Old Sheldon Church – WPC Wanderlust
“To wander is to be alive.”
Roman Payne
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
The famous arthunkal church https://younfo.wordpress.com/2017/07/10/st-andrews-basilica-arthunkal-kerala/
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) 🙂
You can be original like that any time you’d like Abrie – thanks so much for the lovely comment – plariarism or not!
I love that you chose close to home for this theme. Wonderful photos!!
Many thanks Nora
Beautiful Tina!
Thanks Nicole!
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. 🙂
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.
wonderful shots of the magnificant structure…..feel so lucky to learn new worlds thru your lens😜
Awww, thanks April!
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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 😎
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!
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. : )
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.
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!
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 🙂
Thanks Andrew – So I see with your tulip extravaganza!!! Best to you too my friend.
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 😂
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.
Wow, just wow!
Well then, thanks – just thanks !! 🙂
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.
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!
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. 🙂
My pleasure Judy – and thanks for stopping by!
Reblogged this on ENLIGHTENMENT ANGELS.
Thanks very much – glad this one caught your eye EA
Great photos of the Sheldon cburch ruins. They have a really nice feel.
Thanks Jane – it’s a beautiful spot – would make a great painting 🙂
Followed Sue here 🙂 🙂 The texture of those bricks and the round pillars are really striking, Tina.
Many thanks Jo – Sue did a great promo for me !!
Love the photos and the insights.
Many thanks Leslee – hope all’s well with you!
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
Where are you guys? I,m leaving naples on may 5th for May June July Aug Return after labor day.
Greetings Cuzz!!! we are home sweet home for now. Will catch up with you before you go! xo
Lovely captures. I like the purple tint in your pictures Tina.
Thanks Arv – sorry I didn’t reply sooner, your comment went to spam.
Have been experiencing this problem many times. And so are other bloggers too. Thanks for updating me, Tina. Appreciate it. ☺
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 😄
Amen Nurul, well 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.
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!
I wish we had old buildings like that, incredible brick pattern’s! I love the quote “Some wander, some are just lost”! 🙂
I loved that quote too! The question is, which are we??? LOL.
No kidding!….lol 🙂
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!
Thanks Jane – you know me and mornings but it was, as usual, worth it LOL
Lessons we’ve learned…
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.
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!
Those were worth the early rising!
Much as I hate it, the early rise always does seem to pay off Sharon!
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!
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?!
Absolutely beautiful. I love that this beauty is a short drive away. Amazing what we have near Charleston!!
Amen to that girlfriend!! >
How I love the old ruins and how they trigger the imagination. These photos are very special.
Thanks very much Dor. Been here 17 years and it’s the first time I’ve visited. DUH, what was I waiting for?!?! >
Fantastic photos. Wonderful quotes!!
Thanks very much Julie >
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.
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. >
Me too!!
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…..
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! >
Well, you got me exploring my past, actually 2011…I’ve made 5 sepia images, so I’ll post soon!