Outdoor column by Dan Geddings: The scenic route

The scenic route was Highway 210. I would exit the interstate and turn onto the two-lane blacktop that ran across farmland, swamps and the flatwoods. There was no hurry, and there was almost no other traffic on the road.

From the interstate to Providence Crossroads, the road was straight, and there were a few houses and a patchwork of farms and woodlots. One swamp crossed the road. At the creek, there was a colorful assortment of fishing corks and tangles of fishing line on the electric wires that hung along the side of the road.

After the crossroads, there was a long curve and some flat farm land, then the big swamp - Four Holes. Numerous creeks crossed the road here, and at the bridges, there were usually fishermen. The road was elevated above the floodplain, and the woods were open and beautiful. At the far side of the swamp, another interstate was crossed. I always glanced down at the line of cars and trucks on their way.

After crossing the interstate, there were farms, pastures and woods. There were a few houses. One unique house inspired my design for our own new home. The small town of Bowman was just ahead. After leaving town, the road ran straight and flat, passing some farmland then miles and miles of piney woodlands. There was a long curve just before Cattle Creek Crossroads.

After Cattle Creek, the road was straight again for miles, then the next little town was Branchville. The claim to fame here is the railroad and the old depot. Highway 210 ends here, and I would take Highway 21 south toward the Edisto River. The road here is named the Lowcountry Highway. After crossing the Edisto, I would turn left on Highway 61. This road is known as the Charleston Augusta Highway. A few miles ahead was the gate to Buckhead Hunting Club. The entrance to the club was 75 miles from my house.

Many times, when leaving Buckhead, I would turn toward the interstate. If it was dark, I would take the interstate, but if there was daylight, I would cross the interstate and take Highway 15 north. It was also a good scenic route. Highway 15 would take me back to the interstate near Santee.

On many trips, I had my brother Matt and my son Clayton with me. We watched the fields, side roads and power lines for any sight of deer and turkeys. Our trips along the scenic routes were always in the daytime when we could see. Predawn or nighttime travel was usually on the interstate. The traffic would be lighter then, and there was not much to see anyway.

A few years ago, I joined a club closer to home in the High Hills. I have a scenic route that I take during daylight hours to get there and another route that I take at night. The scenic route takes me down Brewington Road. I pass through the Concord community and pass by the county landfill. The first intersection is with Highway 76, then on to the intersection with Highway 441. There are woods and fields along this route. There are a few houses scattered along the roadside. On this next section of road, I usually see turkeys in the farm fields.

Highway 15 is the next intersection. Then on to Queen Chapel Road. I turn right here and head toward Dalzell. More farmland, a swamp and some woods. Houses along the way. After the Chicken Shack in Dalzell, I turn right on Black River Road.

This route has several stops and takes a little longer, but I favor it. There is not much traffic, and I find it relaxing. I never hurry here and usually find myself going slower than the posted speed limit. I never take this route at night.

At night, I take Highway 378 toward town. It's a four-lane road, and the section through Sumter has limited access. There's not as much traffic at night. Predawn traffic is even more scarce. I exit onto 521 North. Highway 521 is also four lanes toward Rembert. If I go that way during the day, I'll sometimes take the Old Camden Highway to Dalzell.

These routes going to hunt and coming home are part of the overall experience. I may find another hunt club some day, and no doubt I'm sure to also find the scenic routes.

Reach Dan Geddings at cdgeddings@gmail.com.