Palmetto Islands County Park

I am loving these early morning walks.  A couple of places that I would like to go don't open until 9:00 am and I like to go out earlier than that.  Maybe I will be a bit later for the next outing.

Palmetto Park is also in Mount Pleasant.  We first visited years and years ago before we moved here so it was probably something like 1999 when my grandsons were little guys - and they are all grown up now.  This is a really big park for being in the city and we only visited a portion of it.  Admission is $2 per adult.  Not sure about kids.  Dogs are welcome on leash and there is also a dog park!  So, come with me as we re-explore an old favorite!

This is one of the kayak launch docks.

I was surprised there was no one fishing but it was a Monday - back to work!

Group party/picnic area

You have got to love this great swing for viewing the wildlife and just relaxing.

Another launch area.

There are little paths and walkways everywhere.

Boardwalks

There is a large observation tower for those with strong legs!

The views from the tower are fabulous.

My exploring partners!

Shem Creek Park

The next place we visited was Shem Creek Park in Mount Pleasant.  It is a fairly new park and I though I had died and gone to heaven the first time I visited.  Walking on a boardwalk with the marshlands all around me, shrimp boats, fishing boats, water everywhere and quaint restaurants.  I took way too many pictures but you will get to see what I am talking about.  Here we go!

There are a few ways to access the park and I chose the main entrance.

Up close and personal with the shrimp boats!

Looking across Shem Creek to a couple of shrimp boats.

Vickery's is a very popular restaurant right on the creek.

This is Red's, which is my favorite place on the creek when I want to people watch, have a cold beer or a glass of wine and a nice southern meal.

This is Lacey, my grand-dog who was so good about letting me take pictures.

I have taken pretty much this same picture more than once because I love seeing the Arthur Ravenel Bridge in the distance.

There is just this one small hammock in the park where you can spend a bit of time in the shade on a hot and sunny day.

Never give up.  Never let anything stop you from enjoying the things that bring you pleasure.

Back in the Lowcountry

I have been gone from the Lowcountry for so, so long.  I am back for a visit with my family and have had fun revisiting some of my most favorite places.  Please come along with me as I take you on a tour!

My first visit was to Pitt Street Park in Mount Pleasant which is just across the bridge from Charleston.  Pitt Street used to lead to a pontoon bridge that spanned the Intra-coastal Waterway to reach Sullivan's Island.  Today the bridge has been replaced by the Ben Sawyer Bridge and the old bridge area turned into a lovely little park.  I took my grand-dog, Lacey, a yellow lab and set out early in the morning.

As we were leaving I realized that most people who visit Charleston never find their way to the Old Village in Mount Pleasant.  It is so full of charm - I took this picture quickly out the windshield as I headed home.  I hope you enjoyed your visit with me!

I was there five years ago and your can see that posting by clicking HERE.

Pete the Pelican

Please meet Pete, who greets everyone who is entering the Shem Creek Park Boardwalk.  This wonderful new park is in Mount Pleasant, just across the bridge from Charleston. Isn't he fascinating?

"From the tires at the base of the sculpture, to his bottle-capped beak, Pete the Pelican is covered by marine trash to raise awareness of the ever-growing problem of marine debris and how it affects local waterways and sea life.

Pete provides a glimpse of the trash that pervades coastal waterways. Trash that gets into the ocean eventually ends up ashore or trapped in ocean currents in a huge whirlpool created by converging currents.

These current convergences, or gyres, are places where garbage and wildlife both gather. Mixed with the seaweed are fragments of plastic which can entangle and hurt wildlife. When the plastic degrades and becomes brittle, it breaks down into smaller particles that are ingested by wildlife.

Did you know that according to the Ocean Conservancy, the top six items listed on the International Coastal Cleanup’s 2011 Marine Debris report include cigarettes, plastic beverage bottles, plastic bags, caps, food wrappers and plastic dinnerware?"

Read more by clicking HERE.

Givhans Ferry State Park

This gorgeous park, located in Ridgeville, SC, overlooks the Edisto River.

"A natural retreat in the Lowcountry woods, Givhans Ferry State Park sits at the end of the 21-mile long stretch of Edisto River kayaking paradise known as the Edisto River kayak and canoe trail that begins at Colleton State Park.

The Edisto is the longest free-flowing, blackwater river in North America, and glimpses of it can be seen from the bluffs outside the rustic, Givhans Ferry State Park cabins, as well as from the back porch of Riverfront Hall, a group gathering facility. A shaded campground, nature trail and picnic shelters are also available at the park.

Enjoy Edisto River kayaking and canoeing, trails, fishing and more at Givhans Ferry State Park. Cabins and campsites are available–reserve yours today!"

Palmetto Isles Park

This was taken at the Palmetto Isles Park in Mount Pleasant - a park that is hidden behind a housing development.  It is such a surprise to find views like this one there!  It is a wonderful park!

Caw Caw County Park Rice Fields

Caw Caw County Park is mostly about the old rice fields and the slaves who worked the fields - a quarter acre at a time.  I really can't imagine working in those conditions.  The heat, the sun, the rain and mostly - the bugs!

And, OK, I said in the last post that it was shady the whole time and I lied.  But it mostly is.  This area is just a short un-sheltered walk.