My friend Neil and I met to walk the Shot Pouch Trail in Sumter, SC. The trail is a 3.1 mile trail that runs from Dillon Park to Swan Lake Iris Gardens. It is a beautiful, well-maintained paved trail for walkers, runners, and bikers.
It was a typical May day in Sumter. Warm, but not overbearing, and, as always in Sumter, humid. About half-way across the trail Neil said, “I could use some water.” We had both been sweating a fair amount.
In front of us was the Sumter YMCA. I said, “I bet there’s a water fountain in there.” We crossed the street and entered the building. We walked into the lobby of the very nice buiding and I walked up to the counter. The young woman working there smiled at me and asked if she could help us. I said, “Yes, ma’am. We’re visiting town and walking the Shot Pouch Trail. I was wondering if you had a place where we could get a cold cup of water?” She asked, “Are you members here?” “No, ma’am.” “Then I’m afraid I can’t let you in,” she said, still smiling.
I looked over at Neil, standing by the fancy cross in the lobby. We just started laughing and walked out.
I said “So much for that ‘C’, huh?”
Additional note: if you’re ever walking the Shot Pouch Trail in Sumter, bring your own water. And have lunch at the Sumter Cut-Rate Drug Store in town. Not only will they give you water, their onion rings are terrific!
Michael Henderson 