Blogs from South Carolina, United States, North America - page 3

We started our second day, after a trip to the local Shell station for coffee, by heading to the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. It was a fairly long trip from the motel, but well worth it. The entrance is quite a ways from the actual buildings or gardens and parking seemed somewhat limited, but we found a place. The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens seems more gardens then buildings, although we didn't opt for the manor tour, feeling the gardens were large enough to be fulfilling. There were so many different flowers and trees, along with a number of "collection" sections, like camilia, azalea, etc. We spent almost 2 hours just walking along the paths and taking photos. A portion of the gardens border either the Ashley River or the plantation's Big Cypress Lake, adding to the ... read more

In May of 2018, I decided to try a 3-day hike on the Palmetto Trail here in South Carolina. If you haven't read that account, here is a brief synopsis. On May 24th, I started what was intended to be a 3-day, 2-night, hike along the Palmetto Trail, starting in the small town of Walhalla. All went well the 1st day, walking from Walhalla to Oconee State Park, where I spent the night in a tent. The next day, I started the 2nd segment, from Oconeee State Park to Keowee-Toxaway State Park. Although I got up and going at a reasonable hour, feeling pretty good, the directions provided by the Park Rangers left something to be desired. For over an hour I couldn't find the trailhead, then it started raining and I had to wait it ... read more

Think critically for oneself and make informed decisions that best suit one’s life? Or listen to your betters and do what you’re told. Remain terrified! Question nothing! Stay home! Nah, that never sounded like me. I think for myself and try to do things that scare me or at least give me a thrill from time to time. Take calculate risks and test boundaries. My mom is the same way. So tomorrow we set off again on another adventure. A three-week round-trip journey to the Everglades at the tip of Florida. We are driving the length of our country in a car I only first drove today. We are retreating from a brutal few weeks of snow and refusing to be coerced into staying put. Life is short. Travel years are fleeting. Alone together is not ... read more

Happy Thanksgiving to all!! This is a story I wrote about 5-6 years ago. The pecan Santa hangs in a place of honor on my tree. The Back-of-the-Tree Ornament The old man sat in the old overstuffed chair, sipping his apple cider with brandy, and listening to Jingle Bell Rock playing softly in the background. As he had always done, he had put up his Christmas tree, set out a few of the Dickens village buildings and figurines, and set up the crockpot with apple cider and mulling spices. It was harder now. Since his wife had died, it had taken more energy every year to put up the display she had so loved. But still he set the little skaters on the mirror with the magnets so they appeared to skate over a frozen pond. ... read more

Perfect beach weather in Myrtle Beach today; sunny, warm and a steady breeze. Walked the boardwalk this morning, saw a few homeless people sleeping on benches, and distant fog hanging along the northern shore. Found a Dunkin Donut about a half mile away, but had to settle for an apple fritter since they didn't make breakfast sandwiches. Tomorrow I will find a real one and not succumb to that temptation again. Chilled this morning and read my book on the beach, walked in the water along the shore and watched the families as they arrived for a day of fun. Happy Father's Day to all you fathers out there. Myrtle Beach has a long history with pavilions built in 1902 and amusement parks built on 11 acres in the 1930's. They danced the state dance "The ... read more