Time to stretch the legs again so we headed across town to do a walk along the Congaree – it was misty when we parked up but this just made the walk along the river atmospheric – not a soul around as we went along the path which wound its way through the woods by the river…the first bit went past beautiful homes with wide porches with hammocks overlooking the river…a little disconcerting to come across a police 911 emergency phone though – I guess it’s a sign of the times…and there were about 5 of these along the track …several lamp posts had big red Christmas bows too which reminded us of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 
A river…a bridge…and a train…
The rail track across the river seemed old and unused – until a train appeared from nowhere and slowly chugged its way across – almost eerie as it was misty and you could almost hear the rusty framework creaking as the train moved…other than that, we saw no sign of life at all…
After a couple of miles, the boardwalk became very slippery underfoot so we headed inland towards civilisation and something to eat…wandering along the streets past all kinds of houses was fascinating – all shapes and sizes and big blocks of apartments here and there – most of them with Christmas wreaths or bows….
Eventually came across a fairly major road so headed back towards the park where we’d left the car – as we walked past a block of shops and businesses, some of which were boarded up, we spotted what looked like a possible lunch stop – Chef Aaron’s Southern Cuisine – a regular door with windows either side which were steamed up…a good sign? As we went in, we were greeted by a fab aroma and a lovely lady who told us the buffet was 9.95 and go help yourself! So we did…and boy oh boy! The food was fabulous…one plate between the 2 of us was plenty and Chef Aaron came out with an extra pork chop for me too…the buffet had about 10 different dishes plus 2 puds – cherry or peach cobbler – had a lovely chat with Aaron and Andrew asked what was in one of his rice dishes – not only did Aaron write out the recipe for us, but he also disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a cup of spices, a bag of sausage meat and a red pepper – “Chef Aaron’s Dirty Rice Starter Pack” as he called it! We had a real giggle with the accent as ‘Dirty Rice’ just doesn’t sound right with an English accent – so, I had to repeat after Aaron…duurdee duurdee – so say that with a Southern accent and you have “Durdy Riaace” Will definitely be cooking that one when we get back…
Chef Aaron’s Southern Cuisine…
A beautiful river walk…
Said our goodbyes and headed off back along the river to the car and home again…it’s the little gems like this make life so much more interesting I think…
Tagged: Chef Aaron's Southern Cuisine, Christmas, Columbia, Congaree, lights, walk
