Mary Presson RobertsLandsford Canal State Park, located in Catawba, SC, is a place that I put on my calendar to visit each year in late May or early June. This is the time that you will be able to see the Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies that bloom in the park. Visitors come from near and far to see this spectacular display.
You can take a hiking path down to the viewing area for enjoying the lilies or you may choose to
kayak down the river through the lilies. I have both kayaked and walked to the lilies in past years.
One year my husband, Randy, son, Jeremy, and I kayaked down the river through the lilies. The next day we returned to the park and hiked down to the viewing area so I could photograph. It was on this second trip that I saw the snakes. Most times I have visited Landsford Canal State Park, I have seen at least one snake. I have seen copperheads, water moccasins, and black snakes at the park.
The lilies are a sight to behold whether viewing them from the kayak or from the viewing deck. On my most recent visit, I was trying some new techniques with my camera. This first image was created using intentional blur of the camera.
Once home, I took a similar scene and used Topaz Impression to create another look for the kayaker.
Another thing I explored that day was using a 10 Stop Neutral Density filter to slow the motion of both the water and the clouds. I took more than twenty exposures and blended them together to get this look in the clouds.
The next time you are looking for a great place to explore, be sure to check out the beauty of Landsford Canal State Park.
Whether you explore the park by trail or by river, you will be sure to enjoy your visit!
Lynn Wiezycki
