Where the River Floods
South Carolina’s first and only National Park is an amazing adventure. Congaree was named a National Monument in 1976 and then a National Park in 2003. It is also a National Natural Landmark, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Globally Important Bird Area. This floodplain forest is flooded approximately 10 times a year by the Congaree River and has several of the tallest bald cypress trees in the world. You can walk the wooden boardwalk trail, which can be flooded at different times of the year, hike trails, or go canoeing or kayaking. Which ever you choose you are in for a magical and mystical exploration.
The flooded forest floor is full of “knees” from the roots of trees.
Bald Cypress Trees reach for the sky.
To learn more about Congaree National Park and plan your adventure go to http://www.nps.gov/cong
Quantum Leap Winery is a unique destination in Florida. They do not make wines from the Florida native grape, Muscadine, but focus on creating great tasting wines from around the world. They do this by purchasing wine juice from small wineries in premier growing regions and then age, finish, blend, and package the wine in their facility. Their focus is on being environmentally friendly and reducing their carbon footprint in the process.
Upon arrival to this urban winery, you will notice the eclectic, artsy, vibrant neighborhood. Quantum Leap’s home is a former warehouse building and retains many of its industrial attributes. The interior is very open and inviting. There is a large central bar for tastings and an open area with ample tables, chairs, and couches. The exposed ductwork is visible against the high ceilings with plenty of lighting. Bright artwork adorns the walls, which you can purchase and there is an area in the corner for musical artists to perform. Outdoors, the prior loading dock serves as a covered porch area to sit a spell and enjoy great wine.
Watching the snow also made me start thinking about how winter can affect a vineyard. Obviously, the climate can be quite different depending on where it is located, but that doesn’t change the fact that vines go through a cycle every year. After harvest time; the vines turn woody, their roots dive deep into the soil for nutrients and they create carbohydrates that help protect them through the winter. When the first frost occurs, the leaves fall and the vines go dormant. Although this is a time of rest for the vines, it is an active time for the farmer.
If you can, try to visit a vineyard in the winter. You won’t be disappointed. Every season has its reason to visit, the best part of winter is being able to see the beauty in the vineyard while the vines sleep. You get this time to enjoy the silence, watch the animals, see the farmers working and dream of the magic that will occur once again the next year.
Carrie Hanrahan Photography 