Fred and Dave on the Three Rivers Greenway Trail in Columbia SC Just before we pulled out of Pocahontas in mid-November, we got a call from Pat and Fred who were making a slow trip south. We compared notes and found we could meet up in SC to take advantage of our ebikes and explore some trails with them before pulling into Jacksonville. Our travels weren’t quite done though. We made a trip north for Thanksgiving to celebrate the holiday with Bonnie’s family.
Cathy by the Diversion Dam at the northern end of the Three Rivers Greenway Trail Exploring by Bike
Pat and Fred were in southern Kentucky when they called, and we had to scramble to figure out how to modify both of our routes to meet up at a place where we could take an interesting ride. Since Helene had caused a lot of damage through the area between us, we tried to get up-to-date info on the cleanup efforts. But we had to start out before we could make final plans. We made our first stop in South of the Border, SC (just over the NC line on 95 for the uninitiated), while Pat and Fred headed east to Birmingham AL. However, our initial destination – Augusta GA – had not yet recovered enough from Helene’s damage. So we both made our way to a point further north – Columbia SC.
Pat and Fred were in southern Kentucky when they called, and we had to scramble to figure out how to modify both of our routes to meet up at a place where we could take an interesting ride. Since Helene had caused a lot of damage through the area between us, we tried to get up-to-date info on the cleanup efforts. But we had to start out before we could make final plans. We made our first stop in South of the Border, SC (just over the NC line on 95 for the uninitiated), while Pat and Fred headed east to Birmingham AL. However, our initial destination – Augusta GA – had not yet recovered enough from Helene’s damage. So we both made our way to a point further north – Columbia SC.
Congaree River from the trail Columbia sits at the confluence of three rivers – the Saluda, Broad and Congaree. That fact is the inspiration for the Three Rivers Greeway Trail that follows the rivers through the center of the city. Starting at the southern end, we rode through forests, along city streets, by the river until we came abruptly to a halt at a locked fence. Apparently the clean-up had not finished in the city center. So, the next day, we started at the northern end by the Diversion Dam, created to feed a canal offering commercial traffic a route around the rapids where the rivers merged. This time the path stopped at a city park near downtown, but we still wanted to do more. So, we decided to try the Capital City section of the cross-state Palmetto Trail. This was a big change as we navigated downtown city streets, past the SC Capital and onto the campus of USC before retracing our route back to the car.
Pat enjoys the view of the ocean from the bike path. Our next stop was a couple hundred miles south at Jekyll Island GA. Staying at the campground on the eastern end of the island, we rode a circuit around the island on a path set aside for bikers and walkers. This ride was beside the waterways, through the historic village, through maritime forests and along the beach. It was a beautiful day for the ride, broken up by a stop at local restaurant – Zachry’s Riverview -- for some seafood to fortify us for the rest of the circuit.
Dave puts the finishing touch atop the Christmas tree. Catching Up at Faith
Shortly after returning to Faith, we got to work preparing for the Nomads volunteers arriving in January. Meeting with church members, we refined and prioritized the list of possible projects and began preparing a list of supplies to be purchased. Before we had even finished setting up the RV, Dave was in the office helping with a computer question. A couple of days later, we were gathered in the sanctuary putting up Christmas decorations. Lots of variety.
Shortly after returning to Faith, we got to work preparing for the Nomads volunteers arriving in January. Meeting with church members, we refined and prioritized the list of possible projects and began preparing a list of supplies to be purchased. Before we had even finished setting up the RV, Dave was in the office helping with a computer question. A couple of days later, we were gathered in the sanctuary putting up Christmas decorations. Lots of variety.
Beverly greets Fred with a welcome hug. We took our bikes out at Faith and rode through the neighborhood. One of our treks took us by Beverly’s house, so we stopped in for a visit, to her delight and to the puzzlement of her neighbors. (Whose bikes are in your driveway?)
Troy and Bonnie prepare the feast Thanksgiving Gathering
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving found us at the Budget car rental counter picking up our car for a quick drive north to Jarratt. After a mixup with our car was resolved, we headed north for a thankfully uneventful drive to Bonnie and Troy’s house. We had a great day enjoying some family time (well getting trounced in Monopoly by Taylor, but it was still fun), and eating some delicious food. Our return trip on Friday had us waking up near an outlet mall, where we had to stop at the tool outlet. Our big find was a bin of $5 Ryobi tools and accessories, where we scored some excellent deals.
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving found us at the Budget car rental counter picking up our car for a quick drive north to Jarratt. After a mixup with our car was resolved, we headed north for a thankfully uneventful drive to Bonnie and Troy’s house. We had a great day enjoying some family time (well getting trounced in Monopoly by Taylor, but it was still fun), and eating some delicious food. Our return trip on Friday had us waking up near an outlet mall, where we had to stop at the tool outlet. Our big find was a bin of $5 Ryobi tools and accessories, where we scored some excellent deals.
Dave installing new igniter on stove. RV Stuff
Waiting for us at Faith when we arrived were some parts we needed for some repairs in the RV. The stove igniter had been getting harder to work. ( And it hadn’t worked in the oven for years.) This had caused the knob to crack due to the increased resistance. With the replacement igniter and knob installed, all the burners and the oven all lit easily. Should have done this a long time ago.
Waiting for us at Faith when we arrived were some parts we needed for some repairs in the RV. The stove igniter had been getting harder to work. ( And it hadn’t worked in the oven for years.) This had caused the knob to crack due to the increased resistance. With the replacement igniter and knob installed, all the burners and the oven all lit easily. Should have done this a long time ago.
Parting Shot
On our way to a birthday party one Saturday night, we passed an incredible Christmas display at a home along our route. There was even a path to walk through the lights. It was, not surprisingly, a very popular stop. We had a wonderful time celebrating Sandy's 70th birthday and enjoying their hospitality.
On our way to a birthday party one Saturday night, we passed an incredible Christmas display at a home along our route. There was even a path to walk through the lights. It was, not surprisingly, a very popular stop. We had a wonderful time celebrating Sandy's 70th birthday and enjoying their hospitality.
