Wilderness Whisperer

Yesterday, after a long day at work, I found myself craving some fresh air and a break from routine. With the sun still shining brightly and temperatures in the pleasant low 80's (26°C), I decided to make the most of the evening. After a quick trip to Sam's Club for groceries, I returned home to my eager companion, Murray, who was practically begging for a car ride. With the weather as inviting as it was, staying indoors simply wasn't an option. Murray wasted no time hopping into the passenger seat of my 2018 Kia Niro, and off we went, windows down and radio up, embracing the freedom of the open road. As we cruised along without a destination in mind, I recalled passing a brown road sign indicating a nearby park during a previous drive. Intrigued, we set our course for W. Wilson Howard Park , nestled in West Columbia . Upon arrival, we were greeted by the park's modest entrance, tucked away behind the school parking lots of Riverbanks Elementary School and Northside Mi...

Sometimes it pays off to do something a little spontaneous. Last night, as I was doom scrolling through Facebook , I came across a post from an old classmate from my time in grad school. She had posted pictures from a day hike with some friends at Hitchcock Woods in Aiken, SC . I had never heard of these woods before and quickly found myself going down a rabbit hole as I did some research. Discovering Hitchcock Woods: A Hidden Gem in Aiken, SC Hitchcock Woods , as it turns out, is the largest privately-owned urban forest in the United States, spanning across a vast 2,100 acres. What caught my attention was that it's open to the public 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. With 7 different main entrances, I knew I had to check this place out for myself. After a day's work, I loaded my four-legged companion into the car and set out for adventure. AllTrails helped me decide on the Clark Rd entrance . Upon arrival, I decided to dismiss my planned route an...

This afternoon, when I arrived home from work and opened the front door, my furry companion, Murray, a spirited 6-year-old American Bulldog Mix was excited to greet me. The weather outside was sunny and 56°F (13°C), beckoning for an outdoor escapade, and Murray's enthusiasm suggested that he was ready for an especially long walk. Deciding to make our outing special, I opted for a destination that resonated with the beauty of the day. Murray's excitement peaked when he realized a car ride was in store. Our journey led us to Aiken State Park in the charming city of Aiken, SC , a haven for nature lovers and their four-legged companions. As we explored the park's hiking trails, the vibrant surroundings of the pine forest and the lakes scattered throughout the park provided a picturesque backdrop for our adventure. Murray, filled with boundless energy, reveled in the opportunity to traverse the landscape. Amidst the serene ambiance, our nature encounter took an unexpected turn ...