The week we had a great day to do a drive down to South Carolina to see the peach trees in bloom. They bloom in mid-March most years, with some varieties blooming a bit later. The day was supposed to be warm enough to put the top down on the roadster, and we met up with more members of the British Car Club at a local shopping center.
The sun was out, even though it was a bit cool in the morning. Light jackets worn to look at the cars and visit with friends were quickly shed once we were on our way.
With cars running the decades, we made an interesting sight to see. When we meet like this, it almost always draws over shoppers to see the cars.
We set off down Hwy 176, a lovely road with switchbacks and curves around the mountains. The trees were not leafed out yet, so the mountain ridge can be seen.
Heading south, some of the rock formations along the way have interesting textures or small waterfalls. A really fun thing happened on the way when we got to a section under construction with a flagman. They happened to be using the same channel on the radio that our group was using, and they heard our leader’s transmission about the construction. They asked about our group, then communicated to their crew that our 14 cars were to come through together. As we went past, they transmitted ‘thanks for the show’, apparently the highlight of their day.
We motored on to SC, came over a rise and the peach trees spread out before us. You’ll notice they are topped off to keep the branches closer to the ground to make harvesting easier.
With mountains in the background, pink blossoms were just beginning to come out in this orchard.
This photo cannot do justice to the carpet of pink we saw going on for acres and acres across the valley.
Heading back north to NC, you know how we love to see these signs.
Along the way, the Bradford pear trees were in full bloom. We saw several spots like this one.
We stopped for lunch in Tryon, parking all together along the railroad tracks. It was a fun day.
Back at home, Chester is getting bolder. One early morning, he came up to the veranda to politely ask if there might possibly be a sandwich for a squirrel? Oh, who could resist such cuteness?
He took his treat to the tree, and sat on a branch stump to eat it. Little f*rt, he won’t sit next to the daffodils where I could get a better picture.
Ah well, I got a good picture of him eating his treat with the zoom lens. You can see my pitiful peach blooms on the lower right. This is all that is left of the peach trees that the bears and I used to race to each summer to get the peaches first. But the little tree was damaged, either by a storm or a bear, so it is gone. This one will weakly bloom, but it doesn’t get enough sunlight.
More daffodils are blooming at our house now, too. The irises are putting up shoots, as are the tulips and gladiolas. More of the flower show next week.
How are you having fun this week?
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From My Carolina Home 
The peach orchard was a beautiful sight. I thought I wouldn’t get to quilt on Quilt Day, but I actually got to FMQ half of a twin in progress, finishing the other half today. Chester is such a little tease, so he’ll be knocking on the window.
Carole, Thanks for sharing this beautiful day and the fun and interesting happenings on your property. I am a little late this morning, but I love to start the day with such a positive look at our country. So many majestic parts to appreciate. Lenora
Carole, the ride down to SC looks delightful. The peach trees in bloom are beautiful!
That looks like a fun drive – your group would get our attention in a parking lot, too! the blooming trees look beautiful. Love the fun you have with the squirrels!
I hope the the peach orchard doesn’t get hit by a frost – they will loose their whole crop – it has happened here in Arkansas numerous times – and the blueberries too – I have blueberries in blossom and now it will drop Monday night and everyone will need to protect their berries - crazy warm spell we had. Your cars all look cute lined up
Looks like a lovely spring drive! Nice that you had good weather and get out and enjoy the beautiful flowering trees. I’ve had fun this past week volunteering with my daughter. She was invited by her daughter’s Art Teacher to teach “FINGER KNITTING”. She needed lots of helpers and drafted the family. I spent 2 hours each day in the classroom helping 4th and 5th graders learn, and was tickled how quickly they caught on. Worked on some green string blocks on National Quilting Day.
I love to go on your car club rides, Carole, and this one was a really fun and pretty one! I love your squirrel friend Chester who stops by regularly for a sandwich, great zoom capture! Have a wonderful week ahead and Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️ Jenna
A timely post. We have a peach tree on the south side of the house, sheltered by the next door neighbor’s garage, and I am hoping that it will finally bloom this year. Now I know to watch for blooms before leaves!
I am so ready to see tree blossoms! What a terrific day for a ride. I love the photos of all your cute cars together. I can see why people come over. It looks like the perfect start of spring and I love it! Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you!
The car club does look like fun. Spring is trying to pop but so is a freeze watch for tomorrow night. Some plants will need to be covered.
I did finish the handmade book binding class. It was called a challenge for a reason.. Maybe the next book will be easier.. I did join for a month to really see if I want to continue. It is a large international group and they do have a fun very well planned time together. We will see how it goes.
I enjoyed your drive.
What a beautiful day for your drive. Those peach trees look amazing. How nice of your group to make the road crew’s day!
It must be lovely to drive through the Springtime countryside to see the gorgeous blooms. You all have a good time together!
Chester is such a little cutie. They soon learn who the ‘soft touches’ are and where an extra tasty mouthful is certain!
We are moving into Autumn/Fall here and it has suddenly dropped in temperature. Bit of a shock to the system actually when one has been having hot days and nights!! Garden suddenly starts to shut down, Tomatoes still with green fruit, Cucumber stop mid-growth. I usually love this time of year with cool nights and warm (not hot) days but this sudden drop is not nice. 🙂
Today I think will be a sewing day! Mary:))
You all had a great trip with your car club, such wonderful views.
Carole…what a beautiful ride !
We just got back from a day long ride also !
We live in northern Indiana near the Michigan line …we road up through all the apple & peach & pear orchards ….and grapes as far as you can see …it’s wine area here ….everything still asleep …no blossoms here … went up to Lake Michigan shore line with a picnic ….very cold and blustery ….waves crashing the lighthouse !
Beautiful views all the way. What city in S.C. were the cherry blossoms?
It is in unincorporated farm land in the north west part of the state, west of Landrum, south of Lake Lanier.
Thanks for the “ride”. I always feel like I’m right there enjoying the scenery and the company! Looks a little like the part of Pennsylvania that my husband is from, rolling and colorful, switchbacks and miles of orchards. Thanks again
I remember how delicious those peaches are. You are making my mouth water.
The peach orchard is lovely. Looks like a wonderful day for an outing.
As I looked at Chester’s ‘chest’, sitting upright on the veranda, it seems to me that ‘He’ may be a ‘She’. Hmmm…. Will need to watch and see if a fat little belly appears anytime soon. LOL
Always a joy to see your beautiful photos of the wildlife and gardens near you.
always love your drives…………rarely see blossoms like this…………