3/20/2015
The weather was cool and I was ready to run. The road to South Carolina was surrounded by forest. I would enter the state via the Savannah Wildlife Refuge. Shrubs and bushes joined the tall savannah grass. Again I witnessed the change in my geography. Even the grass morphed under my feet. As I crossed a metal drawbridge with no shoulder a beastly semi-truck rattled the structure. I looked down and saw a strong flowing current. My steps were swift but cautious. A few minutes after crossing the bridge, I found myself at another one. This time the other side held the promise of a new state.
The camera clicked as I captured the moment. I was in South Carolina. I felt warm despite the dreary weather. For a while, the area available for running was but a sliver. The water seemed brown and muddy but I didn’t encounter many insects. The road turned a corner and the wildlife refuge ended. The connection to a larger road meant a large area for running. Immediately my running lane became a long stretch of soft grass like on a golf course.
At the same time the weather began to clear. By the time I reached Hardyville the clouds had completely disappeared. I found Crystal waiting for me in front of a fireworks shop. She had news that the Camp Lake Jasper RV Resort had agreed to donate a spot for the night. It meant I had only a few more miles to run. I ran through the town and turned onto a small country road. The trees looked strong and a light scent of pine lingered in the air. A few homes were lucky to have been erected on that rustic road.
I ran right to the Resort and was greeted by Sandy and her husband. At the registration desk a fountain with cold water called to me. When I looked out the window I saw large sites and a manicured landscape. The facilities were symmetrical without a board out of place. I called Crystal to let her know I had arrived and she came to meet me in no time. With several hours of sunlight left, we toured the grounds. We took some photos by the lake and hiking trail. When we walked through the grounds everyone smiled and said hello. The place put a spring in my step. Hello South Carolina! 
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