Bayou Sauvage

August 17, 2020August 16, 2020 / sugarsitaspell / Leave a comment

Initially, Bayou Sauvage was our primary destination for day one of staycation 2020. After stumbling upon Boy Scout Trail Road during our final route planning, we made this site our second stop. I am glad we made the swap because blazing heat and dry conditions meant that Bayou Sauvage fell a little short.

The 25,000 acre refuge is within New Orleans city limits. Our research led us to expect alligators and birds. We got butterflies, an abundance of golden silk spiders, and flora. We also had access to clean, well-stocked bathroom facilities. On second thought, this huge win might have been better than a gator sighting.

We did not see the best that Bayou Sauvage has to offer, but I know the potential is there. I hope to check this site out again when the weather is cooler.

More Furman photos

October 19, 2013 / sugarsitaspell / Leave a comment

This isn’t the first time I’ve shared photos from a trip to Furman. This really is one of the loveliest campuses that I have ever visited. I’m thankful that it is just a short drive away.

These photos were taken on various visits during the summer.

Soft purple grains dot these tufts of long green grass

“I have never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude.”
― Henry David Thoreau, Walden
This cabin is a replica of the one Thoreau lived in while writing Walden. Seeing this helps put his work into perspective. It also explains why he spent so much time in nature as staying inside this tiny cabin would drive me mad. Perhaps he paid so much attention to those ants to avoid going home.

Shi Center for Sustainability

Turtles fighting for bits of bread

The ducks are out for a swim before darkness falls.

In the summer, the Japanese garden is a gorgeous, lush green.
Sun sets on the rose garden

This former Buddhist temple became part of Furman’s campus in 2008.

Good night…

Artisphere Greenville

July 15, 2012July 15, 2012 / sugarsitaspell / Leave a comment

My tardiness is shameful but here I am posting about Artisphere, a festival that we attended back on May 12. Since Greenville hosts this event annually, I feel the information here is still relevant.

When McB and I went downtown for Artisphere we were looking forward to enjoying a nice walk while taking in some interesting pieces from a variety of vendors. That’s exactly what we got.

There were at least 100 different vendors selling everything from large, vibrant landscape photography to textiles and furniture. As with most art festivals, some items were within our budget and others were not. This time around it seems like the more I loved something, the more 0’s you’d find on the price tag. While we didn’t make any purchases at the festival, there are a couple of artists including Lisa Norris and Kreg Yingst that really made an impression.

The event did feature live music and some activities for kids. The live music, or at least the performances that were occurring while we were there, was found on a side street in a small, congested tent close to the food vendors. This configuration wasn’t ideal because most of the space in the tent was taken up by people eating lunch.

The food vendors did offer a good opportunity to try some small plates from a lot of Greenville restaurants. Mimi’s Steakhouse of Japan offered the best bargain of the day and their food was quite tasty.

It was a nice (free) event with lots to see. I’m sure we’ll be back for next year’s event, May 10-12, 2013.

We also treated ourselves to a stop at Luna Rosa for gelato. The ordering system (pay first, pick your flavors later) was a bit confusing but other than that, the service was good. McB got a vanilla and sweet cream frappe. He enjoyed it but it was definitely much different from the thick milkshakes that he normally prefers.

I got three-berry Marsala gelato. The Marsala brought both a sweetness and an alcohol (winey?) flavor which went well with the sometimes tart berries. The gelato was very fresh and the texture was just right. By the end of the dish, the sweetness of the wine was becoming just a bit overpowering but it was a very inventive flavor and I’m glad I tried it.

Traveling Thursday – Picture Perfect

June 28, 2012June 28, 2012 / sugarsitaspell / Leave a comment

Vacations, Forth of July fireworks, family gatherings…there are so many things to photograph during the summer. This week I’m sharing a list of links that will help you improve your photography skills.

Shooting Fireworks
This piece from Digital Trends focuses on tips for a “real” camera. http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/fourth-of-july-photo-tips-shooting-fireworks/

The New York Institute of Photography offers tips for both DSLR and point-and-shoot models with a lot of editing tips thrown in as well.
http://www.nyip.com/ezine/holidays/firewks.html

This piece from Photojojo includes some ideas to spark your creativity.
http://content.photojojo.com/guides/11-tips-for-sparkling-fireworks-photos/

Vacation Photos
TLC offers tips for taking fantastic family vacation photos.
http://parentables.howstuffworks.com/slideshows/family-travel/10-tips-taking-great-family-vacation-photos/

Hip Trip Mama has even more tips, both technical and artistic, to shoot great pics on your next family vacation.
http://www.hiptravelmama.com/hip-tips/hip-tips-family-vacation-photography-how-to/

Fodor’s has lots of tips for creating memorable vacation photos.
http://www.fodors.com/travel-photography/

Planning to use a self-timer? Here’s how NOT to do it.
http://digital-photography-school.com/how-not-to-take-a-self-timer-portrait

Take better beach photos using these tips.
http://www.lightstalking.com/beach-photography-tips

Improve Photography gives great advice for shooting in the mountains.
http://improvephotography.com/1793/tips-ideas-landscape-photography-mountains-hiking-camping/

Miscellaneous Links
Camping with your photography equipment
http://improvephotography.com/1362/10-tips-for-camping-and-being-outdoors-with-your-photography-gear/

Interesting, alternative uses for your camera during your travels
http://www.vagabondish.com/clever-uses-digital-camera-traveling/

If you know of other good resources, please share them in the comments.

Photowalk – University of South Carolina

May 29, 2012 / sugarsitaspell / 1 Comment

I must admit, it’s been a crazy month since I’ve started my job. I’ve fallen behind on a few things, like keeping every baseboard in my house dust-free, trying every new thing on Pinterest and blogging. I am committed to managing my time a bit better and staying on top of this blog, even if it means letting a bit of dust accumulate on the baseboards.

The photos in this post were taken at the University of South Carolina on Good Friday. Enjoy!

This is adjacent to the World War Memorial on campus. When the building was constructed in the 1930s, it was believed that there would never be another World War. The building now houses University Publications.

Brick walls and palmettos

The Memorial Fountain (aka three-dish fountain) in the Caroliniana Garden was sporting garnet and black when I visited. The fountain is a memorial to South Carolina’s patriots who served in the Revolutionary War.

This photo looks onto The Horseshoe, the oldest part of the campus dating back to 1805. The monument seen in the distance is in memory of Rev. Maxcy, the first president of the then South Carolina College. Yeah, it’s a lot different from The Horseshoe, I’m used to talking about.

The pineapple has long been associated with hospitality so it’s fitting that this one greets visitors at the Memorial Rose Garden.

Looking toward the Thomas Cooper Library

The “Torchbearer” was donated to the university in 1965 by sculptress Anna Hyatt Huntington.

The campus was really lovely. I enjoyed the big, shady trees and old buildings.

Gorgeous day at Paris Mountain

March 12, 2012March 19, 2012 / sugarsitaspell / Leave a comment

I turned 35 a few weeks ago. For many years I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by friends on my birthday; I’ve enjoyed lots of lunches and special outings to celebrate the occasion. It’s a little different when you’re in a new place where you don’t know many people. I know this will change but for this particular birthday, I was a little blue.

The good Lord knew I needed something special for my day so he came up with a sunny, warm Thursday. I didn’t want to waste this gift so I set out for Paris Mountain State Park with my good tennis shoes and camera. I’d like to say that I climbed a mountain the day I turned 35 but in the interest of full disclosure, I walked a lot at the bottom and the top but the actual climbing between the two came courtesy of my Subaru.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Paris Mountain, it’s a gorgeous state park just a few miles for Greenville. You can picnic, hike, fish, swim*, paddleboat* or bike. Again in the interest of full disclosure, George Hincapie bikes here so while it’s not the Alps, it is a bit of a challenge.

I enjoyed my time at the park. I’ve forgotten how much I like just being out in nature. There is something about a nice brisk walk in the woods that helps me organize my mind. I look forward to going back to the park. It’s got great picnic potential and I can’t wait to cruise Lake Placid on one of those paddle boats.

It’s a cool angle. I feel like I could just slide into the water.

This bridge was built after the Great Depression as part of the Works Progress Administration.

This is part of the lake trail.

These gents seemed to be having a good time fishing. I happened across a dad and his preschooler on the other side of the lake. They were picnicking (pizza) and fishing. The little boy had caught his first bass earlier that day and instead of becoming addicted to the thrill of the catch, he was done with fishing. He met his objective (catching the fish) and now other things (a cool tree stump) had his attention.

Lake Placid dam

another shot of the dam

Those are busy beavers.

Outcropping on the Sulfur Springs Loop at the top of the mountain

*Seasonally available

Forgotten photos – my solo trip to Biltmore

March 3, 2012February 29, 2012 / sugarsitaspell / Leave a comment

A few weeks ago, I got up early and headed for Biltmore Estate. I love the house but I decided that I wanted to spend my time exploring the grounds. Since I have an annual pass, I didn’t really feel guilty about this. The house itself is so overwhelming that it becomes difficult to really explore the grounds if you are seeing the house too.

I am finally posting these pics for your viewing enjoyment.

There was a slight bit of haze but it was still easy to make out the gentle giants in the distance.

The house looks just a bit smaller from this angle. Side profiles must be slimming – at least if you are an enormous manor house.

Love the fleur de lis detail here. It took so many talented artisans to construct the house.

A bamboo forest along one of the many paths leading to the woods surrounding the house. I love the lush, tropical look of these plants.

Gorgeous flame dogwoods provide a welcome burst of color during the winter.

The boathouse by the bass pond. I had the whole place to myself and it could not have been more tranquil. It is a gorgeous spot, even in winter.

Serene

A shot of the pond with the boat house slightly hidden by a tree on the right side of the photo.

This is on the upper side of the bridge/falls. I love the shiny copper under the murky water and wonder how many of those wishes came true.

These blooms had a beautiful ecru tone. They were delicate and somehow the perfect “flower” for a winter’s day.

Greer City Park Photo Walk

February 7, 2012January 29, 2012 / sugarsitaspell / Leave a comment

Greer, South Carolina has a lovely city park complete with a shagging fountain (the dance, people), swings, and a gazebo. Enjoy the pictures from my trip there.

This part of the park isn’t quite as relaxing as the upper part with the fountains. It’s lovely but the aerating fountain at the far end of the pond is a bit noisy.

This low bank of fountains is adjacent to the row of big porch swings.

I spend a good 20 minutes, “just a swangin’.”

The dancing fountains

Greer Photo Walk

February 5, 2012January 29, 2012 / sugarsitaspell / Leave a comment

Last Friday was sunny, warm and simply gorgeous. It was the kind of day we left Ohio for, so I decided it needed to be enjoyed to the fullest. I hopped in the car and made the short drive to downtown Greer where I sat out with my camera. Here’s the first of two posts showing what I captured.

This marker is for the trains that run through Greer.

These three mysterious buildings (barracks? chicken houses?) are surrounded by a barb wire fence.

This abandoned farm supply store is quite close to the three mysterious buildings. The remaining gravel from the parking lot is very hard to see. I can only guess this place has been closed for quite some time.

Cowpens or Co-pens if you ask Tom-Tom

January 21, 2012January 20, 2012 / sugarsitaspell / Leave a comment

Last Saturday we drove up 85 to Cowpens National Battlefield. It is the site of a Revolutionary War victory over the British lead by the reviled Banastre Tarleton. We went this particular Saturday to see the annual encampment and anniversary festivities.

As Mr. McB states in his post, we learned a lot during the outing and enjoyed seeing (and shooting) everything. He mentions the effort these reenactors put into keeping history alive. They were camping out in the cold (OK, South Carolina cold) at their own expense, wearing uncomfortable costumes in the hopes of honoring those who served, and igniting a bit of patriotism and love of history in all of us. It’s a tall order and I thank them for it.

I also appreciate the ranger who lead our battlefield tour for encouraging us to question the experts and conventional wisdom. He questions many of the facts that are found in historical texts about this and other battles. He’s spent 12 years at the battlefield and studying what happened there. I’m not saying I believe everything he said, I honestly haven’t studied the battle enough. I have to think he knows what he’s talking about in many instances.

The whole experience made we want to learn more about the history of this area. I encourage all of you to visit battlefields, monuments, and historical sites in your area. It shows an appreciation for those who came before and those who work so hard to keep history alive now. You can get some pretty cool pictures, see mine below.

Soldiers would have used tents like these.

While these reenactors were currently cutting potatoes, they had just finished baking biscuits. You can see one in the gentleman’s hand. He looks pretty pleased with their finished product.