Old Sheldon Church – WPC Wanderlust

“To wander is to be alive.”

Roman Payne

SHELDON SUNBURST

Those who follow Travels and Trifles know that I have been fortunate to wander quite far afield, to places as distant as Africa, Asia and Australia among others. But they may also remember my New Year’s pledge to explore some of the beautiful places much closer to my home city, Charleston South Carolina.

AMONG THE OAKS

“Never stop wandering into wonder.”

Suzy Kassem

This week I wandered a mere 90 minutes from home to capture the beauty of a local landmark, the ruins of Old Sheldon Church. Dating back to the mid 1700s, it was partially burned during the American Revolution and was rebuilt in the mid 1800s. Several notables are buried in the churchyard, including Governor William Bull I who died in 1755.

MOSS AND GRAVE

“Half the world is wandering, the other half is lost.”

Jenim Dibie

Much as we do when exploring foreign countries, a friend and I hit the road before dawn (not my favorite thing) to explore Old Sheldon and nearby Caw Caw Nature Preserve (more on that next week). It was a beautiful morning with some lovely low-lying fog which unfortunately had dissipated before we arrived. We had the ruins to ourselves as we wandered about the grounds shooting to our hearts’ content.

OLD SHELDON – THE BIG PICTURE

“I don’t wander to explore the outer physical world , I do it to explore the universe inside me.”

Appu Nirmal

Wanderlust is defined as “a strong desire to travel”. But who says you have to go far in order to satisfy your wanderlust? Sure, a trip to foreign lands is a fantastic adventure. But whether around the world or around the corner, the important thing is to keep your eyes and your mind open to the wonders of our world both near and far.

74 thoughts on “Old Sheldon Church – WPC Wanderlust”

Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread on October 14, 2017 at 3:30 pm said:

I’ve only got one word – gorgeous.

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walshswanderlust on August 11, 2017 at 4:20 am said:

It’s true, you don’t need to travel far to have an adventure. You can fulfil your wanderlust by merely taking a daytrip.

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sherwinmartn on July 10, 2017 at 2:15 pm said:

The famous arthunkal church https://younfo.wordpress.com/2017/07/10/st-andrews-basilica-arthunkal-kerala/

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Abrie Joubert on May 3, 2017 at 4:02 am said:

If I can be very original… wow just wow and there you have I am guilty of comment plagiarism. Amazing photos of a very photogenic subject. Especially the first photo – wow just wow (okay and the 2nd) 🙂

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- Tina Schell on May 3, 2017 at 11:17 pm said:
  
  You can be original like that any time you’d like Abrie – thanks so much for the lovely comment – plariarism or not!
  
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norasphotos4u on April 30, 2017 at 9:26 pm said:

I love that you chose close to home for this theme. Wonderful photos!!

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- Tina Schell on May 2, 2017 at 5:06 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Nora
  
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thirdeyemom on April 30, 2017 at 8:53 pm said:

Beautiful Tina!

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- Tina Schell on May 2, 2017 at 5:05 pm said:
  
  Thanks Nicole!
  
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David on April 30, 2017 at 2:24 pm said:

When walking among ruins, occasionally you can hear the whispers of the past. They’re noticed more in the dead of night into the early morning hours.

Always special getting up and hitting the road pre-dawn. The world is much different when it’s still sleepy and you can get to places before anyone notices you’re awake. Also, you probably you can get a better breakfast on the road at the earlier hour. 🙂

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- Tina Schell on April 30, 2017 at 3:51 pm said:
  
  Thanks David – the world is indeed different at that hour – almost worth waking up for! Agree with you about the spirits although this spot doesnt really have that feel. But I definitely know what you mean! Charleston has many a location that fits the bill.
  
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april kanew on April 30, 2017 at 10:12 am said:

wonderful shots of the magnificant structure…..feel so lucky to learn new worlds thru your lens😜

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- Tina Schell on April 30, 2017 at 10:21 am said:
  
  Awww, thanks April!
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  
  >
  
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Inside the Mind of Isadora on April 29, 2017 at 9:45 am said:

I enjoy the Carolina’s. My daughter lives in Greenville, SC. The mossy trees and beautiful old homes are a visual delight. These photos captured their Southern charm. Nicely done, Tina. Happy Saturday …
Isadora 😎

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:19 pm said:
  
  Thanks Issy – my husband and I evac-cu-cationed in Greenville this fall when the hurricane hit. It was a lovely little surprise. We’re lucky to have such beauty so nearby!
  
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  - Inside the Mind of Isadora on May 1, 2017 at 4:56 pm said:
    
    HA HA … love that word. It’s a sad situation when a hurricane is coming right towards your area. When Hurricane Charlie hit here several years ago, my friends evacuated to our home from their beach house. Ironically, the hurricane turned and hit my area instead. A true indication that Mother Nature wants to remain mysterious. : )
margaret21 on April 29, 2017 at 7:49 am said:

Wanderlust can often be satisfied by wandering not too far at all. This seems a stunning place – and not in my back yard at all, of course.

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:21 pm said:
  
  Thanks Margaret – people come from all over the world to see Charleston and it’s environs so I consider myself very lucky to have so much to see and shoot without going far afield!
  
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Andrew Seal on April 28, 2017 at 10:55 pm said:

After reading your last para can you hear me shouting “Hear, Hear.” Great post, great pictures Tina, and I couldn’t agree more. Best wishes 🙂

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:24 pm said:
  
  Thanks Andrew – So I see with your tulip extravaganza!!! Best to you too my friend.
  
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Mabel Kwong on April 28, 2017 at 9:00 pm said:

That is a lovely purple morning sky. And not far back to your bed 😉 Love the Suzy quote. Wander and we dream and use our imagination. As Lex said, I too get out of bed easier when I’m on the road. At home, I’ll take a sleep in until 10, 11am any day 😂

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:30 pm said:
  
  I used to be able to do that Mabel but haven’t done it in a million years. My friends all kid me because I sleep until 7:30 – which seems quite early enough for me thank you! Appreciate your stopping by.
  
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wrightsolution on April 28, 2017 at 7:54 pm said:

Wow, just wow!

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:31 pm said:
  
  Well then, thanks – just thanks !! 🙂
  
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Patti Ross on April 28, 2017 at 6:48 pm said:

Gorgeous. I have been wandering close to home this spring as well. It is amazing what we allow ourselves to overlook, just because they are so easy-access. This ruin is marvelous–but I especially love the trees! Thanks for sharing.

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:33 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much Patti – the trees are what I love about it too. The way they frame the ruins is wonderful. I’m a sucker for a big live oak tree any day!
  
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Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread on April 28, 2017 at 6:15 pm said:

Sun burst, oaks, and gorgeous historic architecture – you do live in one of our most beautiful parts of our Country, and thank you for sharing. 🙂

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:34 pm said:
  
  My pleasure Judy – and thanks for stopping by!
  
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Enlightenment Angels on April 28, 2017 at 5:38 pm said:

Reblogged this on ENLIGHTENMENT ANGELS.

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:36 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much – glad this one caught your eye EA
  
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Jane Iwan on April 28, 2017 at 4:18 pm said:

Great photos of the Sheldon cburch ruins. They have a really nice feel.

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:36 pm said:
  
  Thanks Jane – it’s a beautiful spot – would make a great painting 🙂
  
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restlessjo on April 28, 2017 at 3:52 pm said:

Followed Sue here 🙂 🙂 The texture of those bricks and the round pillars are really striking, Tina.

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:38 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Jo – Sue did a great promo for me !!
  
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Leslee on April 28, 2017 at 3:01 pm said:

Love the photos and the insights.

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:39 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Leslee – hope all’s well with you!
  
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sustainabilitea on April 28, 2017 at 2:26 pm said:

Easy for me to say it was worth getting up early for, as a) I always wake up early (5:30-ish, unfortunately) and b) you had to get up, not I. 🙂 Lovely, lovely shots and did you see Sue Judd’s spin-off?

janet

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luckylee36 on April 28, 2017 at 2:00 pm said:

Where are you guys? I,m leaving naples on may 5th for May June July Aug Return after labor day.

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:41 pm said:
  
  Greetings Cuzz!!! we are home sweet home for now. Will catch up with you before you go! xo
  
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arv! on April 28, 2017 at 1:43 pm said:

Lovely captures. I like the purple tint in your pictures Tina.

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- Tina Schell on May 9, 2017 at 5:11 pm said:
  
  Thanks Arv – sorry I didn’t reply sooner, your comment went to spam.
  
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  - arv! on May 10, 2017 at 3:02 am said:
    
    Have been experiencing this problem many times. And so are other bloggers too. Thanks for updating me, Tina. Appreciate it. ☺
Nurul Fitri Lubis on April 28, 2017 at 1:24 pm said:

Beautiful post, Tina. I agree that we don’t have to go to foreign land just to fulfil our wanderlust. It could be anywhere, even we could also wander to the park in the corner of city where we live in to explore how the place is. It could be anywhere in this beautiful universe 😄

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:42 pm said:
  
  Amen Nurul, well said!
  
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Kathy Keane on April 28, 2017 at 12:18 pm said:

Such a magical and spirit filled place. I love how you were able to capture the sun rising in the first shot. The trees just add to the beauty and mystery.

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:43 pm said:
  
  Thanks Kathy – got very lucky with the angle of the sun on that shot. And agree, the ruins are all about the trees that frame them!
  
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Ladybuggz on April 28, 2017 at 11:55 am said:

I wish we had old buildings like that, incredible brick pattern’s! I love the quote “Some wander, some are just lost”! 🙂

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:44 pm said:
  
  I loved that quote too! The question is, which are we??? LOL.
  
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  - Ladybuggz on April 29, 2017 at 6:46 pm said:
    
    No kidding!….lol 🙂
Jane Lurie on April 28, 2017 at 11:42 am said:

Beautiful shots, Tina, especially your lead image, and that oak is spectacular in the others. What a special spot and I’m glad you finally got there. Well worth the early start!

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:45 pm said:
  
  Thanks Jane – you know me and mornings but it was, as usual, worth it LOL
  
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  - Jane Lurie on April 29, 2017 at 5:31 pm said:
    
    Lessons we’ve learned…
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Dustin on April 28, 2017 at 10:01 am said:

Incredible pictures! I had no idea that this place existed. It’s amazing what we can overlook close to home to go explore foreign lands.

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:48 pm said:
  
  Thanks Dustin – it’s true there is just as much wonder nearby as there is in faraway places. Somehow it takes a bit more motivation to get to them though!
  
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sharonbuehler on April 28, 2017 at 9:57 am said:

Those were worth the early rising!

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:48 pm said:
  
  Much as I hate it, the early rise always does seem to pay off Sharon!
  
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Oh, the Places We See on April 28, 2017 at 9:45 am said:

Absolutely lovely place. I’ve never been there, so maybe next time when I’m in Charleston. And the quality of light in these photos? You may want to get up early again — this is terrific!

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- Tina Schell on April 29, 2017 at 4:50 pm said:
  
  Thanks Rusha – Cannot believe I’ve lived here almost 20 years and hadn’t been there before. Yikes! As for the early rise, it always does add to the mystique, doesn’t it?!
  
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pamkaspers on April 28, 2017 at 9:31 am said:

Absolutely beautiful. I love that this beauty is a short drive away. Amazing what we have near Charleston!!

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- Tina Schell on April 28, 2017 at 9:31 am said:
  
  Amen to that girlfriend!! >
  
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dorannrule on April 28, 2017 at 9:30 am said:

How I love the old ruins and how they trigger the imagination. These photos are very special.

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- Tina Schell on April 28, 2017 at 9:31 am said:
  
  Thanks very much Dor. Been here 17 years and it’s the first time I’ve visited. DUH, what was I waiting for?!?! >
  
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julieallyn on April 28, 2017 at 9:26 am said:

Fantastic photos. Wonderful quotes!!

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- Tina Schell on April 28, 2017 at 9:30 am said:
  
  Thanks very much Julie >
  
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lexklein on April 28, 2017 at 9:17 am said:

Your message about exploring close to home is so true, Tina. And I laughed about getting up early (as you would in a foreign country) – I always spring out of bed at any hour when I’m traveling but suffer terribly when doing the same at home.

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- Tina Schell on April 28, 2017 at 9:22 am said:
  
  Exactly Lex!! Not sure why – maybe because it’s so expensive to travel one wants to use every second 😀. Thanks for your visit and comment. >
  
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- Sue on April 28, 2017 at 10:42 am said:
  
  Me too!!
  
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Sue on April 28, 2017 at 9:16 am said:

Oh, wonderful old ruin…puts me in mind of Netley Abbey in the UK…I must revisit my photos, I’m sure I have one or two worth posting!
Shame the fog had dissipated, that would have been quite eerie, Tina! And I completely concur with you that we can wander nearer to home rather than always focussing on the distant…..

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- Tina Schell on April 28, 2017 at 9:23 am said:
  
  Thanks Sue. Yes, I’m really working on exploring more around my home. People come from all over the world to see Charleston (we are the #1 travel location in the US according to many sources) so I need to remember to capture our local treasures more often! >
  
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  - Sue on April 28, 2017 at 10:42 am said:
    
    Well, you got me exploring my past, actually 2011…I’ve made 5 sepia images, so I’ll post soon!