For our second summer adventure, the target is the South Carolina low country. This area comes with a rich history. The term low country refers the region below the fall line or Sandhills, an ancient seacoast. It has subtropical climate, is agriculturally based dating back to the slave era which has created a colorful past and unique culture. Especially Aiken, targeted by many retirees looking for that perfect spot to escape the northern winters.
The Poinsett State Park conveniently located was our selection for a place to park the RV for the four day stay. The Park reviews were not all that great. However, we found it worked for us. Talking with others at the park heard that it is a favorite place to stay. The Park has interesting hiking and mountain bike trails plus it is well off the beaten path.
Checking Out Southern South Carolina at the Poinsett State Park.
The park had many easy trails. Good for those morning walks exploring lakes, old mill sites, back country trails, and catching some interesting characters along the way.
Captured this scene on an early morning walk around the park’s lake.
The site of the old grist mill site behind the lake’s dam. Interesting setting that has withstood the test of time.
The Spanish Moss is part of deep south.
This guy was keeping watch over the park’s lake.
Caught these guys along the trail. Thought they had an interesting hair cut.
The Congaree National Park was close by. We had visited the park several years back when the water levels were at an all time high. This time it was a very different experience with more normal summer water levels. There were no blocked trails. The Park is an old growth bottomland hardwood forest. It boasts some of the tallest trees growing in a floodplain in the world. Hiking the many boardwalks, exploring the lush forest is always great fun. Plenty of colorful and interesting photo opts. Always fascinated by the loblolly a fast-growing long-life pine prevalent in the park. The mosquito’s count was down much easier than the previous visit. It is one of the least visited national parks. However, we had to vacate the park by five as the synchronized firefly event was on.
Checking out the only national park in South Carolina. This park is a preserve of bottomland hardwood forest in a floodplain.
This park has great hiking trails many with elevated boardwalks.
There is an amazing forest canopy here.
Time out along the Congaree River…
The canopy filtering the sun for this photo of Cypress trees.
These cypress trees can be over 500 years old.
Found this setting worth a stop.
Love these cypress knees. They are thought to aerate the roots and anchor the trees.
Shot of the forest floor all with a bit of filtered sunlight to add interest.
Not many flowers here…
The cut trees all seem to have this same marking. I am sure it tells an interesting story.
The loblolly pines are tall, the champion is over 167-foot. Very impressive!
We have met a lot of people from the north who have retired to Aiken area. Had to check it for ourselves. This is impressive horse country. The downtown has a lot of offer. We spent a full day poking around. We will have to come back as there was not enough time to do the area justice. One thing for sure it is much hotter in this part of South Carolina than our home in the Upstate.
Visiting Aiken and horse country has been on travel list for a long time. This is our first trip to south South Carolina.
The museum and visitor center is in a great setting.
Very colorful exhibit.
Liked downtown Aiken. We will be back, maybe this fall. Here is where all the night action happens…
This community is all about horses. Checked out the exhibition grounds.
The landscape here is well manicured grass set off by white fences.
In “real” horse country the roads are not paved.
Being at Poinsett we were in striking distance for the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden in Columbia. It was a beautiful day so was a good day for an outing at the zoo. Determine visiting the zoo would be very back friendly. It is a medium size zoo. It is well done and held our interest for several hours. After the zoo we crossed the bridge over the Saluda River to the Botanical gardens. This is a small well-done garden. The day ended with a great lunch in Columbia and a bit of shopping.
Getting ready for a full day at the zoo in Columbia. We had visited here several years ago.
Being a collector of anything giraffe, this sculpture demanded attention.
The real thing. This guy was posing for a picture.
The seals were performing…caught this underwater shot.
Glad this one was behind the fence. He seemed to be enjoying the sun.
Wonder what they are talking about…
These guys were on the move. Impressive tortoise heading out for lunch.
This big guy carries a lot of weight.
This lady was strutting her stuff and seem to have an attitude.
What is a zoo visit without a framed photo of a zebra.
This guy seeking out the shade to escape the afternoon sun.
The hole this dude dug was impressive. In the afternoon saw several zoo workers with shovels undoing all his work.
This colorful toucan stood out against the green background.
Note the ruffled feathers. These folks were not happy with each other. A very noise group.
On the other side of the river is the botanical garden.
The Saluda River…looks like a great place to paddle board or kayak.
Nice walk from the zoo as the shuttles are not running due to Covid.
The garden here are small and very well done.
Sets the stage for possible beach scene.
Took this shot on the way out…
Front and center, the South Carolina state tree the Palmetto.
Drawn to this history of many of the small towns in South Carolina. On the way south there were several towns to check out. Although, historic several on the list are struggling. Abbeville was on our list which we caught on the way back north. The downtown was vibrant and full of activity. Enjoyable stop did a little antiquing and lots of window shopping. Found attention-grabbing Civil-War history to check out.
On the way home stopped in the historic town of Abbeville.
Abbeville downtown was worth checking out. Found a treasure or two to take home.
Picturesque photo opt making the walk after lunch worthwhile.
Traveling local this summer is a change of pace for sure. Next trip is Table Rock State Park. Stay tuned!
God Bless,
Larry and Jan