A collection of photography and exploration focusing on Upstate South Carolina and beyond.
Yesterday we celebrated the Fourth of July on Samish Island with their annual parade. It was the first time the parade was held in its regular location in several years due to COVID, and there certainly was an air of celebration. We parked at the McDaniel’s cabin and had a short walk to perfect viewing … Read More “To Anacreon, on Samish Island” »
This blog post has been an amazing journey and has taken several weeks to complete. It has involved lots of people and diving down lots of research rabbit holes. I was able to piece together some answers, but I still have lots of questions. Since this is going to be a multi-page post I thought … Read More “Wilkinsville and a Mystery Church” »
Yesterday the Greenville Chorale celebrated the conclusion of its 60th concert season and its director, Dr. Bing Vick celebrated 40 years as conductor of the group. It was a stirring concert at First Baptist in Greenville with a varied repertoire played to a capacity crowd. It was also bittersweet for me. This was my last … Read More “A Farewell to the Greenville Chorale” »
I have been in serious need of hydrotherapy. More importantly, I was desperate to join up with my friends from Lowcountry Unfiltered and engage in some camaraderie and mischief. Jim Leavell expressed interested in doing another stretch of the Edisto, so I talked Matt into doing a bit that we had yet to explore. It … Read More “Edisto River from Good Hope to Sullivan’s Landing” »
One of my goals for 2022 was to paddle at least 10 new venues. Between weather, family obligations, and other conflicts I just hadn’t been able to to get started on that goal. Lake Monticello is fairly close and I’ve explored the general vicinity many times, but I had yet to explore its waters. With … Read More “Paddling Lake Monticello” »
I love ghost towns. I love seeing a place and imagining what must have been there, the lives lived, and activity of commerce that must have taken place. But even living cities have their ghosts. Some of these are obvious – abandoned buildings, forgotten cemeteries, old rail beds, and stairs that seemingly lead nowhere. Some … Read More “The Remnants of the City” »
As mentioned in my last post, I’ve played in a lot of different jam sessions over the past few years, in different genres and different settings. I’ve gotten a feel for what works and what doesn’t. I keep fantasizing about starting my own sessions, but that’s not going to happen. Regardless, I thought it might … Read More “How to Have a Successful Jam Session” »
I’ve been playing in lots of music venues lately. My standard two have been the Pickens Flea Market and Gramling Opry House. I finally got around to visiting the Oolenoy Bluegrass Jam, both on New Year’s Day and on their regular Friday night session. Table Rock has also started back up with their bluegrass sessions. … Read More “Local Music Session Round-Up” »
This past week we received word that Tony Arrington passed away on Sunday. He had been in declining health for the past several years and dementia had robbed him of his once great intellect. Tony was 82. Tony was one of Laura’s colleagues in the Chemistry Department at Furman University. He was also an alumnus … Read More “Remembering Tony” »
I felt like I had been cooped up for far too long. Two weekends in a row I never left the house and I was starting to get cabin fever. I posted the following on Facebook: I think today I’m going to toss a banjo, camera, and metal detector in the car and just see … Read More “W. L. England’s Wholesale Groceries” »