Twins?

     After oh-so-many months in Florida, the finale was eventful. Mother Nature stole my last night at Princess Place Preserve as a storm was heading my way that had just torn through Louisiana and surrounding states. Sleeping among the trees through it (solo, I might add), coupled with a long drive ahead, did not seem like a very good idea. While I only pushed 30 miles north to an unaffordable motel in St. Augustine, it was a good decision.  The next morning, my first 50+ miles heading out were horrific -- torrential rain, lightning, and far too much traffic getting through Jacksonville construction zones. Yet, when I crossed the Georgia border, I'd say it was "nearly sunny". 
     Escaping 95 North as soon as possible, I meandered through back roads for hours; thinking, just once, that I was lost. While I'd originally planned to see the Georgia canyons this year, there wasn't a campsite nor an affordable Airbnb available for either park. So, I followed my gut and landed in Twin City at the Barwick-Dudley House.  

     Situated between Swainsboro and Statesboro, the railroad put this spot on the map in the 1830's and was founded on lumber and turpentine. Originally the towns of Summit and Graymont, economics brought them together as Twin City in the early 1900's, now 3.6 square miles and nearly 2,000 residents. It did still feel like two small towns to me. 
       So, what drew me here? Absolutely the house and its residents. What a great pleasure to stay in a late 19th century home in a room with a window seat, a parlor with a grand piano, and a decorative wraparound porch to sit and read. Coupled with that was my host is a retired literature professor and an author of 6 books, which made for very interesting breakfast conversation. Unfortunately, I didn't meet Mrs. Dudley as she's getting her Art degree in Philly at the moment; she was also mayor of Twin City once. 
     In all honesty, the State Park was an unknown gift to walk the trails and bike the roadways when I wasn't heading out to see what the countryside of Metter, Canoochee and Garfield had to offer. Small town America.