tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70614064335860395452024-03-08T07:42:26.609-05:00Mobile Studio Travels of the Carolina Considered ProjectPosts from the road while traveling in the Carolina Considered Project's Mobile Studio. Mostly through state and national parks in South Carolina, and the surrounding areas, but sometimes from more distant locations.
www.CarolinaConsidered.comRobert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.comBlogger348125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-20068059442502385232016-03-11T12:50:00.001-05:002016-03-11T17:39:06.140-05:00Old Purity Cemetery, Chester South Carolina<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c23O3HbehVk/VuMFKFol82I/AAAAAAAAOng/sGFj6akIheQ/s1600-h/160121-Old-Purity-Cemetery-Chester-S.jpg"><sub></sub><img title="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-9-Edit" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-9-Edit" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ara_I-J6nWg/VuMFK-n9HnI/AAAAAAAAOnk/R49rhBXG4Yc/160121-Old-Purity-Cemetery-Chester-S%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="169" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">It’s amazing what an observant traveler can find in South Carolina just by avoiding multi-lane, high-speed, interstate highways. Here’s an example. <strong><a href="http://www.oldpuritysociety.com/">“Old Purity” Cemetery</a></strong> just outside the town of Chester, South Carolina.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HHXd1IssNnk/VuMFLiSKWKI/AAAAAAAAOno/QmXbcBOrsho/s1600-h/160121%252520Old%252520Purity%252520Cemetery%252520Chester%252520SC-3-Edit%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-3-Edit" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-3-Edit" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hwySSoTYG7o/VuMFMcC9nJI/AAAAAAAAOns/2iJLWxsS7TY/160121%252520Old%252520Purity%252520Cemetery%252520Chester%252520SC-3-Edit_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </font><font size="3">“Old Purity.” Unusual name, even for a cemetery. I clicked around a bit on the Internet and discovered the name makes perfect sense. <strong>“</strong><a href="http://puritypc.com/"><strong>Purity Presbyterian Church</strong></a><strong>”</strong> now is located over on Wylie Street in Chester. That’s “New” Purity. Services began there in 1854, after moving from its earlier location at the junction of Routes 97 and 44, now the site of the “Old Purity” cemetery. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rsSD-9rIHec/VuMFNdoVgBI/AAAAAAAAOnw/dLlbAb9MI_Q/s1600-h/160121%252520Old%252520Purity%252520Cemetery%252520Chester%252520SC-5-Edit%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-5-Edit" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-5-Edit" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XC5euaqgbkQ/VuMFN8EflrI/AAAAAAAAOn0/ArPOanou2M4/160121%252520Old%252520Purity%252520Cemetery%252520Chester%252520SC-5-Edit_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>Bull Run Presbyterian Church was the name chosen by the original congregation around 1770, later changed to Purity Presbyterian Church. So there’s the explanation! </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qTaGPkBRa_s/VuMFO6XWlgI/AAAAAAAAOn4/Yxc-z07fq30/s1600-h/160121%252520Old%252520Purity%252520Cemetery%252520Chester%252520SC-7-Edit%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-7-Edit" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-7-Edit" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R8nq0FK7-C8/VuMFPSJZgpI/AAAAAAAAOn8/_hYabV_9mBc/160121%252520Old%252520Purity%252520Cemetery%252520Chester%252520SC-7-Edit_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="147" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Graves at Old Purity date from 1787. That’s a long time for American cemeteries. Not the oldest, by any means, but getting right up there. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-apyZpoIxNjw/VuMFQCTI_uI/AAAAAAAAOoA/VIAsoshP0LI/s1600-h/160121%252520Old%252520Purity%252520Cemetery%252520Chester%252520SC-13-Edit%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-13-Edit" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-13-Edit" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VxEZ9GOLhHs/VuMFQtNR34I/AAAAAAAAOoE/uA3zUFkhFOs/160121%252520Old%252520Purity%252520Cemetery%252520Chester%252520SC-13-Edit_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="182" height="244" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Cemeteries give us the opportunity to study micro-history. With a focus on families and how macro events have affected their lives. They’re interesting places. The stone above commemorates those who fought in the Revolutionary War. Click for a larger view. The names should be legible. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XKS3fp83CpI/VuMFRabW3zI/AAAAAAAAOoI/6pY0tEhI4Sw/s1600-h/160121%252520Old%252520Purity%252520Cemetery%252520Chester%252520SC-11-Edit%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-11-Edit" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-11-Edit" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VFFr6446biM/VuMFSPnQRvI/AAAAAAAAOoM/mow2wvqwJb0/160121%252520Old%252520Purity%252520Cemetery%252520Chester%252520SC-11-Edit_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">They also provide clues to a region’s earlier culture, and even economy. </font></p> <p><font size="3">Many older cemeteries are disappointing. Toppled grave markers; overgrown with weeds; littered with trash. Not so Old Purity. This historic cemetery is still used today. The property is maintained by the <strong><font size="4"><a href="http://www.oldpuritysociety.com/" target="_blank">Old Purity Cemetery Society</a></font></strong>. Click the link to access their excellent website. Lots of additional information, including history and upcoming events. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-StWUoOD1EWo/VuMFS_lRWyI/AAAAAAAAOoQ/STBSN7tdiSQ/s1600-h/160121%252520Old%252520Purity%252520Cemetery%252520Chester%252520SC-16-Edit%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-16-Edit" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-16-Edit" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7KEYYSaEMCo/VuMFTRiYxXI/AAAAAAAAOoU/ggLiF6THHcs/160121%252520Old%252520Purity%252520Cemetery%252520Chester%252520SC-16-Edit_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="160" /></a></p> <p><sub></sub></p> <p><font size="3">So there you have it. Chester South Carolina’s Old Purity Cemetery. Be sure to add this impressive and informative site to your itinerary when you visit this part of the country. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0R2G-BlGtKw/VuMFUYqdljI/AAAAAAAAOoY/pbGw0SVUkdc/s1600-h/160121%252520Old%252520Purity%252520Cemetery%252520Chester%252520SC-17-Edit%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-17-Edit" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="160121 Old Purity Cemetery Chester SC-17-Edit" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RwZnfuw_zio/VuMFVAxL8OI/AAAAAAAAOoc/TViOvdITvuw/160121%252520Old%252520Purity%252520Cemetery%252520Chester%252520SC-17-Edit_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="187" /></a></p>Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-54485096700800081632016-02-12T14:15:00.001-05:002016-03-11T17:43:47.334-05:00A Few Photos from Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Columbia, South Carolina<a href="https://www.riverbanks.org/"><img title="160129 Riverbanks Zoo II-82" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="160129 Riverbanks Zoo II-82" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9QnFOs_OxWE/Vr4vOOGwKBI/AAAAAAAAOl4/RxpsnMtZwBo/160129%252520Riverbanks%252520Zoo%252520II-82%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165" /></a> <br />When your travels bring you to or near Columbia, South Carolina, be sure your itinerary includes a visit to the<strong> <a href="https://www.riverbanks.org/">Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens</a></strong>. Not just the Zoo, but also the Gardens. <br /><a href="https://www.riverbanks.org/botanical-garden/"><img title="160201 Riverbanks Garden-13[4]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="160201 Riverbanks Garden-13[4]" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wm62O9zhA0s/Vr4vOsfW6xI/AAAAAAAAOl8/nq4Pk9k_1a4/160201%252520Riverbanks%252520Garden-13%25255B4%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165" /></a> <br />There’s something to see any time of the year. I took this photo of berries in the Garden on February 1st. Not as many brightly colored flowers during winter. But this is South Carolina! So there’s always something to attract your attention. <br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rR3bw_2ecpo/Vr4vPVS7-9I/AAAAAAAAOmA/lJ9USC5VEYA/s1600-h/160201%252520Riverbanks%252520Garden-Huntington%252520Sculpture%25252016%252520x%2525209_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="160201 Riverbanks Garden-Huntington Sculpture 16 x 9_thumb" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="160201 Riverbanks Garden-Huntington Sculpture 16 x 9_thumb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-piUI1emEeC0/Vr4vPln3vHI/AAAAAAAAOmE/K8r7eBZIJe8/160201%252520Riverbanks%252520Garden-Huntington%252520Sculpture%25252016%252520x%2525209_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="141" /></a> <br />More on the Garden in another post. But look at the photo above. That’s the work of Anna Hyatt Huntington. One of two on display here. They’re smaller than most of the pieces you’ve probably seen at <strong><a href="http://www.brookgreen.org/sculpture.html">Brookgreen Gardens</a></strong>, down on the Coast. But nonetheless interesting, and they fit perfectly into the Garden design. <br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lhglOl5mD9o/Vr4vQOv4O9I/AAAAAAAAOmI/WC1bA2UQgHA/s1600-h/140321%252520Riverbanks%252520Zoo%252520and%252520Garden%252520%25252819%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="140321 Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (19)_thumb" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="140321 Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (19)_thumb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SRJoJnTY_u4/Vr4vQRc5ERI/AAAAAAAAOmM/wqz4QMTMDAI/140321%252520Riverbanks%252520Zoo%252520and%252520Garden%252520%25252819%252529_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185" /></a> <br />The Garden is across the river from the Zoo. But access is simplified by this train. It makes a round-trip every ten or fifteen minutes. From the Zoo side just walk across the bridge and board the train. It’s free! And like the Zoo and Gardens designed for visitors of all ages. <br /><a href="http://www.riverbanks.org/procurement/downloads/solicitations/rbz-cg_call_for_entry_031815.pdf"><img title="160201 Riverbanks Gardens II-2-Edit-Edit[4]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="160201 Riverbanks Gardens II-2-Edit-Edit[4]" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KzMjvwGu56o/Vr4vTit95zI/AAAAAAAAOmQ/rvSWci0gHs4/160201%252520Riverbanks%252520Gardens%252520II-2-Edit-Edit%25255B4%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Speaking of visitors of all ages, an interactive children’s garden is slated to open in April of this year. Those are some of the kid-friendly tree houses still under construction. <strong><a href="http://www.riverbanks.org/procurement/downloads/solicitations/rbz-cg_call_for_entry_031815.pdf">Click here for more details</a></strong>. This is a Big project, some time in the planning and construction. Riverbanks doesn’t do things by halves. <br />Back to the zoo. Click on the photos below to open SmugMug photo galleries. Then click the “slideshow” option above the photos for larger views. Remarkable creatures, well cared for. <br /><a href="https://carolinaconsidered.smugmug.com/160110-Riverbanks-Zoo"><img title="160129 Riverbanks Zoo-98-Edit[4]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="160129 Riverbanks Zoo-98-Edit[4]" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4XRLCd6nbJU/Vr4vT9MDvpI/AAAAAAAAOmU/vyt1FikuD4Y/160129%252520Riverbanks%252520Zoo-98-Edit%25255B4%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185" /></a> <br /><a href="https://carolinaconsidered.smugmug.com/160129-More-Riverbanks-Zoo"><img title="160129 Riverbanks Zoo-84-Edit[4]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="160129 Riverbanks Zoo-84-Edit[4]" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QbVyuxe-GJU/Vr4vUZ7BzmI/AAAAAAAAOmY/h3ty1mfmbKA/160129%252520Riverbanks%252520Zoo-84-Edit%25255B4%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="176" /></a>Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-51944620573629696212016-01-11T21:02:00.000-05:002016-01-11T21:07:28.200-05:00A Recent Visit to the North Carolina MountainsSeveral readers have written to ask why the CarolinaConsidered blog has so
few posts on North Carolina. North Carolina deserves better, they argue. Well,
the primary cause of this geographic imbalance is the overwhelming number of
interesting places to visit in South Carolina. That makes it hard to find the
time to travel North. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2vInVTq2bpCzQ7Z4f6_vkXALDjgCDHp53egyJXYA-NavsuBVE4_YisIujDsC1q0AY2n1iawEUQyzw5-ymsFeeQUjTbcI5wg5aGGcQ4lBdBZTPox79bkLc107_cSG_plySL2s_wDwIjPU/s1600/151014+Peaceful+Quest+Gerton+NC-3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2vInVTq2bpCzQ7Z4f6_vkXALDjgCDHp53egyJXYA-NavsuBVE4_YisIujDsC1q0AY2n1iawEUQyzw5-ymsFeeQUjTbcI5wg5aGGcQ4lBdBZTPox79bkLc107_cSG_plySL2s_wDwIjPU/s320/151014+Peaceful+Quest+Gerton+NC-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last October we had an opportunity to balance the scales with a five-day
visit to <strong><a href="http://www.peacefulquestretreats.com/" target="_blank">Peaceful Quest Retreats</a></strong> in Gerton, North Carolina.
That’s a small town in the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains, seventeen
miles or so southeast of Asheville. It’s a beautiful spot. I couldn’t find a
website for Gerton, but <strong><a href="http://www.hendersoncountync.org/" target="_blank">here’s a link to Henderson County’s site</a></strong>. It’s full
of useful information about the surrounding area. Have a look. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75VchSGb08SEUwoRbvkq5InzWcg286jT8Ode8ymv7rTE97zSNaCxV80U_KdgYBYmR814bkEjTTrmXCZMpDpETp0Wbk_bdlc5ZXiCmpYLelyJT3KNSAKZZJDMas2yNZ3kX3nLXw3Xhtm0K/s1600/151014+Peaceful+Quest+Gerton+NC-4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75VchSGb08SEUwoRbvkq5InzWcg286jT8Ode8ymv7rTE97zSNaCxV80U_KdgYBYmR814bkEjTTrmXCZMpDpETp0Wbk_bdlc5ZXiCmpYLelyJT3KNSAKZZJDMas2yNZ3kX3nLXw3Xhtm0K/s320/151014+Peaceful+Quest+Gerton+NC-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are some photos I took at Peaceful Quest. <a href="https://carolinaconsidered.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?AlbumKey=SskKgc" target="_blank"><strong>Just click this link.</strong></a> It’s a great place to
stay when visiting the North Carolina mountains. And surprisingly inexpensive.
<br />
<br />
Driving up from Columbia, the scenery becomes – well, spectacular – after
turning left onto Route Alt-74 West. North Carolina certainly has some beautiful
mountains in the Western part of the State. <br />
<br />
A word of caution. Don’t try to make up time on Alt-74 West. That 35 MPH
speed limit may be frustrating after zipping along Interstates 77 and 26. But
the local authorities know what they’re talking about. Sharp curves and
switch-backs are more the rule than unusual.<br />
<br />
A local resident said, “There’s
only one traffic rule here. NEVER cross the double-yellow line.” Well, duh!
Seems obvious. But it’s hard to do if you’re traveling much over 35 MPH. And on
some of the more dramatic curves, even slower. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PPWfuSmXB16cCcn6iy4oYT6uK90Wd701iJ5xdNfv5UwgP11yYhKrQJcAkLs259GLldYr-3wdR_meTD7Gy2mE9uXJ1gnGeKk8Rcw_gjmyZYBziBOxPWSmq9JWTpM61kW82HrpH9B9trRJ/s1600/151013+Bear+Wallow+Church+NC-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PPWfuSmXB16cCcn6iy4oYT6uK90Wd701iJ5xdNfv5UwgP11yYhKrQJcAkLs259GLldYr-3wdR_meTD7Gy2mE9uXJ1gnGeKk8Rcw_gjmyZYBziBOxPWSmq9JWTpM61kW82HrpH9B9trRJ/s320/151013+Bear+Wallow+Church+NC-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Not long before arriving at Peaceful Quest on Alt-74 keep an eye out for the
<b>Bear Wallow Baptist Church. </b>It’s on the right. The name alone assures visitor
interest. But this is a real church, beautifully maintained with pleasant
surrounding grounds. <strong><a href="https://carolinaconsidered.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?AlbumKey=rCg9Fj" target="_blank">Click here for a few photos of the church and
grounds.</a> </strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbueENpYdaVqakQP1hHWJSzAzg8oEVW5yCmJ5304Jo13c7A6SER1aXUeoOhKi8uUKSoWd62dzLEpX8SXbJyoQip9fYHmWQJy09TIif3n9n81fhDz7QZqp41VZbaYBOh3AwZ94aFr0GB9d/s1600/151014+Hot+Dog+King+Fairview+NC+1+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbueENpYdaVqakQP1hHWJSzAzg8oEVW5yCmJ5304Jo13c7A6SER1aXUeoOhKi8uUKSoWd62dzLEpX8SXbJyoQip9fYHmWQJy09TIif3n9n81fhDz7QZqp41VZbaYBOh3AwZ94aFr0GB9d/s320/151014+Hot+Dog+King+Fairview+NC+1+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></strong></div>
<br />
Oh, and since Peaceful Quest doesn’t have a dining room, be sure to drive
down the mountain – across the Continental Divide! – for a visit to The “Hot Dog
King” in Fairview. What a place! Only a few tables inside, but they do a booming
business. Much of it local folks who know where to go for good food. <strong><a href="https://carolinaconsidered.smugmug.com/Hot-Dog-King-Fairview-NC/" target="_blank">Click here for a few photos taken inside the
restaurant</a></strong>. <br />
<br />
So there you have it. A great North Carolina adventure. No “regionist” bias
here.Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-59694283102187458232015-11-01T16:41:00.001-05:002015-11-02T08:34:27.797-05:00The Catholic Presbyterian Church in Chester County, South Carolina<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zbEGAOlwXCY/VjaG0gbRHxI/AAAAAAAAOcU/sr5XJVcNyRk/s1600-h/Church-front-and-tree3.jpg"><img title="Church front and tree" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Church front and tree" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-53G9wczsybI/VjaG1PV_r_I/AAAAAAAAOcY/IP5nb8Qme1k/Church-front-and-tree_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>Next time you’re driving on Interstate I-77 between Columbia and Charlotte, take an hour or so (at least) to turn off onto South Carolina Highway 97 toward Chester. In just a few miles you’ll see the sign below on the right-hand side of the road. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ag_pOILNr2k/VjaG139jYEI/AAAAAAAAOck/Vuv1NQzysEk/s1600-h/Road-Sign-on-973.jpg"><img title="Road Sign on 97" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Road Sign on 97" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-97KLgaAPL3k/VjaG2d3hg5I/AAAAAAAAOco/FwCZ5lsd1j0/Road-Sign-on-97_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>I’d noticed it at least a dozen times on trips to Chester State Park before looking up a reference. “Catholic Presbyterian Church”? What in the world? One would hardly expect to find such rampant ecumenicism in Chester, South Carolina. I mean! But there it was. In brown and white, so to speak. “Catholic Presbyterian Church.” </p> <p>A few months back curiosity won out and I made the indicated turn to have a look. Just a mile or so down the road, I found a no-nonsense brick church building, sign, and a couple of enormous trees shading a good portion of an unpaved parking area. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8OszLR0q2PA/VjaG3E1YfTI/AAAAAAAAOc0/1gmCnAhsdhU/s1600-h/Church-and-sign3.jpg"><img title="Church and sign" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Church and sign" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tEXiknO3o3Y/VjaG3jsPJ9I/AAAAAAAAOc8/e_CWw6E1Gww/Church-and-sign_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>I took a few photos. The sanctuary was locked with nobody around. But this is an active congregation. A quick Google search of “Catholic Presbyterian Church” confirms that and explains the origin of the unusual name. Formed in May of 1759, the original congregation included members from various Protestant sects and denominations, primarily Presbyterian. Hence the “Catholic” designation. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fIhBYgvA2XE/VjaG4n8tslI/AAAAAAAAOdE/6mWYV4Sf--Q/s1600-h/CatholicPres%252520Graves%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="CatholicPres Graves" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="CatholicPres Graves" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ISGrpQSgtSY/VjaG5HGBw9I/AAAAAAAAOdI/O1leTmuB4_Q/CatholicPres%252520Graves_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>In addition to the 1842 brick sanctuary building, the third erected by this remarkable Congregation, the site includes a well maintained cemetery. Expanded and still active.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TAVjP_OUW8o/VjaG5_6xGKI/AAAAAAAAOdU/BOO0_OymLUs/s1600-h/graves%252520and%252520wall%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="graves and wall" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="graves and wall" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ky9T0mvUhQA/VjaG6NyfSUI/AAAAAAAAOdY/tkaPpj-2POI/graves%252520and%252520wall_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kIB-7gqil78/VjaG7EhWwdI/AAAAAAAAOdk/kXzeDGyBsQI/s1600-h/Rev%252520War%252520Soldires%252520of%252520CP%252520Church%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Rev War Soldires of CP Church" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Rev War Soldires of CP Church" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vm_RAZuG828/VjaG7vsJROI/AAAAAAAAOdo/SY0Kba_GQGg/Rev%252520War%252520Soldires%252520of%252520CP%252520Church_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="212" /></a></p> <p>Beyond its unusual name, Catholic Presbyterian may be best known for the large number of soldiers it provided during the Revolutionary War. Pictured above is the honor role listing their names and date of death. If you click the photo for a larger view you’ll be able to read each name and date. Some survived the War; many didn’t. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WHCQOwqD6ZA/VjaG8A2KNxI/AAAAAAAAOd0/O7oFttWjLPU/s1600-h/Tomb%252520of%252520Infant%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Tomb of Infant" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Tomb of Infant" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4U5SFpptnR0/VjaG8qbzkYI/AAAAAAAAOd4/4s5ow1TEynQ/Tomb%252520of%252520Infant_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="142" /></a></p> <p>This is an active cemetery and not a tourist attraction. With that in mind, walk carefully through the rows of graves. Many of the inscriptions remain legible. A history lesson in stone. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C95Qnls3fBg/VjaG9fmtfyI/AAAAAAAAOeE/MHz1TRW5hbE/s1600-h/wall%252520and%252520graves%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="wall and graves 2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="wall and graves 2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-svjbutOOhlE/VjaG99OMJpI/AAAAAAAAOeI/ec5xJHqidec/wall%252520and%252520graves%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>A remarkable place, easy to find and to access, well worth a visit. </p> Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-81100405435821727512015-10-12T10:39:00.001-04:002015-10-12T10:39:19.359-04:00Sakura Restaurant Flood Recovery Efforts in Columbia, South Carolina<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UgJL9hcxidQ/VhvGEq8T7_I/AAAAAAAAOQY/VeTZ2peMdEQ/s1600-h/01%252520At%252520His%252520Post%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="01 At His Post" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="01 At His Post" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-psNdtkJKh4M/VhvGFlyVHGI/AAAAAAAAOQc/qyO2_7DKjHg/01%252520At%252520His%252520Post_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a></p> <p>Just two years ago Mr. Norio Saito agreed to do a short interview for CarolinaConsidered about his remarkable sushi restaurant in Columbia, South Carolina. If you missed it, here’s a link:</p> <p><a href="http://mobilestudiotravels.blogspot.com/2013/11/sakura-genuine-sushi-in-columbia-south.html">http://mobilestudiotravels.blogspot.com/2013/11/sakura-genuine-sushi-in-columbia-south.html</a></p> <p>A glance through the interview videos with Mr. Saito will show he’s hardly a publicity-seeker. Indeed, I had quite a time getting him to agree to appear on camera. Mr. Saito pours all of his energy and effort into preparing the very best traditional sushi dishes he can. Our extended family and friends have enjoyed the result for nearly 30 years. </p> <p>You’ve probably heard about the flood that raged through downtown Columbia, South Carolina, last week. Well, the shopping center in which Sakura is located was smack dab in the middle of the very worst flooding. Fast-moving water clear to the eaves! This Facebook page has photos of the damage:</p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RebuildSakura/">https://www.facebook.com/RebuildSakura/</a></p> <p>The good news is that Mr. Saito hopes to rebuild. A recent Sakura employee, Mr. Jamie Altman, has established a “GoFundMe” site to support the rebuilding effort:</p> <p><a title="https://www.gofundme.com/8g5z3zct" href="https://www.gofundme.com/8g5z3zct">https://www.gofundme.com/8g5z3zct</a></p> <p>Click on the link and you’ll be able to contribute. Great idea. Thanks, Mr. Altman. Good luck as you undertake recovery of this important Columbia cultural asset. </p> Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-44672228792528542812015-07-31T11:38:00.001-04:002015-08-01T10:20:14.647-04:00Musgrove Mill SHS Colonial Market and Craft Fair<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XwDsevip9js/VbuWQDn_b3I/AAAAAAAAOJk/aYPG0ZREmwo/s1600-h/2011-11-17-Musgrove-Mill-Visit--1732.jpg"><img alt="2011-11-17-Musgrove-Mill-Visit--173" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bzXsZOrlQsQ/VbuWQtzu4II/AAAAAAAAOJs/vnQ-0yRNco0/2011-11-17-Musgrove-Mill-Visit--173_.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2011-11-17-Musgrove-Mill-Visit--173" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/musgrovemill/introduction.aspx" target="_blank"><strong>Musgrove Mill State Historic Site near Clinton, South Carolina</strong></a>, commemorates one of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War. It was here that American Patriot forces proved they could defeat their better equipped and disciplined foe. And just how it might be done. <br />
Here’s a link to a series of articles I did on the site and battle around four years ago. <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><a href="http://mobilestudiotravels.blogspot.com/2011/12/musgrove-mill-state-historic-site-near.html" target="_blank">Click here</a></strong></span>. Plenty of photos and text. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eDJZLtkMXMo/VbuWRmw4DbI/AAAAAAAAOJ0/yUkRrTSjaAU/s1600-h/Participants-Seek-Shade3.jpg"><img alt="Participants Seek Shade" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CQ_FbdUT3A0/VbuWSJGY9UI/AAAAAAAAOJ4/_bubukUqcbI/Participants-Seek-Shade_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Participants Seek Shade" width="244" /></a><br />
Last Saturday, July 25th, Musgrove Mill was a more peaceful place. Hosting a colonial market and craft fair. Now, late July in South Carolina can be uncomfortably hot. The 25th was no exception. You can see fair exhibitors clustered in the shade of the site’s huge old trees, doing their best to avoid the sun. At least it didn’t rain, which would have been worse. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J6wxjOqqGx0/VbuWS22AiuI/AAAAAAAAOKE/9HhzLmc735g/s1600-h/150725-Musgrove-Mill-SHS-With-Junko-.jpg"><img alt="150725 Musgrove Mill SHS With Junko-4 as Smart Object-1" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2jzy_NapEUg/VbuWTRcsVmI/AAAAAAAAOKM/DOTiAOUw71A/150725-Musgrove-Mill-SHS-With-Junko-%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="150725 Musgrove Mill SHS With Junko-4 as Smart Object-1" width="244" /></a><br />
We arrived in the early afternoon, hoping to see an interpretation of life in South Carolina during the latter half of the eighteenth century and weren’t disappointed. All sorts of exhibits by some of the Carolina’s better known reenactors and artists specializing in the era. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UTBSzYXIMxk/VbuWUSLzNPI/AAAAAAAAOKU/V_t16QRonR0/s1600-h/Dragonfly-Traders-Games3.jpg"><img alt="Dragonfly Traders Games" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I42Hp415IFI/VbuWU9bkKuI/AAAAAAAAOKY/c-z-Yhj5LEs/Dragonfly-Traders-Games_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Dragonfly Traders Games" width="244" /></a><br />
Here Dennis Voelker of Dragonfly Traders demonstrates “Shut the Box,” a game popular during the Revolutionary War period. Click that photo for a closer view. The Voelkers handmade that and the other games here displayed. Remarkable work. Listening to Mr. Voelker’s explanation I accused him of being an academic. He denied the charge …. I still wonder ….. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J5tJuhezYow/VbuWVrSu3BI/AAAAAAAAOKk/daf2U-J-NG0/s1600-h/Dragonfly-Traders-Small3.jpg"><img alt="Dragonfly Traders Small" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CQrmMZ0Hxp4/VbuWWZmje9I/AAAAAAAAOKs/aFNg9Zh0bXk/Dragonfly-Traders-Small_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="209" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Dragonfly Traders Small" width="244" /></a><br />
Ignoring the heat we moved along to the Early Family’s exhibit, where I failed to get a good photo, to the real reason we decided to attend the fair. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dbgLk1Y-3KI/VbuWXSSwusI/AAAAAAAAOK0/ik2PnQfFvZ4/s1600-h/James-Family-Painting3.jpg"><img alt="James Family Painting" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tT1jatIPzqw/VbuWX-ACa6I/AAAAAAAAOK8/hEpbtkJyLe8/James-Family-Painting_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="James Family Painting" width="244" /></a><br />
The remarkable work of potter Karmen James. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3xD8Jb9FBs8/VbuWZCO5EkI/AAAAAAAAOLE/9zKIeo1zW5I/s1600-h/KMJ-Pottery3.jpg"><img alt="KMJ Pottery" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fuDILFRXctA/VbuWZuVKzqI/AAAAAAAAOLI/Rv3ts3ikKzU/KMJ-Pottery_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="KMJ Pottery" width="244" /></a><br />
She runs KMJ Crafts and Pottery. What an artist. Be sure to click the photo above to get a better look at the work she displayed at the fair. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vbXOgQiPiIk/VbuWarNOpII/AAAAAAAAOLU/UD-H7kp_kIQ/s1600-h/Potter-at-Work3.jpg"><img alt="Potter at Work" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tApRYcDSHzQ/VbuWbIkH5qI/AAAAAAAAOLc/5-g6KdWzt0c/Potter-at-Work_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Potter at Work" width="244" /></a><br />
Ms. James works without a wheel. Much of her pottery is of the “pinch and coil” variety. The same technique used by early American Indian potters. Potters around the world, for that matter. <br />
We were able to watch a few minutes of her “pinching and coiling” as you see in the photo above. Give the photo a click so you get a more detailed view. That pen-looking tube beside her board is a coil of clay she’d prepared. <br />
In a weak moment Ms. James agreed to sit down for a CarolinaConsidered interview later in the year. She’s busy until then. Well … she’ll be busy then too, but I’ll try to pin her down. Should be a great one. Drop a note if you have suggestions for questions to ask her. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OkOX1EnTboo/VbuWcBT96II/AAAAAAAAOLk/0rUOkx0FM20/s1600-h/Robert%252520Hall%252520ReEnactor%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Robert Hall ReEnactor" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZNnIaDDHgGo/VbuWclJHn5I/AAAAAAAAOLo/VoJOZw0N8KQ/Robert%252520Hall%252520ReEnactor_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Robert Hall ReEnactor" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/robert.hall.75457" target="_blank"><strong>Mr. Robert Hall, the celebrated colonial reenactor,</strong></a> was set up down near the Historic Site office and museum building. Click on the link above to access his Facebook page. It’s well worth a visit. He described himself when I asked as just a “retired public defender,” or something like that. Well! Have a look at his background. He sure knows a lot about this period of American and South Carolina history. Must have been that good University of South Carolina undergraduate and law school education ….<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BdogPy6akEM/VbuWdn78aeI/AAAAAAAAOL0/NNXecQgXF7Y/s1600-h/Battle%252520Uniforms%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Battle Uniforms" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d-FOJo5qPEc/VbuWeKIRyRI/AAAAAAAAOL8/7UPKLAGIecg/Battle%252520Uniforms_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Battle Uniforms" width="244" /></a><br />
By the time we finished at Mr. Hall’s exhibit we were ready for a good dose of air conditioning. So in the museum we went. Be sure to save time for a good long visit to this museum when you’re next at Musgrove Mill. They’ve done a lot in such a small space. Interpreter, Mr. Bobby James, will answer your questions and provide even more information about the battle and era if you ask. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5gsOI2ublwE/VbvPsBdKHiI/AAAAAAAAOMc/p68Kd0JZH6M/s1600-h/Eric%252520Williams%252520Artist%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Eric Williams Artist" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h4k_ZrFcOn8/VbvPsqCdoGI/AAAAAAAAOMk/87pY-CobkjI/Eric%252520Williams%252520Artist_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="190" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Eric Williams Artist" width="244" /></a><br />
Back outside we took another turn around the field and got to see some of the work of Greenwood, South Carolina artist, Mr. Eric Williams. Click on that photo for a better look at his display. Didn’t get a chance to chat. He was busy answering questions. I think, but am not sure, that Mr. Williams was the longtime head of the Ninety-Six Historic Site maintained by the National Park Service. If so, quite a background! His art reflects that sort of experience, anyway. <br />
By this time we both were all sunned out, so to speak. Had to have big drinks of water and get back to the truck. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nD8l3rPZp7c/VbuWfC2v1mI/AAAAAAAAOME/iSw87oLcoOA/s1600-h/Horseshoe%252520Falls%252520Painting%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Horseshoe Falls Painting" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q1NEn1EvcLc/VbuWfSPV6iI/AAAAAAAAOMI/-clcUm4IYMw/Horseshoe%252520Falls%252520Painting_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Horseshoe Falls Painting" width="244" /></a><br />
There’s even more to see on the other side of the river if you still have time. Better yet, come back for a second full day to walk the trails, see the battlefield proper, and enjoy the horseshoe falls you see above. Give that photo a click and cool off! <br />
So there you have it. Musgrove Mill State Historic Site’s Colonial Craft Fair. I hope they make this an annual event. Maybe next year in the spring or fall when the weather will be a little more comfortable. But we’ll attend any time of year. Well worth the drive. Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-13052099423905748822015-05-31T14:09:00.000-04:002015-05-31T14:17:02.273-04:00Finally, A Restaurant that Keeps Improving<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijniOLQin4wM9ZM7dWG_hku7eWupWYzTsJKFigtU0k-gj9yAj997_PqnGXaAZcoNrYqtf0-F4d_ArFgY18eLNa0N1mOMDcQTSBvfjOK-hAZ5TwpapQ7Vc2N4NNzzxusVQXKleIh9qprOyt/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijniOLQin4wM9ZM7dWG_hku7eWupWYzTsJKFigtU0k-gj9yAj997_PqnGXaAZcoNrYqtf0-F4d_ArFgY18eLNa0N1mOMDcQTSBvfjOK-hAZ5TwpapQ7Vc2N4NNzzxusVQXKleIh9qprOyt/s320/01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>[Click any of these photos for a full-sized
view.]</strong></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">We’ve all had the experience. A new restaurant opens nearby. We
drop in for a meal. It’s Terrific! Nothing like it around. A welcome addition to
the neighborhood. Great food; great service. Dining areas, parking lot, and even
the restrooms all perfect. </span><span style="font-size: small;">A new “great find.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Months pass. Sometimes six. Sometimes as few as two. This
“latest and greatest find” now isn’t quite what it used to be. Usually, the
condition of the facility is the first to go. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Not as neat
and clean as it used to be. Then the service takes a hit. Finally, the
once-legendary kitchen no longer produces those terrific dishes. Few survive.
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6AYuqypWog2QtpOHEKYrMHJCA2zzQ1JEWzMEma5NzeLi2MT5aE8U_rw6tQjGW66LIVIHNkXlnMN373L15ndqHr2Ynbpx-PKxp8BtywERhl_JYM63Yrx1Xz-byT2GMlyW4MK40caXBStq/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6AYuqypWog2QtpOHEKYrMHJCA2zzQ1JEWzMEma5NzeLi2MT5aE8U_rw6tQjGW66LIVIHNkXlnMN373L15ndqHr2Ynbpx-PKxp8BtywERhl_JYM63Yrx1Xz-byT2GMlyW4MK40caXBStq/s320/02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Well, here’s one restaurant that’s only gotten better since the
Allens, Carol, Kelly, and their dedicated crew, opened the doors in April 2008.
Every month, it seems, brings a change. A new must-try dish on the menu; new
blends of tea, perfectly brewed; a whole new look for the downstairs Café or
upstairs Tea Room. That’s over seven years of improvement! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvaukdIOSszf5hdaY3oPx2NiMP0zDXQJIBveKDj2iQjTciYcTsJGvPG1l1RQAAhyphenhypheniSJGvkbAtg7F-OaRSC6ZgKtUGNLL3fGbT8BGvJyqbcv8oalSem0jqdyiomJxEznZG1NLwq4V9WKBF/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvaukdIOSszf5hdaY3oPx2NiMP0zDXQJIBveKDj2iQjTciYcTsJGvPG1l1RQAAhyphenhypheniSJGvkbAtg7F-OaRSC6ZgKtUGNLL3fGbT8BGvJyqbcv8oalSem0jqdyiomJxEznZG1NLwq4V9WKBF/s320/03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">My wife and I </span><span style="font-size: small;">have been enjoying lunch, tea,
and even high tea, here since early 2009. We drive up from Columbia every chance
we get, and we’ve yet to be disappointed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">After visiting for more than three years I mustered the courage
to ask Carol Allen to sit for a CarolinaConsidered interview. She finally
agreed. <strong><a href="http://mobilestudiotravels.blogspot.com/2011/08/carolinaconsidered-visits-lauras-tea.html" target="_blank">Click here for a listen and more photos</a></strong>. Carol
explains the origins of the Tea Room and gives a few hints of her plans for its
future. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Laura’s Tea Room has a new website. If you haven’t visited for a
while go on over to <a href="http://www.laurastearoom.com/">www.LaurasTeaRoom.com</a> for a look around.
Julie Buffington has done a great job. Maybe I can persuade her to redo the
CarolinaConsidered website one of these days. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Oh, and next time you visit the Tea Room be sure to add your
e-mail to Carol’s list. Her posts are a great way to start your day. And, she
provides up-to-the-minute news about Tea Room happenings. Including sales! There
must be some way to sign up electronically, but I couldn’t find it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">So, there you have it. Finally, a restaurant that actually
improves over time. In Ridgeway, South Carolina! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQbV53I0isn_BaCjscedtHEmtLuvUO5hSCCVjTBTSt6gaGhyphenhyphenlbFWacbu_lqd3FhcOcDOE4czh8CYRuQv4b8c1SFhokw3vE9_jNYH3gi8GC9Rc95syd1_eehQL7VAsqeIlFJstsfZXQOAr/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQbV53I0isn_BaCjscedtHEmtLuvUO5hSCCVjTBTSt6gaGhyphenhyphenlbFWacbu_lqd3FhcOcDOE4czh8CYRuQv4b8c1SFhokw3vE9_jNYH3gi8GC9Rc95syd1_eehQL7VAsqeIlFJstsfZXQOAr/s320/04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Walking back up Palmer Street
to the truck during our last visit I snapped the photo above. That’s in front of
Emma and Lillie’s Cottage Goods. One of Ridgeway’s newest businesses. What a
place! You’ll have to stop. </span>Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-48256253680811367842015-05-17T23:59:00.001-04:002015-05-17T23:59:02.409-04:00Mountain Laurel at Keowee Toxaway State Park in SC <div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tQfJHI8qa2Y/VVljg3f-EvI/AAAAAAAAODk/KQdMXkZnSD0/20150517_154543-01.jpeg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tQfJHI8qa2Y/VVljg3f-EvI/AAAAAAAAODk/KQdMXkZnSD0/20150517_154543-01.jpeg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>This afternoon I took a walk along the Natural Bridge Trail here at Keowee-Toxaway State Park. To see the blooming mountain <u>laurel</u>. What a sight! </p></div><br/><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Here's a short video:<br/>
<br/>https://youtu.be/5soZzfBK_So<br/>
</p></div><br/>Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-80373020049419242292015-02-10T17:18:00.001-05:002015-02-12T12:45:31.594-05:00High Tea at Laura’s Tea Room, Ridgeway SCLast week we had High Tea at Laura’s Tea Room in Ridgeway, South Carolina. Yes, “high tea” at Laura’s Tea Room deserves capital letters. It’s a remarkable experience. We visit Laura’s Tea Room in Ridgeway fairly often. But usually time permits only soup and a sandwich at the downstairs cafe. While that’s well worth a drive to Ridgeway, High Tea upstairs is nothing short of spectacular. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XKBefMDO-1M/VNqDpVQQN5I/AAAAAAAAN7c/bbks08otTso/s1600-h/150204-Lauras-Tea-Room-23.jpg"><img alt="150204 Laura's Tea Room (2)" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XjSJbJqnkVM/VNqDp2UKzjI/AAAAAAAAN7g/6IXRrLgGvo4/150204-Lauras-Tea-Room-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="150204 Laura's Tea Room (2)" width="244" /></a><br />
So, schedules cleared and reservations secured, up the stairs we went to the impressive second floor tea room proper. My wife selected a hat and sat down to chat with a special tearoom guest while we waited for our table. We’ve met her here before, but have been asked not to mention names ….. <br />
On Wednesday Carol Allen and her crackerjack staff provided a special menu. You can see it here on the right. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BiaUXvlP2dU/VNqDquZUddI/AAAAAAAAN7s/drk0BkK5DtI/s1600-h/High-Tea-Menu3.jpg"><img align="right" alt="High Tea Menu" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3IVGvzgsiQQ/VNqDrMNKxXI/AAAAAAAAN7w/CzErUvFCbog/High-Tea-Menu_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 10px 0px 5px 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="High Tea Menu" width="115" /></a> Chuck full of goodies. Click the small image to open it into a more readable size. <br />
Can you imagine? “Cherry green iced tea”? I couldn’t. Fortunately my wife -- she of more eclectic taste -- gave it a try and encouraged me. Well! It was good. More than good, really. A perfect beginning for this special meal. <br />
Now, if “Spring Cherry Green Iced Tea” hasn’t surprised you, check the “Pot of Mango Chili Tea” just below it. Mango Chili? Oh my. I had a cup. But Junko finished the rest. Even said she enjoyed it. <br />
Now, I’m no fanatical consumer of salads. They’re fine. Usually. I’ll eat them when served. But mostly to be polite. All the while looking forward to more substantial offerings. Most sit-down-type restaurants start you off with some sort of salad. Ho hum. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BeRaRbi00fE/VNqDrteQNnI/AAAAAAAAN78/57vvUDnWks0/s1600-h/salad%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="salad" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C0FqPWwLGi4/VNqDsB5u9LI/AAAAAAAAN8A/dKID7LSV6Ao/salad_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="salad" width="244" /></a>Well, if you share my indifference to any dish that requires a “salad” label, click on the photo above. take a close look at the salad Laura’s Tea Room serves with High Tea. This was really good. The lettuce was fresh. Seriously fresh. As was everything else! So, when you go for High Tea, don’t ignore, or just pick at, the salad. It’s part of the experience. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4mgo1pxd0eM/VNqDsmkoeGI/AAAAAAAAN8M/jAJeYI4MQJ4/s1600-h/soup%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="soup" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0GfKqTfrZhQ/VNqDtIbo4eI/AAAAAAAAN8Q/ZgYiQQ3ejik/soup_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="139" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="soup" width="244" /></a><br />
Same with the soup. Perfect flavor. I can’t imagine that any part of that cup of soup ever saw the inside of a can. It sure didn’t taste like what I was raised on. <br />
All of this leads up to the Main Event: Savories and Sweets. They’re listed on the menu above. Too many to summarize here. All sorts of things. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dhkNJ1BtTs8/VNqDtvNA4gI/AAAAAAAAN8c/Sf3iKSdTV1w/s1600-h/Savories%252520and%252520Sweets%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Savories and Sweets" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G18WFzT_8Js/VNqDuGx7tHI/AAAAAAAAN8g/Z95kBR3LGsQ/Savories%252520and%252520Sweets_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Savories and Sweets" width="184" /></a><br />
You have to see it – and taste it – to believe it. Nothing there from a box. All prepared right in the Tea Room kitchen downstairs the night and morning before. <br />
So, there you have it. If a confirmed meat-and-potatoes fellow like me can look forward to High Tea at Laura’s Tea Room it will suit anybody. <br />
Sometimes it’s possible to get in for High Tea without a reservation, but not usually. Call ahead and let the staff know how many will be in your party. <br />
Reservations are at 803-337-8594. <a href="http://goo.gl/36cPj2" target="_blank"><strong>And visit the Tea Room Facebook page by clicking here</strong></a>. Carol keeps it up to date. <br />
Enjoy! Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-84344303453982846322015-01-19T11:45:00.001-05:002015-01-19T11:45:04.815-05:00A Winter Visit to Edisto Beach State Park SC<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xUtYYEInDlI/VL00jLHWKYI/AAAAAAAAN6A/lr0uc0noVQk/s1600-h/20130124_145651%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="20130124_145651" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20130124_145651" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2CpjKpBKlhI/VL00jt5lpXI/AAAAAAAAN6I/Uyej_aDN-SY/20130124_145651_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a></p> <p>Edisto Beach State Park is about right for my tastes any time from about late November to early April. I know; I know. Normal people …. Well, Tastes vary. And I meet a surprising number of campers who visit Edisto only in the winter. So ….</p> <p>The photo above is of the site of the Park’s Bache Monument out behind the Nature Center. An important historical marker. Named after a great-grandson of Benjamin Franklin. Alexander Bache invented the “bar of invariable length” that finally allowed accurate geographical measurements. Read all about it here. <a title="http://goo.gl/yHOLrI" href="http://goo.gl/yHOLrI"><strong><font size="3">http://goo.gl/yHOLrI</font></strong></a></p> <p>Here’s a short video compilation of photos I’ve taken at and around Edisto during winter visits. Enjoy. </p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:b9514c98-04cc-4657-8e77-0dac8b70de8b" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="width: 384px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px"><div><object width="384" height="216"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DmHyPpX6YyM?hl=en&hd=1"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DmHyPpX6YyM?hl=en&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="384" height="216"></embed></object></div></div> <p><a href="http://goo.gl/GCwCOc" target="_blank"><strong><font size="3">Should your web browser fail to display the video above properly, click here to go directly to the YouTube iteration</font></strong></a><strong><font size="3">.</font></strong></p> Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-22018682392647672732015-01-12T19:41:00.001-05:002015-01-12T19:41:00.801-05:00Edisto Beach State Park in the Winter <div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I-7jRw2PQRc/VLRpflF3O3I/AAAAAAAAN5c/T_ZAiFtWPgM/20150112_142916_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I-7jRw2PQRc/VLRpflF3O3I/AAAAAAAAN5c/T_ZAiFtWPgM/20150112_142916_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><br/><p>South Carolina's Edisto Beach State Park is beautiful even on a rainy winter day.<br/>
<br/>Click each photo for a larger image <br/>
</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k8roidSAvIU/VLRpjO86PAI/AAAAAAAAN5k/5J1qoFEEoqA/20150112_142854_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k8roidSAvIU/VLRpjO86PAI/AAAAAAAAN5k/5J1qoFEEoqA/20150112_142854_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><br/><p>Just outside my campsite. <br/>
</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gI6LivW_qSU/VLRpmDP-fMI/AAAAAAAAN5s/V7S5mBE8ZRc/20150112_142922_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gI6LivW_qSU/VLRpmDP-fMI/AAAAAAAAN5s/V7S5mBE8ZRc/20150112_142922_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><br/><p>There's something about this place. Come have a look for yourselves. <br/>
</p></div>Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-73267865755391532632014-12-26T12:42:00.001-05:002014-12-26T12:45:08.418-05:00Christmas Time at Laura’s Tea Room Ridgeway, South Carolina<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-foYfbous1pQ/VJ2dzG1Qz5I/AAAAAAAANyw/HurZlyniwQ4/s1600-h/141221-Lauras-Tea-Room-Christmas-243.jpg"><sub></sub><img title="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (24)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (24)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bSF5VHnK1g4/VJ2dzh3l4uI/AAAAAAAANy4/f_OHO6ACuDo/141221-Lauras-Tea-Room-Christmas-24_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="168" /></a></p> <p>Last Sunday we visited Laura’s Tea Room in Ridgeway, South Carolina, to see the Christmas decorations. Had lunch too, of course. I don’t know how Carol and her staff find the time to do all of this. </p> <p>The photo above [click it for a better view] is the first floor viewed from near the door. Here’s where you’ll have lunch if you don’t have time for high tea upstairs. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vRU2nkk-3pY/VJ2d0TuKmcI/AAAAAAAANzA/KIW4mdprrZY/s1600-h/141221-Lauras-Tea-Room-Christmas-33.jpg"><img title="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (3)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (3)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiobg4gaBmx0B9Rd28YL6dxeRMAzZdH6Vt_IeTMrGfUqkTq7nZlgHu5nTbiIguprBJYkkK9gohVaUUxDixctHVY67MkSknPuqBvTD5kd5GV2R_VF-8N89CkgYscgApAMiJeUNXRK0RGby/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a></p> <p>Every table’s a treat. And some of the special designs are even for sale! We try to sit at a different table each visit. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z5qNuUhcTk0/VJ2d1daJqYI/AAAAAAAANzQ/HyBZJzjNl_I/s1600-h/141221-Lauras-Tea-Room-Christmas-53.jpg"><img title="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (5)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (5)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k3E3xskw1rc/VJ2d2Hmu1BI/AAAAAAAANzU/fx8i8ywEYHg/141221-Lauras-Tea-Room-Christmas-5_t.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a></p> <p>Fair warning. If you eat downstairs, all through lunch you’ll tempted by must-have gifts lining the shelves and counters on both sides of the first floor. So don’t choose the downstairs café just to save a few dollars. That’s unlikely to happen! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IPh4nTdehoY/VJ2d2kyYx1I/AAAAAAAANzg/JKIErMNWkuY/s1600-h/141214%252520Looking%252520Upstairs%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="141214 Looking Upstairs" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="141214 Looking Upstairs" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k4n-8mLhlGU/VJ2d3J5YngI/AAAAAAAANzk/4TSnG8kbybM/141214%252520Looking%252520Upstairs_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LKZZfV9a68M/VJ2d3qGdzsI/AAAAAAAANzw/RYRY7HAgDaU/s1600-h/141221-Lauras-Tea-Room-Christmas-63.jpg"><img title="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (6)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 5px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (6)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8ZwKSisj5B4/VJ2d4KGkLNI/AAAAAAAANz0/PuP_tJX7ios/141221-Lauras-Tea-Room-Christmas-6_t.jpg?imgmax=800" width="145" align="left" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Climb the stairs to the second floor to reach the heart of Laura’s Tea Room. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yO6eQWXKcM8/VJ2d4r-ZtEI/AAAAAAAAN0A/FnuMprAdCOE/s1600-h/141221-Lauras-Tea-Room-Christmas-74.jpg"><img title="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (7)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (7)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HmXIZhDMYH8/VJ2d5LcWjAI/AAAAAAAAN0E/yHzC9zlMPcc/141221-Lauras-Tea-Room-Christmas-7_t.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="130" /></a>Pass by Manuel, on leave from Fawlty Towers, and you may be joined by special guests. Our last visit, for example,  we were surprised to be joined by  ….. Well, never mind. We’re supposed to keep quiet about it. And all guests are special at Laura’s Tea Room. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jEkQ27fULaA/VJ2d59IGXiI/AAAAAAAAN0Q/NLtArCzgDOc/s1600-h/141221%252520Laura%252527s%252520Tea%252520Room%252520Christmas%252520%2525288%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (8)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (8)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KnSvGw1ikHU/VJ2d6ZC3PXI/AAAAAAAAN0U/iay6-45msls/141221%252520Laura%252527s%252520Tea%252520Room%252520Christmas%252520%2525288%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a></p> <p>Upstairs it’s even more beautifully decorated than usual. The Christmas spirit in full swing. Look at this place setting! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5zA5erVHzE8/VJ2d7JsMX-I/AAAAAAAAN0g/mcugq_TNEzQ/s1600-h/141221%252520Laura%252527s%252520Tea%252520Room%252520Christmas%252520%25252811%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (11)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (11)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_ocd41Oj2NU/VJ2d7phC-oI/AAAAAAAAN0k/TjoXpp24b28/141221%252520Laura%252527s%252520Tea%252520Room%252520Christmas%252520%25252811%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a></p> <p>Everything perfectly arranged. Each setting waiting to impress a Tea Room guest. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fVtPIt2bztQ/VJ2d8Yp5LoI/AAAAAAAAN0w/lKxDbSRq0-0/s1600-h/141221%252520Laura%252527s%252520Tea%252520Room%252520Christmas%252520%2525289%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (9)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (9)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lFvKbSM9iIo/VJ2d8ymmEKI/AAAAAAAAN00/gLFLWPmbPrA/141221%252520Laura%252527s%252520Tea%252520Room%252520Christmas%252520%2525289%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eXxlljBclHM/VJ2d9amIewI/AAAAAAAAN1A/iw8CqrTI2LM/s1600-h/141221%252520Laura%252527s%252520Tea%252520Room%252520Christmas%252520%25252812%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (12)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="141221 Laura's Tea Room Christmas (12)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s0wF3HJ9His/VJ2eAUvir4I/AAAAAAAAN1I/hY_AZ6s7tio/141221%252520Laura%252527s%252520Tea%252520Room%252520Christmas%252520%25252812%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a></p> <p>I don’t know how long Carol and her staff will keep these Christmas decorations. So hurry on over before it’s too late. Remember to call <strong>803-337-8594</strong> for a reservation, though, if you’re planning to eat upstairs. This is a popular spot for folks from Columbia, Charlotte, Charleston, Atlanta … And even some international guests. So call ahead or you’ll be eating downstairs. With all of those temptations lining the walls….</p> Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-68264525228413520492014-12-12T07:14:00.001-05:002014-12-12T07:14:41.341-05:00South Carolina’s Scenic Highway 11<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U1zzXoamkAg/VIrb_c0td6I/AAAAAAAANvY/RFClyaO_v8M/s1600-h/20141211_153853_1_12.jpg"><img title="20141211_153853_1_1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20141211_153853_1_1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KkZ--gyf6yk/VIrb_6CIN-I/AAAAAAAANvg/NI99tH43Yy0/20141211_153853_1_1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="146" /></a></p> <p>Next time you visit Keowee-Toxaway State Park, or even if you’re somewhere else in the Western part of the State, take some time to enjoy the scenery up and down Scenic Highway Eleven. </p> <p>It’s a remarkable stretch of road. Two lanes of blacktop all the way, with nice wide shoulders, as you see above. A 55 mph speed limit most of the way. And, even better, remarkable views of Western South Carolina’s forests and mountains around every curve. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ejIFShcZtz8/VIrcAfORZMI/AAAAAAAANvo/ChzguuOgYzE/s1600-h/20141211_154154_12.jpg"><img title="20141211_154154_1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20141211_154154_1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aKMkJZk7jZM/VIrcA6dC_wI/AAAAAAAANvw/hEMnKW7ajo4/20141211_154154_1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="140" /></a></p> <p>Late this afternoon I spent a few hours driving toward Table Rock State Park on this remarkable strip of road. The Long Shoals Wayside Picnic Area is well worth a stop. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wLvaedoyiR8/VIrcEsn5lUI/AAAAAAAANv0/5cAbLAE-hx0/s1600-h/20141211_155139_12.jpg"><img title="20141211_155139_1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20141211_155139_1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OfQH0PtqfT0/VIrcFbA3CDI/AAAAAAAANv8/lSQvQ9gQKMg/20141211_155139_1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Plenty of parking in two areas, and a trail down to Little Eastatoee Creek. Not for folks with mobility problems. But I made it down and back up with no difficulty. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ab6AqNMOWPw/VIrcGZqR9BI/AAAAAAAANwI/A99G7FqaIXg/s1600-h/20141211_155828_12.jpg"><img title="20141211_155828_1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20141211_155828_1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TGq88UIQbDk/VIrcGxwRQWI/AAAAAAAANwQ/WDqbWjaznxc/20141211_155828_1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bFlAUjuB4i8/VIrcHd-D0yI/AAAAAAAANwY/cdxRb8Nta0Q/s1600-h/20141211_155921_12.jpg"><img title="20141211_155921_1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20141211_155921_1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2KnyfO1dwzw/VIrcIPRlk-I/AAAAAAAANwg/FzVij5yQ7VE/20141211_155921_1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Here’s the sort of thing you get to see at the bottom. This time of year the creek’s low enough to display much of its water-worn granite bed. A photographer’s delight. Wish I’d had more time. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wYm8yoULD8c/VIrcIyZt7gI/AAAAAAAANwo/ATYeOmiPRHs/s1600-h/20141211_160150_12.jpg"><img title="20141211_160150_1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20141211_160150_1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4GW-xBIlf4Y/VIrcJW9lKfI/AAAAAAAANww/Be4ZH5bVyc4/20141211_160150_1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tj6XgjgMzoQ/VIrcKH0QRkI/AAAAAAAANw4/_689nq_CeFU/s1600-h/20141211_160209_12.jpg"><img title="20141211_160209_1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20141211_160209_1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x1BzBEue4g8/VIrcKmjRUNI/AAAAAAAANxA/0zgIbSGSzHs/20141211_160209_1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Remarkable. No wonder the CCC selected this area to quarry the granite they used when creating Table Rock State Park, just a few miles down the road. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7ObErHgg4i4/VIrcLURJ7-I/AAAAAAAANxI/2JF5Ndh99Bo/s1600-h/20141211_162521_1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20141211_162521_1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20141211_162521_1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5FzNzfoqHmo/VIrcLymP2MI/AAAAAAAANxM/F0tQC6fPTsw/20141211_162521_1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="113" /></a></p> <p>And, speaking of Table Rock, here’s a view of it and the “Stool” that I snapped from the window of the truck. Pulled well over on the shoulder, of course. How could anyone resist?</p> Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-24283022649724407732014-12-09T21:31:00.001-05:002014-12-09T21:31:07.901-05:00Lakeside Cabin at Keowee-Toxaway State Park South Carolina <div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WPhUO0DeAS0/VIewRmYBkNI/AAAAAAAANtw/02Z_ZIoCCfk/20141208_140112_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WPhUO0DeAS0/VIewRmYBkNI/AAAAAAAANtw/02Z_ZIoCCfk/20141208_140112_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UZSUGoiiNk4/VIewS1siCBI/AAAAAAAANt4/QgXD6d88pzw/20141208_134357_2.jpg"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UZSUGoiiNk4/VIewS1siCBI/AAAAAAAANt4/QgXD6d88pzw/20141208_134357_2.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mrgmB-sh1GI/VIewT1wY2NI/AAAAAAAANuA/KQ0euymilUo/20141208_134403_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mrgmB-sh1GI/VIewT1wY2NI/AAAAAAAANuA/KQ0euymilUo/20141208_134403_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><p dir="ltr">The cabin on the shore of Lake Keowee at Keowee Toxaway State Park in western South Carolina is, I believe, the largest in the South Carolina State Park system. Three bedrooms, two full baths, and that's just upstairs. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Downstairs there's a fold-out sofa and a half bath. Plus the fully equipped kitchen we've come to expect in State Park cabins. All recently renovated. Granite counters, no less. </p>
<p dir="ltr">This cabin accommodates up to ten people! </p>
<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gwFZTGQGzhA/VIewOfouiiI/AAAAAAAANtY/mb2PL-lrx14/20141208_134443_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gwFZTGQGzhA/VIewOfouiiI/AAAAAAAANtY/mb2PL-lrx14/20141208_134443_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KVQgCVXPIzE/VIewPYhk8dI/AAAAAAAANtg/4aOtM2ttya0/20141208_134430_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KVQgCVXPIzE/VIewPYhk8dI/AAAAAAAANtg/4aOtM2ttya0/20141208_134430_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Rrz4Y6s00xs/VIewQstYCRI/AAAAAAAANto/no-2bUG9xW0/20141208_134837_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Rrz4Y6s00xs/VIewQstYCRI/AAAAAAAANto/no-2bUG9xW0/20141208_134837_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><p dir="ltr">Working fireplaces upstairs and down make this cabin ideal for any time of year. Families with lots of children, or even two or three smaller families, would be comfortable here </p>
<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mWL1Mvt1psg/VIewU4dmdoI/AAAAAAAANuI/AgpuKJmTdN0/20141208_134932_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mWL1Mvt1psg/VIewU4dmdoI/AAAAAAAANuI/AgpuKJmTdN0/20141208_134932_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lp2KZT2T5WI/VIewWHckE4I/AAAAAAAANuQ/VBV_9ojw9us/20141208_134443_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lp2KZT2T5WI/VIewWHckE4I/AAAAAAAANuQ/VBV_9ojw9us/20141208_134443_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YQP8FfdzkI8/VIewW5WDDJI/AAAAAAAANuY/CDs-OGxdBYU/20141208_140656_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YQP8FfdzkI8/VIewW5WDDJI/AAAAAAAANuY/CDs-OGxdBYU/20141208_140656_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><p dir="ltr">Two of the three bedrooms have views of the lake, and doors leading out onto a wide deck. Don't know if you can see it through the trees in the attached photo, but the cabin rental includes a private dock. Bring along a boat and enjoy the whole lake. </p>
<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hCAmrbqKpiI/VIewYXuoaYI/AAAAAAAANug/VXSwmbNM-go/20141208_140451_1_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hCAmrbqKpiI/VIewYXuoaYI/AAAAAAAANug/VXSwmbNM-go/20141208_140451_1_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u1hRXxHhiGg/VIewZMMDZmI/AAAAAAAANuo/HgV2J3gEXoM/20141208_134853_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u1hRXxHhiGg/VIewZMMDZmI/AAAAAAAANuo/HgV2J3gEXoM/20141208_134853_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w-4uXJa66hA/VIewaXbF_-I/AAAAAAAANuw/yi5oIa3ikbI/20141208_140355_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w-4uXJa66hA/VIewaXbF_-I/AAAAAAAANuw/yi5oIa3ikbI/20141208_140355_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><p dir="ltr">The only disadvantage of this cabin is that it stays rented throughout the year. Probably because the rent is so low. So, make your plans early <u>and</u> get to enjoy both the thousand acres of Park woods and Lake Keowee. It doesn't get better than this. </p>
Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com0Sunset, United States34.9228532 -82.8788388tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-4647175423737878282014-11-24T16:59:00.001-05:002014-11-24T17:05:54.479-05:00A Short Visit to Pickens, South Carolina<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n2LO_egDpw0/VHOqSIXdLaI/AAAAAAAANsM/FcJc7TWBvPc/s1600-h/02%252520pickens%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><sub></sub><sub></sub><sub></sub><sub></sub><img alt="02 pickens" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_S7NwnRwCe0/VHOqShCV0lI/AAAAAAAANsQ/LS2al8O3m7E/02%252520pickens_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="139" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="02 pickens" width="244" /></a><br />
When my big city born-and-bred wife saw these photos of Pickens, South Carolina, she said, “Now, that’s a typical Southern town! The way we want them to be.” <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QRHQqiBGD5s/VHOqTH3S-DI/AAAAAAAANsc/lSCwq71BX_w/s1600-h/03%252520pickens%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><sub></sub><img alt="03 pickens" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rWDYVRXD96E/VHOqTopSQ3I/AAAAAAAANsg/uVujbacSML0/03%252520pickens_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="139" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="03 pickens" width="244" /></a><br />
I had to agree. Look at this East Main Street view. It’s not often we get to see real mountains from right downtown! <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W_-U85FtlN4/VHOqUm7KvjI/AAAAAAAANss/i0_lmwR0_Wg/s1600-h/04%252520pickens%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="04 pickens" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oDyqgFPZBXk/VHOqVEUU09I/AAAAAAAANsw/Pe59Uhwss8c/04%252520pickens_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="139" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="04 pickens" width="244" /></a><br />
And here’s Legacy Square on the corner of East Main and Lewis Streets. A popular gathering place. If you click the photo above you’ll have a better view of the fancy fountain and masonry wall built in 1993. The project was funded, <strong><a href="http://www.co.pickens.sc.us/History/default.aspx" target="_blank">according to this informative article</a></strong>, by the sale of the commemorative bricks you see in the wall. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9VlGFB47pIo/VHOqV1MklvI/AAAAAAAANs8/CyKSBsQTooA/s1600-h/05%252520pickens%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="05 pickens" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3AsXGQOw_O4/VHOqWUofysI/AAAAAAAANtA/6_9H-paDEVI/05%252520pickens_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="139" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="05 pickens" width="244" /></a><br />
A crew of workmen was renovating the County Court House when I walked by. Click the photo above for a better view. Or, maybe their efforts were directed only to the area in front of the Court House. They looked busy, so I didn’t cross the street to ask questions. Next time. <br />
Pickens is another of those South Carolina towns determined to be beneficiaries rather than victims of their history. With a population today of only around 3,000 it doesn’t seem possible they could accomplish so much. But seeing is believing. The third novel in my Dr. Ray Raether and Samantha RV travel mystery series is set several miles north of here. A good excuse to come back. Research, doncha know. Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-30839467868050518952014-11-13T16:17:00.001-05:002014-11-13T16:17:54.915-05:00Return Visit to Hagood Mill Historic Site, Pickens, South Carolina<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HnIJM7Vz4QA/VGUf6qmtrVI/AAAAAAAANpc/_6QO8egDUqc/s1600-h/20141112_150438_1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="20141112_150438_1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20141112_150438_1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9Pl--75NeKg/VGUf7WDarzI/AAAAAAAANpk/ePSCMr1XcWw/20141112_150438_1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Last post I mentioned there’s more to see at the Pickens County Historical Society’s Hagood Mill site. Well, yesterday afternoon I went back for another look. And to enjoy that drive North on Route 178 one more time. </p> <p>That’s the Hagood Mill Site stage you see above. Plenty of good music played there. An essential component of the Mill’s programming. <sub></sub></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FouFwZuAKmg/VGUf8oRWs1I/AAAAAAAANps/76ujv9sd9j8/s1600-h/20141112_153749_1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="20141112_153749_1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20141112_153749_1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bKAqtIe7Ufc/VGUf9BiueSI/AAAAAAAANp0/7hhNVWJY0uo/20141112_153749_1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>The two log cabins alone are well worth the visit. Both have been relocated here from their original sites. The Murphree-Hollingsworth cabin on the right was built in the early 1790s, one of the earliest structures in this part of the country. The Hagood cabin on the left was build a bit later, in the early 1800s, and has been moved three times. Durable construction! Each cabin has a story to tell. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CuwyGv1jnHs/VGUf-CEjriI/AAAAAAAANp8/AkjcXUuciko/s1600-h/20141112_151657%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20141112_151657" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20141112_151657" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XwlHy2DyrZg/VGUf-zS49oI/AAAAAAAANqE/J-91Ygn8w4s/20141112_151657_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>I was hoping to see the petroglyph exhibit this visit, but it isn’t ready yet. <strong><a href="http://www.co.pickens.sc.us/CulturalCommission/HagoodMill/default.aspx" target="_blank">Click here for information about the project</a></strong>. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xSRosfT_7JI/VGUf_tWD0gI/AAAAAAAANqM/Rk4kjO6LekE/s1600-h/20141112_152100%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="20141112_152100" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20141112_152100" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pzx75QkYgvY/VGUgAOO15WI/AAAAAAAANqU/gEkuckeWK8Q/20141112_152100_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="83" /></a></p> <p>There’s much more to see here. The Mill alone requires hours of study. Here’s a short video of the wooden water wheel. </p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:cd4e29c5-68c3-48aa-abbb-adb39893087e" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="width: 390px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px"><div><object width="390" height="219"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hp5TOn2e6sM?hl=en&hd=1"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hp5TOn2e6sM?hl=en&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="390" height="219"></embed></object></div></div> <p><strong><a href="http://youtu.be/Hp5TOn2e6sM" target="_blank">Should the video above fail to play in your browser, click here to access the YouTube version directly</a></strong>. </p> Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-54143039755249292262014-11-12T09:50:00.001-05:002014-11-13T09:58:25.934-05:00Hagood Mill Historic Site, Pickens, South Carolina <div style="padding: 5px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vCwFaeLPvLc/VGNzl-DC3OI/AAAAAAAANoo/Q_3wdmm3pQo/20141111_131223_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vCwFaeLPvLc/VGNzl-DC3OI/AAAAAAAANoo/Q_3wdmm3pQo/20141111_131223_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Driving around Pickens County yesterday, gathering background material for the third novel in the Ray Raether and Samantha RV Travel Mystery series, I came across the Hagood Mill Historic Site, just three miles north of the Town of Pickens. Don't know why I haven't been here before. </div>
<div style="padding: 5px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FEsID2kWsN4/VGNzocNTocI/AAAAAAAANow/iyKu4sAwnuQ/20141111_152305_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FEsID2kWsN4/VGNzocNTocI/AAAAAAAANow/iyKu4sAwnuQ/20141111_152305_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Prominent Pickens citizen James E. Hagood bought this property in 1825, and rebuilt this mill twenty years later. The wheel you see here is all wood, and operational. In fact, the Pickens Historical Society still grinds corn here one day a month. </div>
<div style="padding: 5px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PB8LQTE2KXc/VGNzsR4x6hI/AAAAAAAANo4/wAyndXMsTyc/20141111_152250_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PB8LQTE2KXc/VGNzsR4x6hI/AAAAAAAANo4/wAyndXMsTyc/20141111_152250_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
There's much more here to see than the mill. The Historical Society volunteers provide all sorts of demonstrations. Even music! Click the link below for their Facebook page. More photos and news of upcoming events. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="https://m.facebook.com/HagoodMill?_rdr">https://m.facebook.com/HagoodMill?_rdr</a><br />
<br />
And here for their newly designed website.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://goo.gl/lHy9ox">Pickens County Historical Society</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="padding: 5px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XmLahRA7mjc/VGNzw1sy0JI/AAAAAAAANpA/uY50LMjO34I/20141111_152622_1.jpg"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XmLahRA7mjc/VGNzw1sy0JI/AAAAAAAANpA/uY50LMjO34I/20141111_152622_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
When you visit be sure to take time to see this collection of millstones. Remarkable. </div>
Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com2Hartwell, United States34.4133229 -82.94728tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-83040418845635749892014-11-11T06:42:00.001-05:002014-11-27T03:10:30.291-05:00Sadlers Creek State Natural Area Day 2<div dir="ltr">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FywkqGP1SU0/VGH2GZ383eI/AAAAAAAANoA/6lG5Y5ceIXw/20141110_151343_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Sadlers Creek State Natural Area yesterday was at its peak. The combination of autumn leaf color, beautifully maintained grounds and trails, and weather in the sunny low 70s, was irresistible. I had to <u>spend</u> most of the day roaming the Park. Watch your speed here. The roads are fine. But the deer are plentiful. They cross the roads when the mood strikes them. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_KuVvkxf_6k/VGH2CCTZLFI/AAAAAAAANnw/HCFzwyLjpM0/20141110_150523_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" /><b>Park Office and Recreation Area </b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Be sure not to miss the Park office and recreation area. Something here for everyone, plus a grand view of the Lake. This building is one of the best venues in the whole Park system for anything from a family reunion to a corporate strategy meeting. Folks even hold weddings here. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-88R-pos86Zc/VGH2DuvDFWI/AAAAAAAANn4/A9ahDHj_ct8/20141110_150115.jpg cursor: pointer;" /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Take a closer look at that photo. Yup, a wood paneled restroom! And that's the real thing, not big-box-store paneling. Only at Sadlers Creek! Bath houses and restrooms throughout this Park, by the way, are spotless. Don't know how they do it. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GRujspjlHuU/VGH2JJrog0I/AAAAAAAANoI/xWF5BH0g8pY/20141110_134318_1.jpg cursor: pointer;" /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Back to the campsite for a late lunch after hours of wandering through this beautiful lakeside Park. Be sure to bring plenty of food when you visit since you won't want to take time out to go to the store. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T1esXr-b2HQ/VGH2KQl8r5I/AAAAAAAANoU/cuyG8iGZEhM/20141110_171536_3.jpg cursor: pointer;" /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The sun goes down early at this time of year. Good time to walk down to the lake shore. </div>
Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com1Columbia, United States34.1182172 -80.9023554tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-56567548546360280072014-11-10T14:41:00.001-05:002014-11-27T03:09:33.653-05:00Sadlers Creek State Natural Area, South Carolina <div style="padding: 5px; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qLUnhe1f9pc/VGEU-Nq4MfI/AAAAAAAANnY/BtdyO8y5SrA/20141110_134433.jpg"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qLUnhe1f9pc/VGEU-Nq4MfI/AAAAAAAANnY/BtdyO8y5SrA/20141110_134433.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Campsite # 31 </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
This is campsite # 31 at Sadlers Creek State Natural Area on the South Carolinia side of Lake Hartwell. Just about ideal. Beautifully leveled and maintained. I was able to get a few days of RV camping in while the leaves still have some color. </div>
<div style="padding: 5px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T8nj1TgzuQs/VGEVBEKWMEI/AAAAAAAANng/zcE1RHl45G4/20141110_133755.jpg"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T8nj1TgzuQs/VGEVBEKWMEI/AAAAAAAANng/zcE1RHl45G4/20141110_133755.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
This is the view from this site. Lake Hartwell is down a bit now, but it's still beautiful. Sadlers Creek has to be included in the list of the best parks in the South Carolina system. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm using the Blogaway Pro app for the first time, posting directly from the smartphone. Hope it works. If it does it will save a lot of time. </div>
Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com0Hartwell, United States34.4446157 -82.8864246tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-18309632144071916602014-10-29T10:03:00.001-04:002014-10-29T10:03:47.378-04:00Paperback Version of “Death Long Long Ago” Available on Amazon<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JfqfIvklQLE/VFDzv0fFo1I/AAAAAAAANl8/2ALyuUfzI2Q/s1600-h/DLLA%252520Paperback%252520Cover%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DLLA Paperback Cover" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 10px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DLLA Paperback Cover" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9bS7Ua1csy0/VFDzwXCfdvI/AAAAAAAANmE/Ifg9Xwh8UZo/DLLA%252520Paperback%252520Cover_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" align="right" height="244" /></a></p> <p>The paperback version of <em>Death Long Long Ago</em> is available now on Amazon. </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Death-Long-Ago-Raether-Carolina/dp/1502949423/" target="_blank"><strong>Click this link for a look</strong>.</a> </p> <p>It’s priced at $11.35, compared with the $3.99 charge to download the Kindle edition. </p> <p>The good news is that this second volume in the Ray Raether South Carolina Travel Mystery series is only 333 pages! A more reasonable length than the first volume’s 610 pages. </p> <p>Volume three of the series, “Death From Far Away,” is coming along nicely. Ray and Samantha are enjoying the change of scenery at Keowee County’s Stumphouse State Park way over in the western part of the State. Another beautiful Park with views of real mountains, and an interesting Park-hosted museum. Stay tuned. </p> Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-8334475675029704832014-10-18T12:40:00.001-04:002014-10-18T12:40:15.757-04:00“Death, Long Long Ago” Available on the Amazon Kindle Site<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s2LNSqyoBAM/VEKX61P9QYI/AAAAAAAANkg/yyaYCN0e3v0/s1600-h/Andrew%252520Choice%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Andrew Choice" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 5px 8px 5px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Andrew Choice" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--nXDIH4-in8/VEKX7QEvhiI/AAAAAAAANko/3IbuQElkK7I/Andrew%252520Choice_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="161" align="left" height="244" /></a></p> <p>The second novel in my “Dr. Ray Raether South Carolina Travel Mystery” series is available for download as an e-book from Amazon’s Kindle site. Here’s the link for download. </p> <p><a title="http://goo.gl/o5tfmm" href="http://goo.gl/o5tfmm">http://goo.gl/o5tfmm</a></p> <p>You don’t need a Kindle to read “Death, Long Long Ago.” For other devices simply follow the instructions on the Amazon purchase page. Most anything with a screen and internet access will do. Even smartphones! </p> <p>This second novel in the series isn’t as long and, I hope, a better read. Experience; experience! Just over 300 pages. It’s written for adults, but the content is appropriate for younger readers as well. </p> <p>Ray Raether and his constant canine companion, Samantha, return to Iroquois State Park for a few days of camping in their Aliner RV just two months after their earlier visit. Only to become involved in yet another murder investigation. Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department Chief of Detectives, Salvatore Patrick Ryan, asks Ray to help him discover who murdered Steve Crane, then buried his body in the grave of Revolutionary War Patriot Hero Colonel Jedidiah Hathaway. </p> <p>For those you you who insist on hard copy, a paperback version should be available on Amazon in a couple of weeks. </p> <p><strong>Here’s the book blurb from the Kindle site:  </strong></p> <p>     “Earl! Monty! What do you think you’re playin’ at?” Iroquois State Park Assistant Manager Valerie Simpson shouted as she sprinted through the woods toward her two German shepherds. “Stop this instant! You’re actin’ like a couple of terriers.” But the usually obedient Earl and Monty continued their high-pitched yipping while digging frantically in soft sand beside an upended grave stone. Why wouldn’t they stop? <br />        Then in the early Sunday morning light she saw it. Earl and Monty had uncovered a death-gray human hand and forearm. Palm up, fingers slightly curved. Just a shade lighter than the surrounding sand. Dead for sure, Valerie thought as she apologized to her canine companions for shouting. “You knew I had to see it, didn’t you. Good boys.” The dogs stood stiff-legged back a ways from the grave now, tails straight down, looking back and forth from Valerie to the partially buried human hand. <br />        A grave desecration on Park land was a certain PR disaster. And this wasn’t just any grave. This was the burial site of Revolutionary War Patriot Hero, Colonel Jedidiah Hathaway. He’d been killed at the Battle of Moncks Corner in 1780. But he remained Iroquois County’s most celebrated citizen. <br />        That hand, though, wasn’t Colonel Jedidiah’s. It was far more recent. Covered with only a few inches freshly dug sandy soil. Somebody had buried a recently dead corpse out here right above the Colonel’s casket. <br />        Valerie choked down the bile burning her throat, pulled out her cell phone, and dialed the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Office, hoping she didn’t sound as frightened as she felt. This was a crime scene. Probably a murder scene. She needed law enforcement backup, and needed it fast. <br />        Dr. Ray Raether heard about the bizarre discovery early that afternoon when he and his constant canine companion, Samantha, checked in for five days of camping in their little Aliner RV. They’d visited this Park only a couple of months ago. This very site. After which Ray had published several blog posts about the county and town of Iroquois. The posts had been well received. This time he hoped to collect enough information for a series of longer articles. Well, and also hoped to enjoy a few more breakfasts and lunches at Sadie’s Restaurant in downtown Iroquois. Served by Marge, Sadie’s irreverent waitress of indeterminate age. <br />        Last trip he’d met Chief of Detectives, Salvatore Patrick Ryan, a retired New York City police detective now working for the Iroquois Sheriff’s Department. They had become friends, and Sal had invited Ray to help interview several difficult suspects in an unusual murder investigation. Ray’s long experience collecting and evaluating sensitive information had helped solve the case. Maybe Sal could use his help again. Last visit, working with Sal, Ray had met Iroquois citizens who never would have agreed to an individual interview. It might work again. Well worth the time. <br />        Ray’s hopes were realized. Discovery of the body at the Revolutionary War hero’s grave gave the investigation an unusual degree of sensitivity in history-conscious Iroquois County. As Ray helped Detective Sal Ryan untangle the web of ancient and recent secrets he met even more of Iroquois County’s colorful but reclusive residents. Always accompanied by Samantha, the 110-pound American Alsatian whose wolf-like yellow eyes seemed to see and understand everything.</p> Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-83291676058485519882014-10-05T19:17:00.001-04:002014-10-05T19:17:30.713-04:00Riverbanks Botanical Garden, Columbia, South Carolina<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mWGbl2oMHaQ/VDHReMZ7NYI/AAAAAAAANj8/fxcDrrNgxNY/s1600-h/20141001_1524184.jpg"><img title="20141001_152418" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20141001_152418" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zUH4aI-nRDI/VDHRiTCJt3I/AAAAAAAANkA/lNGlIxW7XbU/20141001_152418_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="92" /></a></p> <p>I recently had an errand that took me across the river to West Columbia. </p> <p>On the way back I stopped at the Botanical Gardens. These gardens are part of the Riverbanks Zoo complex. A zoo admission ticket also admits the visitor to the gardens. And vice versa. With the new pricing structure an annual pass is a better bargain. If you visit the zoo or gardens four or more times. </p> <p>Here’s a video of the visit. Enjoy. </p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ba02a504-b704-4066-8745-9aac0e5e104d" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="width: 385px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px"><div><object width="385" height="216"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XuDJyIFmvBY?hl=en&hd=1"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XuDJyIFmvBY?hl=en&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="385" height="216"></embed></object></div></div> <p><strong><a href="http://youtu.be/XuDJyIFmvBY" target="_blank">Should the video fail to play properly in your browser, click here to go directly to YouTube</a></strong>. </p> Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-23407858911245317452014-09-29T18:46:00.001-04:002014-09-29T18:54:06.355-04:00Return to Keowee-Toxaway State Park, South Carolina<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xNaZFjEFXS4/VCnhFnk8n0I/AAAAAAAANis/yveVcVBUEz4/s1600-h/11-Front-Sign9.jpg"><img title="11 Front Sign" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="11 Front Sign" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A2aMtIpIkqE/VCnhHJhtVpI/AAAAAAAANi0/CNnVqB6s8Zg/11-Front-Sign_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="174" /></a></p> <p>Problems with a twisted ankle have limited my camping trips for the past few months. I’ve had to stay pretty close to home, other than five days in one of Barnwell State Park’s luxurious cabins a few weeks ago. (<strong><a href="http://mobilestudiotravels.blogspot.com/2014/09/cabin-camping-at-barnwell-state-park.html" target="_blank">Click here to see the cabin if you missed that post</a>.)</strong></p> <p>Well, that couldn’t last. Especially during this beautiful South Carolina September weather. So last week I spent three days at <a href="http://southcarolinaparks.com/keoweetoxaway/introduction.aspx" target="_blank"><strong>Keowee-Toxaway State Park</strong></a><strong>.</strong> This is one of South Carolina’s most beautiful parks. An ideal place to RV camp. <a href="http://mobilestudiotravels.blogspot.com/2011/08/return-to-keowee-toxaway-state-park.html" target="_blank"><strong>Click here for posts on an August  2011 visit.</strong></a> </p> <p>The only disadvantage of this park for me is its distance from Columbia. It takes nearly three hours to get there. And much of that is spent driving along super-highways I-26 and I-385. It’s not until after Greenville the road becomes interesting. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qHgni5iPvF0/VCnhIRx6wwI/AAAAAAAANi8/Ha8cjON2Iao/s1600-h/Pet-Cow3.jpg"><img title="Pet Cow" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pet Cow" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OMVrRXQoO8Q/VCnhJNyr5jI/AAAAAAAANjE/dGHy1VYOe14/Pet-Cow_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Complaints about the lack of natural and social scenery along super <sub></sub><sub></sub><sub></sub>highways is nothing new here. But look at this! Right in the parking lot of that left-exit rest area on I-385 where I’d stopped to wash my hands. An enormous fiberglass Holstein cow atop a small green trailer. Turns out this is one of several dairy cow displays sponsored by the Pet Milk Company. You can imagine the crowd it attracted. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ONmjFdf82Aw/VCnhJ32FbuI/AAAAAAAANjM/px_pV8Ie4GU/s1600-h/20140925_1431272.jpg"><img title="20140925_143127" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140925_143127" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hy0mUJz8KVA/VCnhKbv_qkI/AAAAAAAANjU/y3K-IAgCX9I/20140925_143127_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="62" /></a></p> <p>Keowee-Toxaway really is spectacular. The Park’s 1,000 acres are divided by Highway 11. Also known as the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. That road alone is reason enough to visit. <strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Carolina_Highway_11" target="_blank">Click here for some information this scenic highway from Wikipedia.</a></strong> Save some time during your visit to drive up and down. Some of the views are breathtaking. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tab0OWsFZjE/VCnhLu7kWNI/AAAAAAAANjc/wqSPOZrTUIA/s1600-h/Trail3.jpg"><img title="Trail" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Trail" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xovIxV7vV7M/VCnhMGgSTuI/AAAAAAAANjk/Xch7L2PtRI4/Trail_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>In March 2009 I hiked Keowee-Toxaway’s Natural Bridge trail. <strong><a href="http://mobilestudiotravels.blogspot.com/2009/03/natural-bridge-trail-keowee-toxaway.html" target="_blank">Click here for the post</a></strong>. This trail is ideal for elder-hiking, as I recall. Rated moderate to strenuous by the Park Service. Well, that was a mistake. Not the trail’s fault. The offending ankle wasn’t quite ready for even moderate trail hiking. So I had to turn around just at the end of the section you see in the photo above. Didn’t get to see the improvements the Park folks have made a bit farther down. Next time, for sure!  </p> <p>But at Keowee-Toxaway even the RV campground is set in a beautiful natural area. Here’s a short video. Enjoy. </p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:d318edce-1800-4dc9-ba96-d35fa1998772" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="width: 397px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px"><div><object width="397" height="223"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0WgXuKfM6mg?hl=en&hd=1"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0WgXuKfM6mg?hl=en&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="397" height="223"></embed></object></div></div> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/0WgXuKfM6mg" target="_blank">If the above video fails to display properly in your browser, click here to go directly to YouTube</a>. </p> Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-18460826835113622502014-09-12T19:14:00.001-04:002014-09-12T19:17:47.623-04:00A Visit to Healing Springs in Blackville, SC<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9ReJKr9MWQE/VBN-Xi5d6MI/AAAAAAAANhc/790S40ZSwno/s1600-h/20140911_1207013.jpg"><sub></sub><img alt="20140911_120701" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Aa8XFWvg1k0/VBN-Ydn2rTI/AAAAAAAANhg/RWHRfPrmTn4/20140911_120701_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20140911_120701" width="244" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mvZSV_hy8hY/VBN-aRyWiFI/AAAAAAAANhs/rh9ik0x778Q/s1600-h/20140911_1222373.jpg"><sub></sub><sub></sub><img alt="20140911_122237" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YWJF11mzpRU/VBN-bYsCywI/AAAAAAAANh0/ZKLOYfc0GPY/20140911_122237_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20140911_122237" width="244" /></a><br />
Healing Springs north of Blackville, South Carolina, just east of Route 3, is a remarkable place. In several respects. Don’t know <sub></sub>about you, but this is the first piece of real estate I’ve come across that has been deeded to God. <br />
Second, Healing Springs offers its remarkably pure water to any and all free of charge. Just drive up with a few empty gallon jugs. I don’t know who maintains the site. But there wasn’t a shred of trash when I visited. And the parking lot was busy! Car after car. Good to see. <br />
Third, whoever’s responsible for the site has avoided the temptation to tart the place up. It remains simple and functional. Visitors have the sense they’re getting water from a spring in the woods. That’s nice. Well worth the visit. <br />
Here’s a short video introduction. Enjoy. <br />
<br />
<div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:108e8b1f-1869-4e91-95be-8e7e2b2b6e06" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 391px;">
<div>
<object height="219" width="391"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xbOCYuYOtDY?hl=en&hd=1"></param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xbOCYuYOtDY?hl=en&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="391" height="219"></embed></object></div>
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/xbOCYuYOtDY" target="_blank">Should your browser fail to play the video, click here to go directly to YouTube.</a>Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061406433586039545.post-79776783873076088572014-09-09T18:57:00.001-04:002014-09-12T19:18:56.887-04:00Cabin "Camping" at Barnwell State Park South Carolina<div dir="ltr">
Barnwell State Park, SC, Cabin No. 4</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:1f16fbf9-f1b0-4f4e-8e63-489b4dbbf3c9" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 385px;">
<div>
<object height="216" width="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mhXq2uGNphY?hl=en&hd=1"></param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mhXq2uGNphY?hl=en&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="385" height="216"></embed></object></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/mhXq2uGNphY">http://youtu.be/mhXq2uGNphY</a> <br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Efforts to repair a twisted ankle have kept me close to home and local medical folks for the past few weeks. No camping! (No blog posts either. Sorry about that.) </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
Well, how long can that go on before camping - - even easy RV camping - - is one of those activities with only a past? Something had to be done. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
The solution was cabin "camping." That is, renting one of the Park System's fancy cabins rather than bringing along the Aliner. Lots easier on the ankle. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Barnwell State Park has some of the nicest cabins in the system, so I made a reservation. A new experience!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
I've included a short video describing the cabin. Hope it posts properly. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
All going well. The cabin has everything needed to sustain life other than food and toiletries. Even filters for the coffee maker! And it is spic and span, or was when I arrived anyway. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Great place to slog through manuscript copy editing. I'm nearly done with the second book in the South Carolina RV Travel Mystery series. This one, "Death Long Long Ago," is shorter and hopefully better than the first. Stay tuned. <br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="http://youtu.be/mhXq2uGNphY">Click for video </a> </div>
Robert Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11854150546452056353noreply@blogger.com0Blackville, United States33.3424727 -81.2783664