11/14 to 11/16 Lake Jasper RV Village

 Lake Jasper RV Village

Hardeeville, SC

November 14 to November 16 

On my way out of Myrtle Beach State Park, I stopped for a glimpse of the ocean. Poor lighting, glare and an overcast sky didn't make for spectacular photos.

This is the James B. Edwards Bridge over the Wando River. Poor framing while driving made me find a better shot online.

I thought of my bridge loving (fear of=Gephyrophobia) friends who would have loved this up-and-over-the-bridge ride at 60 mph with cross winds.

Today's trip down route 17 was good though slow going through the traffic light infested Ocean Highway. That was expected; with the average speed at 55 mph, the fact that roads continue to be smooth as glass made for a most pleasant drive. Going through the rest of Myrtle Beach showed just what a tourist venue it is during peak season. Name the store, cuisine, attraction or place to stay, it's all along the Ocean Highway. Once beyond the small towns like Surfside Beach, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach, Litchfield by the Sea, Pawleys Island, Georgetown, North Charleston, and Jacksonboro to name a few, I once again was able to cruise along at 60 mph. Some sights along the way:

Dozens of these wooden "structures" dotted the highway for miles and miles. Some like this one had form; most others were in all stages of disrepair or collapsed from neglect into piles of lumber that should have been removed long ago. At first one would think that during the tourist season local farms would have their crops to sell.

But no; closer to inhabited areas in town many were selling Sweetgrass Baskets. Check out the link to learn more about a craft that has been "passed down from generation to generation since the 1700s, the sweetgrass basket craft is unique to the Lowcountry and represents one of the oldest West African art forms in America.

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"Along North Highway 17, sweetgrass basket makers set up roadside stands to sell their wares to tourists and locals alike. The exquisitely-fashioned baskets are a Lowcountry tradition—an American art with African origins. When West African slaves were brought to South Carolina, they brought with them the tradition of weaving baskets from grass with them."

Further along highway 17 near Yemassee, SC, I saw a sign for the Carolina Cider Company and decided to take a break from driving and visit a local shop. My stop was in Store #1 of 3 and what a nice surprise within. Check out the website to see the wide variety of goods for sale. Along with my other purchases, I had to have a homemade oatmeal raisin cookie, my lunch while driving.

At last, I arrived in Hardeeville, SC. Formerly known as Camp Lake Jasper, it was bought out by Cove Communities and renamed Lake Jasper RV Village. Explore the link to see the amenities and photographs under the new management. I've been stopping at this campground since 2015 either on my way to or returning from my stays in Florida. 2019 and 2020 were the latest. (Very) long time friends and fellow Blue Mountain Middle School retirees, Roger and Wendy have lived in nearby Sun City, Bluffton, SC, for years and the location is a convenient and looked-forward-to stop along the way. My two-day stay this year was precluded by the unfortunate passing of Wendy's sister-in-law in Jamestown, NY. The timing was such that this year we will miss each other. My condolences to the families. This LINK is to a very early (2015) two-part blog of my visit with Rog and Wendy.

During my short stay I will try to get over to Lake Jasper for some photos. The gallery on their website had ten good ones I'll share here. My captioned photos follow these:

The overcast skies and threatening weather wasn't going to provide me with any sunsets.

Site 103 was within walking distance to Lake Jasper. My photos follow.

Viewing Winnie level and shaded. With full hookups I even had Mr. Rooster crowing nearby most of the day.

The path behind the pool and bathhouses, Lake Jasper to the right.

This scene had the makings of a gorgeous sunset. Not meant to be.

17 sites are set aside for Lakeside back-in sites.

Looking back over poolside toward Winnie, center left.

Short and sweet though it may have been, my layover here in SC ends and my march towards the Sunshine State continues. With my warm regards to Roger and Wendy, I hope their fond remembrances of the good time will be with them always.

My next stop is Port Orange, Florida. Once again my layover is planned to include a visit with long time friend, Mya and Mark. Folks back in New York have witnessed temps in the 30s these last couple of nights, one of the reasons why Mya moved from Yorktown, NY, and made her home here years ago. See you at the Nova Family Campground.

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. – Seneca