The Grand Strand

Myrtle Beach, SC - I was at Myrtle Beach this past weekend and even with some windy and cool weather, I was able to get outside for a bit and shoot some pictures. I was never a fan of Myrtle, but discovered something new while I was there: Huntington Beach State Park. The weather had warmed to the low 60s and I headed out. And though I didn't have a lot of free time, it was enough to store away this natural beauty outside of the congested beach area for future visits. Home of the Atalaya Arts and Crafts festival , the park boasts a wide variety of bird life, ample roads to stretch your legs out on your bike and at least during the off season, a very quiet beach.

A Pitch for Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA -- I went to Pittsburgh last July, met some friends there and had a blast! It never occurred to me as a destination point, but I would definitely go back! Living in a smaller town, it was cool to see the specialty shops in the downtown area--cheeses, chocolatier, coffee and the list goes on. I stayed right down by the waterfront at the Hilton and friends of mine were quite a few blocks away. I walked the streets at all times of night and never felt in danger, which I thought was amazing for such a big city. And clean? It seems that in recent years, the city has gone under quite a transformation. And did you know Pittsburgh ranks second in the world in the number of bridges? Only Paris has more. As great a time as it was, it wouldn't have been complete if I didn't get on the water. Walking over one of the many bridges, I stopped at Kayak Pittsburgh and rented a boat and pushed out on the Allegheny. After heading down to where it merges with the Monogahela to form the Ohio river, I went down a little further, then paddled up the Monogahela. After a couple of hours, I felt the ease that always comes back into my soul. Ahhhhhhh!!!

The Winter Colony

Aiken, SC -- Aiken, SC is really a charming town. Incorporated in 1835, Aiken has been known as the Winter Colony, due to the community of northerners that have called Aiken home during the cold months. Whether strolling downtown, admiring the flowers of Hopeland Gardens or a horse ride through Hitchcock Woods, Aiken has plenty to offer.

Thanksgiving in Aiken

The Fountain on Laurens Street, November 27, 2008.

Dreher Island State Park, SC

Lake Murray, SC -- At 50,000 acres, Lake Murray has about 500 miles of shoreline. The lake is fed by the Saluda river, which starts in the upstate of South Carolina. By 1930, the dam was completed, making it the engineering feat of it's time! Lake Murray provides hydroelectric power and a variety of recreational opportunities to the local region.