Embrace the Charm of Fall at South Carolina’s State Parks
As the vibrant colors of autumn burst into life, the state parks of South Carolina are preparing to welcome a flood of nature enthusiasts eager to enjoy the season’s unique charms. One park in particular, Croft State Park, has a dedicated team ready to usher in guests.
At the helm of this team is the park’s Senior Ranger, a lucky individual who has been lucky enough to transform his passion for the outdoors into a fulfilling career. Averse to the restrictions of an office job, the Ranger found his calling amidst the breathtaking wilderness of South Carolina’s state parks.
Meet Ranger Woody Goodwin
He’s Woody Goodwin, Senior Ranger at Croft State Park and a stalwart of the wild since 1999. Born for the outdoors, Goodwin cherishes the opportunity to bask in the splendors of nature every day.
In his words, “I can see God’s creation every day, so it’s been a blessing.” His personal journey shaped by the call of the wild, Goodwin’s love for the outdoors was ignited when he hiked the Appalachian Trail for nearly six months right after finishing college. It wasn’t too long after this expedition that he found his place in the South Carolina State Parks.
The Lure of Croft State Park
Assigned to Croft State Park south of Spartanburg in 1999, he has grown to become an integral part of this nature reserve. Encompassing a vast expanse of 7,000 acres, the park is home to an array of trails and a serene lake frequented by many.
An experienced ranger, Goodwin has witnessed countless people come and go over his 25 years in the park. He notes, “I’ve seen kids grow up here, and then they bring their family back here. It’s a neat place to come and just get away from the busy and craziness of everyday life.”
To aid the adventurers, the park provides maps coded with colors to help identify landmarks, trail lengths, and difficulty levels. So, whether you are an experienced hiker or it’s your first-time stepping into the wild, these maps will ensure you don’t miss any of the park’s hidden gems.
Rev Up Your Fall Kitchen Adventures
While the arrival of fall marks the perfect time to embrace the outdoors, it’s also a fantastic time to experiment with your cooking skills. An air fryer happens to be an incredible appliance that can jazz up your kitchen adventures, especially as you prep for Thanksgiving.
Given the ease it offers in preparing delicious crispy foods, an air fryer can be your savior during this year’s holiday season. And if you’re into baking, consider adding some fantastic bakeware to your rotation. Who knows, you might find your next favorite piece amongst the most wished-for items online!
Get a Jump on Car Emergencies
Lets not forget, the fall is also a season of transitions – and hiccups. Ever been stranded with a dead car battery, miles away from assistance? Consider investing in a jumper starter, a device that’s essentially a powerful battery with attached jumper cables. It can spark your battery back to life, eliminating the need for a donor car. Safe travels, everyone!
So there you have it. As we step into the enchantment of fall, it’s time to embrace the delights of not just the treasures of nature, but also the joys of cooking and the peace of having a potential lifesaver in the trunk of our car. Here’s to celebrating fall!
