Tourist and hiking

Saturday was a rainy day, so we headed into town to Target and to see the movie "Tourist". As usual we got a large popcorn (as you get a free refill with a large) and a Sprite.  We ate half of the popcorn before the movie began but I had chocolates in my pocket to carry us through the movie.  We did get our popcorn refill and headed home. No fire tonight as it was still raining.

Instead of breakfast out this morning, (it is hard to find places open for breakfast around here on Sunday) we decided to go for a hike then eat out for lunch. We went to the I'on Swamp Trail.

Once part of a rice-growing estate, the I’on Swamp is famous among birders for the variety of species that descend here during spring and fall migration. In particular, because the most elusive bird in America, Bachman’s warbler, has been spotted here. The easy, two-mile interpretive loop trail wanders within the swamp along a dike patchwork on the remnants of the abandoned Witheywood Plantation.

The area provides wide range of wildlife viewing, especially the numerous large alligators that come into view where the trail crosses one particular pond. We looked very hard for alligators but saw none. It was a bit cold (about 40) so maybe they were resting. We did hear something plop into the water but think that it might have been a nut falling off the tree. 

 The trail’s backstretch pushes into gorgeous wetlands dotted with bald cypress trees and murky swampland. The roots look like knees coming out of the swamp. 

Something rooted up the ground.. we are thinking a European Wild Boar...  Eric looked for tracks but did not identify anything.  we did see and hear a lot of birds but only identified a red headed woodpecker.

after the two mile hike it was time for lunch at the Seewee Restuarant.  as we have found so far with all of our food experiences, it was fabulous.  Fried chicken, cole slaw, mac and cheese (to die for), pulled pork (South Carolina style with vinegar), sweet potato casserole, hush puppies and green beans.  every thing was really good. of course we had sweet tea, no room for dessert but did stop for an ice cream bar.