Gators & gunfire, Beaufort, SC 4-19

Left our luxury digs after mediocre muffin, back over the bridge by 7.30am.  A record for us for sure.  Found a nice rail trail heading west out of the city, cranking out about 15 miles before stopping for a real breakfast at Waffle House.  Can't go wrong with Waffle House, and we spent next hour of the ride running the financials and decided its a solid business. Also had thoughts about SC senator Lindsay Graham,  and being unable to imagine him caring at all about some of the small towns we rode through. Some great miles along old jacksonboro rd, that looked like a road to nowhere on the map..  And then it was- first solid dirt,, then a grassy forest road with lowcountry swamp on either side.   Then we heard the gunshots.  We were happy to get back on 17 after that!  Got a gas station fried chicken lunch - a definite food lowlight, then 20 miles on 17, although with a good shoulder and only occasional headwind.  We, I mean John,  tried to avoid it by chartering a boat but after 3 captains said 'you want to do what?', we rode.   Great stretch down 43 where we saw a gator jump into the swamp.  Cruised into bew-frt along Swamp trail, and staying at retro HoJo hotel, blue walls and all.  Walked to Gilligan's for seafood dinner, watching the jets fly over the swamp.  75 miles.