Aiken and Around

Aiken's Makin 2011

2011-09-12T17:12:00.002-04:00

We are moving. New posts for this blog will now be found at rongrooms.com/blog, You can find additional pictures for Aiken's Makin 2011 on the new blog also.

Photo Walk on the River

2011-06-29T13:55:00.004-04:00

On a recent photo walk at the Brick Pond and North Augusta Greenway, I looked across the Savannah River and saw this scene.

Dogwoods and Azaleas Come to Aiken

2011-04-03T21:44:00.001-04:00

Dogwood

I love the spring when the Dogwood and Azaleas are in full bloom in Aiken.

South Carolina Aquarium Thru the Eyes of a Child

2011-03-28T21:48:00.004-04:00

The South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston is a fun experience any time. Watching the excitement of a child seeing it for the first time is priceless. Fish and animals from all parts of South Carolina are on display, from the mountain forest, to the Piedmont, coastal plain, salt marsh, coast and ocean. There are fish of all kinds as well as birds, otters, alligators, and turtles. There is even a Touch Tank were you can touch and feed Rays and other sea creatures.

Hopelands Gardens Camellia

2011-03-24T16:56:00.002-04:00

The Camellias at Hopelands Gardens were beautiful this year. Aiken, South Carolina has been having a colorful spring as flowers of all descriptions having been blooming.

More Turtles, Please

2011-03-23T21:31:00.004-04:00

It was a warm day at Hopelands Gardens and the turtles were out in force. I think we need just a few more turtles and we can fill this raft.

Street Musician on King Street in Charleston

2011-03-06T14:42:00.007-05:00

Charleston, South Carolina is one of my favorite places to visit. Walking down King Street, you are always sure to see many interesting sights. This street musicain was busy playing his sax while the busy city passed by. He must have been making some people happy, because his instrument case had quite a collection of dollars and coins that people had left to support his efforts.

Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo

2010-11-27T22:04:00.003-05:00

While we were at Riverbanks Zoo recently, they were putting out the Christmas lights and had them turned on for testing. It made an interesting shot thru the trees and lights.

More Fall foliage in Aiken, South Carolina

2010-11-22T20:39:00.002-05:00

While visiting John Osteen's cabin, I found these beautiful red leaves.

John Osteen's Log Cabin

2010-11-21T20:20:00.005-05:00

Today, you could step back in time as you enjoyed the annual Open House at John Osteen's cabin. For the bicentennial year back in 1976, John grew his beard and built his cabin. He loves old stuff, and over the years has has added a barn, one room school house, a smokehouse, confederate museum and other attractions. On the wood burning stove in the cabin, you could find hoe cakes and baked sweet potatoes to sample. Best of all were the stories and history that John loves to tell.
For more images see John Osteen's Cabin Revisited.

Flamingos at Riverbanks Zoo

2010-11-15T21:25:00.003-05:00

We went to Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC last Saturday and had a really good time. It was cool enough that most of the animals were out and about. I have always been a fan of the Flamingos.

Fall Colors in Aiken

2010-11-14T22:04:00.002-05:00

Why is it that now the leaves are finally turning to reds and yellows in Aiken, the leaves in the neighbors yards are so much better looking in the neighbors yards?

Carolina Balloon Fest 2010

2010-10-24T21:53:00.008-04:00

Saturday we went to Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville, North Carolina for the 2010 Carolina Balloon Fest. This year the weather was beautiful and they had a great turnout. A huge crowd of people came out to watch the Saturday afternoon Mass Ascention. It was quite a sight to see. This year we had a little one with us and did not stay for the Balloon Glow, but we still had a great time. See More Balloon Fest photos.

Mountain Fall Colors

2010-10-18T16:55:00.003-04:00

Fall colors just starting to show in the mountains around Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Moon over Zion National Park

2010-10-17T15:58:00.005-04:00

I was looking back over pictures from this summer's trip out west to see the Grand Canyon and other attractions in Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. One of our favorite places was Zion National Park in Utah. We stepped off the tour bus that runs through the canyon at Zion to see the moon over the canyon walls. What a breath taking site.

Heart for Fall

2010-10-05T17:58:00.000-04:00

Don't know if this is getting ready for Fall or Valentines Day.

Red, White, and Blue

2010-10-04T17:44:00.001-04:00

I was just walking around downtown Aiken and saw this red wall against the blue sky and white cloulds. I thought it looked kind of patriotic.

St. Mary's Chocolate Festival 2010

2010-10-03T17:21:00.005-04:00

Saturday, the 22nd Annual St. Mary's Chocolate Festival was held in Aiken. The event is a fund raiser for Saint Mary Help of Christians Catholic School. The school grounds were covered with activities for all ages. There were carnival games, flowers, pumpkins, paint ball, live entertainment, a rock climbing wall, crafts, book sale, and plenty of chocolate. There were all type of chocolate goodies to purchase. There was even a chocolate pie eating contest. Check out images from the 2007 St. Mary's Chocolate Festival.

Aiken Railroad Depot Grand Opening

2010-09-22T21:00:00.000-04:00

Saturday was the Grand Opening of the Aiken Railroad Depot. After ten years of planning and construction, many people came out to celebrate the occasion. The day started with a Transportation parade that ended at the depot. The building has been complete and two old railroad cars have been partially restored.

After the Rain

2010-09-21T20:40:00.001-04:00

The rain had stopped and the humidity was terrible, but the rain drops on these yellow flowers were beautiful.

Fall on the Way to Aiken

2010-09-20T20:32:00.000-04:00

In Aiken, the leaves of a few of the trees are starting to get a little fall color. Maybe this year will be a good one for fall colors.

Aiken's Makin 2010

2010-09-19T17:27:00.002-04:00

Last weekend, Aiken was brimming with people and crafts at the 2010 Aiken's Makin Festival.

Plenty of food of all kinds was available for your enjoyment.

And did I mention food. My personal favorite ice cream.

There were arts and crafts of all kinds.

Lots to do and see for everyone.

You can now see pictures from Aiken's Makin 2011 on my new Wordpress Blog.

Labor Day

2010-09-04T12:31:00.003-04:00

Have a safe and fun Labor Day.

Coker Spring in Aiken

2010-09-03T21:15:00.007-04:00

Coker Spring, a fresh water spring dating from prehistoric times, was an early source of drinking water for Aiken, South Carolina. It was also a popular stagecoach stop on the trip from Abbeville to Charleston. The spring was listed on the National Register on January 18, 1978.

Watson's Mill Covered Bridge

2010-08-25T21:38:00.003-04:00

We recently returned to Watson's Mill State Park where we rented a picnic shelter for a family reunion. The day was overcast and rainy, but I had a short break in the rain and was able to grab a few shots of the water coming over the spillway just below the covered bridge. One of the most picturesque state parks in Georgia, Watson's Mill is located in north Georgia not far from Comer.

Grand Canyon North Rim

2010-08-16T20:53:00.000-04:00

Every time I go back and look at my pictures from the Grand Canyon, I am just amazed at what an awesome site it is.

Riding the Range

2010-08-15T22:50:00.004-04:00

Riding the range in the Wild West is not the same today. Unlike days of old when you rode one horse, now you ride many horses.

Bryce Canyon National Park

2010-08-12T21:43:00.003-04:00

While at Bryce Canyon Nation Park we caught a beautiful sunset that really bathed the canyon in color. Not only did we catch the sunset, but it was followed by a storm rolling in just as the sun was setting.

Have you slept in a Wigwam lately ?

2010-08-11T22:52:00.005-04:00

While traveling around Arizona recently on a trip to the Grand Canyon, we had occasion to travel along I-40 which happens to follow the path of Historic Route 66 through this area. Seeing many of the Route 66 landmarks, we became interested in the history of the Mother Road, Route 66. We even ended up buy four books on the subject which are loaded with photographs and history. One of the more interesting places was the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona.

Shadows

2010-08-10T22:55:00.002-04:00

While visiting Casa Grande in Arizona, I saw these shadows right outside the gift shop and could not pass up grabbing a shot.

Look Both Ways

2010-08-09T22:00:00.006-04:00

One evening on a recent trip to the Grand Canyon, I went to the rim to photograph the sunset. While I was there, all eyes and cameras were focused on the beautiful sunset above. Of all of the people that were there that night, I believe I was the only one that turned around and looked at the Canyon, they just kept fixed on that beautiful sunset. What a beautiful sight they missed because they did not turn around. How many times in life do we do this. We are so fixed on our main point of interest that we miss what is going on around us.

Monument Valley Sunrise

2010-08-07T17:32:00.005-04:00

While staying at Goulding's Lodge at Monument Valley, I woke up early, grabbed a cup of coffee, and walked out my room onto the balcony. I was rewarded for this early morning wakeup with a beautiful sunrise.

God's Beautiful Creation and His Promise

2010-08-06T09:12:00.002-04:00

What a beautiful site to see. A rainbow after the storm at the Grand Canyon

The Wheels of the Bus go round and round

2010-08-03T21:55:00.003-04:00

Every time I look at this picture I have to smile as I remember all the times we have had to sing "The wheels of bus go round and round" to our new grandson. It's also a reminder of what a fun time that we recently had in Monument Valley while enjoying the late afternoon light streaming into the valley. We enjoyed the sites from the back of our Goulding's Lodge Tour bus. We had a great time listening to the history and tales told us by our Navajo tour guide, plus we met some really nice people, who were also on the tour.

Monument Valley

2010-08-02T21:42:00.002-04:00

On a recent trip out west to see the some of the National Parks of Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, we took in Monument Valley in Utah. Over the years, more Western Movies were made in Monument Valley than any other location in the United States. Having watched so many John Wayne movies in my youth, my impression of what the west looked like was Monument Valley except with Saguara Cactus, which we found out are really down south near Tucson for the most part and not up near Monument Valley. Many other movies besides the old Westerns have been filmed all or in part here. At least 82 movies over the years have been made at Monument Valley.

Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

2010-07-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

The gardens at Magnolia Plantation have been in the same family for more than 325. Each generation as added to the gardens and they are now a top tourist attraction. Today, the gardens offer an ever changing array of flowering plants so that something can be found blooming year round.

Peter Rabbit

2010-07-10T11:25:00.003-04:00

While at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, we stopped for lunch right next to the Petting Zoo and Nature Center. We had the really neat experience of being able to play with this tiny bunny. He reminded me of Peter Rabbit, just after he had returned from Mr. McGregor's garden without his coat.

Great Blue Heron

2010-07-09T00:01:00.003-04:00

On the Magnolia Plantation Boat Tour,

Return to Magnolia Gardens

2010-07-07T10:16:00.000-04:00

Saturday we went to Magnolia Plantation and bought the all inclusive pass, which includes the Basic Admission, the House Tour, Nature Tram, Nature Boat, "Slavery to Freedom" Tour and Audubon Swamp Garden. We didn't know if it would be worth it, but ended up staying all day long. Really a lot to do, I we did not see all the Gardens the first day because the grandson was getting tired. The pass allows you to return for the Gardens and Swamp a second time for free within seven days. The next day after checking out of the house, my wife and I returned to the Gardens for several more hours. These really cool looking flowers were the first thing we saw on the return trip.

Daisy and Friend

2010-07-06T12:05:00.000-04:00

A Praying Mantis on a Daisy right outside the main house at Magnolia Plantation.

Friendly Peacock

2010-07-05T12:03:00.002-04:00

On a recent trip to Charleston, we went to Magnolia Plantation and spent an enjoyable day visiting the gardens. We stopped for a picnic lunch, at an area set up next to the petting zoo and pasture. Two peacocks, as well as a number of other animals were in the area. This one peacock kept strutting around the picnic area, and it was almost as if he was posing for the photographers.

Happy Birthday, USA !!!

2010-07-04T13:28:00.004-04:00

The Rock Ranch at The Rock, Georgia.

Blue Flowers

2010-07-02T21:33:00.000-04:00

I don't know what these are, but I thought they were pretty. Found then at the Charleston Tea Plantation.

Butterfly at the Charleston Tea Plantation

2010-07-01T21:15:00.002-04:00

While waiting for the tour to start at the Charleston Tea Plantation, this afternoon, I noticed this large butterfly flittering around. I was able to grab a few shots before he went flying off.

And Then the Rains Came

2010-06-30T16:43:00.003-04:00

What a storm last night. It just flooded, but in the morning all was well.

Isle of Palms

2010-06-29T22:37:00.003-04:00

We got up early and were able to catch a beautiful sunrise off the bridge on the Isle of Palms Connector.

Day at the Beach

2010-06-29T07:33:00.003-04:00

A Bad day at the Beach is better than a Good day at Work!!

Country Store Candy

2010-06-10T12:25:00.003-04:00

On a recent trip to Callaway Gardens we went to the Country Store for breakfast. When I went to pay for the meal, the guy in front of me at the country was trying to buy the store out. He kept running off to pick up another of their many specialty food items and bringing it back to the counter. So, what do you do while waiting, .. take pictures of some of the stuff for sale, like the candy.

Old and New Meet

2010-06-08T22:47:00.004-04:00

Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge new Woodbury, Ga. Built by Horace King, a slave. Red Oak Creek bridge is Georgia oldest covered bridge. Including the approach ramps, it is 391 feet long with a main span of 253 feet, making it also Georgia's longest covered bridge.

Butterfly

2010-06-08T00:31:00.005-04:00

Beautiful blue butterfly at Callaway Gardesn

Butterfly House at Callaway Gardens

2010-06-06T22:56:00.003-04:00

This weekend we went to my wife's high school reunion that was held in Pine Mountain, Ga. and we were staying at Callaway Gardens. We arrived there a little early and had time to do one of my most favorite things. We spent about an hour at the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center. On most days you can walk around with anywhere from a 1000 to 1500 free flying butterflies. Usually there are more than 50 differenet species on display.

Georgia Aquarium

2010-06-01T22:40:00.003-04:00

During the Memorial Day weekend, we visited Atlanta, Ga. We spent the afternoon at the Georgia Aquarium. The crowds were heavy. Thank goodness that we go advanced tickets off the internet before we went. The line to buy tickets was about 2.5 hours and waiting. We were able to walk right in.

It's Gardinia time Aiken

2010-05-24T13:16:00.000-04:00

The smell of Gardinias are everywhere this weekend. This is a favorite time of year.

Just Weeds

2010-05-23T20:11:00.003-04:00

Just some weeds that I found in the yard. I thought they were kind of interesting when you get in close.

Macro Play

2010-05-22T22:11:00.005-04:00

Playing with an old manual focus 50mm macro lens.

Covered Bridge

2010-05-22T15:23:00.000-04:00

Paddle boats at Watson's Mill State Park with the Covered Bridge and dam in the background.

Watson's Mill Covered Bridge

2010-05-21T10:16:00.002-04:00

Historic Watson's Mill was the place to cool off from the heat on a recent Saturday afternoon. Located in the Watson's Mill State Park, near Comer, Georgia, the 229 foot bridge was built in 1885.

Spring time in Aiken

2010-04-23T22:41:00.002-04:00

Each year along with the Masters comes the Dogwoods and Azaleas to Aiken.

Happy Baby

2010-04-22T21:28:00.000-04:00

What can be more fun than a happy baby, especially when he is your grandson.

Bell Tower Swim By

2010-04-21T21:16:00.001-04:00

A lone duck swims past the reflection of the Furman University Bell Tower.

It's tough being a cat

2010-04-20T21:07:00.001-04:00

It is just really tough being a cat these days. This is Soccer. He and some of his friends can be seen over at Soccer and Friends blogspot.

TtV Spring Time

2010-04-19T20:40:00.003-04:00

I had to try my hand at TtV Photograpy (Through the Viewfinder) after seeing several blogs and Flickr sites. This involves using a modern DSLR to make an exposure through the view finder of a vintage camera. I used a Kodak Duaflex III which was made from 1954 to 1957. My parents bought this camera new for me as a child.

Fountain View

2010-02-26T20:00:00.003-05:00

Fountain behind Randolph Hall on the campus of the College of Charleston.

Window Light

2010-02-25T20:00:00.000-05:00

Streets of Charleston, South Carolina near the College of Charleston.

Tate from Above

2010-02-24T20:00:00.002-05:00

Charleston Streets

2010-02-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

Just Sitting Around

2010-02-22T22:11:00.003-05:00

Just sitting around in the Tate Center at the College of Charleston.

Snow in Charleston?

2010-02-13T10:41:00.003-05:00

Charleston does not see much snow, but it did last night.

Rainy Day Reflections

2010-01-31T17:34:00.003-05:00

While on the campus of The University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC this past saturday it was raining and I could not get around much. I did find these reflections that were kind of cool. These are really full color and not taken in or converted to Black and White. It was the reflections seen on the top of a black outdoor table.

Rainy Day Boredom

2010-01-30T18:24:00.002-05:00

It was raining and I was waiting to drive back home, what are you to do?

Shadows

2010-01-29T21:36:00.002-05:00

Went out to see the dogs and saw these shadows on the fence. I thought they looked pretty cool and decided to save them for later.

Birds Everywhere

2010-01-24T14:12:00.002-05:00

I looked out in the front yard yesterday and there were more birds than I think I have ever seen at one time in Aiken. There were tons of these little chipping sparrows all over the yard. As many as ten at a time lined up at the feeder. Not only were there sparrows, but cardinals, both male and female, a woodpecker, mocking birds, robins, and some others.

Little Boy and Girl Fountain Lighted

2010-01-23T18:00:00.001-05:00

Downtown Aiken

2010-01-22T20:00:00.004-05:00

Cars passing the Victorian Fountain at Morgan Cirlce in downtown Aiken at night

The Alley at Night

2010-01-21T20:00:00.004-05:00

the The Alley in downtown Aiken, South Carolina

Downtown Aiken at Night

2010-01-20T22:09:00.005-05:00

The Victorian Fountain at Morgan Circle in downtown Aiken, South Carlina at dusk.

"The Little Boy" 1855

2010-01-19T22:24:00.006-05:00

This summer I read a story about local history that I had never heard. The "Aiken Standard" ran a story about "The Little Boy" who is buried in the back section of the old Graniteville Cemetary. I finally made a trip out to see the grave for myself. As the stroy goes, a child of about 12 years old was riding the train when he became very sick. He was traveling alone and was too sick to speak. He was taken off the train and cared for some local Graniteville residents. The boy's fever never broke and he died all alone, with no identification. He was buried in the Granitville Cemetary with a small plain wooden marker that said only "The Little Boy" 1855. The people of Graniteville later replaced the wooden marker with a small permanent stone. Today, people still leave toys on the grave in memory of "the little boy".

Hospital Lights - Charlotte, NC

2010-01-01T00:04:00.002-05:00

While waiting for my new grandson to arrive, and naturally having a camera available, what are you going to do but take pictures of the hospital. Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC.

Santa's Little Helper

2009-12-30T23:58:00.006-05:00

What a Christmas present

And Now It's Gone

2009-11-09T20:53:00.003-05:00

A few months ago, the sky was pretty and I stopped and took a picture of this abandoned house that I had been driving past for the last 25 years. A few weeks later, I was driving by and it was gone.

Cooper River Bridge

2009-11-05T21:37:00.003-05:00

The new Arther Ravenel Jr. Bridge as seen from the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. Any trip to Charleston is not complete without at least driving over this beautiful structure. Walking the bridge is an even better experience.

Western Carolina State Fair in Aiken

2009-11-01T11:30:00.004-05:00

The Western Carolina State Fair is just finishing it's annual run in Aiken. Lots of people and losts of junk food.

It's Halloween

2009-10-31T08:00:00.001-04:00

Fall Arrives in Aiken

2009-10-30T08:00:00.002-04:00

This weekend were were driving around the Charlotte area and were amazed at all the color in the trees. Aiken is just beginning to see the trees change to their beautiful fall coats of many colors.

Mass Ascension at Carolina Balloon Fest 36

2009-10-29T08:00:00.003-04:00

After a day of rain and wind at the Carolina Balloon Fest 36, at about 4:30 pm the sky opened up and the wind calmed down and the mass ascension began. To see more Carolina Balloon Fest photos.

Inflating the Balloon

2009-10-28T08:00:00.003-04:00

Before the burners can be used to fill the balloons with hot hair, they must be partially inflated using fans. Here a worker holds the bottom of the balloon open as the fans force air inside. This was the 36th annual Carolina Balloon Fest . To see more Carolina Balloon Fest photos.

Carolina Ballon Fest Fun

2009-10-27T08:00:00.004-04:00

Watching ballons inflate at the Carolina Ballon Fest 2009. To see more Carolina Balloon Fest photos.

Carolina Ballon Fest 36!

2009-10-26T14:05:00.004-04:00

This weekend was the 36th Annual Carolina Ballon Fest, held at Statesville, North Carolina airport. Despite rains in the morning and high winds most of the afternoon, the ballons were able to launch about 4:30 or 5:00 and came back later at dusk for the ballon glow.

Halloween is Coming

2009-10-20T21:28:00.003-04:00

Holloween is less than two weeks away and the decorations are out.

Canoeing at Boyd Pond Park

2009-09-30T23:01:00.000-04:00

On a recent outing at Boyd Pond Park in Aiken County, South Carolina. It was a great day to just relax and enjoy the pond and a Low Country Boil.

Field Trip - State Botanical Gardens of Georgia

2009-09-30T22:22:00.003-04:00

Field Trip - a bronze composition sculpture by Gregory Johnson, sits near the front of the visitors center at the Botanical Gardens of Georgia, in Athens, Ga. The sculpture consists of six life-size children enjoying a field trip while being watched by their adult eacher.

Up the Alley

2009-06-17T22:00:00.014-04:00

Downtown Aiken, South Carolina is a great place to explore on foot. Just get out of your car and wander around for a while. There is no telling what you will run across. The Alley, is just one of the many wonderful places that you might discover.

Aiken Railroad Depot in Progress

2009-05-30T22:27:00.006-04:00

All Aboard Aiken - The rebuilding of the old train depot on its original foundation footprint at the corner of Union Street and Park Avenue in Aiken, South Carolina is progressing nicely. Restoration of two old railroad cars and an old caboose are also well under way. When these old cars arrived several months ago, it was hard to imagine that they could be restored.

Aiken Relay for Life 2009

2009-05-16T17:37:00.006-04:00

Last night, was the Aiken Relay for Life 2009, held at Aiken High School. As always, it was a moving event. It was not only a time to rejoice with the survivors, but a time to remember those that have not been so fortunate. Cancer will strike one in three people during their lifetime. It was great to see all these people to come out to help fight cancer and raise over $126,000 for the American Cancer Society

Kalmia Covers the Woods in Aiken

2009-05-12T21:08:00.003-04:00

All around Aiken, South Carolina, the woods are snow white this week as the Kalmia reaches full bloom. This popular plant's name has been used many times in the Aiken area. There is a Kalmia Hills, Kalmia Shopping Center, and in the late 1800's there was a Kalmia Mills, Inc. There was even a town of Kalmia, that was later changed to the current name of Langley

New Moon Cafe Muffins

2009-04-25T23:54:00.004-04:00

For an early morning treat, the New Moon Cafe in downtown Aiken has delicious muffins. What a way to start the morning.

Aiken, South Carolina in the Spring

2009-04-22T00:41:00.005-04:00

Spring is my favorite time of the year in Aiken, South Carolina. You can't beat the combination of Azaleas as a backdrop for the snow white blooms of the Dogwoods.

Springtime Iris's

2009-04-21T23:22:00.004-04:00

It looks like the Iris's are going to be great this year. It has been several years since we have had the right conditions for them to be at their best. Last year, we only had two blooms. Already this year they are loaded with buds and the blooms are beginning to burst forth with all their color.

USC Aiken Azaleas

2009-04-20T15:53:00.005-04:00

Spring is always a wonderful time of year in Aiken, South Carolina. The flowers, especially the azaleas, are in full bloom and everyting is colorful. While walking around the campus of the University of South Carolina Aiken, I ran across this beautiful sight.

Toccoa Falls

2008-09-01T22:33:00.005-04:00

Saturday we rode up to North Georgia for the day. We stopped by the campus of Toccoa Falls College, where for a small fee you can take a short walk to Toccoa Falls. To reach the falls, just entrer the main entrance of the campus and continue straight on down the road until you reach the Gift Shop. After paying at the gift shop, you walk out back and follow a short easy path to the falls.