An Oregonian in South Carolina

byDeanna P

90 followers

12 years ago

I didn't know what to expect moving from the Pacific NW to Aiken, South Carolina. The thunder and
lightning storms were kinda scary. And the winds - Wow. There are storms in Portland, Oregon but
a little more gentle.

I asked a long time resident here what they did for recreation here. Did they go swimming in the lakes? Then I sat in wide eyed horror as he related a time he went swimming as a boy. He had a favorite spot to swim at a lake near his home. He remembered the time he saw a water moccasin (a venomous pit viper also know as a cottonmouth) swimming toward him. He got out and jogged down the path to get to another swimming spot and noticed the snake with its little head above the water swimming along and actually keeping up with him as he headed to the new spot. The snake got there first! He decided not to swim that day.

Then he went on to tell about the day he and his wife were beach combing at Hilton Head and
decided to do some exploring. They had spotted an abandoned cabin ahead in some over growth
and decided to check it out. They were going along the path and came to a sand covered bridge
which they started to cross over when my friend noticed in the marshy water under and around the bridge about 20 or so aligators milling around. He yelled to his wife and they did a pretty good 100 yard dash back to the beach.

All I can say is the memories of a sunny day (there really are some) at the lake or river in Oregon came flooding back, where swimming and boating were pretty tame and relaxing.

But then I am getting to like the "Yes Mam s" and "Ya All" and the southern hospitality and food. People here are so friendly and I like the slower pace. The history is amazing and it's fun to see the places I have only read about. And the horses here are beautiful. Hmm - I think I just might stick around. . . . .