A couple of weeks ago Houston celebrated his 60th birthday. We wanted to hold a surprise birthday party for him, and he provided us the perfect opportunity this weekend. Houston suggested that he come up to visit, and we could head out for one of our photo treks. What he didn’t realize was that while we were out taking photos, a party would be gathering at our house.
We spent the week preparing, which included inviting guests, sending out maps, and cooking about eight gallons of chili. On Saturday Houston arrived with Lynda and a friend from work, Jeannie. I wasn’t able to warn Jeannie ahead of time, so she was just about as surprised as he was.
As with most of these treks, we have a general target, but we can be easily sidetracked. We stopped at Furman a bit first to take pictures of the Place of Peace.
Next stop was a bit off of Highway 25, just before the community of Lima. On Trammel Road there are the remains of an old mill. I have no idea what mill it is, or what they made there, but it’s an interesting place to stop.
We continued up Old Highway 25, then turned toward Poinsett Bridge. Had to stop there for a bit and take a few more shots, even though I had just been there a week or so ago.
Our next target was the town of Saluda. Along the way we had to pass through the Greenville Watershed. The rocks along the road had tremendous icicles hanging from every ledge. We ignored the signs that said “No Stopping” and stopped anyway for a couple of shots.
Lunch was in Saluda, and we wandered around the streets a bit.
By this time it was starting to rain, and our guests were gathering. Houston kept making suggestions for other places we could stop, but I declined, blaming it on the rain. When we got back to the house the yard was full of extra cars. I explained to Houston that our neighbor threw large parties and sometimes parked on our lawn. He bought it right up until when he saw the balloons on our door. I think it was a successful surprise. We had a great party from then on out.
Excellent!
I really do have to get up to Poinsett Bridge sometime. Never been. My trip today was over Greenville, hitting NW of Downtown and down in Cleveland Park, Reedy Falls, and the West End. A friend was with me, so we hit some old and some new places. Parker High sure looks sad right now. Windows are all boarded up.
You are kind to the elderly – thanks brother. I think Jeannie has almost recovered from the immersion into a Taylor get together.