Good for the Soul

If you’re looking for a place to go out into our great outdoors to refresh, unwind, or just be, I found it!

A day trip to Jones Gap State Park was just what the Dr. ordered.  With a PB&J, my trusty Nikon, and some water stowed in my backpack I was off on a solo hike to Rainbow Falls.

Though the hike is only about 4 miles round trip, it will get you sweating and your heart pumping with a total accent of 1,171 feet.  Your treat is waiting for you at the end of your climb with a gorgeous 100 foot free-falling waterfall, spraying mist and roaring onto the rocks below.  Apparently, when the sun is out and hits the falls just right, the mist creates a beautiful rainbow effect, hence the name.

The falls, however, are not the only treat on the trail.  Most of the hike is along the Saluda river or other streams leading to it, so the lovely sound of flowing water is never far away.  There are also many rock formations, moss, ferns, flowers, and an endless canopy of green to enjoy as you traverse the trail.  When you’re ready for a break, the rocks in the Saluda River are a great place to rest your bones, eat a PB&J, and take it all in.

This is definitely what I call soul food!

Beautiful Beaufort…Pronounced “Byoofert”

So of course we had to take a trip to town when we went coastal last weekend!  And what a great idea that was (you’re welcome)!  The scenic waterfront, quaint downtown, and charming historic homes of Beaufort begged us to wind our way on foot through her streets and linger awhile.  And really, with all the lovely porch swings along the river, the welcoming outdoor dining and the swaying of Spanish Moss in the trees, how could one not laze around and have their breath taken away.  The slow pace, soft breeze, and sea air is truly mesmerizing.

We stopped at Common Ground Coffee for an energy boost and off we went strolling through neighborhoods where the Big Chill and Forces of Nature were filmed and where three hundred year old churches stood watching over us all.  We were wrapped up by this welcoming little city and could not get enough.

Having spent a good bit of time in Charleston and a weekend in Savannah, I have found that I enjoy the coastal south immencely.  Add Beaufort in the mix and I am certain that this is where I will end up one day!  So take a look.  I hope this inspires a visit!   Also, click on the following link to see a video montage of local sights.  http://vimeo.com/user9151733/beaufortsc

All I can say is that there’s a sweetness here, a Southern sweetness, that makes sweet music. . . . If I had to tell somebody who had never been to the South, who had never heard of soul music, what it was, I’d just have to tell him that it’s music from the heart, from the pulse, from the innermost feeling. That’s my soul; that’s how I sing. And that’s the South.”
— Al Green

Hunting Island

South Carolina has so many beautiful state parks to visit.  Each have their own special views and features.  Rivers, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, mountains…these parks have it all. I can go back time and again and never fail to be awestruck!

Last weekend I made my first trip to Hunting Island which is outside of Beaufort.  Though I went solo and wished I had someone to share it with (hint, hint) I savored every view, sound, and smell.  This place is incredible!  It is full of all sorts of wildlife, semi-tropical plants and fauna and a most amazing coastline.  The north end of the island is strewn with tangled trees that have fallen due to heavy erosion since 1980.  It’s beautiful but sad to know that the islands size is expected to shrink by 10% over the next 40 years.

The island is also home to a beautiful lighthouse which is the only one of many lighthouses in South Carolina that is open to the public.  In 1889, the lighthouse was moved to its current home after erosion forced this sentry of the sea to be dismantled and relocated.  If you climb the stairs to the top you will find a scope with a tiny silhouette pointing out to where the lighthouse once stood and you will also get a most spectacular view of the maritime forest and the coastline.

I know there is so much more of this island to explore including its winding estuaries and trails.  I so look forward to my next visit but this time I want company!  There is just too much beauty for my eyes only people!

Two side notes:

1:  Wear all mosquito armour you have, especially in the summer from what I hear.

2:  This island was used as the backdrop for the Vietnam scenes in Forrest Gump!

Through the country

Each day I drive to and from work through the country. 

I love this! 

Barring a rogue coyote or deer running into my path (and this has happened), it is a peaceful way to start and end the day.  Though I travel the same path ten times a week, the scenery shifts its appearance with the changing light, weather, and seasons and gives me a whole new view to marvel at!