The Mosquito Coast (with apologies to Paul Theroux)

The Hampton Plantation - (no relation, Hampton Inn)

Shortly after leaving Georgetown south on 17 you enter long stretches of marsh and forest around the North and South Santee Rivers.   On the way down south we decided, as usual on impulse - to follow a sign that interested us and ventured off 17 to visit the Hampton Plantation.  It was quite a ride into the deep pine woods of the Francis Marion National Forest, eventually coming to a narrow track into this state historic site and then heading back north toward the South Santee River.  There were only a few cars in the lot but from what we could see the restored Georgian mansion looked interesting and we were enthused to have found it by following our impulse.  There were numerous other buildings and the grounds were startling with massive grand oaks, hanging moss and acres of lawn, along with an obvious slope toward the marsh and river.  Upon leaving the vehicle we notice a few mosquitoes and broke out the repellent.  After about 25 yards and waiting in vain for some folks to move so we could get a good picture of an appealing view, we headed off to the Plantation House.  We got about another 25 yards and were completely enveloped in a storm of mosquitoes.  We high-tailed it out of there slapping ourselves like a couple of cartoon characters - so let that be a lesson to our fellow travelers. After a rain, or other conditions that amp up the mosquitoes – when you are near a river and adjacent to massive marshes, it’s not just the gators you have to watch out for! Plan accordingly.