Little Bridge in the Woods

Palmetto Trail in the Francis Marion National Park.

Francis Marion National Forest

We walked in the woods yesterday on the Palmetto Trail beginning at the Trailhead here at Buck Hall Rec. Area.  Mud and muck prevented us from going very far which make me wish the government had some of my tax dollars available to build some raised boardwalks.  There are a few in the area we walked and also some waffle board but we need more.  There was no way could we get through any further.

Givhans Ferry State Park

This gorgeous park, located in Ridgeville, SC, overlooks the Edisto River.

"A natural retreat in the Lowcountry woods, Givhans Ferry State Park sits at the end of the 21-mile long stretch of Edisto River kayaking paradise known as the Edisto River kayak and canoe trail that begins at Colleton State Park.

The Edisto is the longest free-flowing, blackwater river in North America, and glimpses of it can be seen from the bluffs outside the rustic, Givhans Ferry State Park cabins, as well as from the back porch of Riverfront Hall, a group gathering facility. A shaded campground, nature trail and picnic shelters are also available at the park.

Enjoy Edisto River kayaking and canoeing, trails, fishing and more at Givhans Ferry State Park. Cabins and campsites are available–reserve yours today!"

Country Road

I always wonder where these little country roads go and what is at the end of them.

Early Morning Light

I pass this view every morning on my way to work.  Am I lucky or what?

Can't See the Forest

I have to wonder how the early settlers even survived in the Lowcountry.  Even trees seem to grow like weeds here and the forests are so thick you can't walk through them.

A Walk in the Woods

 Winter is a good time to visit Francis Marion National Forest.  The bugs are hibernating!  And you get the trail to yourself.

Parking Lot - Southern Style

Can you believe this is the parking lot at Middleton Place Plantation and Gardens?  We were early and not many cars were there yet - besides it is the middle of winter here in the south.

Nature Trail at Pinckney Historic Site

 The nature trail at Charles Pinckney is short but delightful!

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site is just a few minutes from my home but I had never been there until this past weekend.  I went early on a Sunday morning when no one else was around.  There is no admission fee and dogs on leashes are allowed.  It is a delightful place full of history and the south.  I don't know which I enjoyed more, the history or the nature walk.  It was all so beautiful!  I will go back!

Charles Pinckney was a principal author and a signer of the United States Constitution. This remnant of his coastal plantation is preserved to tell the story of a "forgotten founder," his life of public service, the lives of enslaved African Americans on South Carolina Lowcountry plantations and their influences on Charles Pinckney.

The Forest

The south is not all beaches and swamps.  We have so, so many forests and you can't even walk through them without something to clear your path.  Can you imagine what it took for the first settlers to clear the land and plant crops?