A Peaceful Day At Cheraw SP–Saturday–May 19, 2012

Nancy here:  Yes, there is a big gap in our blog AGAIN!!  We just left Cedar Point after two weeks of fun, fun, fun with Gin and Syl.  So much fun in fact, that there was no time to blog. Check out their post of the fun!! Hopefully, I will get those two weeks caught up soon. ( Yea…sure, right after I get the blog holes done from the end of our Florida trip in January ;o)) But, if I have to choose between having fun and blogging about the fun we have, you already know if you are not hearing from us,  we are having fun!!!

We had a nice leisurely trip from Cedar Point to Cheraw State Park.  We traveled the back roads except for I-74 between Whiteville, NC and Laurinburg, SC.

Route 53  through the farmlands

Past the Blueberry Fields

Old Farmhouse and Fifth Wheel

We passed through lots of small towns :o))

Wonderful Old Train Depot


We made one stop  on I-74 just before it intersect with I-95.
North Carolina has a HUGE farmers market there.

 We were the only ones in the entire parking lot!!

There are 3 units just like the above unit.

This place is really big!!

However, there was only ONE vendor;o(( 

We got some new red potatoes and young spring onions...

Think there is some potato salad in my future:o))

We got to Cheraw State Park later than expected yesterday.  Somehow, we made a wrong turn and then I wanted to get diesel before we set-up camp.  BIG mistake!!  We ended up driving 40 more miles and pulling into and out of 3 service stations to accomplish that task.  Hopefully, lesson learned ;o((

Nancy here:  What lesson you ask?!?!  That's knowing that when you have half a tank of diesel in “Baby”  a fill-up is not an emergency. You can still drive 500 miles or run the generator for 100 hours until you can find a LARGE gas station on a MAJOR highway!! Oh, did I mentioned we have water and electric hookups at Cheraw so we don’t have to run the generator ;o))


Today we both slept in and after our coffee decided to take a leisurely stroll through the State Park.  That turned into a wonderful 5 1/2 mile walk. 

We took the trail and boardwalk around Lake Juniper .

 Lake Juniper from the Spillway Bridge

We headed past the golf course. 

Yes, this State Park has its own golf course;o))

Then headed to the nesting area of the endangered

Red Cockaded Woodpecker.

(click on any photo to enlarge)

We spent some time trying to spot one,

but all we foundwere nesting holes ;o(( 

 Maybe another day!!

While we didn't see any woodpeckers,

we did stumble upon some old camping facilities.

Not sure what this pit was for?!?!

Huge fireplaces and ovens!!

Those wood beams are REALLY old!!

As we headed back to our campsite,
we passed the park office.

Once back at our site, we debated as to whether we should have breakfast or lunch.  It was already after 11am.  Cereal it is!!

After CEREAL… we decided to put together a 12’X12’ Northwest Territory Screen Room we had purchased a couple days ago.  We had barely started the task, when we discovered one of the key pieces was broken.  But, with super glue and electrical tape (no, not Duct tape) we repaired it and put the screen room up without a hitch. 

This is a test run for next week when we have our grandsons with us.  This will provide a little more room for all of us to eat and enjoy ourselves.  Since we will be staying in the southeast this summer, I know it will help as the bug season gets into full swing:o))

Nancy tested it today.  She cooked up turnips greens, potatoes, onions, garlic and whatever else she puts in that pan. 

I think this outside kitchen is great as the smell or aroma (Nancy’s word) won’t be in the motorhome for days ;o))  Regardless, you know I'll enjoy whatever she cooks up!!

It is a bit breezy with temps in the low 70’s.  I pumped up the Sea Eagle which we enjoyed as the wind died down after dinnertime. 

Since our site is not on the lake this time,

we put-in at the boat launch and paddled down lake, past site 10!!

This site was the "Birthplace" of the Carolina Clan :o))

A little further down the lake,
we saw this cute little Cypress Tree and Knees.


We headed across the lake towards the office and beach.


Then a right turn along the boardwalk...

Heading toward the Spillway Bridge...

A little closer...

OK that's close enough!!

Remember what's on the other side of the Spillway ;o((

Hang a right toward the campground and boat launch.

Almost Home!!

Just a short paddle, but very pleasant!!

All in all, it was a very peaceful and quiet day here at Cheraw State Park.  But many times, we both would get a great big smile on our face as we remembered some of the fun times here last October with the Carolina Clan:o))  Yes, this little campground will always be...

The 'Birthplace' of  The Carolina Clan!!!