A collection of photography and exploration focusing on Upstate South Carolina and beyond.
Laura’s birthday was about a week ago. We’re both of an age where we no longer want “stuff” for our birthdays, but would prefer the gift of experiences. When I saw that Josh Gates was going to be in North Charleston I figured that tickets for the show would be the perfect gift. We decided … Read More “A Lowcountry Weekend Getaway and an Evening with Josh Gates” »
There’s something about bridges, particularly old ones, that lend themselves to tales of ghosts and hauntings. These structures are ripe for tragedy, crossing potentially hazardous places such as waterways or chasms. Here in Upstate South Carolina alone there are many stories about haunted bridges such as Poinsett Bridge in Greenville County, Booger Jim Bridge in … Read More “The Haunting of Farr’s Bridge” »
It was a second Saturday, which meant that I had lots of options for kayaking. Traditionally my Lowcountry Unfiltered friends would be doing a trip, but that fell through this time. The Bamberg group was doing their paddle on the Edisto, and the Edisto Blackwater Boogie was in full swing. However, when I saw that … Read More “Exploring Stumpy Pond with Catawba Riverkeepers” »
No, I haven’t abandoned this site. I’ve just been going through a bit of a dry spell. I’ve been doing some cool things and taking photographs, but for whatever reason have lacked the inspiration or motivation to write. We’re back in South Carolina after a summer in Washington but things have not exactly been normal … Read More “An Autumnal Equinox Update” »
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” »