Swamp Sweat :)

Ok... so the title doesn't sound very alluring, but that's what I did this past weekend. Boo, the dogs and I hiked and sweated thru a swamp in South Carolina! hahhaa! The Congaree Swamp to be exact.

"The largest remnant of old-growth floodplain forest remaining on the continent. Experience national and state champion trees, towering to record size amidst astonishing biodiversity. Walk, paddle or just relax within this dynamic floodplain ecosystem. Beauty and tranquility reign supreme in the midst of this natural treasure." (from the Congaree National Park website http://www.nps.gov/cosw/ )

"Congaree National Park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. Located in South Carolina, the park is 22,000 acre (89 km²). The lush trees growing in this floodplain forest are some of the tallest in the Eastern U.S., forming one of the highest natural canopies remaining in the world. Bald cypress is a common tree in the park. The Congaree River flows through the park. 15,000 acres (60.70 km²) or about 70 percent of the park is designated wilderness area. "(Per Wikipedia)

What an interesting place. Some of those trees were so huge my jaw dropped. We hiked around 5 miles and on flat (yes flat) ground. Even though it was a forest, it was unlike any forest I've hiked. Though we didn't get to see the wild boars, our hike was still an adventure. There was so much grey colored Spanish moss dripping off some of the pine trees, like what you would expect to see in Savannah or Charleston.

The hike started at the little museum/ranger station. Because we had the dogs, we had to start on the "Dog Trail", and missed around a mile of hiking on the boardwalks. I'm still wondering what I missed. ;) But the "Dog Trail" soon caught up to the "Sims Trail" and from there we caught up to the "Westlake Trail" We could of added another 2.5 miles if we had taken the "Oakridge Trail" but decided to take it easy. The dogs had a blast as usual, Boo had a nice pace going, and I was the only one dragging. I kept stopping to take photos every few feet! hahaha! It was just so different and interesting. When I found the biggest tree in the park I had to hug it. :) I know, I know, typical goofy "tree-hugger" photo op. I'm cheesey like that sometimes. Anyways, I'm looking forward to the New Year and new adventures. Til next time, GET OUTDOORS!