Best seat in the house
As planned, I drove down to Congaree National Park this morning. Door to gate, about 100 miles even. I arrived around 10:45 AM, or so. Fortunately, the weather was very cooperative. The sun stayed behind a thin layer of clouds during the time that I was there, casting interesting, yet not-so-harsh shadows.
Initially, when I hit the boardwalk that runs through the swamp, I was moving like I was on my morning walk! I was moving! Then, I had to remind myself to reduce speed to 1/4 impulse! I got it under control and took my good old time walking the 2.4 mile loop. It took me about 2:10 to walk the loop … that’s what you call a “mosey“! I was enjoying the sights and sounds, or lack thereof, and having a good time walking and snapping a photo here or there. The park is located 12 miles east of I-77, so there was no highway sound to be heard. The only sounds were those of birds and the occasional screech of a child in the distance as they ran along the boardwalk. 
About halfway through the walk, I came upon this gentleman, who quite honestly reminded me of my friend, Monte, although Monte has a much shorter beard! He was perched upon the railing, gazing into Weston Lake. As I walked up, I took a couple of photos. When I got near him I said: Looks like you have the best seat in the house, my friend. He replied, simply: I believe so. After that no more words were exchanged. I sat on a nearby bench, enjoyed the sun, enjoyed the quiet. After about 10 minutes, he said: Have a good day. I said: Thank you. You, too. And off he went.
I still have a number of photos to look at. I think that I got some that were keepers, but the top photo has already been tagged with “favorites”.
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If that’s not Monte then that guy is channeling Monte! The top photo is a wonderful portrait that tells a lot about the man and the place. Excellent.
ken bello recently posted..hazy shade of winter
Thanks, Ken. You’re right. This guy is most certainly channeling Monte! As for the portrait, sometimes, when you walk up on a photograph, you just know!
Looks like a nice place Paul and your photos reflect that beautifully.
Cedric Canard recently posted..Wholeness broken
Thanks, Cedric: I think that it is a nice place, too. I just have to be careful to leave my prejudicial thinking, “It’s just a swamp”, in the car and go in with an open mind. I was able to do that yesterday, I think, at least for the most part.
Those are moments we need, Paul. I relish in them.
Monte Stevens recently posted..A Few Favorites
Yes, Monte. Those moments are very refreshing, invigorating. Also, it was cool to see your Doppelganger!
What a magical place. Just a swamp! Harrumph! Your photos capture so much of the feeling and Monte’s double adds a great deal to the story. The quiet sounds inviting.
Funny. I used the word “mosey” in my post this morning. What are the odds? It’s not the most common word in the blogosphere. Must be a “mosey” kind of month.
Anita Jesse recently posted..Post #1 for 2013
Anita, of course you’d use the word “mosey”. You’re a good old southern belle!
Yes, this is a beautiful place. I need to head down there and catch it in the early morning or evening. Both times I’ve been at midday. I need to see it in different seasons as well different times of day.