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“It is life, I think, to watch the water. A man can learn so many things.” Nicholas Sparks Another beautiful day for exploring a small section of our great country. This time, we headed into South Carolina and decided to check out Aiken State Park which is located in rural Aiken County, 16 miles east of Aiken. We found out that it was open with restrictions only allowing a limited amount of vehicles at a time, so we figured we would give it a try. State parks had just opened the week before in South Carolina. Driving to the park, once we got to Aiken, we took the roads less traveled, enjoying every minute of the drive through the country. We ended up in thoroughbred country which is a stunning part of the state. We had never been in this part of the state before and didn’t realize how picturesque this county was with large sprawling landscapes, huge meadows, large old oak trees, horse training facilities, massive stables, stately barns, mansions, and land. Not just land, but huge tracts of land that were beautifully fenced for the horses or other farm animals as far as you could see. Gorgeous horses roamed in these wide open meadows feeding and enjoying their privileged lives. When we arrived at the park, we paid our $2.00 admission and parked without a hitch. There was hardly anyone there so we didn’t have to worry about exceed the 65 vehicle limit. We walk they had imposed during this time. We headed to the visitors center, picked up a map of the layout of the park, and found where the Jungle Nature Trail began. Before starting the trail, we enjoyed some quiet time at a picnic table near the lake and watched Teddy swimming around in one of the four spring fed lakes. He enjoyed his swim as we relaxed and enjoyed the scenery. The nearby playground was roped off so no one could use it now during the COVID 19 pandemic. I know they were trying to keep everyone safe, but it was still sad to see it not being used. There was also a horseshoe pit nearby. We headed on our hike down the Jungle Nature Trail, which was an easy, flat, three mile loop trail through the dense forest. There were areas that had boardwalk, many with the names of scout troops who spent time building them over the swampy areas, and nice areas with large hardwood trees, dry sand hill pine forest, bottom lands, and river swamp. The first half of the trail was wonderful with so much to see. The second part of the trail loop was still pretty but was a little less navigable because of the wetlands and sometimes not as clear of a path. I’m glad we had time to do the walk and we did find it enjoyable. When we finished, we walked around the pond and saw paddle boats up on the shore, that I assume you can rent when the COVID 19 restrictions are not in place. As we walked up to the visitors center on the other side of the pond from where Teddy went for a swim, we noticed a smaller fishing pond with many people fishing. It was a lovely pond that was in a peaceful and secluded area surrounded by forest. When we approached the visitors center, we saw they had a lovely outside sitting area and a stone fireplace on a small hill overlooking the lake. It was a very inviting spot that pulled at me to just sit down and relax. This park has four spring fed lakes, one is 14 acres, one is 4 acres and the other two are smaller, about an acre each and are all good fishing lakes. Many of the buildings on this state park were built during the Great Depression in the 1930’s by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) as part of the New Deal Program created by President Franklin Roosevelt. The New Deal Program was designed to provide employment while also helping the needs of conservation and recreation. An all African-American detachment of the CCC built many of the buildings that still are standing. They did great work. This beautiful park abuts the picturesque South Fork of the Edisto River. There is a scenic 1.7 mile canoe and Kayak trail that winds around ancient cypress trees and meanders down one side of the park on this black water. This spring fed river runs a total of 250 miles from Edgefield and Saluda Counties to the coast of South Carolina. It makes for an amazing and peaceful journey where you can see wild life close up. You can rent canoes or Kayaks right beside the river for a small fee. They will get you set up and pick it up at the end of your journey through the park or you can bring your own. Unfortunately, the canoes and kayaks weren’t available for rental as of COVID 19 so your only option is to bring your own. If you do, I suggest bringing a bicycle to where you pull out the canoe so you can ride back to your car and drive back. No motors are allowed. We will do the river trail on our next visit. Near the pull out area for canoes and Kayaks, there is an artesian well with wonderful cold water to get a drink or dunk you head. It was amazing to see and think that there was enough positive pressure from under the impermeable rock or clay that pushes the water up without the use of a pump. What a great place to cool off and have a lovely clean water refreshment. If you are wanting to go camping, they have a very nice campground with 25 campsites. They are spread nicely so you have some privacy, and it well maintained with the added bonus of a nice bath house with hot showers. The campground can accommodate RV’s up to 35 feet. There are a few picnic shelters that can be rented also for special occasions and if not rented can be used by all. In June, under normal circumstances they hold a Black Water Fest with live entertainment and craft and food booths. Their mission is to try to teach the public about endangered rivers and celebrate with recreational activities. If you are interested, please check with the park to see if they are still having it. For more information, check their website: southcarolinaparks.com and search for Aiken State Park. There are 1067 lovely acres in this park to explore. It is located at 1145 State Park Road, Windsor, South Carolina. This is a great place to spend a day, weekend, or even a week. Till next time. Bye for now.

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