 |
 |
The Boardwalk Loop is an elevated 2.4 mile walkway that passes through old growth forest of bald cypress and water tupelo. However, on this date, there was a broken part of
the boardwalk, Rangers roped it off shortly after the two RV Gypsies stepped past that point. |
 |
 |
Environment: The
park preserves a significant part of the Middle Atlantic coastal forests
ecoregion. Although it is frequently referred to as a swamp, it is largely
bottomland subject to periodic inundation by floodwaters.
It has been designated an old growth forest. The park also has one
of the largest concentrations of champion trees in the world, with the
tallest known examples of 15 species. Champion trees include a 167-foot
361-point loblolly pine, a 157-foot 384-point sweetgum, a 154-foot 465-point
cherry bark oak, a 135-foot 354-point American elm, a 133-foot 356-point
swamp chestnut oak, a 131-foot 371-point overcup oak, and a 127-foot
219-point common persimmon.
Large animals possibly seen in the park include bobcats, deer, feral
pigs, feral dogs, coyotes, armadillos, turkeys, and otters. Its waters
contain interesting creatures like amphibians, turtles, snakes, and
many types of fish, including bowfin, alligator gar, and catfish. Although
the two RV Gypsies did NOT see any of that type of wildlife here on
this date. |
 |
 |
Below: The dark colored mud
on each side of the boardwalk is a mixture of clay and old leaves. This
mud, called Dorovan muck, is 8-feet thick and plays an important role
in the health of the floodplain. It filters water, traps pollution and
turn pollutants into harmless compounds, keeping the flood plains and
the Congaree River clean |
 |
Cypress Knees: It is believed
that they provide the tree with extra structural support during floods
and high winds. Bald cypress trees can live to be over 1,000 years old.
Bald cypress wood is rot and water resistant. |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
cool shapes |
a funky critter and reflecting twig |
 |
 |
There are nine trails here, ranging form 0.3 miles to 11.7 miles long. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Karen Duquette loves the shapes and reflections in the waters. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Weston Lake |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Below: a burl face |
 |
Below: Leaving Congaree National
Park, the two RV Gypsies briefly drove by Wateree River and a fish hatchery. |
 |
 |
 |
|