First a note: It's likely many of you are starting to think "Jeez, what did I sign up for? Is this Oddasee thing ever going to end. Do I really need all these long monotonous tales and memory sucking photos every day." We apologize if we have become an internet thorn in your side. If you want to be taken off the list, just let us know or just block our messages.
Some of you have sent us messages in response to a few of the daily updates. We enjoy sharing tales and pics from this incredible journey. WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. Being on the road is great but we miss seeing, talking and normal emails from friends.
Day 44:
Thankfully, after three rainy days, we got a much needed sunny one. Seems us from out west are used to much more of that solar presence. Kind of explains the perpetual green and trees out here.
The first destination was Bynum, SC. An outsider site called "Critter Crossing" resides in this very small community south of Durham. As is becoming common, due to the ravages of/or time and changes as simple as closed bridges and/or new roads, we really have to work at finding some spots. Lack of signage is a recurring reality. The frequency of how often there are no road signs or address numbers or informative signage is quite aggravating. Often we have to wander around in an area with the patience of Job (ooh Bible belt influenced reference) to finally come upon the site of our trek. Bynum and the art of Clyde Jones were such a circumstance.
Critter Crossing was not subtle once we drove down the correct street. As we meandered, we kept seeing these quirky rough hewn wooden creatures in virtually every yard. Some contained herds of these German Shepard sized carvings. As ubiquitous as the chain saw bears in parts of Colorado (and especially Ruidoso) these oft brightly colored critters served to let us know we were close. There was a strong sense of community in this tucked-away little berg. It felt like there must be many shared activities and active neighborhood spirit. We'll let the photos speak for themselves about this yard and house of whimsy. Note: Mr Jones was hard at work mowing his yard. He waved us in with a welcoming but focused elsewhere smile. He was on a mission and trying to beat the next storm. So, we did not get an opportunity to speak to him.
Next we went on a far from linear quest for "Metal Menagerie". Another yard environment by recently (2009) passed Frank Holder. It took perseverance, creativity and sharp eyes to find this one. There are 25-30 metal creatures spread around a yard and garden area. Mostly overgrown and with the fountains no longer functioning, we had to use our imaginations to picture what this verdant world must have been like at it's peak. In the photos you will see a mermaid by the pond. When we we first arrived she was adorned with these crappy leis from Hobby Lobby and an offensive coconut bra covering her loveliness. Surely not part of the artist's all-metal sculpture, these additions were made by some tasteless puritanical art critic. Then the strangest thing happened..... a huge tornado-like wind whisked in and POOF! the evil embellishments were whisked off the sea goddess and thrown into the woods. She was returned to her intended natural beauty. Wow that was weird man! See before and after below.
Later we set off on a few futile tangents and a much needed healthy meal in Winton-Salem at the Fourth Street Filling Station -- try as we may, good and healthy food is elusive on the road; our salads were like nectar of the gods and we just kept grinning at one another in satiation.
The last highlight was this amazing house in Kernerville. The place is called Korner's Folly. Wow! Hard to believe this was a home. Not as imposing as the Marland Mansion nor as quirky as the Zorayda, it was very large and seemed more like a converted church. Unfortunately it was closed and we had to peek in windows. It would have been well worth the fee. We fully assumed this was the home of some cotton, tobacco or other farming baron....wrong. It was the home of an artist and decorator. Built as a showplace and constantly growing residence was very impressive; wish we could have seen the theater upstairs.
Well that's it. Today we are off to one of "Rodney's Must Sees" in Lucama and then a turn north up into West Virginia.
Love with salad and sun rejuvenated souls,
Rodney
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