When away from the porch, I still seek out beautiful and serene views. This one, from Devils Fork State Park in South Carolina, was my destination recently when vacationing with a friend. Retirement allows for vacations at odd times, if you choose someone retired to vacation with. Not being hampered by school or work schedules allows freedom to go without the pressure of having to accomplish a certain amount within the limited time.
For this trip, we chose the corner of South Carolina that nestles between Georgia and North Carolina, and includes the southern tip of the Appalachian mountains. Surrounded by lakes created from damming rivers headed to the Atlantic Ocean, it is a beautiful spot. A highlight was eating at Chattooga Belle Farm in Long Creek, SC. They had ripening persimmons as large as oranges in the orchard, delicious locally sourced food, and an outstanding view of the mountains in the distance.
It was one of those trips down memory lane for my friend, so she had many stories to tell of her life as a young adult in the area. We took a look at Clemson University, luckily no football game going on at the time. Cutting through the countryside using GPS, we stumbled across a village of tiny-small homes, clearly a planned community, very neat and colorful. We found out it is called The Pier and is rental property for Clemson students, a whole neighborhood that includes pool, walking trails and views of lake Hartwell.
I have to echo those to advise to do the travels you most want to do as soon as possible so you won’t find out later that you aren’t physically get to where you want to go. Weekly exercise classes have improved my ability to walk on even ground, but hikes are daunting. How I would love to have walked to the start of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain. But did not try it this time. I have pictures where I have walked a few steps on the trail, but I doubt I will ever hike it. Choosing the next vacation always carries with it the consideration of how strenuous it will be. Oh for young knees, again!
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