11/13 to 11/16 - Friends in Sun City, Bluffton, SC

  11/13 to 11/16

Visiting Friends in Sun City, SC

Over the past nine years I've attempted to make one of my stops to and/or from Florida here at Sun City, Bluffton, SC, to visit friends Roger and Wendy. Although Fayetteville, NC is the midpoint, I still consider these fine folks my halfway point and always look forward to their company and hospitality. 

The bridge for today's trip was the 3-mile Don N. Holt Bridge that spans the Cooper River outside Charleston, SC. A mere 155 feet above the river, its cantilevered truss architecture makes it suitable for long spans.

This year, I will make use of Sun City's gated RV Parking area so I can hookup electrically and keep the fridge working. RV Club member, Wayne, will meet and escort me to this location. Once setup, Roger and Wendy will pick me up and we'll return to their home on Orchid Lane.

The RV Lot was surprisingly huge housing guest and resident's large motorhomes and boats.

Three long rows with each site having a picnic table, water, sewer and 50 amp service.

Winnie, on site T-1,  just needed a 50-amp to 30-amp adapter and I was all set for my stay.

If you read my last blog, a slow leak had developed in my front, driver's side tire. I was able to make it to Bluffton without any problems, but Wayne, the RV Club member, referred me to Terry at United Towing & Auto Repair just 5 miles away. And for $40 and a valve stem replacement,  anxiety was off my plate for my future travels.

And for those lovers of food, the ones who live to eat vs. the ones who just eat to live, you'll enjoy the usual fare presented by Rog and Wendy. Day one:

Delicious

Day Two's culinary delight: jumbo pork chops with mashed potatoes, applesauce and grandma's recipe for sauerkraut with raisins (you missed it, Ray). What a nice treat.

On Day Three, it was my turn to treat Rog and Wendy to a "Thank You" dinner at one of their favorite restaurants, Ruan Thai Cuisine

Appetizer 1: Shrimp with a coconut crust served with a sweet and sour sauce.

Appetizer 2: Steamed Dumplings: Homemade dumplings filled with onions, carrots, potatoes, bamboo shoots and ground chicken served with black ginger sweet sauce.

My entree was Massaman Curry with shrimp served with Jasmine rice, carrots, potato, avocado and cashew nuts. Note the carved beet butterfly that adorns the rice.

Massaman curry is a mildly spicy, sweet and savory sauce with a touch of tanginess. Derived from Indian culture, it's roots can be traced to southern Thailand where Muslim traders introduced it, hence the name "Massaman" which could be derived from the word, "Muslim."

Loving the flavors, I wanted to learn more about them and further researched Massaman curry's key ingredients:

Commonly made with beef, chicken, or lamb, but can also be adapted with tofu for vegetarians.

Massaman Curry Paste: Made from a blend of red chilies, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, and spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.

Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy and rich texture.

Potatoes: Often used as a staple vegetable, soaking up the curry's flavors.

Peanuts: Add crunch and a nutty depth to the dish.

Tamarind or Lime Juice: For a hint of tanginess.

Palm Sugar: Balances the spices with sweetness. 

Terrific dining experiences were not the only treats I enjoyed. Entering the bathroom was a treat...

...seeing the last Super Moon of 2024, the Beaver Moon was a treat. The name originates from our early history of Native Americans and colonists. This is the time of the year when beavers are most active preparing for winter by building their dams and gathering food before the cold stets in.

And yet, another treat was an evening they treated me to The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary in their community theatre, Magnolia Hall. I recommend clicking on the link above so the experience can be shared.

Magnolia Hall

Here's 2+ minute clip that opened his performance.

But his drummer really caught my eye. Steve Bello. Loved watching him. He's part of The Mystics, a cover band that has been around for 20 years.

And finally Saturday, a sunny, crisp day, the day of my departure, we stopped by to see Rog and Wendy's neighbor, Joe's and his Mens Mixed Softball Team win and take home the trophy for the second year in a row. Congratulations Joe. The hot dogs were delicious as well. And so, a drive back to the RV Lot, packing and unhooking, it was time to say goodbye until next time. Thank you Roger and Wendy for a delightful three days.

True friendship is not about the length of time we've known each other, but about the moments we've shared when you've opened your home with warmth and hospitality. ~~Me