Just up from H. Cooper is Cheraw State Park. Cheraw is a more traditional kind of state park. Cheraw is the definitive South Carolina State Park as it was the first park and the one that established concretely the idea of a South Carolina Park system.
Cheraw fairly bustled in the summer sun with families picnicking, playing and swimming. I could see this place fixed as a definition for the "Come Out and Play" slogan that the park system used. We first explored the ribbon of elegant boardwalk that wound its way around the lake and on to the spillway. We loved the lillypads but especially delighted at the many playful turtles which seemed to swim along the boards for the amusement of Cheraw's guests. So peaceful had the boardwalk been that I was taken aback by the power of the spillway we encountered. I instinctively clutched my young daughter's hand so fiercely that she gave a cry. I held Ben's shoulder and was grateful for the safety rope that Anchor had attached to our son. We stood atop the spillway on a bridge and looked cautiously over the side. It was dizzying. Gallons and gallons of water pouring out and dashing into clouds of foam which decorated the water below. The juxtaposition of the tranquil den of turtles with this magnificently chaotic cascade was in itself overpowering. We watched for a moment taking in the wonder of the duality.
My mama heart begged me move my children from what my eyes saw as a clear and present danger. We abandoned the spillway and headed back to our van. We navigated the park roads to the trail head of the Turkey Loop Trail. The Trail transversed four and half miles of pine forest and ticks.
We are semi-experienced park hikers. We know to take precautions and to always give the woods due respect. Though the South Carolina sun was driving its sharpest and hottest rays down upon us, we were all dressed to the hiking nines with an ensemble of of long pants, over shirts, hats and enough bug spray to fumigate a city block. We donned backpacks and grabbed extra water and hiking sticks. We were ready.
I was so glad that this was not our first experience hiking with the children. The trail itself was flat but it was long, the terrain was sandy and the heat was stifling. I kept telling myself how important experiences like this were for our children and how accomplished we would all feel after we had completed our trek. We were bonding. I told myself this as we all trekked around the loop trail, red faced and sweaty, swatting at the millions of mosquitoes who seemed to relish the flavor of blood and DEET. In spite of all of the challenges, the trail itself offered wonders. There were hundreds of copper colored froglets as well as pine saplings in every stage of development, myriads of birds showcasing a gorgeous repertoire of woodland music and every kind of wildflower imaginable. This trail would have been a favorite if only the temperature were a bit more temperate.
Ben's attitude strained as the trail led on. Not having the language skills to complain verbally, Ben fell to hitting his own head and then to hitting and biting Anchor. Anchor and Ben alternately hiked before and behind the group. I wondered what we had gotten ourselves into. But on we went and Ben calmed somewhat as he began to realize that forward on the trail meant closer toward the van and then on to home.
As if understanding our need for reprieve, the trail proudly displayed a sign that proclaimed "Home". The arrow pointed the direction. A little farther and we saw our van. Never have we loved our minivan more.
Ben wanted to climb into our chariot straight away but as we looked at him- at all of us- we saw that among our swelling mosquito bites lay a host of unintentional acquisitions. There on legs and ankles were a plethora of uninvited guests. We were covered in ticks. The first aid kit came out and we began stripping ourselves of parasites. I lost count after twenty ticks had been removed from children's pants, ankles, shirts and skin.
We rechristened Turkey Loop Trail as Tick Trail since all save me had gathered a fair collection of the parasites. On and home. Showers for all....heaven.
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