Heading north, and needed to see the ocean. I found my way to Folly Beach, SC where hours of waves calmed, cleansed, and refreshed my soul and gave my knees the strength they needed to walk the beach at sunset. It was $15 to park for the day, which for me was two hours that turned into three because I couldn’t get out of the access area until the vehicles parked on either side of me moved.

But first there was my daily practice, and stop at Cosmic Corner where I did not buy even one thing. I was unable to find parking at another metaphysical shop, and after going around the block twice, I parked in front of a fire hydrant so I could run around the corner and pick up a prescription at CVS. By the Savannah National Wildlife Reserve, I pulled over to let the parade behind me pass. Then there was a total traffic standstill for about 20 minutes in Hardeeville and Nancy’s Exotic Plants in Rantowles. I made it across this 1.7-mile bridge with a smile plastered on my face. It’s one of the longest ones I’ve traveled and without getting cocky, I congratulated myself for no longer freaking out or forgetting to breathe. I do still tough the black obsidian stone and the Warrior Woman pin that were gifted to me before I left – both hanging to the right of the steering wheel. (Your gifts keep on giving, Diane and Rose.) A little trivia … the bridge over the Broad River carries SC 170, and this section is named after Robert Smalls. He was a Beaufort slave who commandeered a Confederate steamship, disguised himself as a white captain, sailed his family to safety, then joined the Union Army.

This morning when I left Savannah, I had no idea where I would spend the night. Anxiety no longer kicks in. I’m at a Walmart, and checking to see if Planet Fitness allows overnight parking, in which case I will break down and join tomorrow when I get to Florence, SC to visit a friend.