Palmetto Islands County Park

I am loving these early morning walks.  A couple of places that I would like to go don't open until 9:00 am and I like to go out earlier than that.  Maybe I will be a bit later for the next outing.

Palmetto Park is also in Mount Pleasant.  We first visited years and years ago before we moved here so it was probably something like 1999 when my grandsons were little guys - and they are all grown up now.  This is a really big park for being in the city and we only visited a portion of it.  Admission is $2 per adult.  Not sure about kids.  Dogs are welcome on leash and there is also a dog park!  So, come with me as we re-explore an old favorite!

This is one of the kayak launch docks.

I was surprised there was no one fishing but it was a Monday - back to work!

Group party/picnic area

You have got to love this great swing for viewing the wildlife and just relaxing.

Another launch area.

There are little paths and walkways everywhere.

Boardwalks

There is a large observation tower for those with strong legs!

The views from the tower are fabulous.

My exploring partners!

Francis Marion National Forest

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

Angel Oak II

This is another view of the Angel Oak Tree.  This gives a better perspective of the size.

Angel Oak

The Angel Oak Tree is located in Angel Oak Park, on Johns Island near Charleston, SC.  The Angel  Oak Tree is estimated to be in excess of 1500 years old, stands 66.5 ft  (20 m) tall, measures 28 ft (8.5 m) in circumference, and produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet (1,600 m2). From tip to tip  Its longest branch distance is 187 ft. 

The Angel Oak Tree is thought to  be one of the oldest living things in the country.

Pink House - Pink Flowers

Charleston has more than it's share of colorful homes.  The pink ones are my favorite.  And I love the Crepe Myrtle blooming right next door!

Givhans Ferry State Park

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

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

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

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

Pecan Trees

I have to wonder how old these magnificent pecan trees are.

Mimosas

I don't seem to ever notice mimosa trees until they bloom and then - wow!  They are magnificent! I am seeing them everywhere now!

Early Morning Light

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

Can't See the Forest

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

Backcountry in the Lowcountry

Loquat Tree

This loquat tree looks like the fruit will be for the birds this year.  But it will be a real treat for them!  I found this tree loaded with fruit in the downtown area of Charleston.

Charles Towne Landing

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site sits on a marshy point, located off of the Ashley River, where a group of English settlers landed in 1670 and established what would become the birthplace of the Carolinas colony. Guests can step onboard and tour the Adventure, Charleston's only 17th-century replica sailing ship, see cannons fired, or take a peek at otters, bears, bison and more at the Animal Forest natural habitat zoo. The grounds also include 80 acres of gardens, with an elegant live oak alley and the Legare-Waring House which is one of Charleston’s favorite sites for weddings and other special gatherings.

That little write-up was taken from the State Park Site. Click here for more information.

Kirby, Jake and I visited yesterday and remembered how much we love the place.  At $7.50 a person or $3.75 for Seniors like us, it is a bargain.  And, not only that, but dogs on leash are welcome so Jake loves the place also.  The trees have not all filled out but it was still a beautiful day. I think this place has the most beautiful display of majestic oak trees of any I have ever seen.

Because we had Jake with us we weren't able to visit the animal park but we have seen it before and it really is quite nice - and included in the price.

Parking Lot - Southern Style

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

Spanish Moss

I couldn't decide which picture I liked the best so you get 4 of my favorite Spanish Moss pictures.

The picture above is one of my all time favorites.  I call it a Spanish Moss Tree!  Actually it is a Crepe Myrtle tree in the winter covered with Spanish moss!  All of these pictures are much better if you click on them and enlarge them.

Above - I called that on 'Dripping Moss'.  I love the way it drips right into the water.

The shadows of this one make it very interesting.

Do you see the gentle lady in the background, framed by the moss?  I will have a picture of her next.

Interesting information on Spanish Moss - Spanish-moss, also called Florida moss, long moss, or graybeard, is not a true moss. It is an epiphytic plant, which grows on another plant, but does not rely on the host plant for nutrients; epiphytes make their own food. While the plant is not parasitic, it can sometimes damage the host tree by over-shading the leaves, thus reducing photosynthesis, or by weighing down and breaking the branches.

The plants have very tiny seeds that are dispersed by wind and birds. Birds may also carry off small fragments that easily reproduce new plants.

Spanish-moss was harvested for years as a stuffing material in automobile seats, furniture, and mattresses. The moss-stuffed mattresses were said to be cooler and more comfortable due to the natural insulating properties of the plant. This was especially important in pre-air-conditioning days. Moss pickers were hired and used long poles to pull the stringy masses off the trees. The plants were then dried and cured before being used.
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Pink and Moss

I could not get enough of this tree on our recent trip to Middleton Place.  Just look at it!  Magnificent pink blooms, no leaves and dripping with Spanish moss.  Stark beauty!  Someone please tell me what the tree is!!