Still, as we looked out from our hotel at the Talmadge Bridge and the docks beyond, it wasn't raining yet, although there were heavy clouds. We left at around 10am for our short drive across the bridge and into South Carolina, to see the Savannah Wildlife Refuge. The refuge covers nearly 30,000 acres of wetlands and is a haven for wildlife, including a large population of alligators.
Entering South Carolina, our 21st state - not previously included in our itinerary!
Before we went into the refuge, we had to fill our rental car with fuel so that we had sufficient for tomorrow's drive to Atlanta. As we drove from the gas station to the refuge, it started to pour with rain. Thankfully, it didn't last long and, as we started the 4 mile gravel loop road through the refuge, the sun started to shine again.
The refuge is a birdwatcher's paradise. Here are a few of the birds and wildfowl we saw.
The red-winged blackbird.
We are not sure what the name of this bird is. It was drying its wings in the sunshine and looked like a cormorant. It is possibly an anhinga, which we read about in the information leaflet.
The waters were dotted with lovely white water lilies.
Unfortunately, this was the best photo we managed to get of these two ducks as they flew off before Wendy could take any more. Checking later on Google, we discovered they were black-bellied whistling ducks.
The gravel road through the refuge wound its way on a raised bank above the water, so that you had a magnificent view over the wetlands. At some points, we went through wooded areas where we saw these two birds.
First, this magnificent pileated woodpecker.
Second, this duck with bright red webbed feet sitting on a branch high up in the trees.
At times, we went through trees covered with Spanish moss. It was very atmospheric as it hung down from the branches and waved in the wind!
More lovely-looking waterfowl.
About three-quarters of the way round the loop road, we saw other cars parked by the side of the track. We stopped and saw this alligator in a small pond. A man told us that there had been six babies in the pond the previous year. I estimated this alligator to have been about six feet long.
We had a hugely enjoyable couple of hours in the refuge before driving back to Savannah.
Returning to Georgia....
... and back over the Savannah River on the Talmadge Bridge.
We didn't have any more rain and, contrary to the forecast, we have had a lot of sunshine. So, once again, luck seems to have been with us!
In the afternoon, we walked along the riverfront to the statue of the Waving Girl, Florence Martus. She took it upon herself to greet all the ships entering Savannah. She died in 1943, at the age of 74.
We then walked to the Olde Pink House to 'try out' the Planters Tavern. The Tavern is a bar in the cellar of the house. We had great wine and a very good cheese platter. As a result, I don't think we need to have dinner tonight!!
Tonight is our last night in the USA and so we will raise our glasses to make two toasts of thanks. The first, to all those Americans who have made the trip so memorable, and the second to our great travelling companions - Bob and Thelma and Kenny and Dee Anne.
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