Yemassee
SC
Departed
Vero Beach at a decent time and continued riding up the I-95 heading for SC…I
hope to reach Yemassee if possible.
The
ride was basically uneventful though I didn’t think I would find Yemassee as
there were no signs announcing it. I was
getting tired, and it was getting close to calling it a day when I spotted a
sign for an Econolodge. So I pulled off
the interstate and checked it out. It
appeared run down somewhat but I got a good deal for a room rate so I booked
it. Before leaving the lobby I asked the
clerk what town was I in so I could calculate mileage, etc. He replied, “Yemassee”. Wow! I couldn’t believe it! The small town was located about 4 miles away
so I decided to head there and visit the train station.
After
unloading the gear into the room I headed in to town. Had to ride down a very, very country
road….kinda cool. Finally arrived at the
edge of a small town, with the other edge visible. Sure enough, there was the train station.
50
years ago, on December 19th, 1962, I was on a train that pulled into
this station…tho’ I think it has since been rebuilt since it is a very
attractive brick building. I and about 20 other young men were warmly greeted
by Marine DI’s and transported by bus to a 10 week, government paid vacation at
Parris Island J,
This
town appeared very small, no restaurants other than a Chinese place that was
closing for the night. So I headed back
to the hotel and an interstate gas station that had a Subway sandwich shop.
I
found it interesting to be here and to reflect upon the changes that have
occurred in our country as well as in my life.
When I got off that train I was thirsty so I went to the water fountain
for a drink. There were two. One was marked for whites. I was a stunned 18 year old to see such a
thing. I also was an 18 year old loaded
with fears and hopes.
Our
country has changed quite a bit, fountains like that don’t exist anymore….not
too sure about how people think however.
And now I’m a 68 year old loaded with fears and hopes.
C ya mañana,
Gonzo
Twitter:
@GonzoCrossUSA
Email:
GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com
Cell:
949-433-0761
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