Poinsett State Park (by Caleb)

Poinsett State Park was the first place we stopped. I got out and compared the size, easily noticing a difference. Ours was definitely the biggest one on the lot.

We set up, which includes putting the stabilizers down, putting the slides out, and hooking up the hose to their water. At Poinsett there was a big field, some trails, nice bathrooms, and neighbor kids.

It was late when we got there so we hurriedly went to bed. In the morning Asher and I rode our bikes down to the office to see if there was any firewood to buy. We searched and searched but didn't find anything, but we did find that they had a lake and a playground but no firewood.

We rode back and told the news. Then I went outside to collect firewood. I had only gotten a little when some man who looked like a ranger came riding down the road. I went up to him and asked, "Sir, do you know of any place you can buy firewood?"

He replied, "Yeah, do you know where the office is?"

I said, "Yeah."

"Well, you can buy some at the office."

I had already looked there, so I thought, "Well that's really helpful."

"Oh," I said.

We talked for a little bit, and I learned his name was Steve. He was the camp host, and he was going to give me some firewood... for free! I soon liked Steve a lot. He was like a friend. It had only been a short time, but I missed my friends.

Steve rode off, and I was so excited I ran inside and told mom, dad, Asher, and Jordan the news. Then I quickly ran back outside because I didn't want to miss Steve.

He came back and unloaded seven pieces of chopped firewood! I was really grateful and said thank you multiple times.

We started talking some more. We talked until Steve looked down and saw the bunnies (that were in their fence outside) and said, "Aw you got floppies." Steve looked in his forties, and I didn't expect for him to say that. 

I said, "Oh yes, they're my sister's." I held one up for Steve to pet. He said he had a Flemish Giant (if you don't know what that is, Google it and you will see). Then Steve left.

I had learned that pinecones make good fire-starters. I also learned that I could collect wood by one giant fallen tree, and boy, was there wood! I spent much of the rest of the day hauling over firewood (because I wanted to) and an occasional wave at Steve until dinner time that night.

We had a nice campfire and then went to bed. When I woke up I was excited because that day we were going to Congaree National Park. I kept asking dad when we were going and finally we got in the car and went to Congaree.

When we got there we looked around and then had lunch. During lunch we worked on our junior ranger books. Then we went on the boardwalk and saw a woodpecker, some huge trees, a crawfish mound, crawfish, and fish (that we saw in the pond).

Downy Woodpecker

We were almost done with the boardwalk when I realized it was 3:43 and the visitor center closed at 4:00, and I wouldn't get my junior ranger badge in time. So I ran and ran all the way back and got my badge. Later when the rest of the family got back I told them how close I was to not getting my badge. Then we left to go back home.

Cypress knees at Congaree

By the time we got home it was dinner time so we ate dinner. Then went to bed early so, goodnight!

When I woke up I got ready for the day and did stuff until lunch. I can't remember what we did, but after lunch we went on a bike ride and played in a creek and on a playground until we had to go back because the key on the RV got stuck.

Dad got a locksmith to free the key. After the locksmith was done I raced into the RV and got a drink of water because I was thirsty.

We didn't do much for the rest of the day other than play video games and relax. Then we ended the day with a campfire and dinner, then went to bed. In the morning we packed up and set off for Don Carter State Park.