Welcome to #3 in my series of flashbacks to memorable days from our RV trips.
Flashback to twelve years ago, on August 15, 2007. After a three month RV trip from Georgia to the west coast, we weren’t ready to sit still yet. With 100 degree heat at home, we decided to escape to Mountain Rest, South Carolina to beat the heat. Our campsite was at Oconee State Park in the South Carolina Upcountry about 30 minutes from the Georgia state line in one direction and the North Carolina state line in another direction.
August 15 was our first full day camping at the park. We started the day by wandering around the state park.
Lake in Oconee State Park, SCOconee State Park, SCWater Wheel at Oconee State Park, SC
We took a scenic drive to nearby Issaqueena Falls and the Stumphouse Tunnel.
The falls are named after Issaqueena, an Indian Maiden who fell in love with David Francis, a silversmith who lived in what is now the town of Ninety Six, South Carolina. After she learned that her tribe planned a surprise attack on the settlement, Issaqueena warned the settlers there. Angry at her for warning the settlers, her tribe tracked her down. To escape, she jumped over the falls and hid on a ledge behind the water. The warriors thought she was dead and gave up the search.
Issaqueena FallsIssaqueena Falls
The Stumphouse Tunnel also has an interesting story. The railroad wanted to connect Charleston, SC with the midwest so they began building the tunnel in 1852. The tunnel goes about 1600 feet into the mountain but was never finished.
The Stumphouse Tunnell was never finished
At the Walhalla Fish Hatchery we saw thousands of trout of all different sizes.
Walhalla Fish Hatchery, SCWalhalla Fish Hatchery, SC
We camped at Oconee State Park a few more days and continued to explore the area not only in South Carolina but also in North Carolina and Georgia. We discovered scenic drives, more waterfalls, good restaurants, and mountain trails.
Wandering Dawgs at Issaqueena Falls, SC, August 15, 2007
Welcome to the next post in my series highlighting states we have visited throughout the years. I hope you will enjoy coming along for the ride!
I will be featuring the states alphabetically. We have never been to Rhode Island so the next state in my series is
South Carolina
South Carolina became the 8th state on May 23, 1788. The capital is Columbia.
For most of my life I have lived about 30 minutes from the Georgia/South Carolina state line. We’ve crossed the Talmadge bridge from Savannah into South Carolina many times to travel the beautiful lowcountry roads for day trips to Hilton Head, Bluffton or Beaufort. We’ve also enjoyed many boat rides in the waters around Daufuskie Island and Hilton Head Island.
Haig Point Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island
Harbor Town Lighthouse, Hilton Head
Before we started our RV travels we made a couple of weekend trips to Charleston. When we weren’t browsing the booths at City Market or enjoying one of the many great restaurants we wandered the streets admiring the antebellum homes with their beautiful gardens. Our walks would usually end up at the Battery where we strolled along the promenade by the seawall and explored the waterfront park.
Rainbow Row in CharlestonCharleston BatteryPineapple Fountain in Charleston’s Waterfront Park, The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality.Charleston Battery
Henry and I have fond memories of the days we took our children tent camping in Hunting Island State Park so we planned a trip there in our fifth wheel. The Hunting Island Lighthouse is located in the park and the beach is just a short walk from the campground.
The Hunting Island, SC Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in South Carolina which is open to the public
The Beach at Hunting Island State Park Campground, SC
A narrow paved road winds through the campground at Hunting Island State Park, SC
One year the mountains of the South Carolina Upcountry were a great place for a getaway from the August heat of coastal Georgia. Our home for a few days was Oconee State Park, located about 30 minutes from the Georgia state line in one direction and the North Carolina state line in another direction. Scenic drives near the campground took us to waterfalls, unfinished tunnels and swimming holes.
Lake at Oconee State Park
Old mill at Oconee State Park
Issaqueena Falls
Blondie wanted to swim at Bull Sluice
Bull Sluice on the Georgia/South Carolina line is a popular swimming hole
Whitewater Falls
The Stumphouse Tunnell was never finished
Columbia is the capital of South Carolina and the home of the University of South Carolina. We’ve been there for concerts, football games, and to see our grandson play in a soccer tournament. On RV trips it is sometimes a convenient place to spend the night when traveling to another destination.
Georgia fans in red and South Carolina fans in garnet at Williams-Bryce Stadium
On one of our RV trips we enjoyed stopping at Little Cedar Creek Campground. The park is a nice county park in Ridgeway, South Carolina and we had a great meal at the Old Town Hall Restaurant.
Old Town Hall in Ridgeway, South Carolina
Lake Wateree State Park was another enjoyable place to spend a couple of nights. The park is a popular destination for families and boaters.
Lake Wateree
Along the edges of Lake Wateree behind our campsite
And how could we resist stopping at South of the Border on Interstate 95 just south of the North Carolina state line?
Earlier this spring, we took our RV to Montgomery, Alabama to see an air show at Maxwell Air Force Base which featured the USAF Thunderbirds. Three weeks later we made a day trip to the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, South Carolina for their air show featuring the United States Navy’s flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels.
This was my first time on a Marine Corps station and my first time seeing the Blue Angels perform. It was a thrilling day from beginning to end.
Before the performances began we wandered around the static displays featuring historic and modern aircraft from the Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.
USMC OspreySpirit of America used in Berlin AirliftHistoric USAF PlaneUSMC HelicopterWe were able to get up close to this USAF Thunderbird on display
We were able to snag front row seats beside the runway. That meant some of the planes went right in front of us as they taxied to their position for takeoff. The USMC AV-88 Harrier II and the F-16 Viper were just two of the military aircraft that performed impressive demonstrations.
The pilot waves to the crowd as he taxis down the runway before take offThe Wild WeaselHovering in front of the crowdRefueling DemonstrationUS Marine Corps Helicopter Demonstration
The Geico Skytypers and other performers kept us entertained for several hours.
Geico Skytypers at MACS Beaufort Air ShowGeico Skytypers at MACS Beaufort Air ShowLove when the planes fly upside downThese historic military planes put on a great show
The US Navy Blue Angels put on a fantastic show that wowed the crowd with each new formation. They flew by so fast it wasn’t until I got home and looked closely at my photos that I realized how really close together they fly. Their precision is just amazing.
U. S. Navy Blue Angels
I am so grateful we had the opportunity to see both the US Air Force Thunderbirds and US Navy Blue Angels this year. Both teams will be performing at more air shows around the United States this year. If you have a chance to see a show near you, it will be a day you always remember.
We’ve had a wonderful summer at home in Georgia but the fifth wheel hasn’t moved in four months. It’s time to hit the road and do a little wandering in the RV.
We are heading to Virginia to spend a few days visiting our daughter’s family. We’ve made this trip several times before and although we could make it in one day we like to stop somewhere in North or South Carolina to break up the trip.
We enjoyed taking a walk around the pond in the campground
I love staying in new places so after I read a good review of the Little Cedar Creek Campground I decided we would check it out. The campground is clean and well maintained with friendly and helpful camp hosts. The sites are wooded, spacious and quiet. There are trails through the woods and at the bottom of a hill is a little pond and a creek. We decided to stay two nights so we could explore the nearby town of Ridgeway.
A Moose in the South Carolina WoodsDawg vs Gator
Downtown Ridgeway has some interesting old buildings, shops and a wonderful restaurant in the old town hall. We strolled around downtown and enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Old Town Hall Restaurant.
Old Police Station in Ridgeway, South Carolina
Right next to the old police station is the Ridgeway Police Department Today
Old Town Hall in Ridgeway, South Carolina
Ruff & Company Hardware Store since 1840
Old Ruff Hardware store on the left of the new store
On our way back to Georgia we ventured down 10 miles of country roads to Lake Wateree State Park near Winnsboro, South Carolina. Despite being rained on most of the time we enjoyed our stay. The campground was almost full with many families and boaters. All of the campsites had large paved pads and many of the campsites were large enough for an RV, vehicle, and boat. A nice place to kick back and relax before returning home.
Lake Wateree
Dock next to the boat ramp at Lake Wateree
Lake Wateree
Looking at the picnic area from the dock
Along the edges of Lake Wateree behind our campsite
Wandering Dawgs 
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