Into the Swamp!

We took a few days to drive over to an area near Charleston.  Our plan was to explore more of the swamps in that area.  Unbeknownst to me - South Carolina is a treasure trove of black water swamps!  This time we visited Cypress Gardens and The Frances Beidler Forest.  Both of these were wonderfully peaceful places with huge Cypress trees and dark, dark water, which has the color of a strong cup of tea.

I learned that the Cypress tree is related to the Redwood tree - and from the size of some of these I could well believe it.  No way you could drive through one of these however as they are surrounded by water.

This is a happy sight of spring, in these quiet, deep forests.

The Cypress knees fascinate me -- they have such shapes as to look like a person standing or a whole family, perhaps having a deep discussion.  This one made me think of an animal (perhaps otter shaped) which was nuzzling its babies into place.  Can you see it?

The water is filled with tannin and is very, very clean because the tannin removes any bacteria.  Not that I would be dipping my hand in this water - there are snakes and alligators that may not appreciate my attention.

There were shapes and textures everywhere.  These Cypress swamps are exotic and mysterious places.  I am definitely a 'visitor' enjoying the magic.  I send a special thanks to those people who are dedicated to preserving these treasures.

"The goal of life is living in agreement with nature." - Zeno

Goodbye Summer

Summer days – discovering a hidden waterfall by traveling up a ribbon of long and winding pavement. There was Shunkenwauken Falls, right along the road. The water pouring over the rocks making a warm summer day seem cool and tranquil.


Summer days - A multitude of frogs living in a small pond outside my studio window. My in-house biologist/ecologist contributed this picture of resident “Big Bubba”. DH has the knack of walking right up on the frogs whereas when I approach all I get are plop, plop, plop as they jump back in to the water.

And so I bid goodbye to summer by walking behind the waterfall at Bridal Veil Falls. There is nothing more welcome than a waterfall on a summer day.

Goodbye sweet summer and welcome fall!

"The summer song sings itself." - William Carlos Williams