I visit the forest often.

Usually in West Columbia/Casey, South Carolina area. River walk stretches for miles and passes through Columbia. It has various entrances on both sides of the river and one long path to follow. On a hot day, it’s a serious challenge. The path is paved and has a decent section that is a wooden walkway.

I experience various surroundings- from dense forests to wide open views of the Congaree and Saluda rivers.

I’ve even seen wildlife under the water from the wooden walkway. I recently found a new part of the riverwalk that leads to a shoal with a small beach. There is even more to explore as I look across this part of the river.

I get another nature fix at a swamp.

Its dense forest path is all natural. The path can get rather narrow and seems to never end and there are places where the forest is so dense it feels eerie. Once I was fortunate enough to capture a baby alligator hanging out in the black waters on the edge of the wide open lake. The lake stretches out toward the huge swamp. I’ve seen kayaks disappear into the swamps.

This time of the year the swamp is less crowded and the canopy is uncovered. I took this opportunity to walk along the creeks in places unreachable in the summer.

Sometimes I visit a dam with various fowl wildlife.

People love to fish while others are taking photos of the wildlife. Of course I had to see what was up above the dam. A vast lake is above the dam and a huge lakefront community.

Lastly, I spend time at a lazy lake.

It has a small dam at the end and a small windy walking park nestled under trees.

I visit these places is because they ease my mind and lift my spirits.

I find leaving my phone behind helps me take in all that nature has to share with me.