Alligator, Mullet Pond, Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

I almost stepped in front of this alligator's mouth. There was no fence between us; he was about 6 ft. away. Glad I left my snack-size dogs in the car.

Unsolved Mystery, Atalaya, Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

What's *this* all about then, eh ...? I'm pretty sure doors to all off-limit rooms were locked today at Atalaya Castle.

Sunset Over Mullet Pond, Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

After more than two weeks (or three?) without seeing the sun, I'm ecstatic to be out of the forest and by the sunny sea at Huntington Beach State Park.

Main Street (East Side), Whitmire, South Carolina

I'm going to miss this little town and my new hunter friends in Sumter National Forest when I head to the Lowcountry and Florida soon.

Fried Bologna Biscuit, Whitmire Foodmart, Whitmire, South Carolina

Southern biscuit with thick-cut, fried bologna – as big around as a man's palm – only $1 at Whitmire Foodmart. Just what the doctor ordered (me not to eat).

Mosquito Meter, Congaree National Park, Hopkins, South Carolina

I *thought* my OFF! Deep Woods clearly signaled "No!", but the lady skeeters took it as playing coy and persisted in their attentions.

Child Militia, Historic Brattonsville, McConnells, South Carolina

Visiting school children drill as 18th century farmer-militiamen at Historic Brattonsville under the tutelage of a costumed interpreter.

Piggly Wiggly, Whitmire, South Carolina

I haven't seen a Piggly Wiggly for years. They're not in Texas anymore, but about 600 are still doing business in 17 states, especially in the South.

Gas Tank in Cemetery, St Matthews A M E Zion Church, Whitmire, South Carolina

It's a shame the cemetery is the safest location installers found for this gas tank. (The church is a few feet to the right.)

Jew's Harp Spring, Sumter National Forest, Whitmire, South Carolina

Jew's Harp Spring is named for the granite fountain head in the Orange Hall Plantation spring house. Much of the year, water gushes up from the center hole.

Mystery Gadget, Cross Keys Plantation, Union, South Carolina

I visited historic Cross Keys Plantation, and the most exciting thing to me was this mystery farm tool/torture device.* Yup, I'm an oddball!

* I know what this gadget is. Do you?

Mansion Rear, Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site, Union, South Carolina

Rear of Secessionist Governor William Henry Gist's Rose Hill Plantation mansion, whose 178 slaves' quarters and histories are missing from the park.

Midway BBQ, Buffalo, South Carolina

In business since 1941, and it still has a line out the door. Top100BBQ.com judges say, "May even be 200 mile barbecue." And oh, Honey, the flavor!