This is the second post about our Greenville trip. If you haven't read the first one, scroll down until you come to it.
We spent the night in a Holiday Inn Express in the old downtown section (and No, that doesn't qualify us for anything in particular). A coupon we had gotten at the S.C. Welcome Center saved us $60 on the room, which was first class. Toss in possibly the best continental breakfast I've seen, and it was a super bargain.
The next morning, before we even pulled out of the motel parking lot, we walked across the street to inspect the Civil War era cemetery. As in many parts of South Carolina, the historic plaques continue to reflect a certain defiance in the aftermath of the south's defeat. Remember, this was the state voted most likely to secede.
Don't know this general's name, but he is the sentinel watching over the graves of many sons of the south in their final resting place.
This was a fitting place to begin the final day of our Memorial Day trip.
You may have a little difficulty deciphering the words of this poet. Many today may even find the words somewhat offensive because they admit only defeat on the battlefield, not any error in purpose. In the context of the times though, these words are as valid an expression of memorial devotion as any present day celebrations.
Back in the car, we sought out and found a "rails to trails" greenway that connects to the rest of Greenville's Swamp Rabbit Trail.
At least 3 old railroad trestles added to the historical ambience of the trail.
As noted in my SFL Nature Trail blog posts, the dreaded Kudzu seeks to reach out and take over this trail and any other place it can gain a foothold (so to speak). The state-of-the-art trail was about 12 feet wide with a four foot rubberized cushioned lane for non-bikers only.
We had never noticed that the flowers of the Catalpa tree look like tiny lilies. The one in our back yard has never bloomed so profusely.
Near the turn-around point the trail led under this still-used trestle. I wish a train had gone overhead while we were there.
We drove a short few blocks to our final Greenville park, Cleveland Park. It is the largest and includes the city zoo (which we didn't have time to visit this trip). It has its own special character and is more sprawling than the others. But like the others, it has plenty of stone bridges!
The next post backs up a little to tell about the Children's Garden we visited earlier this morning.
You may have a little difficulty deciphering the words of this poet. Many today may even find the words somewhat offensive because they admit only defeat on the battlefield, not any error in purpose. In the context of the times though, these words are as valid an expression of memorial devotion as any present day celebrations.
Back in the car, we sought out and found a "rails to trails" greenway that connects to the rest of Greenville's Swamp Rabbit Trail.
At least 3 old railroad trestles added to the historical ambience of the trail.
As noted in my SFL Nature Trail blog posts, the dreaded Kudzu seeks to reach out and take over this trail and any other place it can gain a foothold (so to speak). The state-of-the-art trail was about 12 feet wide with a four foot rubberized cushioned lane for non-bikers only.
We had never noticed that the flowers of the Catalpa tree look like tiny lilies. The one in our back yard has never bloomed so profusely.
Near the turn-around point the trail led under this still-used trestle. I wish a train had gone overhead while we were there.
Our next stop, The Children's Garden, deserves and will have a special blog post of its own, so for now we'll skip ahead to The Rock Garden, a park about a mile's drive away.
This park is a small one in an old residential neighborhood. It is serene and inviting. This waterfall greets you when you enter.
The stream splits this idyllic park symetrically, with greenery and nice rock formations on both sides.
By now, are you getting the impression Judy and I got, that Greenville is committed to open green spaces for its residents?
A kind lady who knew something about cameras took our picture on this stone bridge.
Typical of the wonderful sculptures that were on every hand in all the parks. What is more enchanting than enjoying the great outdoors with a good book and your best friend--human or otherwise?
We drove a short few blocks to our final Greenville park, Cleveland Park. It is the largest and includes the city zoo (which we didn't have time to visit this trip). It has its own special character and is more sprawling than the others. But like the others, it has plenty of stone bridges!This is the same Reedy River that tumbled down the rocks just a mile away. Here, it levels out and begins to meander away toward the flatlands to the east.
It was fitting on this Memorial Day trip that our last sight was this Korean war era F-86 Sabre Jet. If you dont' see the black iron fencing around it, it looks like its either coming in for a landing or strafing the enemy!
The next post backs up a little to tell about the Children's Garden we visited earlier this morning.
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