Modoc, SC in the Hot, Hot Summertime

Looking toward the left from under our awning

Looking toward the left from under our awning

When we were planning this camping trip, we originally wanted to go to Black Rock Mountain State Park in the NE Georgia mountains.  It’s a lot cooler there.

But we are not experienced mountain drivers.  And there is a winding, twisting 2 mile gravel road to the park at a steep grade.  The park’s website says that only those who are experienced at driving narrow mountain roads should attempt it.

Looking toward the right from under our awning

Looking toward the right from under our awning

So that scared us off.

Next, I had wanted to go to Vogel State Park at the base of Blood Mountain.  I wanted to climb the mountain again and see how much harder it was than when I did it in 2003.  I remember it being an easy climb.  I also thought it would be so much fun to see Neel’s Gap again, which was my first supply stop on my Appalachian Trail attempt back then.

But Vogel did not have reservations available for the time I wanted.

The water seems to go on forever.

The water seems to go on forever.

So we scrambled around for a substitute destination.  We had camped here at Modoc when we first got our Aliner 8 years ago.  I remembered it being beautiful.  I also knew that South Carolina in June would be hot and humid — and is it ever!

Modoc COE is an older park. All of the sites are pull-thrus.  But, at least in our loop, they were designed for the size rigs that were popular when the campground was built.  Our truck and Casita are a perfect fit for them.  Big rigs would be out of luck — at least on this loop.

We are having to take precautions due to the extreme heat here.  Yesterday after we got set up, my face was beet red.  Then my head started throbbing.  The dogs desperately needed a walk, so I took them on a short stroll on the shady side of the road.

When I got back my head was pounding with a splitting headache.  I went inside and took something for the headache and slept for a couple of hours.

A huge luna moth on our back door the night before we left.

A huge luna moth on our back door the night before we left.

Since then, we are moving slowly.  I bring the dogs in every hour for a half hour or so to cool down.  Then it’s gentle, easy movements to keep from getting overheated.

Thunderstorms are predicted later in the week.  Although they will raise the humidity, the clouds will obscure the sun which should help keep us from being steamed quite so badly.

But it is STILL a LOT better than being at home!

weather

Grandpa and Camping and Baby Birds

The essence of summer

The essence of summer

I have had a ball watching the kids next door enjoy their summer camping trip.

Cannonball!

Cannonball!

I spoke with their Grandma.  She and her husband are raising three grandsons, ages 7, 8 and 9.  She said they took them to Disney World, but they like this a lot better than Disney.   Another adult or two and some more kids are camping in a tent next door to them.   The grandma apologized profusely for the noise.  But all I have heard is happy kid sounds and it delights me.   I asked if I could take pictures of the kids and she said yes.

Grandpa taking the kids fishing after dinner

Grandpa taking the kids fishing after dinner

Ron and I have especially loved watching the grandpa with the kids.  He is so gentle and loving toward them.  It is so wonderful to see good kids and family who obviously adore them.

I was awakened this morning by bluebirds.  I didn’t realize what a piercing call they have.  A pleasant alarm clock!

Feed me NOW

Feed me NOW

While I was sitting outside, I looked under our trailer and saw five little birds.  Obviously some (or all) of them were babies.  I couldn’t tell if there were 3 babies and two adults, or if they were all babies who had fallen out of their nest.  It’s unusual to see the wide open mouths of baby birds demanding Feed Me other than in a nest.  At least, it was odd to me.

Of course, Sheba had an opportunity today for her mandatory “Sheba in the water” camping shot.

Over here, Ma!

Over here, Ma!

She is maturing so fast.  I am very impressed by how good she has been while we have to keep her tied up in camp.  She contented herself all day, between walks, by watching the kids, watching the boats, people swimming, rafts and canoes on the water. She appeared endlessly fascinated by the kids next door.

Ron bought bait and we planned to go fishing today.  In fact, I already had my hook baited and had attempted my first cast when we realized that my new reel was defective.  I thought we’d have to exchange it.  But Ron took his apart to see how it worked, then he took mine apart and fixed it.

Ah!  I found the water!

Ah! I found the water!

By then it was time to cook dinner, though.  Then, as soon as we were finished eating and I had just gotten the awning down, a terrific thunderstorm hit us.  What a deluge!  After it was passed, the air was so clean and fresh smelling.  People came back outside.  All was beautiful again, except that the sky had an odd yellow cast.

So our worms are on hold for tomorrow.  I hope my reel works like it’s supposed to!

Cooling it

Cooling it

Japanese honeysuckle

Japanese honeysuckle

Ron and Sunny checking out a pull-thru site

Ron and Sunny checking out a pull-thru site

Trumpet vines

Trumpet vine flowers in trees. They are a visual delight.

Closeup of trumpet flowers

Closeup of orange flowers. On edit – reader Karen identified these flowers as trumpet vines and said that hummingbirds love them. Thanks, Karen!

Under the camper

Under the camper

Our storm this evening

Our storm this evening

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