Random Connections – Page 56 – A collection of photography and exploration focusing on Upstate South Carolina and beyond.

Exploring Barnwell County – Part 1, Blackville

February 10, 2016 Tom 2 Comments

Alan wanted to go exploring again. It had only been a couple of weeks since our exploration of LA (Lower Anderson), but we wanted to take advantage of the winter exploration season, when leaves are off the trees so we can see stuff tucked back off the road. Our trek would not only take us through Barnwell County, but down through Allendale and up through the Savannah River Plant. Of course there would be old churches, cemeteries, ghost towns, and a few surprises along the way.

Cancer Survivors Park – New Boardwalk

February 9, 2016 Tom 2 Comments

Local, Photography

Friday morning was a beautiful day, and I was ready to get out and explore. I had an extensive trip planned for Saturday, so I decided to stick to something local. I had spotted that a new boardwalk had opened at the Cancer Survivors Park on the banks of the Reedy River, so I decided to check it out.

Journey to Mount Zion – Part 3

February 1, 2016 Tom No Comments

History and Genealogy, Photography, Rambling

Earlier this morning we had been granted access to the Mount Zion Institute, a historic school in Winnsboro now threatened with demolition. Sabi Cathcart and Pelham Lyles had been gracious enough to let Bennie Brawley, my sister Glynda, and I into the historic building. Our tour of the school had ended, but it was still early. We had time for more exploration.

Journey to Mount Zion – Part 2

February 1, 2016February 1, 2016 Tom 2 Comments

History and Genealogy, Photography, Rambling

Yesterday I had made a trek down to Winnsboro to donate a crate of Shivar Springs bottles to the Fairfield County Museum. I had a great visit and made some new friends. Sadly, I hadn’t been able to get inside the old Mount Zion Institute. My fellow photographers were not able to join us yesterday, so it was rescheduled for today. I decided that this is a one-shot chance, so I decided to make a second trip down to Fairfield County.

Journey to Mount Zion – Part 1

January 30, 2016 Tom 4 Comments

History and Genealogy, Photography

Mount Zion Institute – the old school is an imposing edifice just off of the main street of Winnsboro, South Carolina. I had visited the old school several times over the past few years, most recently a year ago on our 2015 MLK Weekend Ramble. Over the past two days I’ve been granted rare access to interior of the building and was able to photograph it extensively. I’ve also made some wonderful new friends in Winnsboro and at the Fairfield County Museum.

The Blizzard of 2016 (sort of)

January 30, 2016January 30, 2016 Tom 1 Comment

Local, Photography, Rambling

NOTE: I’m still catching up. All of the snow is now melted and gone, and this weekend is in stark contrast to last weekend.

I actually love snow days. There is an entire ritual of activities, soup, and pursuit of warmth that combine to make our rare winter weather a treat. Even though I no longer work for the schools and snow days have long since lost the same meaning, I still get excited when I see the first sign of flakes. This past week’s blizzard (or what passes for one in these parts) did not disappoint.

Exploring LA (aka Lower Anderson)

January 27, 2016 Tom No Comments

Photography, Rambling

NOTE: One again I’m trying to play catch-up on blogging. This post is about a week+ behind the times.

MLK Weekend has gotten to be one of my traditional exploration weekends. One of my partners in crime is usually available either that Saturday or the following Monday. It’s a great chance to take advantage of winter exploration conditions. With leaves off the trees hidden features often reveal themselves.

This particular MLK Weekend Alan had a list of sites he wanted to explore. Even though he and I had biked part of the Palmetto Trail through Newberry County just last Saturday, I was up for more adventure. His list included locations in LA, or, as Lower Anderson, as it is known in our part of the world.

Defying Gravity

January 12, 2016January 12, 2016 Tom No Comments

Entertainment

Anna has been trying to get me to go trampolining with her and Ethan. This morning I didn’t have any pressing duties or appointments, so I decided to go. We spent a fun hour with an intense workout at Gravitopia. Gravitopia is located off of Butler Road, near the dreaded part of Woodruff Road that … Read More “Defying Gravity” »

Lotto Fever

January 12, 2016 Tom No Comments

Miscellaneous

B&W Lotto Ticket — Not a winning ticket nor a valid ticket

Yeah, I bought a Powerball ticket. With the jackpot reaching an unthinkable amount, why not dream a bit? After all, they say that if you don’t play you can’t win. If I can spent money on a Star Wars ticket, then this is a reasonable price for just as absurd a dream.

Biking from Peak to Pomaria with Lowcountry Unfiltered

January 11, 2016January 11, 2016 Tom 1 Comment

Photography, Rambling

The first Second Saturday of the new year means a new year of adventure for Lowcountry Unfiltered. In winter months we usually do a hike of some type. Last January our group took a hike to the top of Table Rock. This year we decided on a bike ride along a portion of the Palmetto Trail.

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