and has probably had many others through the years. The artwork on its siding suggests only a trace of its colorful past which may soon fall under the steamroller of re-gentrification.

Part of the role of this journal is to document many such places as this which may no long remain in their colorful and individual state if, in fact, they remain at all. This is a significant structure and will be more difficult for developers to demolish, but even if not one board is removed it is likely to become something entirely different. Whatever nice new renovated jewel of urban renewal this might become, at least you've had the chance to see it as it was.

Bumming Around Folly

Folly Beach may losing its Jimmy Buffet style of relaxed living, but there are still quite a few signs of it around. One legacy of the Margaritaville motif is the building in front of which the Windveil has parked.

One of Folly's finest qualities has been its eclectic style, that is, no two houses look alike. Often the styles are mixed even with the same building. One glance at this place reveals that style of mixing. The wording on the front seems quite in conflict with the logo over the professional offices on the left. There is the suggestion that this attorney might not be your shy, retiring sort, while the main lettering indicates a more relaxed approach in the other part of the building.

The GT did some extended bumming around Folly Beach and will post additional reports and photos of this delightful island from which the tide of individuality is ebbing.

Even the Stars Come Out for the Mustang.

I hope that it doesn't seem like blowing one's own horn, but the Windveil Blue GT still turns heads some seven months after it arrived. It's not unusual to notice peoples' eyes follow the car as it rounds a corner or passes in front of them. Even at the end of the model year there are relatively few of them out on the streets.

Here, as anyone can plainly see, the Stars have come out to behold the Mustang.

Poor Marilyn seems to be in one of her glazed states, James Dean is looking away because he can't stand anything which outshines him and is in denial over the Windveil's arrival. Sammy clearly likes what he sees and may be thinking that the Mustang grille ornament might make a great addition to his medallion collection. Beholding the car has old Dean Martin in a dreamy state and on the verge of singing an old Italian love song to the car.

Bogart, Bergman and Bacall heard the resonant exhaust tones of the GT then sprang to the window and threw open the sash. They like what they see and are in no hurry to look away. Bogey is heard to say, " this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship ". Now, Marlon is scratching himself and giving the car the old once over. He always fancied himself a rebel with raw animal energy and a sculpted form, but he now has to face the fact that those traits lay before him upon four wheels on which he ain't. There is a new " Wild One " on the road.

HORSEPOWER !

Uploaded by PALMETT0.

At times the equine metaphor might seem a bit long in the saddle, but this backdrop was far too powerful to pass up. In the previous posting the Mustang was shown from the opposite side of this dramatic sculpture at Brookgreen Gardens.

On this, the eastern exposure of the sculpture, the viewer gets a different impression of that same work of art. That sculpted blue metallic work of art also gives one a different feeling from different angles of view. When more often seen side long or at angular points of view it seems to be showing itself to the view. Here looking straight down the bore, the car seems to be watching, confronting the viewer.

From all other angles and especially in this particular color, the car presents with a tranquil grace and almost detached nature. It is appropriate that it be posed before this turbulent sculpture when viewed from what is clearly its aggressive angle of view: head on. It belongs to a size, style and performance class of American automobiles nicknamed in the late 1960's as " Pony " cars. It is the last of that class still in production.

This picture may suggest why the Mustang did not go quietly into the night as did all the others.

Horses Fighting and the Mustang Proverb

Well, it's better to be AT rather than IN a horse fight. Here, the Windveil hitches up at the rear of the signature sculpture which graces the entrance to Brookgreen Gardens. The tarmac in the background is US Hwy 17 in a rare autoless moment.

Brookgreen Gardens which is located just a bit north of Pawleys Island, SC, was founded or actually created in 1931 in the depths of The Depression as a philanthropic gesture by Archer Huntington. Huntington brought forth the cash and his wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington, molded the money into the first sculpture garden in the United States.

Mrs. Huntington was the daughter of Alpheus Hyatt II, a professor of paleontology, biology and zoology at M.I.T, so his influence upon Anna had inspired her to render animals in striking images in the style of " Realistic Sculpture ".

Brookgreen is filled with her work and that of other artists which combines to make a most unusual and rewarding visit. The " Realistic " style makes these works attractive to even those without classic artistic temperament.

Speaking of " temperament " and realism, that collision of warring horses behind the GT makes one glad that it's only a sculpture. If you zoom in on the dismounted rider, you may be reminded of the old Mustang Proverb: " Keep your foot on the gas and out of your ______ !
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Hunting down Huntington

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It may appear that the Windveil has come upon the ruins of an ancient castle or the abandoned halls of some former colony or even a military installation long ago quit by its troops. A closer look might suggest the rambling retreat of an inspired eccentric now gone to weather. In each case you would be right. It has been all of those things.

From the photo many could be convinced that this place is in any of many exotic places on the globe, but the fact is that we're looking a piece of land just a few hundred yards on the ocean side of The Ocean Highway ( US 17 ) and right across that road from Brookgreen Gardens. See the previous posting on that.

The lawn behind the GT is little more than a grassy bog so there was no way to draw the car nearer. Even this far away the viewer can see that it doesn't fit any known architectural mold largely because there wasn't one.

This massive and convoluted building is literally a maze of uniquely designed rooms, porches, passageways, living and working areas all of which was begun in the early days of the Depression. Archer Huntington selected this site and literally designed the construction via written and verbal messages directly to the contractor. The absence of an architect is often an asset especially in downtown Charleston these days, but this is ever so inspired a structure largely due to that fact. All of this is now a S.C. State Park and nicely kept. The name originally given to this settlement by the Huntingtons is " ATALAYA ".

Anna Hyatt Huntington was a sculptress who plied her art and craft and invited others to do the same at ATALAYA . Some rooms were clearly designed to take advantage of natural light which may have been the only illumination in those days of fragile utilities. It is a very interesting building in both form and suggested function. It is unlikely that anyone will be reminded of any other building when touring this one.

During World War II, the family turned the place over to the military to use as a radar station and coastal defense implacement.

Archer Huntington poured staggering sums of money into this project which by today's dollar would easily build several large hotels. It's a pleasure to visit and the State does a great job of maintaining ATALAYA, but at Five bucks a head for admission, some might suspect that Mr. Huntington is trying to recoup his investment from the great beyond.

GT visits Pawleys Island Chapel

Blue is the overriding theme of this picture and, at times, of this entire journal. The Mustang is drawn near the Pawleys Island (SC) Chapel, a wooden structure supported by pilings driven into the salt marsh of this sandy beach island. The only lawn is that sea of marsh grass which grows right up to bottom of the building.

This little chapel is a favorite site for weddings. It's just the place as long as you don't have a large wedding party or many invited guests. The chapel draws visitors from all over the state of South Carolina and beyond. Pawleys Island still maintains a relatively high percentage of old fashioned beach houses. The massive modern mansions which have displaced modest houses of character and local color in many beach communities have not yet got the upper hand here.

This little chapel might be bulging when one gets married, but if one is graced with a good long life, there's more than enough room for mourners at funeral time. Some wiseacres will often confuse one ceremony with the other.

While this rustic little gem lacks the grandeur and majesty of a gothic cathedral, it provides no less spiritual joy for its parishioners. Accordingly one is called to wonder if the Almighty does not look favorably upon this little car and its journey, why is the sky Windveil Blue ?

Screwy Buoy and Blue Boy

Both metal objects in this picture are happy to be on dry land.

The Windveil has kept prudently out of all bodies of water so far in spite of the often flooded streets of Low Country South Carolina towns. It's red friend used to make the sea it's home. This is an aid to navigation sea buoy which was anchored off the coast of South Carolina about 15 years ago.

The buoy broke free and drifted and buoys will do when so liberated. This one strayed in record ways. It was discovered in Scotland in 1990 and returned by the dutiful Scots to Charleston. Not given to wasting money, the Scots delivered the buoy to it's home for a sum of 1.5 cents per mile which came to $92.00 US.

The screwy red buoy was placed in this little memorial park just off of London Avenue in Port Royal, South Carolina where, hopefully, no tide will rise high enough to reclaim it to the sea.

If the Blue Boy should escape it's moorings, I shall be more than happy to double the reward money for it's safe return.

Mustang in Blue

The Windveil spotted this friendly sign which marks a residential driveway in rural Beaufort County, South Carolina. There was no paddock and no (actual) pony about the place. It is our custom to avoid invasions of private rural roads or driveways to respect the inhabitant's peace and quiet and mindful of the fact that peace loving folk may also be willing to fire a few shots to preserve that peace.

Having ruled out any equine origin of this driveway sign it was felt that this slight incursion on the property would not meet with disapproval as it seems clear where their sentiments reside. After all, had this sign said " Red Camaro Road ", we would have passed without notice.

The Welcome Sign

A Little Too Late

The GT uses a new synthetic oil blend ( 5W20 ) and we thought it might be wise to take on a quart in case we ran low between changes. It's our pleasure and policy to seek out and patronize the classic old country stores which survive along the backwater towns and byways of the state.

Here we have pulled up on the tiny town of Dorchester, S.C., which is located in, but is not the seat of Dorchester County. The seat of Dorchester County is St. George, which is also a very small town, but all the people and businesses, tires and temples, nuts and bolts are in Summerville. Go figure.

It looks like we got to Porter's General Store a little too late.

Vacancy

The Windveil Blue Mustang has been arrayed before a host of stately buildings, plantation houses, dramatic industrial structures and natural wonders. It's been to the heights literally and figuratively. Lest readers begin to think that this is a haughty perch of some aloof vehicular snob, it seems appropriate to pull up to some less fancy digs.

The Sunset Motel seemed to be the perfect place to show the other side of our travels. Unlike the countless franchise motels which are so visible from the interstate highways, the Sunset is set back behind some lush foliage. The classic concrete planter is between blooms, It was way past Cinco de Mayo so it must have been Alamo Day and the horticulturists were on vacation. Otherwise, the lawn would be up to their strict standards.

Those with higher resolution screens will notice that on the vacancy sign the word "NO' has been whited out. This is a sign of hospitality. Sure, there is a high demand for such lodging, but even if the suites or even their twin Queen smokers are all taken, they will find a place, some place, any place to lay your head. You won't get the old cold shoulder here.

Dial phones are on the way, but unfortunately when we checked the e-mail amenity had not yet been installed. Busy executives on holiday don't want those annoyances so in keeping with the relaxed pace of life here so good old US Mail is available at no extra charge as is obvious from the colorful rural style boxes in the picture.

Valet parking is available, but our comprehensive insurance carrier has not yet approved them. Not to worry, each cottage has its very own garage attached.

You've got to be wondering whether room service would be available on top of all the other special features of this premium lodging. Since time was short we had no opportunity to sample their 4 star dining, but for those in a rush we did notice that a designer hot plate is available upon request. All of this without that annoying two night minimum which pricey hotels demand. Who could ask for more ?

Mile Stones

Faithful ( long suffering ) readers might recall the photo in which the Windveil encountered a 24 MPH road sign, an increment which appears on no speedometer foreign or domestic. That was an oddball sign found on a run of the mill road several months ago.

Yesterday the Windveil encountered a normal speed limit sign, but in a rather unusual place.

Cruising north on Hwy 15 in Colleton County a quick glance at the fuel gauge revealed the startling fact that the tank was almost flat empty. This was due to passing too many feed bags hoping for cleaner pumps and fresher fuel. The procedure for stretching one's luck under these circumstances is to shift up into 5th gear and drop down to 45 miles per hour and into cruise control.

When you've got a full tank you're awash in Wal-Marts, fast food joints and gas stations on EVERY corner, but nary a blade of grass nor one green tree for miles. Of course, when the needle is south of the red mark all one could see was God's green earth, miles of forests, acres of emerald lawns, but not even a tank of hand pumped kerosene. There being no " Georgia Credit Card " ( a siphon hose ) aboard, you look for cargo to toss out the window to lighten the load like some struggling plane in a 40's adventure film.

Lo and behold, with the hungry blue car locked into 45 and close to empty, some planted ground was spotted near a church which is populated with those who have already run out of gas. Right there in the cemetery was a speed limit sign which was itself stuck on 45 MPH. The irony of it all was enough to spur the little car on to St. George, SC, and right up to a pump..on fumes.