A collection of photography and exploration focusing on Upstate South Carolina and beyond.
Way back in 2013 I wrote a post about a paddling trip to the ghost town of Ferguson in Lake Marion. That post went viral, and is one of the most visited posts on this site. That article is listed in footnotes of several Wikipedia articles about the area. It’s even listed in the Congressional … Read More “Heading Back to Ferguson in 2026” »
Just off of Old Easley Bridge Road sits a lovely old house, somewhat out of character for the surrounding mid-century ranch homes. The home has been beautifully restored and now operates as the Tanglewood Inn. Behind the nicely appointed suites, the exquisite antiques, and comfortable common areas, though, lies a tale of tragedy. The history … Read More “Tangled Up in Odd Fellows” »
This is a hard post to write. A 40+ year tradition has come to an end. The Pickens County Flea Market Musicians Circle is no more. I got this news as I was in a plane on the taxiway, just having arrived in Seattle. I’ve been dealing with it for the entire time we were … Read More “Requiem for a Flea Market Musicians Circle” »
(And I’m using “diva” in the best possible sense.) Last Wednesday I pulled up to the Pickens County Flea Market to find a large sprinter van parked in my usual spot. I was a bit perturbed, but pulled around to the other side of the shed and started setting up my gear for the morning’s … Read More “The Diva at the Pickens Flea Market” »
It’s one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it communities. There are signs for Jalapa on I-26, but unless you know where it is you’ll drive right through and never know you’ve been there. I’ve known about Jalapa for most of my life. My family has a long history both in Newberry and in Laurens, so we’ve passed through … Read More “Seeking Jalapa” »
With all of the craziness that’s been going on the last few weeks I hadn’t had a chance to take one of my boats out or join any of the regularly monthly trips. Yeah, I was kayaking in a cave in Belize last week, but you can never get enough time on the water. This … Read More “Edisto River – Long Creek Landing to Martin’s Landing” »