Day 46 - Madison, Georgia to Charleston, South Carolina

Today was our day to drive - all the way to Charleston, South Carolina. Since we had more than our usual miles to put on the odometer, and since it was raining, we didn't plan on stopping except for gas and groceries. Our intended destination of Charleston was a good hundred miles further away than the 150 to 175 miles that we usually drive. For that reason, we got up at 5:30 a.m. and rolled out of camp by 7:30 a.m. That's probably a first for us.

Last night in Madison, Georgia, it rained and rained and rained. It rained so hard that I didn't even try to set up the rig with water and sewer as I usually do after we stop driving for the day. I did dash out at one point and hook up the electrical cable, but that was it.

This morning, since it appeared that the rain had abated just a bit, I dashed out, hooked up the water and sewer and did all the necessary chores before putting it all away again before we left. I even wore my Crocs instead of my regular tennis shoes since I thought I'd accumulate less mud that way.

Once on the highway, we plugged in a new book, "Snow Falling on Cedars," and just cruised as the windshield wipers swished a steady rhythm and the soggy countryside rolled by outside the windows. For a time we traveled east on Interstate 20. But as soon as we hit Augusta, Georgia, we found our way to Highway 78 and for the rest of the day we enjoyed the rural countryside despite the rain. We didn't encounter much traffic and saw virtually no 18-wheelers the rest of the day.

Our one bit of serendipity today was our discovery of the Laurel and Hardy Museum in Harlem, Georgia. Even though we hadn't noticed the information in the guidebook, we had seen a reference to it on Interstate 20. Since it was only four miles off the highway, we took a chance that it would be open on Saturday and headed over there.

The parking lot was empty when we arrived, but the sign on the door proclaimed that the museum would be open in thirty minutes. So, we sat back with a cup of coffee and got ready to wait. Incredibly, just moments later, several carloads of boy scouts arrived and the curator of the museum let them all inside early. We naturally took advantage of this largess and forged inside with the rest of them.

The museum turned out to be more curios and less historic ephemera than I might have hoped, but Concetta and I enjoyed it just the same. The curator had been a resident of Minnesota, he told us, but his love of Laurel and Hardy had prompted him to pull up stakes and head for Georgia where he could live in Oliver Hardy's home town.

I suspect that the museum was composed of the owner's personal memorabilia collection, probably an accumulation over several decades. There were also many items donated by enthusiastic patrons. And we saw many things like scripts and movie posters that were absolutely genuine. For the collector, there were both books and movies for purchase, if your library was lacking, as well as other touristy items. Feeling that I simply had to have SOMETHING from the curio shelves I came away with an official Laurel and Hardy T-shirt.

And that wasn't all. The museum's owner treated all of us -- us and the boy scouts -- to an episode of the Our Gang Comedies, as well as one of Laurel and Hardy, in the back room. All in all, we had a great time getting reacquainted with my favorite comedy team. If you're traveling in central Georgia, take time out to visit the town of Harlem. I promise you an interesting time.

So, there you have it. Not the most exciting day we ever had, but we did indeed make it to Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is one of the cities on my lifetime "to do" list and I'm thrilled we've finally made it.

Tomorrow we hope to visit Fort Sumter where the Civil War began one April day 150 years ago. We also hope to spend some time strolling through the old part of the city and soaking up some of the local flavor. Sure hope it doesn't rain. In addition, we saw signs on the highway leading up to the RV camp ground that the CSA Hunley is here. I sure hope we get to see that little gem of a submarine that was first used in the Civil War.

Stay tuned, I see more adventures on the horizon.