tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89860487911714375842024-03-17T15:09:04.570-04:00Femme au foyer...back in the US with memories of France...Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.comBlogger1122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-4489780657908954552024-03-08T06:00:00.011-05:002024-03-08T06:00:00.129-05:00Thousands of blooms at Dirt & Grit Flower Farm<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We were greeted by Hannah, two baby goats, and a field of
thousands of blooming tulips!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIa92qKg6gBTGUtWxDztwhKj61LZ0kFVDYuqyFq_ot9CwLUOvDbahR15TTvuNP4kQHxP6m0IYTixZ0wA4XHmvSDrcqPlyfw-moiKGH2LhoLmoGeGkipxWmSxqvI0zaYtr-1uf7Rtx2G3l5NOE4Ft_OwflHsGl47luEU6XsgJz5OvZFAMcf0w8i_4nBRF4/s4032/IMG_2267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIa92qKg6gBTGUtWxDztwhKj61LZ0kFVDYuqyFq_ot9CwLUOvDbahR15TTvuNP4kQHxP6m0IYTixZ0wA4XHmvSDrcqPlyfw-moiKGH2LhoLmoGeGkipxWmSxqvI0zaYtr-1uf7Rtx2G3l5NOE4Ft_OwflHsGl47luEU6XsgJz5OvZFAMcf0w8i_4nBRF4/w300-h400/IMG_2267.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />A new you-pick flower farm has their grand opening today,
just 30 minutes from downtown Greenville in Woodruff, South Carolina. I was
invited out yesterday for a sneak-peak & to snap a few photos for <a href="https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/upick-flower-farms" target="_blank">Kidding Around Greenville</a>, and so Zintis and I made the drive down I-385 on a beautiful
blue-sky day and in no time were on the farm gawking at the gorgeous flower fields.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWeLR7VMNgFSTtq1xPTQXCNrAHkzRX0L4fRbkqDWXXotR66w4lxLEp5SxfY-9c3XfadoJ4zttJ9MajsDHYstlbge_QiXTmfMdrtBprReVrq8RZXJt-05ZVN8X_X5mMbFNIY1Q89TUNvV8PewTxBHZJhPAttW59zdHmHM-ciYGciqjRofuB2RT8uA3CG8/s4032/IMG_2252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWeLR7VMNgFSTtq1xPTQXCNrAHkzRX0L4fRbkqDWXXotR66w4lxLEp5SxfY-9c3XfadoJ4zttJ9MajsDHYstlbge_QiXTmfMdrtBprReVrq8RZXJt-05ZVN8X_X5mMbFNIY1Q89TUNvV8PewTxBHZJhPAttW59zdHmHM-ciYGciqjRofuB2RT8uA3CG8/s320/IMG_2252.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As we toured the flower field with Hannah (co-owner of Dirt
& Grit Farm), she reminisced on how some years ago she had searched for a
you-pick flower farm near their home and found the options to be too far a
drive - so instead she established a cutting garden. The garden grew into a
flower field, which has now evolved into a you-pick offering for the Upstate; Dirt
& Grit Flower Farm has 50,000+ tulips and 4,000+ daffodils blooming this
season, with over 25 varieties available!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWwpIy_ObMkdnKk6283H3Yiar4MtWP4SqlwYYLS2Ckgm5C4OCV7fYqjwdtn39x4HmzzI4-2NWuK-BSYEc4VbyirloHaVv_wF59U47esed0hpQ3yzae-wPaplCMCJvgxFA19uDlX0ZmSzM8afITGLLMh02mRcKQL83z_Ew3aTDXgRjc1Mn77ZmgMfEeJk/s3024/IMG_2238%20horizontal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2356" data-original-width="3024" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWwpIy_ObMkdnKk6283H3Yiar4MtWP4SqlwYYLS2Ckgm5C4OCV7fYqjwdtn39x4HmzzI4-2NWuK-BSYEc4VbyirloHaVv_wF59U47esed0hpQ3yzae-wPaplCMCJvgxFA19uDlX0ZmSzM8afITGLLMh02mRcKQL83z_Ew3aTDXgRjc1Mn77ZmgMfEeJk/w400-h311/IMG_2238%20horizontal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">From March 8-9 (two days only!) VIP tickets are available,
guaranteeing a full field of blooms and ten stems to take home from the
you-pick field; you can buy tickets on their website <a href="https://dirtandgritfarm.com/">Dirt and Grit Flower Farm</a>. Then, starting Sunday March 10<sup>th</sup>,
general admission to the tulip and daffodil fields is just $8/person - children
9 and under are free! Enjoy the flowers, and if you wish to pick a bouquet, scissors,
buckets and water are available on-site. Flowers are just $1/stem with general
admission, and guests are welcome to take photos and bring a picnic to enjoy
afterwards. Special care has been taken in the details - even the cups for cut flowers are sturdy, recyclable, and a perfect fit for the cupholder!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0aTdJiKs2harpfqXkL9x_6nXiC8W2DyhAynm28b_5T-gvH0p5j3zANWtkIb9ZEgkw0OVCDGRFrhFFZHQS52aRG-dAMMdmCewzT-m8H4TyakYt-Wte_KVdPQqOyK9-GW6t0eQ23mZuIvhHh93xVkAoUSOiPtm-d0f7HuVYq49_1J8av4lpgc9BUEexXY/s4032/IMG_2242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0aTdJiKs2harpfqXkL9x_6nXiC8W2DyhAynm28b_5T-gvH0p5j3zANWtkIb9ZEgkw0OVCDGRFrhFFZHQS52aRG-dAMMdmCewzT-m8H4TyakYt-Wte_KVdPQqOyK9-GW6t0eQ23mZuIvhHh93xVkAoUSOiPtm-d0f7HuVYq49_1J8av4lpgc9BUEexXY/s320/IMG_2242.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The family-farm is also a working farm. The adjacent pasture
had horses and cattle, while another field contained the goats. We spotted a
few chickens wandering around, and the softest, fluffiest dog came by to say
hello. As we talked there was a constant buzz of activity – tractors delivering
mulch, a team working on some last-minute painting – and always the background noise of the goats
and cattle. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEx_ioROcqxHUp2M2goiotaoiERo-ob-3nkMXPjLfdkq3L5sTSwaYpB3W30E-2dpGWyNdKfz9k54AsSk9gO0qlCoFsaRfiLC3GhedKBftJsA1QdrFDb4D6yP68iQZbNTkrRngQW5gKl6zHZNG_A7J1xjClXmPiKkhNLBnd-wPsgOVGhrZ1estfkm0AcvA/s4032/IMG_2270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEx_ioROcqxHUp2M2goiotaoiERo-ob-3nkMXPjLfdkq3L5sTSwaYpB3W30E-2dpGWyNdKfz9k54AsSk9gO0qlCoFsaRfiLC3GhedKBftJsA1QdrFDb4D6yP68iQZbNTkrRngQW5gKl6zHZNG_A7J1xjClXmPiKkhNLBnd-wPsgOVGhrZ1estfkm0AcvA/s320/IMG_2270.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">With the two baby goats still trailing us, I asked Hannah about
their hopes for the farm. She said that if all goes well, they might convert a
field across the street to flowers – maybe sunflowers, or other summer flower. However,
the emphasis is “one project at a time!” and this season Dirt & Grit Farm
is growing the opportunity for local families to come out and enjoy the beauty
of spring flowers. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzqdIeqrzWOzfRDjmYFFQsyKVFw45zQftMh40WlkGk5Ys_2GJqu7uuzrshSQ7bO0jVSD6lIX9xbb5Fj7kDso9F3F5kzIEvbBoglhnK-QL7MVACoxdjkFaZpAPytB5fEpX1JQSAhor1PMk5ezJjAu-MQO3Nza7YTo_zbKDAuHc25JJDLRAC35ZOZe0VLU/s4032/IMG_2297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzqdIeqrzWOzfRDjmYFFQsyKVFw45zQftMh40WlkGk5Ys_2GJqu7uuzrshSQ7bO0jVSD6lIX9xbb5Fj7kDso9F3F5kzIEvbBoglhnK-QL7MVACoxdjkFaZpAPytB5fEpX1JQSAhor1PMk5ezJjAu-MQO3Nza7YTo_zbKDAuHc25JJDLRAC35ZOZe0VLU/s320/IMG_2297.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We are blessed to have such vibrant agro-tourism in the
Upstate, and I hope you’ll take full advantage of it this spring. Drive down to
Dirt & Grit Flower Farm, spend an hour in their tulip field, and pick a
bouquet! Then the following week, dream of tulip fields and spring days as you
admire the vase of flowers adorning your home…</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbbscyV0OFU-jCayBxvVS04JNNnE14xz7gzBCN6GtiuS3QZhVYnIov0QYT963T28u2KnFWDLdwmX0MLJQvVzOJv91OJtFqRg-S-DnxCKGr-XGkN7jT78lE7-uTg2AUv9WxP3VIECsW8Z2eD4h-VbQ1pHwxLxN-vuRzEs6DmpKPTh4a7hGVoOaV6u2unE/s4032/IMG_2296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbbscyV0OFU-jCayBxvVS04JNNnE14xz7gzBCN6GtiuS3QZhVYnIov0QYT963T28u2KnFWDLdwmX0MLJQvVzOJv91OJtFqRg-S-DnxCKGr-XGkN7jT78lE7-uTg2AUv9WxP3VIECsW8Z2eD4h-VbQ1pHwxLxN-vuRzEs6DmpKPTh4a7hGVoOaV6u2unE/w300-h400/IMG_2296.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Dirt & Grit Flower Farm<br />3456 Harris Bridge Road, Woodruff SC 29388<br />Find them on Facebook and Instagram! </span><br /><br /> </p>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0Dirt & Grit Flower Farm34.6775775 -82.0672499-39.871773221370674 137.30775010000002 90 58.557750100000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-26139821338893782352023-08-08T04:30:00.001-04:002023-08-08T04:30:00.128-04:00Riga from above - Latvian Academy of Sciences<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A while back I started a series entitled “Rīga from Above” on various towers, rooftops and viewing decks that give visitors a bird’s-eye perspective of Rīga. One option that I neglected to include is the Latvian Aademy of Sciences. While it is close enough to <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-twelve-days-of-riga-day-1-vecriga.html" target="_blank">Vecrīga</a> to showcase the tile roofs and church spires of the 800-year-old city, it has a unique location that allows for a view of Daugava and the opposite shore including the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/08/gaismas-pils-national-library-of-latvia.html" target="_blank">National Library</a>, and the city to the south. </span></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLEXri6jT2Ys6sQ5rfaOdpL01VLxolDkhP0gpmYDXDZrjqSnJuaokXUycXDXZdwhrllDhpVta8ZCm8VKCNwWxsi0sDXzIqEy_LgMU3F1QFuYA7dREAdv9i98Vr2ZEcujYOKxKhfLYQeYxA12FISfOHr9j7vfXixkt3qU7iabXYD9Im2FwbdPTJPsfSUo/s819/Latvian%20Academy%20of%20Sciences%20boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="819" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLEXri6jT2Ys6sQ5rfaOdpL01VLxolDkhP0gpmYDXDZrjqSnJuaokXUycXDXZdwhrllDhpVta8ZCm8VKCNwWxsi0sDXzIqEy_LgMU3F1QFuYA7dREAdv9i98Vr2ZEcujYOKxKhfLYQeYxA12FISfOHr9j7vfXixkt3qU7iabXYD9Im2FwbdPTJPsfSUo/w400-h300/Latvian%20Academy%20of%20Sciences%20boys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div>The 21-story building is believed to be the first high-rise in Latvia, construction stretching from 1951-1961. Architects were Osvalds Tilmanis, Vaidelotis Apsītis & Kārlis Plūksne. Fun fact; there was a small church located at <a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="-1"></a>the site until 1812, and the building was constructed on the cemetery.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqULAIfdEcgCXiXp9y_gYoZ8suKy-KAixOEs5z0fWhtREmaXDoddgDkcWfbpdjESRj1Xw_g1MjOiEYHXq1cqDcFZ83jbiOS9bQoPwOZMO-mLt1md4Wp31oa4OEG62HqRh5ga6rCn5N1x57pHSb5kZqh6pJe73lEA2msN_bJLxdLwXm_2t8-aGFhy2KBs/s819/Latvian%20Academy%20of%20Sciences%20view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="819" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqULAIfdEcgCXiXp9y_gYoZ8suKy-KAixOEs5z0fWhtREmaXDoddgDkcWfbpdjESRj1Xw_g1MjOiEYHXq1cqDcFZ83jbiOS9bQoPwOZMO-mLt1md4Wp31oa4OEG62HqRh5ga6rCn5N1x57pHSb5kZqh6pJe73lEA2msN_bJLxdLwXm_2t8-aGFhy2KBs/w640-h432/Latvian%20Academy%20of%20Sciences%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">If you plan to visit, know that there is a <a href="http://panoramariga.lv/" target="_blank">fee</a> (reduced for students & seniors), and that the elevator will only take you to the 15th floor… To get to the observation deck on the 17th you’ll have to climb a few flights of stairs.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lUamzxJJX-3b2rs6L1n2oITJMXG4kxRgRXUpG6Fp9kYcfhUoO0Io14MQWQfURwrLsWGHLfYiQifEos3wTVOrrgPYjk5w97Cq7CrFIcDO7WoUQ4wkwpE3LTknFhfZ3VIwTnYhtwX58_XeMAW7II0LjyTQmyfTUv99KB7ZujnycfiNancmwodAXxSfCkY/s1390/Latvian%20Academy%20of%20Sciences.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1390" data-original-width="1172" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lUamzxJJX-3b2rs6L1n2oITJMXG4kxRgRXUpG6Fp9kYcfhUoO0Io14MQWQfURwrLsWGHLfYiQifEos3wTVOrrgPYjk5w97Cq7CrFIcDO7WoUQ4wkwpE3LTknFhfZ3VIwTnYhtwX58_XeMAW7II0LjyTQmyfTUv99KB7ZujnycfiNancmwodAXxSfCkY/s320/Latvian%20Academy%20of%20Sciences.jpg" width="270" /></a></div></div></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Other articles in the "Rīga from Above" series include:</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/10/riga-from-above-st-peters-church.html" target="_blank">St. Peter's Church</a></span></div><div dir="auto"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/08/gaismas-pils-national-library-of-latvia.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Gaismas pils - the National Library of Latvia</span></a></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/10/skyline-bar.html" target="_blank">Skyline Bar</a></span></div><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmfhbtk_2bmNCWFF7BNEVj2Y_xtLhMtX2tjqWjg9sTq1eE8uTVr_juPqaJAobrSd6xuUBZ64LnjhmSmQLcNChgSHxmBVYJ9ohIqVcfckblF8QomKDhJBwYYYM27yqmMpxWWTFl2rdt8nRcvSvcbZP0Ce6VIGO2zW8KTtfMNeXSh9JuWSlZrY3ZLAR63Y/s819/Latvian%20Academy%20of%20Sciences%20VK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmfhbtk_2bmNCWFF7BNEVj2Y_xtLhMtX2tjqWjg9sTq1eE8uTVr_juPqaJAobrSd6xuUBZ64LnjhmSmQLcNChgSHxmBVYJ9ohIqVcfckblF8QomKDhJBwYYYM27yqmMpxWWTFl2rdt8nRcvSvcbZP0Ce6VIGO2zW8KTtfMNeXSh9JuWSlZrY3ZLAR63Y/s819/Latvian%20Academy%20of%20Sciences%20VK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="819" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmfhbtk_2bmNCWFF7BNEVj2Y_xtLhMtX2tjqWjg9sTq1eE8uTVr_juPqaJAobrSd6xuUBZ64LnjhmSmQLcNChgSHxmBVYJ9ohIqVcfckblF8QomKDhJBwYYYM27yqmMpxWWTFl2rdt8nRcvSvcbZP0Ce6VIGO2zW8KTtfMNeXSh9JuWSlZrY3ZLAR63Y/s320/Latvian%20Academy%20of%20Sciences%20VK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0Akadēmijas laukums 1, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1027, Latvia56.9432184 24.121781956.942633182859154 24.120709016394041 56.943803617140844 24.122854783605955tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-65542510461340199152023-05-16T06:00:00.020-04:002023-05-16T06:00:00.151-04:00Fourteen!<div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRUhWKv5o-IXU8E7UGxrmOckSrEF3PmpqUTIwsbjAH8XbuzNeUIWIIpF5ynpafY7nmJuRFdB1kqx0WcZ59XsELBU0vegK_ciaErJmXYOgy1lPtc14ZGmVomJH50pPEvQ2xO9hGYFJwhIdPI0XnS3zaLtbzMkg8QjiEjXe5TOnqGsbdtxPTcloUUXQ/s3799/DSC_1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2522" data-original-width="3799" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRUhWKv5o-IXU8E7UGxrmOckSrEF3PmpqUTIwsbjAH8XbuzNeUIWIIpF5ynpafY7nmJuRFdB1kqx0WcZ59XsELBU0vegK_ciaErJmXYOgy1lPtc14ZGmVomJH50pPEvQ2xO9hGYFJwhIdPI0XnS3zaLtbzMkg8QjiEjXe5TOnqGsbdtxPTcloUUXQ/w400-h265/DSC_1004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><div><i>Ej, Laimiņa, tu pa priekšu,</i></div></i></span></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Es tavās pēdiņās,</i></span></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Lai kājiņu neiespēru</i></span></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Asariņu peļķītē.</i></span></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p> </p><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></div>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-69629844803908658712022-05-16T08:19:00.000-04:002022-05-16T08:19:06.580-04:00Thirteen years<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Heavy rains for the first time in weeks, followed by a full flower moon, complete with lunar eclipse! Seems right on target with a thirteenth wedding anniversary!?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibEqQGvFEOonZlSyCBHpYb5D0Ro95QEzM-Q95Xpgi45u_w8sKmjluyE3r_MzeHffGZUORDYLgXC8_4SMMZ2Cq1vKiiShoA9A2z6QXPC5v_r5Hdt3kYTnATXdSqNFOKJ7NO1dBl9BE2kdd3fF3nixIfYbhpouFm0NCa3R1xZbheagLdJ2tiuPyPqE1/s4288/DSC_0639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4288" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibEqQGvFEOonZlSyCBHpYb5D0Ro95QEzM-Q95Xpgi45u_w8sKmjluyE3r_MzeHffGZUORDYLgXC8_4SMMZ2Cq1vKiiShoA9A2z6QXPC5v_r5Hdt3kYTnATXdSqNFOKJ7NO1dBl9BE2kdd3fF3nixIfYbhpouFm0NCa3R1xZbheagLdJ2tiuPyPqE1/s320/DSC_0639.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />May the adventures continue...</span><p></p>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-1528151180418459502022-04-27T03:30:00.007-04:002022-04-27T03:30:00.168-04:00Femme au Foyer Guide to the Foothills Trail<p>Waterfalls, wilderness areas, wildflowers and epic views…
No, I'm not talking about a national park somewhere out west, but our very
own Foothills Trail! Backpacker magazine rated it as “one of the best long
trails (fifty plus miles) in the country,” and it traverses the Jocassee
Gorges, which <i>National Geographic </i>named one of "50 of the World's Last Great Places—Destinations of
a Lifetime"… this isn’t just any walk in the park!
Well-suited for a through-hike for families looking for a challenge, yet
accessible even for the shortest day-trip ramble, the Foothills Trail is
rapidly gaining notoriety as one of the premiere trails in the southeast.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PcmgIyVEEDr5goKN6pp6jpoITT5rPXoMez4UbTjiXEaApu_CIwQ3iMn-Ch2DbTMFVVCnKuMJE9MNUXVdwpDxSTOrzzd6tvohFqrtd8419C46VcrA4Yf3VWN2XRmc4rRhhxsthVZ24m7MxzSTl0QBLbAOhLz2X0tMVVYDrRGNJIbSGZDntqlsPEb9/s1920/Foothills%20Trail%20index%20map.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1299" data-original-width="1920" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PcmgIyVEEDr5goKN6pp6jpoITT5rPXoMez4UbTjiXEaApu_CIwQ3iMn-Ch2DbTMFVVCnKuMJE9MNUXVdwpDxSTOrzzd6tvohFqrtd8419C46VcrA4Yf3VWN2XRmc4rRhhxsthVZ24m7MxzSTl0QBLbAOhLz2X0tMVVYDrRGNJIbSGZDntqlsPEb9/w400-h271/Foothills%20Trail%20index%20map.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Map via <a href="https://foothillstrail.org/" target="_blank">Foothills Trail Conservancy</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Totaling 77 miles, the trail stretches from Oconee to Table
Rock State Park with additional spur trails to numerous waterfalls and Caesars
Head State Park. Major trailheads are located at the state parks, as well as US
178, SC 130 and SC 107. You’ll find all this and more on the <a href="https://foothillstrail.org/" target="_blank">trail’s website</a>, and the following interactive map has access points, campsites, water sources and other info:</p>
<iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1ayrDOGS1DQ7O5yCflxafByKWnYS_6RNn&ehbc=2E312F" width="640"></iframe>
<p class="MsoNormal">With 77 miles of trail, it can be daunting to choose the
right hike for your family. I’ve put together a guide to help identify shorter
hikes on/near the Foothills Trail and spurs that will take you to points of interest, as well
as give you the info you’ll need to plan your trip: parking, hike difficulty, cost,
etc. The trail is broken down into sections, the numbers corresponding to
the system the Foothills Trail Conservancy uses on <a href="https://foothillstrail.org/" target="_blank">their website</a>: “A” denoting
access points and “S” spur trails. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">A short history of the Foothills Trail</h2><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">The push to protect the Appalachian Foothills began in the
1960s, with Clemson University and the US Forest Service (USFS) leading the
way. The first component connecting Oconee to Table Rock was built in Sumter
National Forest by the USFS, and by the early 1970s, the Foothills Trail effort
was gaining momentum. Duke Power offered to build and maintain the central
section of the Foothills Trail during the process of planning the Bad Creek
Hydroelectric project, and in 1974 the Foothills Trail Conference was
established. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The 77-mile trail linking Oconee and Table Rock State Parks
was finished in 1981, and for the last 40 years the Conservancy has promoted
and supported the trail through trail maintenance and developing the Foothills
Trail Guidebook and map. To become a member, please visit the FTC’s website! <a href="https://foothillstrail.org/join-now/">Join Now – Foothills Trail
Conservancy</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mCrgSDsPdNsWrrOe98Sr5QVQ8g-RW4RMozLss1ZKYHRrjmONgjTxW_u4cLoXlYrSG_-6c1qssVBXwvE30ZfvFQTVarHEyEd8H0KYlYWtFmhFmb5Fy1MHvWKPznFqOCo3971po6rQEtRa5UewdisRzNKBSgIUsPEAcckhm5Yie6hnalBdK9KAS6vK/s1947/Foothills%20Trail%20terminus%20Table%20Rock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1947" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mCrgSDsPdNsWrrOe98Sr5QVQ8g-RW4RMozLss1ZKYHRrjmONgjTxW_u4cLoXlYrSG_-6c1qssVBXwvE30ZfvFQTVarHEyEd8H0KYlYWtFmhFmb5Fy1MHvWKPznFqOCo3971po6rQEtRa5UewdisRzNKBSgIUsPEAcckhm5Yie6hnalBdK9KAS6vK/s320/Foothills%20Trail%20terminus%20Table%20Rock.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><br />The Trail</h2><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Table Rock State Park (A1)</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chances are, you’ve been on the Foothills Trail already, as
a portion of this section shares trail with beloved Carrick Creek Trail in
<a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/10/table-rock.html" target="_blank">Table Rock</a>. The one mile of
trail that follows Carrick Creek up from the Nature Center has a waterfall,
countless cascades, and a gentle grade with well-maintained trail - perfect
for young children. From there you can keep hiking, although the trail gets
much steeper. A short spur goes up to the summit of <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/11/pinnacle-mountain.html" target="_blank">Pinnacle Mountain</a>, though all
the views are found along the Foothills Trail: Bald Knob (3.6 miles from Table
Rock) and Drawbar Cliffs (4.6 miles from Table Rock). Both make great
destinations, though be warned they are difficult hikes; less experienced
hikers will want to stick to Carrick Creek!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The easy way out(side): <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/10/carrick-creek.html" target="_blank">Carrick Creek loop trail</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Know before you go: State Park pass required, hikers must
register at kiosk at Nature Center.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOhZA4xq1fTonLsi3vPDpUpZ7JAtOBUqQW6vY0VLFxtB9cSrqGKr51urysMA4XbkWSIebZtBq8KC80WI9yQynkUaUI7Z30dWw8ykVwhYk036F9AyoL8dNzZ1vSzILnqPrxCO4aa1lM8kFxVLl_zeOaBcCyFSA014YPYmuRo1L2XVXRR2oVBGV2_48/s1296/Sassafras%20Mountain%20Foothills%20trail%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1296" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOhZA4xq1fTonLsi3vPDpUpZ7JAtOBUqQW6vY0VLFxtB9cSrqGKr51urysMA4XbkWSIebZtBq8KC80WI9yQynkUaUI7Z30dWw8ykVwhYk036F9AyoL8dNzZ1vSzILnqPrxCO4aa1lM8kFxVLl_zeOaBcCyFSA014YPYmuRo1L2XVXRR2oVBGV2_48/w400-h290/Sassafras%20Mountain%20Foothills%20trail%20view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On the top of Sassafras Mountain</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Sassafras Mountain (A2)</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another spot on the Foothills Trail you may have already
checked out is <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/09/sassafras-mountain.html" target="_blank">Sassafras Mountain</a>. Remember, as it’s the highest point in the state, any direction you hike will
be descending from the summit… which means you’ll have to go back up to get to your car! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The easy way out(side): The observation tower and the rock
outcrops located adjacent to the medium-sized parking area guarantee that you
will not have to go far to soak in those views! Remember to bring a picnic to
enjoy at one of the picnic tables.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Know before you go: Parking is free, but the road up can be
closed in the winter for inclement weather; to check on the status, call the
Pickens County Sheriff’s Office at (864) 898-5500. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0Wm6sb1ay_hlfQzgqAOCx8INSAZhmyTBfHakpEZ2vMBKwMOZS1aHMCvUjzkCEpBmO79djXti9n380BMtiF4TMNm3pE_o6ku95njgy78zeqwzkX3qPcvtNlNZKN0Ul5HoTPSv7jjOKBauI4atiNhhypl-7Avm8EyQUT9NzWNgsbO7tw1LE1Ee9tLb/s2268/Beech%20Bottom%20Falls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="1701" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0Wm6sb1ay_hlfQzgqAOCx8INSAZhmyTBfHakpEZ2vMBKwMOZS1aHMCvUjzkCEpBmO79djXti9n380BMtiF4TMNm3pE_o6ku95njgy78zeqwzkX3qPcvtNlNZKN0Ul5HoTPSv7jjOKBauI4atiNhhypl-7Avm8EyQUT9NzWNgsbO7tw1LE1Ee9tLb/s320/Beech%20Bottom%20Falls.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Beech Bottom Falls</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Chimneytop Gap (A3)</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Just two miles from the summit, the section of trail from
Chimneytop to the top of Sassafras makes for a nice day hike. Start at the
Chimneytop parking area to get the hard part out of the way first; the views at
the peak will be so much more spectacular as for having earned them with the
climb up!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The easy way out(side): Park at Chimneytop and hike the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2019/02/beech-bottom-falls-aka-pinnacle-falls.html" target="_blank">Beech Bottom Falls trail</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Know before you go: Up until Sassafras the Foothills Trail
has just been passing back and forth into the Jim Timmerman Natural Resources
Area at Jocassee Gorges, but after Chimneytop it heads right into the heart of
the wilderness area. Be prepared for fewer road access points and limited cell
service!<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96aa8e3MvYstndcVyV2Qp3oeJszx0yQMoDpSy41L8riSGZ_AfbQjvOvE_d2dVS-lhbpyOmVnDiD9ehcR6L1gxVqm7b46PmRuRn6mKmUnMLpb9Z9eexOmF3Dfhs-76ILfGldGdyfSNNpgkZ-MWinBjqLybkZ-FAmF1hYiD2y2Rn8nwc7ppcljQmUWw/s4032/Raven%20Cliff%20Falls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96aa8e3MvYstndcVyV2Qp3oeJszx0yQMoDpSy41L8riSGZ_AfbQjvOvE_d2dVS-lhbpyOmVnDiD9ehcR6L1gxVqm7b46PmRuRn6mKmUnMLpb9Z9eexOmF3Dfhs-76ILfGldGdyfSNNpgkZ-MWinBjqLybkZ-FAmF1hYiD2y2Rn8nwc7ppcljQmUWw/s320/Raven%20Cliff%20Falls.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Raven Cliff Falls from Naturaland Trust Trail spur</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Caesar's Head Trail: Sassafras (S1) to Caesars Head (S2) spur</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The 14.2 miles from Sassafras Mountain to Caesars Head are
strenuous, but the trail borders Greenville watershed property, some of the
most pristine forest in South Carolina. A highlight of this section is <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/09/raven-cliff-falls-trail.html" target="_blank">Raven Cliff Falls</a>, the tallest waterfall in the state. To reach a viewing platform
across the valley from the falls, hike in from the Caesars Head SP end (use the
Raven Cliff Falls parking area) – the 4-mile in-and-out hike is moderate in
difficulty.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The easy way out(side): Park at the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/06/caesars-head-sc.html" target="_blank">Caesars Head Visitor Center</a> and
walk out to the overlook to get a birds-eye view of the terrain!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Know before you go: State Park pass required, hikers must
register at kiosk. Parking lot fills up fast, plan to get an early start and
have a back-up plan if overflow lot is full.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnOrPuCv6u1KaQa65olaqr5aUlxcgsr4aqDioaNTqOrRm8FyFn-PqnScqLdtKNDwbURXP4dBHCrfCEt8bE-n-8QGhAhjF8fHyrdCx_BEPvklcuHMH_EbNJZdQrXzH_WmOq505p5wxBFittI_aNauo22OnodFoYBcl7kTu2eqeoJhRZXuigntT8dsG/s5184/Jumping%20Off%20Rock.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5184" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnOrPuCv6u1KaQa65olaqr5aUlxcgsr4aqDioaNTqOrRm8FyFn-PqnScqLdtKNDwbURXP4dBHCrfCEt8bE-n-8QGhAhjF8fHyrdCx_BEPvklcuHMH_EbNJZdQrXzH_WmOq505p5wxBFittI_aNauo22OnodFoYBcl7kTu2eqeoJhRZXuigntT8dsG/w640-h408/Jumping%20Off%20Rock.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jumping Off Rock</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Laurel Valley (A4)</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The medium-sized parking area on Horsepasture Road serves as
a gateway to the Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges, and
marks the last vehicle access point to the Foothills Trail for many miles. A
popular dayhike destination from this trailhead is <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/06/laurel-fork-heritage-preserve.html" target="_blank">Virginia Hawkins Falls</a>, an
8.5 round trip, although by driving a bit further on Horespasture Road you can
reach a second trailhead that cuts down the mileage to 2.6 miles in-and-out.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The easy way out(side): Take a slow, scenic drive on Horsepasture
Road, with a stop at <a href="http://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2014/11/jumping-off-rock.html" target="_blank">Jumping Off Rock</a> to take in one of the most epic views of
the Jocassee Gorges.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Know before you go: Horsepasture Rd. is a primitive road maintained
by the SC DNR. It’s open year-round, but allow for extra travel time – the 9 miles
to Jumping Off Rock can take around an hour.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /> <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWJsN64PK-tiY3o88CT4jNAW--MsE0cVm3tDNOZPUO0afeL2uPEgn7uculQhKYj243j3_HAG36yYuAnhfWeMzRmuzCrlSYH_mx1rZxeGoypnslg0vJFBMtVUETz314frXIMQSQp_tUbgdJcD7h4Kmf5fvNEKckjRNR3Ldg2FRkI5QCW3aWUeU9SOG/s1936/Eastatoe%20Narrows.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="1452" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWJsN64PK-tiY3o88CT4jNAW--MsE0cVm3tDNOZPUO0afeL2uPEgn7uculQhKYj243j3_HAG36yYuAnhfWeMzRmuzCrlSYH_mx1rZxeGoypnslg0vJFBMtVUETz314frXIMQSQp_tUbgdJcD7h4Kmf5fvNEKckjRNR3Ldg2FRkI5QCW3aWUeU9SOG/s320/Eastatoe%20Narrows.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Narrows</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Eastatoe Gorge: Laurel Valley (S3) to the Narrows (S4)</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">A moderate hike of 5.4 miles round trip (with a steep, if
short section that might tend towards strenuous), a Foothills Trail spur takes
hikers into the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve. This section is characterized
by amazing spring wildflowers and a view of Eastatoe Creek as it funnels
through a narrow rock channel called “<a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-narrows.html">the Narrows</a>.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Know before you go: Park at the Laurel Valley parking area,
not at the gate a little further up the road where the trail enters the forest –
the road there serves as emergency access, and blocking the gate can get you
heavy fines and possibly towed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPV_JcTDYzi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPV_JcTDYzi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; 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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Bad Creek Access (A7)</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Bad Creek Hydroelectric Site is a 360 acre
"pump-back" storage facility that pumps water from Lake Jocassee and
stores it until needed for peak energy demands. It has a scenic viewpoint over
Lake Jocassee as well as a public parking area providing access to the
Foothills Trail, the Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area, and Lower
Whitewater Falls. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The easy way out(side): It is 0.7 miles one-way from the parking
area to the Foothills Trail and Whitewater River, a nice destination for those
looking for a short hike with some time by the water. The viewing platform for
Lower Whitewater Falls is a little more of a challenge, 4 miles in-and-out. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Know before you go: There are three boat access points to the
Foothills Trail in the 33 miles from Laurel Valley to Bad Creek Access (Laurel
Fork A5, Canebrake A6 and Horsepasture River) and a 5-mile connector trail
(Cane Brake Trail from Frozen Creek), though no vehicle access save for a few
intersections with 4WD forest roads. This is a popular section for camping,
especially with families and novice hikers looking to get a feel for backpacking.
The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1491703867712310" target="_blank">Foothills Trail Hiking group</a> on Facebook can be very helpful for planning purposes, with advice from experienced
hikers/campers as well as up-to-date trail conditions. It is very important to
be well-prepared if entering this section, as there is little-to-no cell
service, and you are crossing through the heart of the Jim Timmerman Natural
Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges in addition to Laurel Fork Heritage Preserve,
NC Gorges State Park and the NC Gamelands. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lxNpWP28htAe9mvLdY1dpb0e1QUpZl4phYlRAM_lCItmXm5k-xC_rruZSBO0hnEj8ea4w1nxzjt0asTbrrwbi4jQYMm-4t6Pe09-Ds30ea9ybRTejKMZFm4lisIwwcsdTv0ZgbCg6JKU5T30133dPqe4Lb44BuuX9ulLuVwU-v_et2gig_4sGE_Q/s3372/Upper%20Whitewater%20Falls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3372" data-original-width="2526" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lxNpWP28htAe9mvLdY1dpb0e1QUpZl4phYlRAM_lCItmXm5k-xC_rruZSBO0hnEj8ea4w1nxzjt0asTbrrwbi4jQYMm-4t6Pe09-Ds30ea9ybRTejKMZFm4lisIwwcsdTv0ZgbCg6JKU5T30133dPqe4Lb44BuuX9ulLuVwU-v_et2gig_4sGE_Q/w300-h400/Upper%20Whitewater%20Falls.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Upper Whitewater Falls</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Upper Whitewater Falls (A8)</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The NC Hwy 281 Upper Whitewater Overlook parking area proves
access to spectacular views of Upper Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall
east of the Rockies! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The easy way out(side): A paved, accessible, ¼ mile trail leads to
the upper observation area, then 154 steps further you’ll have reached the
lower observation area. You can continue on to descend to the river – just remember,
you’ll have to climb back up! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Know before you go: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
parking fee of $3 per vehicle goes toward continued improvements of the park.
Please don’t venture off-trail, as deaths and serious injuries have occurred
here!<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcR2AU2u5zKAWJMSPLYdBcVpbU9ksEGUi7MTwQCDlnO1Gw6oDDwXP4PqJBT4jpZDIxY_KY4akL0iqPsBW33PfHTRef-dHmTnQNht7cTN_HsP9peUCQmr0aWuYzcJKlLPq-AbMhG4R6mwKypbbItvmxWCun64JFYakFWnSsTMkQdG_3ZeA9lDs-t2ec/s3772/Wigington%20Overlook%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="3772" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcR2AU2u5zKAWJMSPLYdBcVpbU9ksEGUi7MTwQCDlnO1Gw6oDDwXP4PqJBT4jpZDIxY_KY4akL0iqPsBW33PfHTRef-dHmTnQNht7cTN_HsP9peUCQmr0aWuYzcJKlLPq-AbMhG4R6mwKypbbItvmxWCun64JFYakFWnSsTMkQdG_3ZeA9lDs-t2ec/w400-h251/Wigington%20Overlook%20view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">View from Wigington Overlook</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Sloan Bridge (A9)</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The 5.5-mile hike from Whitewater to Sloan Bridge is along a
ridge, and has superb views of Jocassee in the winter, but the majority of
visitors are drawn to Sloan Bridge for a picnic at one of the tables, to cool
down in the East Fork of the Chattooga River, or for a short hike to one of the
several waterfalls to the south.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The easy way out(side): After a picnic at Sloan Bridge, drive over
to the nearby Wigington Overlook for a picture-perfect view of Lake Jocassee.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Know before you go: There are no trash receptacles at Sloan
Bridge Picnic Area; remember, if you <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2021/04/leave-no-trace.html" target="_blank">pack it in, please pack it out</a>!<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Fish Hatchery Road (A10)</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s just 3.3 miles to Sloan Bridge from Fish Hatchery Road,
and with multiple trails in the area, many hikers plan a loop to make a day out
of their visit to this corner of the state. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The easy way out(side): Just a little bit further up the road is
the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery: take a self guided tour, go fishing, have a
picnic, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Know before you go: A visit to the Walhalla State Fish
Hatchery is free, but if you want to feed the fish, bring quarters for the fish
food dispensers.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EtSbbeMdwL2Fz07IbpYEe0k36ZdBrrMRgEoe4a4rFm2fviqm7e1lC5suxm9l-Apgn6ON3QM8-NOJ8s1eg9fgH-unuK61_qNbj-tinZ6ecoQISDweL48WhPpXF4RAh1pO8T8ywHpPUkMhH5ybopxGhuKmWRE1iH_j-lNXyyJ79SdnGTaudHo8RiMk/s1600/King%20Creek%20Falls%20boys.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EtSbbeMdwL2Fz07IbpYEe0k36ZdBrrMRgEoe4a4rFm2fviqm7e1lC5suxm9l-Apgn6ON3QM8-NOJ8s1eg9fgH-unuK61_qNbj-tinZ6ecoQISDweL48WhPpXF4RAh1pO8T8ywHpPUkMhH5ybopxGhuKmWRE1iH_j-lNXyyJ79SdnGTaudHo8RiMk/w300-h400/King%20Creek%20Falls%20boys.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">King Creek Falls</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Burrell’s Ford (A11)</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is so much to do in this remote corner of the state!
In addition to numerous major waterfalls, Burrell’s Ford offers camping,
fishing and picnicking along the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-wild-and-scenic-chattooga-river.html" target="_blank">Chattooga Wild & Scenic River</a>. For more on
Burrell’s Ford, see my post <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/10/king-creek-falls-and-burrells-ford.html" target="_blank">King Creek Falls and Burrells For</a>d.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The easy way out(side): Enjoy a hike to <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/10/king-creek-falls-and-burrells-ford.html" target="_blank">King Creek Falls</a> or
<a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/10/spoonauger-falls.html" target="_blank">Spoonauger Falls</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Know before you go: Burrell’s Ford is free, but can be
popular on weekends. Get there early for parking and first choice of a
campsite!<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwY4c_U8eNfcgiKkG_75O6jLcARwFpddrRJqg_pou3704_8GIm8YxeIAlPG9fSLOcRnNDHAwxyn8SalOXRxXl6y_6s5C-IKV9iKiISdTjxxAXnf7fCs5C1CrZ5UP3YWcJGKg5Bjp2okO0MLEm0piRQKaPgQ0cADzWbjF10AhcYzLZgMpoBlDDPPJo/s2526/Chattooga%20River%20from%20FT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1894" data-original-width="2526" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwY4c_U8eNfcgiKkG_75O6jLcARwFpddrRJqg_pou3704_8GIm8YxeIAlPG9fSLOcRnNDHAwxyn8SalOXRxXl6y_6s5C-IKV9iKiISdTjxxAXnf7fCs5C1CrZ5UP3YWcJGKg5Bjp2okO0MLEm0piRQKaPgQ0cADzWbjF10AhcYzLZgMpoBlDDPPJo/s320/Chattooga%20River%20from%20FT.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chattooga River, as seen from the Foothills Trail</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Highway 107 access points</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Headed south on Highway 107 from Sloan Bridge you’ll pass several
access points to the Foothills Trail. However, being small dirt lots that only
have room for a handful of cars, we’ve grouped them together for this guide.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Nicholson Ford Access</b>: This access point to the Foothills Trail is also the trailhead for hikes to <a href="#">Licklog and Pigpen Falls</a>. The gravel road can sometimes get a little washed out, if you would rather stay on pavement park at Cheohee Road.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cheohee Road (A12)</b>: Just off Highway 107, Cheohee Road is also known as Winding Stairs Rd. A gravel forest road leads to several popular waterfalls and a Forest Service campground.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Jumping Branch Trailhead (A13)</b>: The last access point before entering Oconee State Park!</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTZ0IJma5qUsOsa-KCMhhvW43mArhFbfIxrLe8-6tRkjAHqjpmfzydYSc_Ih_sxNLqEg1ooBmcK8kJgAnJyZTAeQo-OJX-wGdjIENaZqmcOMyy-k7gIXwGiOvPANw42m9-eVdaw5VtqQWm7TWqq_DB62k_BU_WtoHawKXRrcYg-DPLeNNhEbfEt9G/s3315/Foothills%20Trail%20terminus%20Oconee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3315" data-original-width="2724" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTZ0IJma5qUsOsa-KCMhhvW43mArhFbfIxrLe8-6tRkjAHqjpmfzydYSc_Ih_sxNLqEg1ooBmcK8kJgAnJyZTAeQo-OJX-wGdjIENaZqmcOMyy-k7gIXwGiOvPANw42m9-eVdaw5VtqQWm7TWqq_DB62k_BU_WtoHawKXRrcYg-DPLeNNhEbfEt9G/w329-h400/Foothills%20Trail%20terminus%20Oconee.jpg" width="329" /></a></div><br />Oconee State Park (A14)</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The southern terminus to the Foothills Trail, Oconee also
serves as a connector to <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/09/oconee-station-and-station-cove-falls.html" target="_blank">Oconee Station</a> via the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The easy way out(side): Enjoy Oconee State Park! From multiple
hiking trails leading to historic sites, views and waterfalls, to putt putt golf,
boat rentals and a beach – Oconee has got it all!!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Know before you go: State Park pass required, hikers must
register at kiosk at Nature Center<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><o:p>The rest of it! </o:p></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hikers who complete all 77 miles of The Foothills Trail—from
Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park – are eligible for the Peregrine
Award, which was started in 2011 in honor of longtime FTC member Heyward
Douglass. The word peregrine comes from the Spanish word <i>peregrino</i>, which
means pilgrim. It is also the name of one of Heyward’s favorite birds; he was
instrumental in the re-introduction of the Peregrine Falcon to the mountains of
Upstate South Carolina. For more information, please visit the <a href="https://foothillstrail.org/peregrine-award/" target="_blank">Foothills Trail website</a>. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hopefully this guide helps you identify which sections of
the Foothills Trail are closest to your home, and will assist in figuring out
how you can best get your family out on the trail this summer! Please remember
to hike within your comfort and skill level, and always plan ahead – research
the trail, local regulations, weather, hazards, and what to do in an emergency.
Happy hiking!<o:p></o:p></p>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0State Park Rd, South Carolina 29664, USA34.8686593 -83.10553596.5584254638211519 -118.2617859 63.178893136178843 -47.949285900000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-74402156610582339452022-03-15T04:00:00.081-04:002022-03-15T12:32:03.031-04:00Latvian guides celebrate 100!<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Latvian guides were established on March 15, 1922, on
the heels of the founding of Baden-Powell’s scouts (1910) in England and the Latvian
scout organization (1917). When Latvia was illegally occupied by the Soviet
Union in 1940, the Latvian guides were forced to disband. However, the
thousands of refugees fleeing death and labor camps during WWII brought the
movement with them, and for the next 50 years the flame would be nurtured by Latvians
first in displaced persons camps in Europe, later in Australia, Canada and the
United States. When Latvia regained its independence in 1991, I was probably
among the last to know; our guide troop was camping in the pine forests of
Wisconsin where incidentally, the cub scouts had staged a campfire skit a few
days earlier portraying Latvian soldiers defeating Soviet invaders. Over the
last thirty years the torch has been gradually passed back to the LSGCO, the
scout organization that was reestablished in Latvia in 1991, and the movement remains
strong. Today the Latvian scouts are relentlessly working and organizing to
help the thousands of refugees arriving daily from Ukraine, history repeating
itself as Ukranian Plast scouts flee the same evil aggression as the Latvian
scouts did 70 years ago</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitVKn06lMpccvdSJlndhdILEH_6Gm8IRv3ez0-QeM62CuPtEF6oAJ_ksKzgM8-5VZjixJPkOAapm0y-_pr4di61Ykto7YzIQprJUl1z8f5gznIvCbxoy_r_fbEwuMh_nJI1FbjjZpWf-6MP7P_CV67hHSn255NmIcV4cmmu1UguLM_pzD23A7DY8OU=s577" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="577" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitVKn06lMpccvdSJlndhdILEH_6Gm8IRv3ez0-QeM62CuPtEF6oAJ_ksKzgM8-5VZjixJPkOAapm0y-_pr4di61Ykto7YzIQprJUl1z8f5gznIvCbxoy_r_fbEwuMh_nJI1FbjjZpWf-6MP7P_CV67hHSn255NmIcV4cmmu1UguLM_pzD23A7DY8OU=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />In the midst of the disheartening news coming from Europe
every day, there is still the need to celebrate the good, and so a few days ago,
Latvian guides (present and past) and their supporters virtually gathered to celebrate
the centennial. We said a prayer, sang along with our sister scouts, and after a
brief presentation of the history of the Latvian guide movement were asked what
<i>gaidisms</i> – being a guide – means to us.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoZBRn0QK-8ms98EoNx5ZDk8ZpX_Nwd7e85qw6eXABUfy3qEmvl7POeutdmkWJ93Bh22kLrtV6r_efYLjIUjNo9Nl_CAXyg89dOg1bHgCW2EFQUb0ljizVM66CfA16rPQTdwvFxWWnhw-ZOraVd1akpG6kB7igdHbbJ-0qnz39uz7qwrVkMuaglaox=s1781" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="1781" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoZBRn0QK-8ms98EoNx5ZDk8ZpX_Nwd7e85qw6eXABUfy3qEmvl7POeutdmkWJ93Bh22kLrtV6r_efYLjIUjNo9Nl_CAXyg89dOg1bHgCW2EFQUb0ljizVM66CfA16rPQTdwvFxWWnhw-ZOraVd1akpG6kB7igdHbbJ-0qnz39uz7qwrVkMuaglaox=w400-h330" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />My immediate answers were along the lines of outdoor skills
and friendships, but as I looked through albums and dug through old photographs
later that evening, I could admit that the Latvian guides laid the foundations
for much of what was to come in my life. From the love of nature that was
nurtured by endless camping trips and excursions year-round, to my career of forestry
and firefighting inspired by the love of outdoor adventure (all those
backpacking and canoe trips, survival courses and ecology lessons), to our
family’s explorations of the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills today. My Latvian heritage
might have rooted before I gave my <i>guntiņu solījums</i>, but the friendships
accumulated over years of jamborees helped nurture my sense of belonging, and
today three of my sons are members of the Latvian scouts alongside BSA in hopes
they might find a similar sense of place in the diaspora. My marriage might even
be the result of scouting; Roberts recounts meeting me at a weekend scout camp,
and although I don’t remember the particular moment he loves to narrate when
asked how we met (I must have been 11 or 12 that February), looking back at group
pictures from a dozen jamborees, camps and other events from a period of about
10 years, I can pick out both of our faces, smiling, unaware that we would be
camping together for the next twenty years.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbPnMjsn0OPIPZYl4W3vo38Wv1H_PSwienQs3cw2s212dXTINzDig9IlfLOh50pt0n3cnTVtosNjOjvet3Kq71wEhAUA-gi7fOvhj8FUzoHXSq9zDbdm1drgvRdFgDE6ECg1mtQhqj5vIloSo3LoCAvM75Z1YflVIhUvpnFO-AwVTQq41RYbuEBW4N=s3980" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="3980" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbPnMjsn0OPIPZYl4W3vo38Wv1H_PSwienQs3cw2s212dXTINzDig9IlfLOh50pt0n3cnTVtosNjOjvet3Kq71wEhAUA-gi7fOvhj8FUzoHXSq9zDbdm1drgvRdFgDE6ECg1mtQhqj5vIloSo3LoCAvM75Z1YflVIhUvpnFO-AwVTQq41RYbuEBW4N=w400-h281" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><i><span lang="LV">Gaidas</span></i>
are a family affair as well. More than one photo shows me standing with my
grandmother, mother, aunts, siblings and cousins during a jamboree: when I
received the <i>dzimtenes lielgaida</i> award, during the riverside ceremony
where I received my leader’s neckerchief, and at the 10<sup>th</sup> jamboree in
2010 – which was especially memorable as four generations were represented (I
carried 3-month-old Lauris in a carrier the entire week).</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgaecQCzURyQPCoDr52Oq9a7Ois_I0G7KVOirBiU4n4d8fI3jjzD03zFEZWMp-ZoFrQsRO55MvPCHV35lNXPhq1SDHGJKR4RVz1Z9H8Ddauo1YQOxRCF-_9RrifHiTGj8OgVMVZpgk1LyErORpaSNvanu9nQneHP_Ri8Nb2R5VUdmuLdzyRVgKZmai=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgaecQCzURyQPCoDr52Oq9a7Ois_I0G7KVOirBiU4n4d8fI3jjzD03zFEZWMp-ZoFrQsRO55MvPCHV35lNXPhq1SDHGJKR4RVz1Z9H8Ddauo1YQOxRCF-_9RrifHiTGj8OgVMVZpgk1LyErORpaSNvanu9nQneHP_Ri8Nb2R5VUdmuLdzyRVgKZmai=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />The opportunities offered through guides have been incredible also. I've camped with my sister guides from a canoe in northern Ontario, in the mountains of New York, even in the forests of Latvia. We learned to build and sleep in a snow structure, survived a day on an uninhabited island with only what we had in our pockets, decorated Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry Festival of Lights Latvian Christmas tree, performed elaborate theater productions such as <i>Latviešu kovbojs</i> (with the accompaniment of band "The Minnow Buckets," and learned to find the beauty in things, no matter how little we had slept or how badly we had burned dinner on the campfire. And yes, we even learned how not to burn dinner - along with the first aid, the woodsman skills, the navigational abilities, leadership, self-reliance... the list goes on. It will be a rare time outdoors when I do not utilize some aspect of my career as a guide, or reflect on a memory of one of the many wonderful experiences I've had over the years.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWbm_i0H4jMoSFU7p5W8W6Lkqjpn98Y234i9ANX2-8uU7xKyyGa6TCgMsmwrzr9BtZgID2IRl0czVWnTTdCfcS-N-MW6ywI6T23J7FvNwB7P9j7kfGXr70iN-n8E9h1vZUIfJnkbHs-sIWxgxUjcwTEamWj2Jj1iciZ7UN-EvBAYkkUb6ouOHdHeBy=s3463" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3463" data-original-width="2326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWbm_i0H4jMoSFU7p5W8W6Lkqjpn98Y234i9ANX2-8uU7xKyyGa6TCgMsmwrzr9BtZgID2IRl0czVWnTTdCfcS-N-MW6ywI6T23J7FvNwB7P9j7kfGXr70iN-n8E9h1vZUIfJnkbHs-sIWxgxUjcwTEamWj2Jj1iciZ7UN-EvBAYkkUb6ouOHdHeBy=s320" width="215" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><span lang="LV">Our centennial
celebration was also bittersweet. The Latvian guides I belong to, of guides outside
of Latvia, have voted to disband as the organization has accomplished what it
set out to do; to continue fostering young Latvian women through the principles
of scouting, until the scouts and guides in Latvia were free to resume their work. While I
completely understand the logic, the reasoning, it has still been
heart-wrenching to watch this chapter of the Latvian guides come to a close.
There is a sense of loss for all the Latvian girls growing up outside of Latvia
who will never sing <i>Kluss miers pār zemi</i></span>, arms linked with dozens
of friends under a starry night sky.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="LV" style="mso-ansi-language: LV;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTlel3Tvx555vhC-Jve_5ByBSxybKINMXDUx6Ap6wjA-ktMB55LZpywU9F3EH49_iqSAZXFIvpBofNridB0iqbVxf0uXKEzKuzuHhDUam-EsdeR-zGt3plrgNbNw3wMrWLz4-gpF4aDba25vGqEFiwwy0qR9ncIevoA_TWkzT0BMBU244yWkWRadwS=s3724" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2900" data-original-width="3724" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTlel3Tvx555vhC-Jve_5ByBSxybKINMXDUx6Ap6wjA-ktMB55LZpywU9F3EH49_iqSAZXFIvpBofNridB0iqbVxf0uXKEzKuzuHhDUam-EsdeR-zGt3plrgNbNw3wMrWLz4-gpF4aDba25vGqEFiwwy0qR9ncIevoA_TWkzT0BMBU244yWkWRadwS=w400-h311" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><span lang="LV">While the Latvian
guide configuration may not look the same going forward, it is my hope that <i>gaidas</i></span>
the world over will continue to fulfill the mission to engage the youth of
tomorrow, instilling the values of scouting/guides while working towards the
good of community and a better tomorrow. I hope you’ll join me in wishing the
Latvian guides a happy 100<sup>th</sup> birthday – <i>arvien modra!</i></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i><br /></i></span></p>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-69123027536213350422021-09-25T04:00:00.026-04:002021-09-25T04:00:00.214-04:00Remembering Jānis Kukainis<i>A memorial service for Jānis Kukainis will be held on Friday, October 15th at Centerpoint Church at 12pm. (2345 North 10th Street, Kalamazoo, MI). Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be directed to either the Latvian Ev. Lutheran United Church of Kalamazoo or the Kalamazoo Latvian Association. (122 Cherry Hill Drive, Kalamazoo, MI, 49006). </i><div><i><br /></i><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffCH0n2ftdfA1YEW4vinEvh0XV7r9VPLask4vivNEfCOEMY0Yx-997szXFpVF_CWtUXW4HuF5u3b4vGNf8_x7TpzRgpSZi_Vkd_6ohm8pJaQr5vNlhQW2gy2wTUblGXqAqN-NVRHw3W8/s2048/IMG_8148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffCH0n2ftdfA1YEW4vinEvh0XV7r9VPLask4vivNEfCOEMY0Yx-997szXFpVF_CWtUXW4HuF5u3b4vGNf8_x7TpzRgpSZi_Vkd_6ohm8pJaQr5vNlhQW2gy2wTUblGXqAqN-NVRHw3W8/s320/IMG_8148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b>Jānis Kukainis</b></span></h4><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">June 12, 1943 - September 15, 2021</span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Jānis was born in Rīga, Latvia on 12 June 1943. Latvia was under occupation by the Nazis, and the Russian communists would soon return and occupy Latvia until 1991. He fled Latvia from the invading Russian army with an aunt in October 1944, and was fortunate to reunite with his mother and father in a displaced persons camp in Germany. His mother reminded him never to forget the evil that was done to the people of Latvia by the invading armies.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">After 6 years in the refugee camps in Germany, his family immigrated to the US through Ellis Island to Gettysburg, Ohio in June 1951 and later settled in Cincinnati in June 1952. The first years in the US were hard for his family, as for many immigrants, but these hardships would forge Jānis into the person he would become. He was raised to be an honorable man and a good citizen. He was a proud Eagle Scout, graduated from Western Hills High School in 1961, and earned a BS Aeronautical Engineering degree from the University of Cincinnati. When President Kennedy announced the United States was going to the moon, Jānis said he was going, too. That led to his Master of Science from the University of Tennessee Space Institute. He later earned an MBA from Michigan State University. He worked as an engineer in Tennessee, and then for 27 years at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI, first as an engineer, then as an executive. He led teams designing prototype automobiles and led the launch team of a production automobile design and initial automobile launch. He was the author/co-author of 20 academic papers on warplane aerodynamics and holds two patents on automobile structure.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://joldersma-klein.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Kukainis-Janis.jpg"><img src="https://joldersma-klein.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Kukainis-Janis-250x300.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />Jānis was a Latvian patriot and was always extremely grateful for the freedom and security America provided. He lived and preached a can-do attitude and valued action over talk. He was elected to roles of increasing responsibility in the Latvian community starting in 1973. He was a Sunday school teacher at the Detroit Latvian School. He led his Latvian academic fraternity <i>Talavija</i> for many years in Michigan and globally. He served as the President and Chairman of the Latvian Center <i>Gaŗezers</i> in Three Rivers, MI. He led the American Latvian Association and then the World Federation of Free Latvians, both volunteer positions. Distrustful from experience of Latvia’s eastern neighbor, Russia, in this last role he led the global campaign to guarantee the security of the newly-independent Latvia by gaining its admission to the NATO Alliance, working with U.S. Senators, Representatives, and the highest levels of Latvian government. In the words of the current President of Latvia, the honorable Egils Levits, “his skillful work in the management of Latvian public organizations for many decades, contributed to ensuring the security and democracy of the restored Latvia, which culminated in the country’s accession to NATO.”</span></div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="lv">Izsaku visdziļāko līdzjūtību Jāņa Kukaiņa ģimenei,viņu mūžībā pavadot. Viņa lietpratīgais darbs latviešu sabiedrisko organizāciju vadībā un trimdas sabiedrībā daudzu gadu demitu garumā,gādājot par atjaunotās Latvijas drošību un demokrātiju,vainagojās ar valsts pievienošanos NATO.</p>— Egils Levits (@valstsgriba) <a href="https://twitter.com/valstsgriba/status/1438387092913020930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Jānis’ pride was to see others benefit from his mentorship, as he credited his own mentors throughout his life for his success. Above all, family was most important to Jānis. Jānis married Aija Ķeņģis in Kalamazoo in 1971. Aija, who survives Jānis, was born on her family’s farm near Valmiera, Latvia and together they formed a powerful team. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on 26 June 2021 with 175 family and friends. Their marriage was blessed with three children, in whom the couple labored to instill good values. Ginta (Ryan) McNally of Ada, MI; Roberts (Liene) Kukainis of Greenville, SC; and Matīss (Līga) Kukainis of Rīga, Latvia. They have nine grandchildren; Ronald, Matiss and Inara McNally; Lauris, Mikus, Vilis and Zintis Kukainis; and Minna and Jānis Kukainis. Jānis took pride that all of his grandchildren learned the Latvian language and would only accept that they grow up to be good citizens. Surviving Jānis is also his sister Velta (Dr. Guntis) Kalninš of Springfield, OH. Jānis had three godchildren; Dr. Peter Matthews of Chandler, AZ, Asja Kalninš of Springfield, IL and Jānis A. Kukainis of Cincinnati, OH. <br /><br />Jānis passed away from complications stemming from a heroic two year battle with cancer in Kalamazoo on 15 September 2021, with family by his bedside during his final moments. Preceding him in death were his parents, Roberts and Irene (Peterjanis) Kukainis and brother Valdis (Mary) Kukainis.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfv0-4pc47CmYnyJtPmP2JbJGDMm8zfattT_tO9eB-RYQzp0xwR9T8GiOqmmVZW6D1o1gYmB8toJugZGtlZxpKwFBEqor46zwZF0nZFGnxykWAEmsH31nD1GFQ49PQ7kc1Xejs9I4lr8/s2048/Diena+Kukainis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1515" data-original-width="2048" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfv0-4pc47CmYnyJtPmP2JbJGDMm8zfattT_tO9eB-RYQzp0xwR9T8GiOqmmVZW6D1o1gYmB8toJugZGtlZxpKwFBEqor46zwZF0nZFGnxykWAEmsH31nD1GFQ49PQ7kc1Xejs9I4lr8/w400-h296/Diena+Kukainis.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://www.la.lv/muziba-devies-arzemju-latviesu-sabiedriskais-darbinieks-janis-kukainis" target="_blank">Mūžībā devies ārzemju latviešu sabiedriskais darbinieks Jānis Kukainis</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-49702944197306548882021-09-14T04:00:00.013-04:002021-09-14T04:00:00.165-04:00The Best of SC, as seen on the South Carolina 7 Expedition<p>Introducing the state of South Carolina, as you’ve never
seen it before! This summer my family teamed up with the SC7 group and Kidding Around Greenville
for the month-long South Carolina 7 Expedition – adventuring our way from the
mountains to the sea, stopping at epic sites along the way. The expedition is
named South Carolina 7 for the seven wonders explored on our journey, including
<i>National Geographic-</i>recognized ecological areas, historical sites and other
natural wonders. The SC7 Expedition invites hikers, kayakers, nature
enthusiasts and your family to enjoy the beauty of South Carolina and the great
outdoors! Preparations are already underway for the 2022 expedition next
July - are you in?<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r86Gxmgp_xkR3ByNjqG0TIUu6-1fltPBghIl2bVy7RLp8q1fI-RNsV9iUFOQI8v8UbD7Af4wWEyzSG1JQgecBAV05dei_-b8mFKiQToObPxRFfVwji6JRbCYXFnySZ9XN-ZZ860tD4o/s2048/Oconee+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r86Gxmgp_xkR3ByNjqG0TIUu6-1fltPBghIl2bVy7RLp8q1fI-RNsV9iUFOQI8v8UbD7Af4wWEyzSG1JQgecBAV05dei_-b8mFKiQToObPxRFfVwji6JRbCYXFnySZ9XN-ZZ860tD4o/w400-h266/Oconee+2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">What is South Carolina 7?</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first SC7 expedition took place in July of 2020,
following the Palmetto Trail across the state to highlight the ‘Carolina 7,’
seven geographic wonders unique to the Palmetto State. The purpose of the
expedition was to bring attention to the natural marvels that need our
protection, and the multitude of outdoor adventures that await us in our own
backyard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Along the way the expedition discussed topics such as
conservation, adult & childhood fitness, outdoor therapy,
floodwater-mitigation issues, and more. In 2021 the SC7 grew to include a
“family expedition” aspect, and the public was invited to join in on the fun of
exploring the state that we call home – from the mountains, to the sea!<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Our first encounter with SC7</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">A little over a year ago, my kids and I set out on a hike
with SC7 one hot July day in Congaree National Park. My son Z had just been
born, and while we had been out hiking with him, I didn’t know what to expect
from the expedition. It turns out I shouldn’t have worried, because as we
wandered in the shade of some of the largest trees in the state, we made new
friends, saw plenty of cool things, and had an incredible summer adventure. (Read about that hike <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/08/congaree-np-with-sc7.html" target="_blank">here</a>!)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Afterward, I promised my children that we would make the
effort to explore more over the next year; my husband and I have lived in SC
for twenty years, but have seen surprisingly little of these gorgeous places.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This year, as the expedition expanded to bring families
along on the adventure, I teamed up with local family website Kidding Around
Greenville as their SC7 correspondent; if you couldn’t join us out on the
trail, we brought the trail to you! As we hiked and paddled our way across
South Carolina during the month of July, we shared articles, photos, videos and stories about the places we visited; here is a snapshot of the adventure!</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The South Carolina 7 Journey 2021</span></h3><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 1: OCONEE COUNTY – “Garden of the Gods”</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the Oconee Passage of the Palmetto Trail,
3.73 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Oconee Passage of the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a> begins in Oconee
State Park and ends at Oconee Station State Historic Site, a backcountry
military garrison and trading post that dates to the 1790s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A spur trail leads to Station Cove Falls, a
majestic 60-foot, tiered cascade.</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQzM0jQDmk-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQzM0jQDmk-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; 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<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Hike to Station Cove Falls from Oconee
Station, 1.6 miles.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/09/oconee-station-and-station-cove-falls.html" target="_blank">Oconee Station and Station Cove Falls</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/06/hidden-falls.html" target="_blank">Hidden Falls</a></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 2: STUMPHOUSE & ISSAQUEENA</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Explore Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls,
and hike a portion of the Ross Mountain Passage Trail from the Stumphouse
parking area to Ross Mountain Road, 3.0 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stumphouse Tunnel is an historic railroad tunnel for the
Blue Ridge Railroad, and just to the south is 100-foot Issaqueena Falls. We hiked
3 miles along the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Ross Mountain Passage Trail</a>, a connecter from the Stumphouse
Mountain Trail to the Oconee Passage, after which we explored the tunnel and
falls.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Bring a picnic to enjoy at Stumphouse
Tunnel Park, then head across the road to Yellow Branch Falls for a three-mile
roundtrip hike to a gorgeous waterfall.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/10/stumphouse-mountain-bike-park.html" target="_blank">Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2014/06/issaqueena-falls-and-stumphouse-tunnel.html" target="_blank">Issaqueena Falls and Stumphouse Tunnel</a></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 3: EASTATOE PASSAGE</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the Eastatoe Passage of the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html">Palmetto Trail</a>
beginning at the Keowee Toxaway parking area and ending at Dug Mtn. Angler Access
parking area, 4.6 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Starting on Natural Bridge Trail, this hike climbs through a
mountain forest in the acclaimed Jocassee Gorges, crossing two new bridges
including the brand-new Zeke wilderness trail bridge!<o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQ4O5sAj_Jw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQ4O5sAj_Jw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQ4O5sAj_Jw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Liene | Femme au Foyer (@femmefoyer)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Park at Dug Mtn. Angler Access parking
area and hike in-and-out to Zeke bridge, 2 miles. Or, head to Long Shoals
Wayside Park for a natural waterslide adventure!</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/11/keowee-toxaway-and-natural-bridge-trail.html" target="_blank">Keowee-Toxaway and Natural Bridge Trail</a></li><li><a href="http://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/09/long-shoals-wayside-park.html" target="_blank">Long Shoals Wayside Park</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/09/world-of-energy.html" target="_blank">A World of Energy</a></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 4: ROUNDTOP MOUNTAIN</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the Round Top passage of the Palmetto
Trail, 5.0 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This adventure will begin along the Foothills Trail, then
take the Roundtop Mountain Passage of the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a> to Sugar Likker Road.
Along the way will be the Rock Mountain overlook; the view of its rock face can
only be seen from this specific vantage point!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Drive all the way up to the summit of
Sassafras Mountain, and have a picnic at one of the picnic tables after
exploring the summit and observation tower - see Day 5.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 5: SASSAFRAS MOUNTAIN – “Roof of the Palmetto State”</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Mission: Hike from Chimneytop Gap Trailhead to Sassafras
Mountain along the Foothills Trail, 2.1 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQ9cAFZD9Xf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQ9cAFZD9Xf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQ9cAFZD9Xf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Liene | Femme au Foyer (@femmefoyer)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sassafras Mountain is the highest point in South Carolina,
at 3,533 feet above sea level, earning it the title of 1st Wonder of South
Carolina!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our hike began at the
Chimneytop Gap, and climbed some 1,200ft in elevation to the summit of
Sassafras and the new observation tower.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Hike to Beech Bottom Falls, a moderate
1.7-mile hike to a viewing platform for the 100-ft waterfall.</i></p>
<a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/09/sassafras-mountain.html" target="_blank"></a><ul style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/09/sassafras-mountain.html" target="_blank"></a><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/09/sassafras-mountain.html" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/09/sassafras-mountain.html" target="_blank">On the Summit of Sassafras Mountain</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/09/hawk-watch.html" target="_blank">Hawk Watch at Caesars Head</a> (Sassafras is another fabulous place to watch the hawk migration in the fall, due to
the 360 degree views!)</li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2019/02/beech-bottom-falls-aka-pinnacle-falls.html" target="_blank">Beech Bottom Falls (aka Pinnacle Falls)</a></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 6: JOCASSEE GORGES</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op (Jocassee
Gorges) Passage of the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a>, 5.0 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Jocassee Gorges were named among the “50 of the Last
Great Places” by National Geographic, earning the title 2nd Wonder of South
Carolina. Here, the clear waters of Lake Jocassee wash the base of the
seemingly endless ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “Jocassee” is a Cherokee
word meaning “Place of the Lost One.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQ_sQIpDiav/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQ_sQIpDiav/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQ_sQIpDiav/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Liene | Femme au Foyer (@femmefoyer)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>Alternate plan: </i><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">The Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passage starts in Table Rock State Park, which boasts stunning trails such as </span><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/11/pinnacle-mountain.html" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Pinnacle Mountain</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, </span><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/10/carrick-creek.html" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Carrick Creek</a>,<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> and </span><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/10/table-rock.html" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Table Rock</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> Trail. The Foothills Trail can also be accessed from the Park. </span>Spend the day at Table Rock,
including a swim in Pinnacle Lake or splashing at the Carrick Creek trail
waterfall. </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/08/lake-jocassee.html" target="_blank">Exploring Lake Jocassee</a> and its waterfalls</li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/10/devils-fork.html" target="_blank">Devils Fork</a> State Park</li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2014/11/jumping-off-rock.html" target="_blank">Jumping Off Rock</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-narrows.html" target="_blank">The Narrows</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/06/laurel-fork-heritage-preserve.html" target="_blank">Laurel Fork Heritage Preserve and Virginia Hawkins Falls</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/10/table-rock.html" target="_blank">On the Summit of Table Rock</a></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 7: CHATTOOGA RIVER RAFTING</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Raft the Chattooga River<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Famed as the location of the movie Deliverance, the
Chattooga River is the crown jewel of southeastern rafting offering the best
and most challenging whitewater in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain region.
The Chattooga was named a National Wild and Scenic River in 1974, earning it
the spot of 3rd Wonder of South Carolina. There are various outfitters that
have Chattooga River rafting packages for children as young as 8.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Head to Burrells Ford for a day exploring
waterfalls, or to Bull Sluice on the Chattooga River to get your feet wet and
watch some adventurous paddlers running the rapids!</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-wild-and-scenic-chattooga-river.html" target="_blank">The Wild and Scenic Chattooga River and Trail</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/10/king-creek-falls-and-burrells-ford.html" target="_blank">King Creek Falls and Burrells Ford</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/opossum-creek-falls.html" target="_blank">Oppossum Creek Falls</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/10/spoonauger-falls.html" target="_blank">Spoonauger Falls</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/09/bull-sluice-on-chattooga.html" target="_blank">Bull Sluice on the Chattooga</a> River</li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 8: MIDDLE SALUDA PASSAGE</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike from Jones Gap State Park to Rainbow Falls
and back, 4.0 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Continuing our exploration of the Jocassee Gorges, we hiked
the Middle Saluda passage of the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a> to Rainbow Falls, one of the
many scenic waterfalls in the area.<o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRFCeRpjVzS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRFCeRpjVzS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRFCeRpjVzS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Liene | Femme au Foyer (@femmefoyer)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: To skip the steep climb to Rainbow Falls,
hike to Jones Gap Falls instead, 3.5 miles.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/06/rainbow-falls.html" target="_blank">Rainbow Falls</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/04/5-things-on-hiking-with-children-or.html" target="_blank">Hiking Jones Gap With Kids</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/11/rim-of-the-gap.html" target="_blank">The Rim of the Gap</a></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 9:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>KINGS MOUNTAIN NATIONAL &
STATE MILITARY PARKS</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Explore the historic battlefield, and hike the
Battlefield Trail, 1.5 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Step back into history at Kings Mountain! The battle of
Kings Mountain was fought on October 7th, 1780, and was an important American
victory during the Revolutionary War; it was the first major patriot victory to
occur after the British invasion of Charleston.<o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRICOzzDjSa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRICOzzDjSa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRICOzzDjSa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Liene | Femme au Foyer (@femmefoyer)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Head to the living history farm at Kings
Mountain State Park and check out the two-story farmhouse, barn, smokehouse,
carpenter/blacksmith shop, sorghum mill and cooker, corncrib, and cotton gin.
Or if you’ve got some epic views in mind, head to neighboring Crowders Mountain
State Park.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/07/pinnacle-peak-crowders.html" target="_blank">Atop Pinnacle Peak in Crowders Mountain SP</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/02/crowders-mountain-sp.html" target="_blank">Crowders Mountain</a></li><li><a href="http://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-revolutionary-war-in-carolinas.html" target="_blank">Kings Mountain National Military Park</a></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 10: CROFT PASSAGE HIKE</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the Croft Passage of the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a>,
3.5 miles<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Croft Passage is a roller coaster for hikers, cyclists,
and equestrians that passes through historic Croft State Park. The day’s
adventure will take hikers to and around Lake Johnson.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Hike the 1.5-mile Nature Trail instead,
stopping for a break on the banks of Fairforest Creek.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/09/croft-state-park.html" target="_blank">Croft State Park</a></li></ul><p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 11: GLENN SPRINGS PASSAGE HIKE</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the Glenn Springs Passage of the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a>, 5.0 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 19th century, Glenn Springs was known for the health
benefits of its mineral waters. Now listed on the National Register, the
historic district includes 20 buildings from 1840-1940 as well as the site of a
popular resort hotel.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Visit Glendale Shoals Preserve, a 13-acre
natural area on the site of a former mill that has trails, a dam, a waterfall,
and the trestle of an old railroad that now serves as a pedestrian bridge.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2021/08/historic-glenn-springs.html" target="_blank">Historic Glenn Springs</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2019/03/glendale-shoals-preserve.html" target="_blank">Glendale Shoals Preserve</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/03/walnut-grove-plantation-in-roebuck-sc.html" target="_blank">Walnut Grove Plantation</a></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 12: BLACKSTOCK BATTLEFIELD/MUSGROVE MILL</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the Blackstock Battlefield Passage of the
<a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a>, and explore Musgrove Mill Battlefield and Historic Site, 1.6
miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Blackstock Battlefield is situated along a remote section of
the Tyger River, where Revolutionary War patriots defeated the British in 1780.
Nearby, the vastly outnumbered Patriot militia outlasted the Loyalists in a
surprising victory in the bloody Battle of Musgrove Mill. Blackstock
Battlefield is the newest addition to Musgrove Mill State Historic Site!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Cool down at the Horseshoe Falls swimming
hole, after hiking the 1.7-mile Musgrove Mill Battlefield Trail to learn about
the 1780 battle.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2021/09/blackstock-battlefield.html" target="_blank">Blackstock Battlefield</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/07/musgrove-mill.html" target="_blank">Musgrove Mill and Horseshoe Falls</a></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 13: ENOREE PASSAGE HIKE</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the second portion of the Enoree Passage,
4.5 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Enoree Passage of the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a> contains 36
continuous miles of trail in Sumter National Forest, linking Newberry, Laurens,
and Union counties.<o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRR4W8ED6z4/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRR4W8ED6z4/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRR4W8ED6z4/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Liene | Femme au Foyer (@femmefoyer)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Visit Rose Hill Plantation State Historic
Site to learn about important themes and key events in South Carolina’s
history: the cotton boom, secession and Civil War, slavery and sharecropping,
emancipation and the fight for civil rights. Tour a plantation home, walk the
historic landscaped grounds, or take a short hike through the forest to the
Tyger River.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/03/pelham-mill-ruins-on-enoree.html" target="_blank">Pelham Mill Ruins on the Enoree</a></li></ul><p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 14: NEWBERRY PASSAGE HIKE</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the urban portion of the Newberry Passage,
from milepost 5 to milepost 2, 3.0 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Newberry Passage of the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a> takes the visitor along shaded
sidewalks passing antebellum homes: Newberry College (founded in 1856), several
historic buildings such as the Old Court House and the Opera House and a
renovated Main Street with shops, cafes, bars & ice cream parlors.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Head to Ninety Six National Historic
Site, where the 18th century comes alive. This site is managed by the National
Park Service, and interprets the history of the area: the Cherokee Indian fight
to keep their land, the struggle of the settlers in the harsh backcountry, two
towns and a trading post, and two Revolutionary War battles that claimed over
100 lives.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2021/08/newberry.html" target="_blank">Historic Newberry: a "most charming small town" </a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/02/ninety-six.html" target="_blank">Get your history kicks in Ninety Six</a></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 15: PEAK TO PROSPERITY</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the Peak to Prosperity Passage from Hope
Station to the Alston Trailhead, 3.5 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A total of 14 wooden trestles cross Crims Creek along the
Passage that crosses through the heart of the area knows as the Dutch Fork. The
highlight of the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Peak to Prosperity Passage</a> is the Broad River trestle, an 1890
railroad bridge that spans 1,100+ feet and offers fantastic views.<o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRXjatVDXh0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRXjatVDXh0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRXjatVDXh0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Liene | Femme au Foyer (@femmefoyer)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Bring a picnic and a fishing pole for
some time at the Alston trailhead; you can still take in the views from the
Broad River trestle, without much of a hike.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/from-peak-to-prosperity-on-palmetto.html" target="_blank">From Peak to Prosperity on the PalmettoTrail</a></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 16: FORT JACKSON PASSAGE HIKE</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the Fort Jackson Passage of the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">PalmettoTrail</a> from milepost 11.5 at Century Division Road to the McCrady Army National
Training Center trailhead, 4.5 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fort Jackson was established in 1917 to answer the call of
WWI.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Fort was named in honor of
Major General Andrew Jackson, a native son of the Palmetto State and seventh
president of the United States. Today the installation covers 52,000 acres and
is the Army’s largest basic training center. This passage offers a great
diversity in both plants and animals.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Head to Sesquicentennial State Park for a
day of fishing, hiking, and even a splash pad. This park offers canoeing, bike
trails and camping.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 17: CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK – “Redwoods of the East”</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the Weston Lake Loop Trail through Congaree
National Park, 4.4 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Congaree National Park contains the largest remaining area
of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States, along with the
tallest known specimens of 15 species! The Congaree is currently home to six
national champions, and 23 state champion trees, earning it the title of 4th
Wonder of South Carolina.<o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRcXHvLjvMZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRcXHvLjvMZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRcXHvLjvMZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Liene | Femme au Foyer (@femmefoyer)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Spend the day on the water, kayaking the
Cedar Creek Canoe Trail.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Related articles:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/06/congaree-national-park.html" target="_blank">Congaree National Park</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/06/a-walk-on-wild-side-in-congaree-np.html" target="_blank">A walk on the wild side in Congaree NP</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/08/congaree-np-with-sc7.html" target="_blank">Congaree National Park with the SC 7 Wonders Expedition</a></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 18: HISTORIC CAMDEN</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the nature trail at Historic Camden site,
and explore the history and the battlefield sites.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Camden was essential to the British plan to control SC, but
soon after the fall of Charles Town and the defeat at Waxhaws in May of 1780,
the Patriots suffered a devastating loss at the Battle of Camden. Although
disastrous for the American cause, it ushered in changes in military leadership
that altered the course of the war.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Visit Historic Camden, the 18th-century
property of the city’s founder Joseph Kershaw and the fortified Revolutionary
War-era town occupied by British General Cornwallis and Lord Rawdon’s men from
1780-81.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 19: SANTEE INDIAN MOUND FIELDS</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Kayak from Carolina King Retreat & Marina to
Santee Indian Mound and Fort Watson Site, and explore the Santee Indian Mounds
at Fort Watson, approximately 2 miles. <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Santee Indians were part of the Mississippian culture,
living along the Santee River for thousands of years. The mound located on the
Bluff Unit at Santee National Wildlife Refuge served as the ceremonial site and
a burial for the Native American tribe, and is estimated to be at least 1,000
years old. At the end of the 18th century British troops used the site as an
outpost, as it provided an elevated vantage point overlooking the Santee River
and the road to Charleston.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Explore Santee State Park and Lake
Marion! The park is known for the fishing, but there’s plenty more to do,
including biking and hiking trails, and pontoon boat tours of the flooded
cypress forest on Lake Marion.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 20: MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR FRANCIS MARION at BELLE ISLE PLANTATION
CEMETERY</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the
gravesite Francis Marion at Belle Isle Cemetery.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Belle Isle Plantation Cemetery is the historic site of the
burial ground of Francis Marion. Also known as the Swamp Fox, Marion served in
the American Revolutionary War and is considered one of the fathers of modern
guerrilla warfare.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Visit Lewisfield, the 1774 Plantation
that was the site of a major skirmish between British and Patriot forces during
the Revolutionary War.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 21: LAKE MOULTRIE PASSAGE</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the Lake Moultrie Passage of the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">PalmettoTrail</a> from Bonneau Beach to Hwy 52, 5 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lake Moultrie Passage follows the eastern and northern
shores of the 60,000-acre lake, which was created in the early 1940s by the
South Carolina Public Service Authority.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Enjoy Lake Moultrie by picnicking at
scenic Overton Park, or hiking and biking in the Sandy Beach Wildlife
Management Area.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 22: CYPRESS GARDENS</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike and explore the trails through the swamp
and gardens, 3.5 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Cypress Gardens is a 170-acre preserve and gardens located
in Moncks Corner South Carolina. The centerpiece of the garden is the 80-acre
blackwater bald cypress/tupelo swamp, surrounded with both boat and foot
trails.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Explore Audubon’s Francis Beidler Forest,
the 18,000-acre bird and wildlife sanctuary known for containing the world’s
largest virgin cypress-tupelo swamp forest; enjoy thousand-year-old trees,
wildlife, and the quiet flow of blackwater, all from the safety of a 1.75-mile
boardwalk. Or, head a little further south to Caw Caw Interpretive Center, the
former rice plantation that today is managed as a low-impact wildlife preserve
with over six miles of trails including elevated boardwalks through wetlands.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 23: FORT FAIR LAWN REVOLUTIONARY WAR FORTIFICATION</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike/explore the grounds of the historic
Revolutionary War Fort.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of the more than thirty forts constructed in South Carolina
during the American Revolutionary war, only two remain in their original
condition: Ninety Six National Historic Site and Fort Fair Lawn.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Explore Old Santee Canal Park, the
195-acre park that commemorates the building of the first true canal in America
and showcases the area’s extensive history and habitat. Visitors to the park
will see Stony Landing House, built in 1843, and can hike four miles of
boardwalks that meander through the quiet backwaters of Biggin Creek and its
surrounding swamp, making Old Santee a popular destination for bird watchers,
hikers and paddlers.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">DAY 24: SWAMP FOX PASSAGE – CANOE WADBOO CREEK</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Explore the Wadboo Swamp from the Fox Passage of
the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a> via canoe along Wadboo Creek Canoe Trail from the canoe
launch near mile post 43 to the intersection with SC 402.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Swamp Fox Passage traverses four distinct ecosystems
through Francis Marion National Forest, including swamps made famous as
hideouts of Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, the mature long-leaf pine
forests that are home to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, and grassy
savannas with abundant wildlife.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: In addition to canoe and kayak trails,
Francis Marion National Forest offers hiking, biking, and motorcycle trails,
and even rifle ranges and a boat launch. For a map of recreational
opportunities, visit the USFS page.</i> (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/scnfs/recarea/?recid=47055)<o:p></o:p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 25: AWENDAW PASSAGE HIKE</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Hike the Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail
from the boat launch at trail post 4 to the Buck Hall Recreation Area
Trailhead.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Awendaw Passage is the coastal terminus of the mountains-to-sea
<a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a>, traversing maritime forest with scenic vistas of the Lowcountry
salt marsh along Awendaw Creek, emerging to palmettos at the Buck Hall
campground.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
houses a rich history across the refuge’s maze of tidal creeks, marshes, and
barrier islands, and provides a wide range of recreation including fishing,
wildlife viewing, interpretive tours, environmental education, hiking,
shelling, and beach combing.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 26: BROOKGREEN GARDENS</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Explore and hike the numerous nature trails in
the preserve.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Brookgreen Gardens is a sculpture garden and wildlife
preserve, located just south of Murrells Inlet. The 9,100-acre property
includes several themed gardens with American figurative sculptures placed in
them, the Lowcountry Zoo, and trails through several ecosystems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opened in 1932, Brookgreen is built on four
former rice plantations, taking its name from the former Brookgreen Plantation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Just across the road from Brookgreen
Gardens is Huntington Beach State Park with its beaches, sea-breeze camping,
surf fishing and some of the top bird-watching on the East Coast. Visit
Atalaya, the picturesque, Moorish-style winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt
Huntington, or head to the park’s freshwater lake to search for alligators.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/09/huntington-beach-state-park.html" target="_blank">Huntington Beach and Atalaya</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/05/huntington-beach-state-park.html" target="_blank">Huntington Beach State Park</a></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">DAY 27: EDISTO RIVER</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Kayak the Edisto River from Mars Old Field
Landing to Givhan’s Ferry Landing, 6.4 miles.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Edisto River’s name originated from the word edisto, the
Native American word for “black.” It refers to the dark color of the river,
caused by the decaying leaves and other plant material. The Edisto is
considered the longest free-flowing blackwater river in the United States and
is home to numerous rare, threatened, and endangered species such as the red-cockaded
woodpecker, southern bald eagle, wood stork, loggerhead turtle, and short-nosed
sturgeon. The Edisto River is the 5th Wonder of South Carolina.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Get a taste of the Edisto River at
Givhans Ferry State Park, where you can hike the 1.5-mile River Bluff Nature
Trail, or go for a swim to cool down before settling in at a campfire at the
tent campground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2021/09/givhans-ferry-state-park-edisto-river.html" target="_blank">Givhans Ferry State Park and the Edisto River</a></li></ul><p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 28: ACE BASIN</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Explore the Ace Basin via ferry.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Basin (abbreviated ACE
Basin) is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries along the Atlantic Coast of
the United States. The 350,000 acres are known for the marshes, wetlands,
hardwood forests, and riverine systems, earning it the title 6th Wonder of
South Carolina.<o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRugX7eDXM7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRugX7eDXM7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; 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line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRugX7eDXM7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Liene | Femme au Foyer (@femmefoyer)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: There are 14 public parks, preserves and
wildlife management areas to choose from in the area, including several state
parks and the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge. Visit the
refuge office, a former rice plantation house built in 1828, which is one of a
few antebellum mansions that survived the civil war in the ACE Basin area and
today is on the National Register of Historical Places.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2021/08/ACE-basin.html" target="_blank">ACE Basin, 6th Wonder of SC</a></li></ul><h4 style="text-align: left;">Day: 29 BULL ISLAND</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Explore the natural wonders and historic
significance of Bull Island via Charter Boat.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bull Island is one of South Carolina’s most beautiful and
remote places. The largest of four barrier islands found within the Cape Romain
National Wildlife Refuge, Bull Island is a 5,000-acre maritime forest with
fresh and brackish water impoundments and a beach area. The six-and-a-half-mile
uninhabited island remains virtually untouched and is home to countless
wildlife and endangered species and has a world-renowned reputation for its
bird life, earning it the title 7th Wonder of South Carolina.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Head to the Sewee Visitor &
Environmental Education Center for everything from interactive exhibits
featuring forest to sea ecosystems, to a live endangered red wolf viewing area
with scheduled feeding and interpretive programs!<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/05/bulls-island-sc-with-children.html" target="_blank">Bull Island with Children</a></li></ul><p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Day 30: COOPER RIVER</h4><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>MISSION: Explore the blackwater of the Cooper River via
SCUBA to search for Megalodon shark teeth fossils.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The final exploration of the expedition will be black water
diving for fossils in the Cooper River in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. For this
portion of the expedition you must be certified in scuba, however that doesn’t
mean you can’t head out on your own to do a little beachcombing…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alternate plan: Shark teeth and fossils can be found on
most of South Carolina’s beaches, and even inland along rivers, streams and
drainage areas. Some beaches might offer better opportunities than others so it
pays to do some research ahead of time, and hiring an outfitter or charter can
help ensure a great time for your family.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another option is to visit the sharks themselves at the
South Carolina Aquarium overlooking the Charleston Harbor. The Aquarium is home
to more than 10,000 plants and animals including North American river otters,
loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, great blue herons, owls, lined seahorses,
jellyfish, pufferfish, green moray eels, horseshoe crabs, sea stars, pythons,
and sharks. The largest exhibit is the Great Ocean Tank, which extends from the
first to the third floor of the Aquarium and is the deepest tank in North
America!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><ul><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/06/charleston-sc.html" target="_blank">Charleston, SC</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/05/celebrate-your-wedding-anniversary-at.html" target="_blank">Fort Sumter</a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/01/fort-moultrie.html" target="_blank">Sullivan's Island: Fort Moultrie</a></li></ul><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Higher Ground</h3><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Coming soon is the documentary “Higher Ground,” exploring
South Carolina’s Seven Wonders and the Local Impact of a Changing Climate.
Filmed during the 2020 expedition, “Higher Ground” premiered during the 2021
expedition; you can watch the “Higher Ground” trailer on vimeo. For more
information on how to view the feature length film, please visit the SC7
website.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/458953930?h=69a58f4716" width="640"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/458953930">SC7 Expedition Trailer</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user123380862">SC National Heritage Corridor</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">How to join the expedition?</h3><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">First, visit the <a href="https://www.southcarolina7.com/" target="_blank">SC7 website</a> to see what upcoming events
have been planned. In the coming year SC7 is planning to have the largest
litter pick-up in the history of the state, as well as work on rebuilding the
reefs along the coast. July 2021 is already in the works, and will feature
events hosted by local organizations throughout the month.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You can also join the expedition by hitting the trail now,
and experiencing South Carolina’s wonders for yourself. Check out the <a href="https://issuu.com/scnationalheritagecorridor/docs/sc7.digitalfieldguide" target="_blank">Digital Field Guide</a>; it lists trailheads, park entry costs and other important information. Make
sure the hike is within your family’s abilities, and pack as needed to stay
hydrated and comfortable. If it’s a one-way hike, you might need to figure out
a shuttle or make the decision to hike only halfway and then return to the
trailhead the way you came. And don’t forget to invite a friend or two along
for the adventure!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you have kids looking to join the fun, download the
<a href="https://issuu.com/scnationalheritagecorridor/docs/sc7.outdooradventurebook" target="_blank">Outdoor Adventure Book</a> that features additional trail descriptions, activities,
and information pertinent to the sights along the way. Your family might also be interested in the <a href="https://issuu.com/scnationalheritagecorridor/docs/ffguide.sc7.2021" target="_blank">Flora & Fauna Guide</a>, that contains descriptions of some of the common wildlife you might see on your adventures. And then all that’s left
is to have fun!<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">The Adventure Continues…</h3><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is so much to do and see in South Carolina that it
will take far longer than just a month to get to it all. And, while it is
exciting to join an expedition to explore your way across the state, it can be
just as thrilling to discover new places with your children and family. It is
our hope that the destinations featured here can serve as an outline to get you
started, a framework for travel and exploration across the state!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy adventuring, South Carolina!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0hfetK_Vktr-wSoT7bTXdC835Xn0lRSMeBKqzcmFDTRvFugovisioyZn-226mVdmbdpfakU2kMEVQ4qsxwyNMdtTHvCGHdn7CuE5U82ryLONqWhbLIqonOSvQyp_O8sAy6kmIHiiM8o/s2048/IMG_7611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0hfetK_Vktr-wSoT7bTXdC835Xn0lRSMeBKqzcmFDTRvFugovisioyZn-226mVdmbdpfakU2kMEVQ4qsxwyNMdtTHvCGHdn7CuE5U82ryLONqWhbLIqonOSvQyp_O8sAy6kmIHiiM8o/w400-h300/IMG_7611.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Follow the South Carolina 7 Expedition on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SouthCarolna7" target="_blank">Facebook</a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SC7 on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sc7wonders/" target="_blank">@sc7wonders</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Check out this article on the 2021 expedition that appeared
on the National Park Service website: <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/exploring-the-palmetto-state-s-seven-wonders.htm" target="_blank">Exploring the Palmetto State's Seven Wonders</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SC7 was also featured in this article: <a href="https://whosonthemove.com/palmetto-pride-and-sc7-clear-nearly-2300-pounds-of-trash-in-july" target="_blank">Palmetto Pride and SC7 clear nearly 2,300 pounds of trash in July</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>You'll find my guide to the Palmetto Trail <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><i> </i></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Portions of this article first appeared on </i>Kidding Around
Greenville <i>as </i><a href="https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/sc7-expedition" target="_blank">See South Carolina’s Top 30 Beautiful Natural Spots thisJuly with the SC7 Expedition</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-75453304354726088822021-09-09T04:00:00.044-04:002021-09-09T04:00:00.195-04:00ACE Basin, 6th wonder of SC<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>As correspondent to
the South Carolina 7 Wonders expedition we spent a month </i><i>exploring the state, our last week of July in the Edisto River area and ACE Basin, the </i><b>6<sup>th</sup> Wonder of South Carolina</b><i>. Want to know more about this ecologically
unique area that checks all the boxes for a fantastic weekend in the
Lowcountry? Keep reading to find out what the ACE Basin is, and how best to see
it!</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">ACE Basin? What’s that?</span></h3><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Three rivers – the Ashepoo, the Combahee and the Edisto
(ACE) – come together at St. Helena Sound in South Carolina’s Lowcountry to
form a rich estuary. This 350,000-acre ACE Basin watershed contains one of the
largest areas of undeveloped wetlands/uplands ecosystems remaining on the
Atlantic Coast, and features a remarkable interlocking web of ecosystems including
forested uplands, wetlands, tidal marshes, barrier islands, and peatlands. According
to The Nature Conservancy, it supports 33 types of natural plant communities
and provides critical habitat for waterfowl, migratory birds and endangered
species. In 2014, National Geographic featured the ACE Basin as its cover
story, and The Nature Conservancy has declared the area “one of the last great
places.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAH4MX1OH6_fF3zon_hu3ziODw2bVJyoWzgO9_DXheCsVOp4GhLq5bj1rV01tUfq3ufmUMwDpQXFmRsKyiWw-atujk0e_FtM9q61tQqFaKG8tlrpKXArAvnVpBEqpVp57EbN-g6ieHIA0/s2048/Great+egret+and+roseate+spoonbill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1409" data-original-width="2048" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAH4MX1OH6_fF3zon_hu3ziODw2bVJyoWzgO9_DXheCsVOp4GhLq5bj1rV01tUfq3ufmUMwDpQXFmRsKyiWw-atujk0e_FtM9q61tQqFaKG8tlrpKXArAvnVpBEqpVp57EbN-g6ieHIA0/s320/Great+egret+and+roseate+spoonbill.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Egret and roseate spoonbill</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />From the early 1700s to mid-1800s, much of the ACE Basin was
home to large plantations that primarily grew rice. In the late 1800s many of
these plantations were purchased by wealthy sportsmen as hunting retreats, who
managed the former rice fields and adjacent upland estates for a wide range of
wildlife – ensuring that the region remained relatively undeveloped.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF66BA8VfdnGDKToQibah8Rt9DK1ppDPHje2jIl_hbe9OKgZpBnYuCVrT0UHrpJ6dP4p0JoOJN7lZ66tp2lu1JpvBUAlzkyOVEFhPpEy68G9cfMvBHmzoHZMbjw_l-00uQEYhz3kIoxsM/s605/ACE+Basin+map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="605" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF66BA8VfdnGDKToQibah8Rt9DK1ppDPHje2jIl_hbe9OKgZpBnYuCVrT0UHrpJ6dP4p0JoOJN7lZ66tp2lu1JpvBUAlzkyOVEFhPpEy68G9cfMvBHmzoHZMbjw_l-00uQEYhz3kIoxsM/s320/ACE+Basin+map.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />Sounds cool! But how can we see it? </span></h3><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The principal road through the ACE Basin is U.S. Highway 17,
the ACE Basin Parkway, which skirts the north end of the protected areas
connecting Charleston to <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/11/auldbrass-frank-lloyd-wright-plantation.html" target="_blank">Yemassee</a>. Small communities within ACE Basin include
Bennetts Point, Green Pond, Jacksonboro, Wiggins and Willtown Bluff. There are
numerous access points to the public lands of the ACE Basin including 23 boat
landings, allowing visitors opportunities to experience it by land and by
water! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Edisto Learning Center & Edisto Beach State Park</span></h4><h3><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6VsXZQi1V0eu-47G2VTW-l_A5H-hVKz_Iavm-rLm_W2qCITmXHEMVZVh9JzpyFxZlOGgNpENzve6yDVQzc0AQqAJeZ2K7-YZsZtDghL4vAEOblsuESa5O0myYxolNofrw-0FUmBJOCM/s2048/Edisto+Spanish+Mount+Shell+Midden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6VsXZQi1V0eu-47G2VTW-l_A5H-hVKz_Iavm-rLm_W2qCITmXHEMVZVh9JzpyFxZlOGgNpENzve6yDVQzc0AQqAJeZ2K7-YZsZtDghL4vAEOblsuESa5O0myYxolNofrw-0FUmBJOCM/s320/Edisto+Spanish+Mount+Shell+Midden.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Edisto Spanish Mount Shell Midden</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">A good place to start is at Edisto Beach State Park. The
park’s environmental education center is a “green” building with exhibits that
highlight the natural history of Edisto Island and the surrounding ACE Basin.
One of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, it features trails for
hiking and biking in addition to the 1.5 miles of beach renowned for its
shelling.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Edisto Beach State Park is also an excellent home base for
additional ACE Basin explorations; if camping or staying at a cabin there, you are
within an easy drive of the Edisto River side of the region including ACE Basin
National Wildlife Refuge and Botany Bay! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6C-tgBQW-cJ6u8xFwAKZUhiDujO3FbqC-KbCi2a1WqGT812VATGLSotm0e6rfgy5m1zzzEwxZquY48YBbvwCX00Xn6Bb1uYBt0xch5KznNXt0T3bNGHdyXOU5rXH1CHUvbRQclAjd8k/s2048/Dawhoo+Bridge+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="2048" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6C-tgBQW-cJ6u8xFwAKZUhiDujO3FbqC-KbCi2a1WqGT812VATGLSotm0e6rfgy5m1zzzEwxZquY48YBbvwCX00Xn6Bb1uYBt0xch5KznNXt0T3bNGHdyXOU5rXH1CHUvbRQclAjd8k/s320/Dawhoo+Bridge+view.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">View from Dawhoo Bridge boat ramp</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge</span></h4><h3><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Driving north from Edisto Beach there is a boat ramp at the
Dawhoo Bridge that offers westerly views (great for sunset viewing!) over the
salt marsh and towards Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge.
At just under 12,000 acres, the Refuge is key in protecting the Edisto portion
of the estuary. In addition, the Refuge office is a former rice plantation
house that was built in 1828, one of only a few antebellum mansions that
survived the civil war in the area; today it is protected on the National
Register of Historical Places.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">While the Grove Plantation House is temporarily closed to
visitors, all Refuge grounds remain open to a variety of recreational
activities such as hunting (in season), picnicking, hiking, fresh and saltwater
fishing, canoeing, wildlife watching, photography and environmental education.
Special events and programs are held throughout the year for visitors to learn
more about the ACE Basin and National Wildlife Refuges; see the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ACE_Basin/visit/visitor_activities.html" target="_blank">Fish & Wildlife
Service website</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2d5fGbVEygFpEIKErrwzfbhvMPZZrKqLACAsJeEgoY6cWecJC5ct6bsD9ghcJIbgcRvQdjDnD63Tpmy7KtK-WakEa_utjthdbDqt91pm6Bt8mj_sqb6WueX0ZBA6ClgPkSd5KOwKq8xk/s2048/ACE+Basin+NWR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2d5fGbVEygFpEIKErrwzfbhvMPZZrKqLACAsJeEgoY6cWecJC5ct6bsD9ghcJIbgcRvQdjDnD63Tpmy7KtK-WakEa_utjthdbDqt91pm6Bt8mj_sqb6WueX0ZBA6ClgPkSd5KOwKq8xk/s320/ACE+Basin+NWR.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge</span></td></tr></tbody></table></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Botany Bay </span></h4><h3><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The 3,363 acre Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management
Area (WMA) is located in the northeast corner of Edisto Island, and is
important to numerous wildlife species including the federally-threatened
loggerhead sea turtle and the state-threatened least tern. Cultural sites
including the Fig Island Shell Rings, outbuildings from Bleak Hall Plantation
and elements of the Alexander Bache U.S. Coast Survey Line – all listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. The causeway to the beach is wheel chair
accessible, and the designated driving tour provides excellent viewing
opportunities for the mobility impaired; for more information, please visit the
<a href="https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ManagedLand/ManagedLand/57" target="_blank">SC DNR website</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Edisto River & State Parks</span></h4><h3><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">A great way to see the Edisto River is from kayak or canoe.
For more on the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail, Edisto River Adventures
tubing, and the two SC State Parks that provide access to the Edisto (Givhans
Ferry and Colleton), see my article on the Edisto River and Givhans Ferry <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2021/08/givhans-ferry-state-park-edisto-river.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The blackwater
river is the longest of its kind in North America, and is a favorite for
cooling down on hot summer days. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIjKKRPcWyHbNycBJ8j7CKYb4ytTkSvqBubyjF4Q4q97HwaspAz9mfKiLzNDw95Mj5RVxINdcq6Nzwou-w7LRVT1F-d6GX_fhJO7ztSZaPCyMSXu3_gaW23YHQOdmDAe59Bx0w1O5Pvc/s2905/Beidler+Forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="2905" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIjKKRPcWyHbNycBJ8j7CKYb4ytTkSvqBubyjF4Q4q97HwaspAz9mfKiLzNDw95Mj5RVxINdcq6Nzwou-w7LRVT1F-d6GX_fhJO7ztSZaPCyMSXu3_gaW23YHQOdmDAe59Bx0w1O5Pvc/w400-h119/Beidler+Forest.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Audubon's Beidler Forest</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />A portion of the headwaters of the Edisto River and ACE
Basin is Four Holes Swamp, which visitors can experience through <a href="https://beidler.audubon.org/visit" target="_blank">Audubon’s Beidler Forest</a>. This 18,000-acre bird and wildlife sanctuary in the South
Carolina Lowcountry is the world’s largest virgin cypress-tupelo swamp forest,
home to thousand-year-old trees and a wide range of wildlife. It is a great
place to visit for families, as the entire 1.75-mile trail is a boardwalk: easy
to follow, and provides safe viewing of wildlife without getting muddy or wet. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Ravenel Caw Caw Interpretive Center</span></h4><h3><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This nature center has over six miles of walking trails that
wind through its diverse habitats, with interpretive exhibits, displays, and an
assortment of programs. Boardwalks take visitors through the wetlands and rice
fields dating to the eighteenth century. Caw Caw is a birding hotspot for
coastal SC, but is also important historically: it’s one of the important sites
of the Stono Rebellion, a Member of the National Park Service’s National
Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program, and features thousands of
naturalized tea plants from a 20th century tea farm. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLcpVVWxvU_bhdnVW_F7mnNABk5IRg_Yvf19OciSoRCnShu0N4xH7fwSWVG2hnPdwNjogewETo5Zrz9ublC1n3NLkcyLCReandbAGH4jszxmBJd0XDsa48Jd0lC4eXfb6UxmgDvUsw_M/s2048/Caw+Caw+Interpretive+Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLcpVVWxvU_bhdnVW_F7mnNABk5IRg_Yvf19OciSoRCnShu0N4xH7fwSWVG2hnPdwNjogewETo5Zrz9ublC1n3NLkcyLCReandbAGH4jszxmBJd0XDsa48Jd0lC4eXfb6UxmgDvUsw_M/w400-h225/Caw+Caw+Interpretive+Center.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Caw Caw Interpretive Center</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />On your visit you can expect to see American alligators, swallow-tailed
kites, and bald eagles! Admission is $2/person, for more information see the
<a href="https://www.ccprc.com/53/Caw-Caw-Interpretive-Center" target="_blank">Charleston County Parks website</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Bear Island Game Management Area</span></h4><h3><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">It was a hot day in July when we found ourselves turning off
Highway 17 towards Bennetts Point a few weeks ago. Much like many of the
destinations on this side of Charleston – Edisto Beach, Hunting Island, Hilton
Head – there is a significant drive from the main highway to reach the ocean.
Over the next 15 miles we wound our way along live oak-shaded lanes, the giants
draped in Spanish moss functioning almost as curtains to the lands beyond.
After crossing the Ashepoo River we entered <a href="https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ManagedLand/ManagedLand/56" target="_blank">Bear Island Game Management Area</a>,
home to countless waterfowl and protected species such as wood storks and bald
eagles. The miles of dikes on Bear Island provide plenty of wildlife-viewing, hiking,
biking and hunting opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve</span></h4><h3><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Soon after passing Bear Island we arrived at the Michael D.
McKenzie Field Station. Headquarters for the ACE Basin National Estuarine
Research Reserve (NERR), the field station serves as a community hub for
coastal science, education and collaboration. The NERR encompasses nearly 100,000
acres of ACE Basin, and is managed in a joint effort by the South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR) and the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Association (NOAA). Adjacent Mosquito Creek was living up to its
name, but luckily we were able to escape the insects by boarding a boat and heading
out on the Ashepoo River as part of the South Carolina 7 expedition. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUepO7LtaO5Y3NqFzvdI4ru1-DeQ2ntJVIi1uIl-xGrWrSVHfg7ftHdOsOqlExtRe2Z7NUxicRHCQ9AyY425U4VfVdx9ORugIujohEWWpJmX5JTHpWdyXvVIhzp5ip6pa6J5AUnlTsKLo/s2048/ACE+Basin+NERR+photo+Charlie+Whitney.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUepO7LtaO5Y3NqFzvdI4ru1-DeQ2ntJVIi1uIl-xGrWrSVHfg7ftHdOsOqlExtRe2Z7NUxicRHCQ9AyY425U4VfVdx9ORugIujohEWWpJmX5JTHpWdyXvVIhzp5ip6pa6J5AUnlTsKLo/s320/ACE+Basin+NERR+photo+Charlie+Whitney.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">NERR, photo credit Charlie Whitney</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />Viewing the ACE Basin from the water is an excellent way to not
only get away from the bugs, but also to get a feel for the enormity of
coastline and estuary protected by the NERR and other entities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are numerous science, education and
training programs operated by the SC DNR out of the field station including
ones off and on the water; the facility contains offices, wet/dry labs, a
conference room and an outdoor classroom, while science related school groups
and naturalists visit the field station for a variety of educational outdoor activities.
For more on the programs and workshops offered, please visit the ACE Basin <a href="https://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/NERR/education.html" target="_blank">NERR website</a>.
Our boat tour with the SC7 team included an orientation to the ACE Basin
watershed, and contained a look at the oyster reefs, plenty of
wildlife-viewing, and discussions of salt marsh and estuarine diversity. For
those wishing to tour the ACE Basin by boat, but looking for an option other
than the NERR, a number of outfitters in Charleston, Beaufort and Colleton
counties offer guided kayaking trips on the three rivers, as well as tours for
those who prefer to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of a motorboat.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Islands only accessible by boat!</span></h4><h3><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">If traveling by water in the area, you more than likely will
pass through or near the <a href="https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ManagedLand/ManagedLand/122" target="_blank">St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve</a>, a collection of
coastal and barrier islands only accessible by boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otter Island is part of this Heritage
Preserve, and receives special protection because of its significance for rare
plants, threatened and endangered species, and as an historic site. With developed
islands to the north (Edisto) and to the south (Harbor, Fripp and Hunting),
Otter Island is the only spot where wildlife species can rest, feed and
reproduce without development pressures for a long stretch of coastline.
Another barrier island only accessible by boat but providing ample wildlife
viewing is <a href="https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ManagedLand/ManagedLand/888" target="_blank">South Fenwick Island</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Cwtz0onqkjuVh3u55AlDHfxDXGxdNBhEHcNaxUQauK_ywWH_I4hDE_Zjp62UO1kPuiCrkUMlohnsVyAqw1h7wEN3y5YJBlwIIOH4EJca8CGb9VoKzKuptnBEn3wuZ9uL-arnMVq5KE/s2048/Loggerhead+nesting+area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Cwtz0onqkjuVh3u55AlDHfxDXGxdNBhEHcNaxUQauK_ywWH_I4hDE_Zjp62UO1kPuiCrkUMlohnsVyAqw1h7wEN3y5YJBlwIIOH4EJca8CGb9VoKzKuptnBEn3wuZ9uL-arnMVq5KE/s320/Loggerhead+nesting+area.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Loggerhead sea turtle nesting area</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />Donnelley Wildlife Management Area</span></h4><h3><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Heading back out from Bennetts Point you’ ll pass the
8,000-acre Donnelley Wildlife Management Area just as you reach ACE Basin
Parkway (Highway 17). The nature trails here offer birdwatching, hiking,
biking, riding and hunting opportunities; check <a href="https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ManagedLand/ManagedLand/58" target="_blank">the website</a> for seasonal
closure information, as the WMA is closed during certain hunt periods. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">When should we visit?</span></h3><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">As anyone who has spent time in the Lowcountry knows, each
season down near the coast comes with advantages and hindrances. Summer days
can be hot and buggy, especially in the marsh, however a hot August day might
just be perfect for tubing the Edisto or enjoying the ocean surf. Spring and
fall offer excellent birdwatching, cooler temperatures and fewer bugs, but some
areas might see closures for hunt seasons. And while winter might mean you have
the trail/boardwalk to yourself, it also brings cold & unpredictable
weather… As with any trip, planning ahead can really pay off in terms of
knowing what to expect and what adjustments might have to be made. Our
year-round basics include protection against the weather & insects, water
and snacks, and comfortable clothes & footwear.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9zkBdOiv23KvjA76Hah16mYFzIfGfnTcCciwpBqtOUHJemktGllFmKcgRdoIygBOENvvLHjfA6WjCgL_Lc-4RfFAoqY23Tl4s482psrs0JQUJRUyHDB2rqQyaktFWwhRXq7XhKS0jQY/s2048/Caw+Caw+snake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9zkBdOiv23KvjA76Hah16mYFzIfGfnTcCciwpBqtOUHJemktGllFmKcgRdoIygBOENvvLHjfA6WjCgL_Lc-4RfFAoqY23Tl4s482psrs0JQUJRUyHDB2rqQyaktFWwhRXq7XhKS0jQY/s320/Caw+Caw+snake.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />But snakes, alligators and spiders?!</span></h3><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Before we took our boys tubing on the Edisto, I asked how
often they see alligators on that stretch of the river – the answer was never.
However if you are kayaking the Four Holes Swamp, chances are you might see one
or two. In any case, the key is to follow the basic guidelines as you would
with all animals - keep your distance, and don’t feed or harass the wildlife.
For our family, the fear of encountering the animals that get all the bad press
has slowly turned to hopes of catching a glimpse of one of them: a gator from a
causeway as we head out to one of the barrier islands, a snake from the safety
of the boardwalk at Francis Beidler Forest, or a shark feeding out beyond the
break as we sit safely on the shore of Edisto Beach. Know what to do in case
you come across a venomous snake, and know how to tell the difference between
the ones that can hurt you and the harmless ones that help keep the rodent
population in check. And finally, stay on the trail, be mindful of where you
are stepping, and exercise caution when out in the wilderness; animals are a
part of the outdoor experience, and will add so much to your ACE Basin adventure!
<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K4Vs6cpSfn3oKhDmZW91rkoVbOQpHcLH6Zr7lfgGREVdHyPKzdJZbGlp3dhH27pwgOtKhi6fIaLqcYfi-CjEDaeWVsHFMrNQec2fjuI66ZCryNyNrOxbXsrvoNRS0oa0hgI_BmpPAyc/s2048/Alligators.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K4Vs6cpSfn3oKhDmZW91rkoVbOQpHcLH6Zr7lfgGREVdHyPKzdJZbGlp3dhH27pwgOtKhi6fIaLqcYfi-CjEDaeWVsHFMrNQec2fjuI66ZCryNyNrOxbXsrvoNRS0oa0hgI_BmpPAyc/s320/Alligators.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Something for everyone!</span></h3><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">More than 130,000 acres of land have been protected through
public/private partnerships in the heart of the ACE Basin, qualifying it as one
of the most acclaimed freshwater natural areas found on the East Coast. It is
open to hiking, biking, boating, driving, riding, diving, viewing, tasting (we
enjoy stopping at local stands for fresh produce and seafood – but that’s a
whole other post!)… Each time we visit, we discover another thing we love about
the area, and I hope this article has inspired you to visit the ACE Basin and
find something of your own to love. Happy adventuring!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRtKB0Ix1KShocI9nx5Z0XlXH_e5jKQSms0YkuAeYq69yE2CsiHOM_FqjYpgKQ89eD8siZEqzujjpcwbJzW8btka3o_lllWyXhJrcENdmVnoBsTMF645C0X5YUZb8vIDoA0okRX5-sRE/s2048/Four+Holes+Swamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1252" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRtKB0Ix1KShocI9nx5Z0XlXH_e5jKQSms0YkuAeYq69yE2CsiHOM_FqjYpgKQ89eD8siZEqzujjpcwbJzW8btka3o_lllWyXhJrcENdmVnoBsTMF645C0X5YUZb8vIDoA0okRX5-sRE/s320/Four+Holes+Swamp.jpg" width="196" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four Holes Swamp, Beidler Forest</td></tr></tbody></table><br />For more on the ACE Basin, check out <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/ace-basin/" target="_blank">The Nature Conservancy page</a>. </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>This article first appeared on </i>Kidding Around
Greenville<i> in conjunction with the </i>South Carolina 7 Expedition</span><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> as <a href="https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/ace-basin" target="_blank">Here’s How to See Amazing Wildlife and Plants in South Carolina’s ACE Basin</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></i></p>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina, USA32.6363289 -80.3825667999999924.3260950638211568 -115.53881679999999 60.946562736178848 -45.226316799999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-19213117199275849222021-09-09T04:00:00.002-04:002021-09-09T04:00:00.195-04:00Givhans Ferry State Park & the Edisto River<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> <i>As correspondent to
the South Carolina 7 Wonders expedition for family website Kidding Around Greenville, our family had the opportunity to </i><i>explore the Lowcountry,
including the Edisto River area and Givhans Ferry State Park. What
we found is that not only is the Edisto deserving of the title </i><i><b>5<sup>th</sup> Wonder of South Carolina</b></i><i>, but together with the surrounding area makes a unique destination for a family
weekend in the Lowcountry!</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: trebuchet; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTmGvGU-7FhjaCfJXYM5gWRfTiFh1jAOfv6SH2l5VLaRb47aLVerNhKaQhwfFe2mKjrCxsJdabYVjiQR-z6Pkv89cSOTV3bdBIrLm9JDA7PiMpnvRxgDr4XZbM5iRBxbgv4IbGOz57zM/s2048/Edisto+slough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTmGvGU-7FhjaCfJXYM5gWRfTiFh1jAOfv6SH2l5VLaRb47aLVerNhKaQhwfFe2mKjrCxsJdabYVjiQR-z6Pkv89cSOTV3bdBIrLm9JDA7PiMpnvRxgDr4XZbM5iRBxbgv4IbGOz57zM/w300-h400/Edisto+slough.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edisto slough</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The Edisto River is the longest, free-flowing, blackwater
river in North America, the water appearing tea-like from the tannins released
by decaying vegetation. Blackwater rivers such as the Edisto are typically
slow-moving waterways that flow through forests, swamps, or wetlands. From the
spring-fed headwaters in the central Sandhills, the Edisto flows through the
heart of old-growth stands of tupelo-cypress forests to the rich estuary of the
ACE Basin. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Edisto River’s name originated from the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">edisto</i>, a Native American term that
means “black.” It was most likely named as such by the Edisto Tribe, a member
of the Cusabo family of tribes that lived along the river in present-day Edisto
Island and surrounding Charleston and Colleton counties. This tribe disappeared
from the area in the early 1700s as a result of disease and warfare, however,
the Kusso-Natchez Tribe adopted Edisto Indian Organization as their new name in
the 1960s in honor of their ancestral settlements along the river in
present-day Dorchester and Colleton counties, and communities of their
descendants live there today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Paddle the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">There are many ways to experience the Edisto, but one of the
best ways to explore it is from the water: by kayak, canoe or tube. The Edisto
is a paddler’s paradise, with 62 of its 250 miles officially part of the Edisto
River Canoe and Kayak Trail (ERCKT), and among a multitude of public and
private camping and access points to the ERCKT are two state parks, Colleton and Givhans Ferry. Both offer camping & picnicking sites and have
convenient launch sites for an Edisto paddle – it is 23 miles from one park to
the other via the river. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: trebuchet; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViBBFIip2S27YH02am8QBvIGdJMr8M9Uz7zEEOgth00FuX48JD3y0i8utPu78uvkEyJOUxvBlvplRUd0VBD7lUgfdOzFZUYKwWQOhR9NJvxVrpdcl-qrLxtzqSc2Bd7droJ9DuSpJFUY/s2048/Givhans+Ferry+kayak+launch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="2048" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViBBFIip2S27YH02am8QBvIGdJMr8M9Uz7zEEOgth00FuX48JD3y0i8utPu78uvkEyJOUxvBlvplRUd0VBD7lUgfdOzFZUYKwWQOhR9NJvxVrpdcl-qrLxtzqSc2Bd7droJ9DuSpJFUY/w400-h231/Givhans+Ferry+kayak+launch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Givhans Ferry Canoe launch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">For maps, river access points and more information, check
out the <a href="http://www.ercktrail.org/" target="_blank">ERCKT website</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Go fishing, hiking or tubing at Givhans Ferry State Park</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Givhans Ferry State Park is one of 16 SC State Parks built
by the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/search/label/CCC" target="_blank">Civilian Conservation Corps</a>, including its 4 cabins and Riverfront Hall
on a bluff overlooking the river. It is the closest park to Charleston with overnight
facilities, and also has 25 full-service campsites and 2 picnic shelters. Both
Givhans Ferry and Colleton participate in the SC Dept. of Natural Resources
sponsored Tackle Loaner Program, with rods and reels available for loan at the
park office. With a valid SC fishing license, your family can fish the Edisto
for flathead, catfish, bass and eel. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The Park also offers hiking, with the 1.5-mile River Bluff
Nature Trail boasting scenic views and opportunities to birdwatch, bike and
geocache. It is a very short walk down to the kayak launch, where there is a
small beach area and riverfront. Although there are no lifeguards on duty, the
Edisto access is very popular with families looking to cool off during the hot
summer months. For admission information, please visit the <a href="https://southcarolinaparks.com/givhans-ferry" target="_blank">SC State Parks website</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp4NLRAWm2UDCouEZPVdELL0Xrs5RdAajXSefWTNf0U7W_wWm2EgIM2Gu2QAUP4wz8g3Br3DA312HMmjhCIKEomX_kYn0x1JqJ2ydaL-WhwT2onOf9qw_8GEC4duiDThiydtcT1tzBpM/s2048/Edisto+River+tubing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1567" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp4NLRAWm2UDCouEZPVdELL0Xrs5RdAajXSefWTNf0U7W_wWm2EgIM2Gu2QAUP4wz8g3Br3DA312HMmjhCIKEomX_kYn0x1JqJ2ydaL-WhwT2onOf9qw_8GEC4duiDThiydtcT1tzBpM/s320/Edisto+River+tubing.jpg" width="245" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />A favorite Givhans Ferry activity is tubing with Edisto
River Adventures. After launching from the kayak launch, you’ll float the two
miles to the Edisto River Adventures take-out where you can play a game of sand
volleyball or cornhole, picnic, and utilize the changing rooms before the drive
home. For more information and pricing, please visit the <a href="https://edistoriveradventures.com/tubing-edisto-river/" target="_blank">Edisto River Adventures website</a>.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Discover the wildlife of Audubon Beidler Forest</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Another great way to experience the area is with a visit to
Francis Beidler Forest, the 18,000-acre bird and wildlife sanctuary in the
South Carolina Lowcountry. Beidler is the world’s largest virgin cypress-tupelo
swamp forest, home to thousand-year-old trees and a wide range of wildlife. It
is a great place to visit for families, as the entire 1.75-mile trail is a boardwalk:
easy to follow, and provides safe viewing of wildlife without getting muddy or
wet. On our recent visit we saw numerous lizards and snakes, as well as birds
of all sizes, even in the heat of a summer afternoon!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Tickets are required for boardwalk admission, and the
Center’s hours are currently limited; please visit <a href="https://beidler.audubon.org/visit" target="_blank">the website</a> for more
information. The second Saturday of every month is free admission, or if unable to register
for a walk on the boardwalk, there is the new Grasslands-Woodland Trails near
the entrance to the center instead that doesn’t require tickets. You can follow
Beidler on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beidlerforest/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeidlerForest" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for a virtual look at the Sanctuary and the animals that call it home!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiMmrt69GIHZvmVZzdvmcDO-stgDLe8stOzuE2iWD4agrpy3HxXFTxRa0wSHRgKYGJ9NSh1yMdbfFTTLqXDZ7ouTYctRAy4HoGZDDWDd_-r6oryfgymgM_teWEsyceBvh_qwtiUKPfq4/s2905/Beidler+Forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="2905" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiMmrt69GIHZvmVZzdvmcDO-stgDLe8stOzuE2iWD4agrpy3HxXFTxRa0wSHRgKYGJ9NSh1yMdbfFTTLqXDZ7ouTYctRAy4HoGZDDWDd_-r6oryfgymgM_teWEsyceBvh_qwtiUKPfq4/w640-h190/Beidler+Forest.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />For the adventurous kayaking the ERCK Trail to Givhans
Ferry, a short side trip will take you to the confluence of the Edisto River
and Four Holes Swamp in Beidler Forest; keep your eyes open for wild turkey,
beaver, kingfisher, great blue heron and egrets along the way!<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">An uncertain future</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">In 2014 the South Fork of the Edisto appeared in America’s
Most Endangered Rivers report, and the year after that Edisto was added as
well. As the state’s most heavily used river for irrigation, excessive water
withdrawals continue to be a major threat; lower water levels allow sunlight to
penetrate further into the water, allowing for more vegetation in the water as
well as algae blooms, as well as causes salt water to encroach higher upstream.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Together with the Ashepoo and Combahee Rivers, the Edisto is
part of the ACE Basin. More than 130,000 acres of land have been protected
through public/private partnerships in the heart of the ACE Basin, and
organizations such as American Rivers continue to work to provide sustainable
water supplies for all, while supporting river health and recreation on the
Edisto and neighboring rivers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The South Carolina State Parks such as Givhans Ferry and
Colleton are excellent places for us to learn more about these unique
ecosystems of South Carolina, including the black waters of the Edisto. It is
easier to protect the places that we know and love, and the opportunity to get
our families outside and to be active in these beautiful places is a blessing.
I hope you’ll enjoy discovering the beauty of this area of South Carolina as
much as our family has! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ek9JZJu29iDvEAPgiN0hQOA9URLTqvOKFXcIbjpdaaWd9Gse_-tLwS_Nqhtl3XVjGXhED0E4OCOLbafsVOTxeFGgJ8_3zlvJraN0inPQGT6lrlC9vM3UqsTiV0IwFgMGyHQWxAQgSGs/s2048/Givhans+Ferry+Riverfront+Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="2048" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ek9JZJu29iDvEAPgiN0hQOA9URLTqvOKFXcIbjpdaaWd9Gse_-tLwS_Nqhtl3XVjGXhED0E4OCOLbafsVOTxeFGgJ8_3zlvJraN0inPQGT6lrlC9vM3UqsTiV0IwFgMGyHQWxAQgSGs/s320/Givhans+Ferry+Riverfront+Hall.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Have you ever been
swimming in a blackwater river? Please let us know what your family’ s favorite
place to visit on the Edisto River is!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This post first
appeared on Kidding Around Greenville in conjunction with the South Carolina 7
Expedition as <a href="https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/givhans-ferry-state-park-and-edisto-river" target="_blank">Givhans Ferry State Park & the Edisto River: Things to do at
the 5th Wonder of SC</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></i></p>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0Givhans Ferry State Park, 746 County Rd S-18-30, Ridgeville, SC 29472, USA33.027807 -80.3864484.7175731638211573 -115.542698 61.338040836178848 -45.230198tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-91585418762780210862021-09-07T04:00:00.006-04:002021-09-07T04:00:00.166-04:00Historic Newberry, a "most charming small town"<p><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Newberry
was recently named one of the "Most Charming Small Towns in America"
by Travel Channel, as well as chosen as Day 14 of the South Carolina 7
expedition. As the Kidding Around Greenville <a href="https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/sc7-expedition" target="_blank">SC7 correspondent</a>, I joined the team on the trail to see
what all the press is about!</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />At the
very heart of downtown is the Newberry Opera House. Completed in 1882, the
Opera House was designed as a place of entertainment for locals and as a seat
of government for the city – including a fire engine room and three jail cells!
Silent pictures were slowly replaced by movies, and in the 1920s it was
renovated as a movie theater. But in 1952 the movie theater closed, and there
was even talk of tearing it down; luckily the Newberry Historical Society stepped
in, and in 1970 the building was placed on the National Register of Historic
Places. After extensive
renovations the Newberry Opera House was reopened for performances in 1998.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jBqbc7DhrFGn1xD-dHX7AUhDLdFGxuNjVqssdN6SP9-DSHul0LJWc-lvS0D7c-2VtAamM-ilY6U6LbUW5Qf8taQrQnyU1GGsIuxLvNOdTqrKUvvM8wn5mHnHIveGayV0FeAW6D5zo7g/s2016/Newberry+Opera+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jBqbc7DhrFGn1xD-dHX7AUhDLdFGxuNjVqssdN6SP9-DSHul0LJWc-lvS0D7c-2VtAamM-ilY6U6LbUW5Qf8taQrQnyU1GGsIuxLvNOdTqrKUvvM8wn5mHnHIveGayV0FeAW6D5zo7g/s320/Newberry+Opera+House.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Newberry Opera House</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">However,
in 2010 downtown Newberry was struggling in the wake of the large national
recession. When the City took steps to begin a revitalization of downtown, to make
it more pedestrian friendly and welcoming to visitors, the Opera remained at
the center of it all. The location between the Greenville-Spartanburg corridor
and Columbia makes it one of only a few venues in the Midlands/Piedmont, and
musicians coming from Charleston often take the opportunity to get in one more
show before heading north/west. Newberry has really capitalized on the unique
location in regards to the arts, and today is a vibrant, old-fashioned town
center that is a centerpiece for the community.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The
Travel Channel praised Newberry as “a college town with lots of extras: lovely
architecture, a historic Opera House, a winery where rocking chairs beckon from
a big porch and world-class dining and drinking experiences. Nicknamed the
‘City of Friendly Folks,’ it’s been called one of the 100 best small towns in
America.” The accolades are well-deserved, and Newberry has something for
everyone… even for a cross-state expedition!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The Palmetto Trail</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The
South Carolina 7 Expedition has been using the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a> as a backbone to
its explorations, and on a sunny summer day I found myself “hiking” the
Newberry Passage along with Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, Pamela
Evette, and Mayor of Newberry, Foster Senn. Our urban hike took us into the
very heart of Newberry, passing Newberry College, established in 1856, past
several ornate homes built 1880-1915, then right up to Main Street. We passed
the old Coca-Cola bottling plant (turned indoor shooting range, turned law
office), and City Hall. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLHeu-55wqTCRDbg2rbufOIxxtDxKh6Tz_LxWkeRLUsi7E8LkgVz21YJU4AFuKTu5NDJFRd9SoBQgNVpUG7T6gA2ZPRHA9k7R0t3PvfijMwyje33yb-wUbXAJzltrEAHWrA9OOMSQTSU/s2016/Newberry+Passage+Palmetto+Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLHeu-55wqTCRDbg2rbufOIxxtDxKh6Tz_LxWkeRLUsi7E8LkgVz21YJU4AFuKTu5NDJFRd9SoBQgNVpUG7T6gA2ZPRHA9k7R0t3PvfijMwyje33yb-wUbXAJzltrEAHWrA9OOMSQTSU/s320/Newberry+Passage+Palmetto+Trail.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The
Newberry Passage is a 10-mile section of trail, with approximately 4 of those
miles within city limits. Be warned that there is little shade, and most of the
section is along busy roads. However, I found the 3-4 miles within city limits
to be interesting, with the historic houses, an old cemetery, and of course the
renovated Main Street with shops, cafes, bars and ice cream parlors.</span></p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Another
Newberry treasure is a <i>second</i> passage of the Palmetto Trail, Lynch’s
Woods. In direct contrast with the urban Newberry Passage, Lynch’s Woods is a
relaxing 5-mile loop hike through a beautiful park full of old growth trees.
Lynch’s Woods Park was created in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps
(CCC), and today the 276-acre park features trails for mountain bikers, hikers,
and equestrians.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Plenty to do with
families!</span></h4><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We
stopped in the Old Court House, completed in 1853, to get a map and a few
brochures – the historic building now houses the chamber of commerce. There,
they directed us to the Newberry Museum, housed in the 1911 Federal Building
and United States Post Office. The museum offers permanent and rotating
exhibitions about the history of the county as well as surrounding
municipalities. For a calendar of exhibits, please visit <a href="https://www.thenewberrymuseum.com/" target="_blank">their website</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU2qLJtgbAAb72Xj1WM98EEVglkF3rDLYIG0ECEPH0zcnDWOhSFVVSeE8jq56ihbvvaomkJk-Jfh6YDY0T-oF56XhDyr4GMubEW0lrVcOHSBPUedkSJcRGiiVuHTNZhrFAf6AFs8R3JY/s2016/Newberry+Museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU2qLJtgbAAb72Xj1WM98EEVglkF3rDLYIG0ECEPH0zcnDWOhSFVVSeE8jq56ihbvvaomkJk-Jfh6YDY0T-oF56XhDyr4GMubEW0lrVcOHSBPUedkSJcRGiiVuHTNZhrFAf6AFs8R3JY/s320/Newberry+Museum.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The Newberry Museum</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Only a
few blocks from the museum is the Newberry Arts Center. Through the windows we
could see children busy creating as part of the NAC Youth Summer Camp, and the
Art Center store was full of hand-made pieces by local artisans. The Arts
Center also sponsors Rec Mobile Friday Art in the Park, a free, traveling
activity with a local artist occurring the 6 weeks of summer. Art programs are
offered year-round; more information can be found on <a href="https://www.newberryartscenter.com/" target="_blank">their website</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I was
pleasantly surprised that Newberry has a Japanese Garden, tucked away and just
waiting to be discovered. We were a little disappointed that the garden was
closed, as it is currently undergoing construction, but the chamber of commerce
assured me it should be open within a month. The Wells Japanese Garden is a
Newberry landmark that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1980. For more on the garden, please visit the <a href="https://www.cityofnewberry.com/area-attractions/points-of-interest/wells-japanese-garden" target="_blank">Newberry website</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzE-7Ey-q6a-CGhvvNfWRXvPcQ0XmxO869FsS4JWijhzZH6kGqsBGDCTilp3qqonmP5OPbrkqVuTdXTWCblqlHDhWiWCaIpk726KXRu7SMPsyEqok_ZyYqwk_qKmfL6IMMMgAjEBshoM/s2016/Newberry+Community+Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzE-7Ey-q6a-CGhvvNfWRXvPcQ0XmxO869FsS4JWijhzZH6kGqsBGDCTilp3qqonmP5OPbrkqVuTdXTWCblqlHDhWiWCaIpk726KXRu7SMPsyEqok_ZyYqwk_qKmfL6IMMMgAjEBshoM/s320/Newberry+Community+Hall.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Newberry Community Center</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Newberry
hosts many events through the year, including Oktoberfest on the first Saturday
in October, a pumpkin painting party in late October, and Main Street Lights in
late November; all in the charming setting of Memorial Park, opposite the Opera
House. Originally the parking area for horses and carriages, on our recent
visit it was transformed into an exuberant welcome to the SC7 expedition,
tables set up in the shade of the enormous trees where we ate our fill of
barbecue and ice cream while listening to a DJ play music. Just around the
corner the Newberry Police Dept. had set up a bike rodeo, for young cyclists to
test their knowledge of road signs and their skill at navigating an obstacle
course. To top it off, the Opera House hosted the green carpet premier of the
SC7 documentary “Higher Ground,” and we were able to see the ornate interior of
the grand building. Yes, <a href="https://www.cityofnewberry.com/about-newberry/downtown-newberry" target="_blank">Newberry</a> can also throw a party!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Shopping and
restaurants</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">On our
wanders through downtown we saw several intriguing antique stores, including
one advertising “World Famous, as seen on <i>American Pickers</i>.” An antique
bookstore, art galleries, clothing and jewelry stores round out the shopping
experience – we could easily have spent a morning wandering the shops. Don’t
forget the Art Center store when looking for that souvenir!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We had
lunch and ice cream at family-friendly Laila’s Place, and cultural icon “Zesto’s”
was on the Newberry Passage on the way into town. Several fine dining
establishments catered to the Opera House crowd, and the Figaro Market was
stocked full of local products and tantalizing eats.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCvNGzCqf_tMIgeT9OKVIO7_mPfocUYaz5lvx4qUFCmhAJPmbHJKzdSndZBbxJqrQV4-XsmEwU1RAIO_L7J-A4p9Vv1Dy9gUa64s1yf9GUxhqOJPJWvxprRWpvkn6vWqADfD3kv3wYcQ/s320/Newberry+historic+downtown.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Figaro Market</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Lodging
options include several of the big chains, although there are a few bed &
breakfast type options in the vicinity.</span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><h4><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Nearby attractions</span></h4><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Just to
the south is the popular <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/from-peak-to-prosperity-on-palmetto.html" target="_blank">Peak to Prosperity Passage</a> of the Palmetto Trail,
great for biking and hiking, and known for the converted rail bridge that now
allows pedestrians to traverse the Broad River. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Less
than an hour away is Lake Murray, with all sorts of recreational opportunities.
This time of year we go to see the purple martins on their way south; the
thousands of birds all coming in to roost on Bomb Island at dusk is a sight to
see! (For more on how to see the purple martins, please see my post <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/08/lake-murray-purple-martins.html" target="_blank">The Purple Martins of Lake Murray</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">That
evening the lights were dimmed in the grand Opera House, and after Governor
Henry McMaster gave a welcome speech, the lights were dimmed to the premier of
“Higher Ground.” We sank into our plush, red velvet chairs, and took it all in:
the historical, the hiking, the small-town, the culture…. Yes, indeed, Newberry
is one of the best small towns in America!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>This
post originally appeared on </i>Kidding Around Greenville<i> in conjunction with the
</i>South Carolina 7 Expedition<i> as <a href="https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/historic-newberry-sc" target="_blank">Historic Newberry, SC: “Most Charming Small Town</a>.”</i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0Newberry, SC 29108, USA34.2745833 -81.61871785.9643494638211578 -116.7749678 62.584817136178849 -46.4624678tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-7261671322777338562021-09-02T04:00:00.004-04:002021-09-02T04:00:00.186-04:00Blackstock Battlefield<p><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">One of the benefits of living in South Carolina is the
chance to bring history to life by visiting the hundreds of historical sites
across the state. We’ve visited <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/07/musgrove-mill.html" target="_blank">Musgrove Mill State Historic Site</a> many times,
as it covers all the bases for my kids: Revolutionary War battlefield to
explore, Tyger River trail to hike, and Horseshoe Falls to cool down in. But did
you know Musgrove Mill manages a second battlefield? Located only 7 miles to
the north, Blackstock Battlefield preserves the site of the Revolutionary War
battle where infamous British Lt. Col. Tarleton was foiled in his attempt to
defeat Patriot Brig. Gen. Sumter in 1780. We recently received a tour of
Blackstock Battlefield during the South Carolina 7 Wonders Expedition, and
wanted to share with you more on this little-known historic site just 40
minutes from Spartanburg!</span></i></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AyhaIthJoDBciF1oLnmMa8l6UYgACWGG17tHUqLSElww4h2xuRdlhhv45NkkNua55HvBohzbcbMj4F2TItYn20zjcGaS8YxNwA1bGkNIkKv2wUEHPZmf-MqPjiuCfhC848JZsuBDceU/s2751/Blackstock+Battlefield+view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2751" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AyhaIthJoDBciF1oLnmMa8l6UYgACWGG17tHUqLSElww4h2xuRdlhhv45NkkNua55HvBohzbcbMj4F2TItYn20zjcGaS8YxNwA1bGkNIkKv2wUEHPZmf-MqPjiuCfhC848JZsuBDceU/w400-h166/Blackstock+Battlefield+view.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Boys taking in the view over Blackstock Battlefield</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Revolutionary War Action</span></h4><p></p><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Some months after the Battle at Kings Mountain, Sumter had
gathered troops in preparation to attack the British post at <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/02/ninety-six.html" target="_blank">Ninety Six</a>. The
British summoned Tarleton from his pursuit of the “Swamp Fox” Marion down near
the coast to intercept Sumter, and the British Lt. Col. managed to secretly
cross the Broad with his feared Dragoons before a defector informed Sumter he
was being pursued. Sumter chose to make a stand at Blackstock’s Plantation on
the Tyger river as Tarleton raced towards his position with his cavalry and
mounted infantry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">When the British caught up with Sumter, they were at a
disadvantage; they had gotten ahead of their infantry and artillery in hopes of
catching Sumter unawares, and instead were themselves caught in the open under
heavy fire from the high ground. After suffering heavy losses and regrouping,
Tarleton retreated to join his infantry and artillery – but without half of his
men, who had been lost in the battle. Sumter was badly wounded, and was
evacuated overnight. Tarleton pursued the Patriots for two more days, and
although he claimed a victory for dispersing Sumter’s militia, it was a costly
defeat for the British in that they lost numerous officers, horses, and
equipment. The Battle of Blackstock’s was a precursor to the action later at
<a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/02/cowpens-national-battlefield.html" target="_blank">Cowpens</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-H03Stqkal7PsuZqq9WZ2xYiTy9cUDFcTVxAsEc6tzDpW8j4MF8byO4zySIDCEC_6hG-y3-IG3ji-tQGwIcbYp9orXT1wAXgQ-AL0hhPk3uWSf_zzzzUHV9GGGao7W92vPu6D-MvpP1M/s1782/Blackstock+Battlefield+historical+map.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1782" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-H03Stqkal7PsuZqq9WZ2xYiTy9cUDFcTVxAsEc6tzDpW8j4MF8byO4zySIDCEC_6hG-y3-IG3ji-tQGwIcbYp9orXT1wAXgQ-AL0hhPk3uWSf_zzzzUHV9GGGao7W92vPu6D-MvpP1M/s320/Blackstock+Battlefield+historical+map.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Historical map of battlefield, courtesy of South Carolina State Parks</span></td></tr></tbody></table><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">On Your Visit</span></h4><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Directions: From Exit 44 on I-26, go east on SC Hwy 49 about
5.5 miles to the Blackstock’s Historical Marker. Turn left onto Blackstock’s
Road, then go about 1.2 miles and turn right onto Monument Road. Continue until
the pavement ends, and park in the parking area before the gate. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">For the best vantage point of the battlefield, continue up
the gravel road to Monument Hill. Standing with your back to the monument,
Blackstock’s Ford of the Tyger River is down the hill to the right. The open
meadow was much larger when the Blackstock family lived there, and the British
would have come charging up the hill to meet the forces lined up along the top.
On the far end of the meadow was where the house and barn were located. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVRZwBiUOK1N5KS0ubIUIR1PtM_SMbsRcWEtykO1pbQ_S60oAaOJM4mo0H5xI3kQQruK6KcKaAI9ZyhVf1GivE75yclOMqMCxZyeB5rmTiPbVt0d27N2sAtfWUjKjFdX9tzAGhrBTfVI/s2016/Blackstock+Battlefield+monument.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVRZwBiUOK1N5KS0ubIUIR1PtM_SMbsRcWEtykO1pbQ_S60oAaOJM4mo0H5xI3kQQruK6KcKaAI9ZyhVf1GivE75yclOMqMCxZyeB5rmTiPbVt0d27N2sAtfWUjKjFdX9tzAGhrBTfVI/s320/Blackstock+Battlefield+monument.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Take a Hike</span></h4><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The parking area is also the trailhead for the Blackstock
Battlefield Passage of the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a>. This 1.6-mile loop descends to the
Tyger River, and then follows the river for about ½ mile before climbing up to
the battlefield. Skirting the edge of the open field, the trail re-enters the
woods and returns to the parking area. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The SC Park Service asks that you remain on signed roads
& trails while visiting the battlefield, going off trail can be hazardous,
especially to children, as there are many deep holes from when the area was
logged and the stumps were buried. On our visit we also saw fire ants, bees,
and snakes. Highlights included seeing an eastern box turtle, taking in the
view from Monument Hill, and experiencing another piece of the Revolutionary
War puzzle that we have been piecing together during our southeastern travels.<o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAtfwDPpEajHrHosqOWwPcAPO5AwSVnIShpjYxrVEnjbg-l9d9D4ESHWkvTBj_n9ahXF9vdTvwmsE0eyR2byvzoUlpQ1YRwFWLHx4m_0TXqIkt3G-An_RXndUBBGUfDFwWEYbazlNkNQ/s2016/Blackstock+Eastern+box+turtle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAtfwDPpEajHrHosqOWwPcAPO5AwSVnIShpjYxrVEnjbg-l9d9D4ESHWkvTBj_n9ahXF9vdTvwmsE0eyR2byvzoUlpQ1YRwFWLHx4m_0TXqIkt3G-An_RXndUBBGUfDFwWEYbazlNkNQ/s320/Blackstock+Eastern+box+turtle.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Eastern box turtle</span></td></tr></tbody></table><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Things to do near Blackstock Battlefield</span></h4><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">After hiking the Palmetto Trail Passage, my kiddos were more
than happy to make the 15-minute drive to Horseshoe Falls, a small waterfall on
a tributary of the Enoree River that is located in <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/07/musgrove-mill.html" target="_blank">Musgrove Mill State Historic Site</a> off Battlefield Trail. Just across the Enoree is the main portion of the State
Park, including a Visitor Center and British Camp Trail. A little farther to the east is another State Historic Site, Rose Hill.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Just to the southeast is the Enoree Ranger District of
<a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/scnfs/recreation/hunting/recarea/?recid=47225&actid=54" target="_blank">Sumter National Forest</a>. In addition to camping, cycling, OHV, fishing,
horseback riding and hunting, the Enoree is home to the Enoree Passage of the
<a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a>, with 36 continuous miles of trail linking Newberry, Laurens,
and Union counties.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">If you are headed back north towards Spartanburg on your way
home, you will pass near <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2021/08/historic-glenn-springs.html" target="_blank">Glenn Springs</a>, a small community with a lot of
history, as well as by <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/09/croft-state-park.html" target="_blank">Croft State Park</a>. </span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhKgqoNH7I8Ell_8GAjuA5TnwSeDeF_ibp-05YKpW-7CfRLm55J-Dr4cAeBCfI4MmB0FTOq5gRvwCf8y2rZdnwtpESf8tCWTvlSsoWxhl_5RBMlKVz4MfAtrTySjNkOzhc9zxz5ykoQA/s2016/Blackstock+Battlefield+fence.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhKgqoNH7I8Ell_8GAjuA5TnwSeDeF_ibp-05YKpW-7CfRLm55J-Dr4cAeBCfI4MmB0FTOq5gRvwCf8y2rZdnwtpESf8tCWTvlSsoWxhl_5RBMlKVz4MfAtrTySjNkOzhc9zxz5ykoQA/s320/Blackstock+Battlefield+fence.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Additional links:</span></h4><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Sumter National Forest recreation opportunities: <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/scnfs/recreation/hunting/recarea/?recid=47225&actid=54">https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/scnfs/recreation/hunting/recarea/?recid=47225&actid=54</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Blackstock Battlefield Passage of the Palmetto Trail: <a href="https://palmettoconservation.org/passage/blackstock-battlefield-passage/">Blackstock
Battlefield Passage – Palmetto Conservation Foundation</a></span></li><li><a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-carolina/blackstock-battlefield"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Blackstock
Battlefield - South Carolina | AllTrails</span></a></li></ul><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Blackstock Battlefield is open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. Please
see <a href="https://southcarolinaparks.com/musgrove-mill" target="_blank">Musgrove Mill State Historic Site website</a> for more information. Admission to
Musgrove Mill is $3 adults; $1.50 SC seniors; $1 children age 6-15; age 5 &
younger free. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>This post originally appeared on </i>Kidding Around Greenville<i> in conjunction with the </i>South Carolina 7 Expedition<i> as <a href="https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/blackstock-battlefield" target="_blank">Explore Revolutionary War History With a Hike Through Blackstock Battlefield in Enoree, SC</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0568 Monument Rd, Enoree, SC 29335, USA34.6795516 -81.81131446.369317763821158 -116.9675644 62.989785436178849 -46.6550644tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-80703512201041775822021-08-31T04:00:00.003-04:002021-08-31T04:00:00.185-04:00Historic Glenn Springs<p><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The country roads in the Upstate hold all sorts of secrets:
old battlefields, Native American sites, drive-up movie theaters and quirky
stores... Americana from a by-gone era, and modern-day wayside stops. On our recent
hike with the South Carolina 7 Expedition we found ourselves in
Glenn Springs, SC, an unincorporated community in Spartanburg County, and what
we discovered there was a lot of history for such a little place!</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i></i></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaN0XaI6Ewsh0q0f3nHDoPeEw10cbLCM8caa0N4QOcaNlmFyCAriEgEF07KJXabZHR74B9LiGnZ58M-Jx22NBmRwomASq3NR3AI0fjOLVneVhSs00fS4M7R5gfhtPlnJEKtJjts6V498/s2016/Glenn+Springs+historical+marker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaN0XaI6Ewsh0q0f3nHDoPeEw10cbLCM8caa0N4QOcaNlmFyCAriEgEF07KJXabZHR74B9LiGnZ58M-Jx22NBmRwomASq3NR3AI0fjOLVneVhSs00fS4M7R5gfhtPlnJEKtJjts6V498/w300-h400/Glenn+Springs+historical+marker.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Glenn Springs historic marker</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></i></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The mineral springs</span></h4><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Not far from present-day Pauline, SC, there is a spring. The
waters from this spring are said to have healing properties, and for over one
hundred years were visited by people who came to enjoy their waters. According
to the Glenn Springs Preservation Society, it was a Cherokee medicine man that discovered
the mineral properties of the spring. Later, legend has it that soldiers
returning from the Revolutionary War with various skin ailments came to the
spring for its healing powers after finding that the minerals in the mud cleared
up their health issues. Even George Washington was said to have stopped there
to try the waters on a trip to neighboring Georgia. Recent water analysis shows
calcium, sulphur and magnesium compounds, lending credence to the idea that the
water had special properties.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vfbTV3MulwS49g8vW9i-cZR8HboUUGt40xbQZBrNhWGd7SkA0FxZpLZ8OadO4ah1Fy0LkrlO_HKB7M2I99Sl3qvAxSx2cWgpMnb6PL8qM654H5Ljqkzzz38MBfZf9FnrqVyBbOFm1BY/s1260/Glenn+Springs+mineral+water.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="1260" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vfbTV3MulwS49g8vW9i-cZR8HboUUGt40xbQZBrNhWGd7SkA0FxZpLZ8OadO4ah1Fy0LkrlO_HKB7M2I99Sl3qvAxSx2cWgpMnb6PL8qM654H5Ljqkzzz38MBfZf9FnrqVyBbOFm1BY/s320/Glenn+Springs+mineral+water.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Glenn Springs Mineral Water label photo, courtesy of Glenn Springs Preservation Society</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">In the late 18th century, the springs and the land around
them were granted to a Henry Storey by the king, and then in 1825, John B.
Glenn bought the land and opened an inn. The inn was so popular that ten years
later a large hotel was built, one that quickly gained a reputation for elegance
and comfort – and of course the water. A bottling facility was constructed, and
at one point a railroad connected the inn to Roebuck, SC. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">J W Bell owned Glen Springs from the 1930s until 1970. When the
hotel burned down in the 1940s, it was never rebuilt, but the J W Bell Company
in Spartanburg kept bottling the spring water in gallon glass bottles, 12,00-15,000
cases a year being shipped throughout the US and Europe until the Great
Depression.<o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBvek7eLbNMLLUV84zuwacm-JJftozTCt-Vci-BPMRX8hJjl-hDm1omlHbhm0ogaXx6IjRZsgtp9dz2mFkKL6c1hQTduUcBbP0sKOO2APrFpQPiN45i79gR3p-irCA12g8496tfM4fDU/s1956/Glenn+Springs+hotel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="1956" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBvek7eLbNMLLUV84zuwacm-JJftozTCt-Vci-BPMRX8hJjl-hDm1omlHbhm0ogaXx6IjRZsgtp9dz2mFkKL6c1hQTduUcBbP0sKOO2APrFpQPiN45i79gR3p-irCA12g8496tfM4fDU/w400-h266/Glenn+Springs+hotel.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Glenn Springs Hotel photo, courtesy of Glenn Springs Preservation Society</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Today</span></h4><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">While you will not find a bottling plant or fancy hotel, the
Glenn Springs Historic District and Williams Place are listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. If your family is interested in visiting, here is
what you need to know!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Your first stop should be the Old Stone Church (3700 Glenn
Springs Road). Built in 1908, the property was built by the <a href="http://www.gspreservation.org/index.html" target="_blank">Glenn Springs Preservation Society</a> in 2013, the old
stone church is now an event and community center. The neighboring wooden
building was originally the Cates Store, used as a Sunday school building until
1961. The wooden kiosk at the site has plenty of information on the area, as
well as driving tour brochures that feature 23 historic structures, most on the
National Register of Historic Places.<o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMreDT4AuoZ7s77_4jSXcQdk5hBjv17aOc4IvEAUTO1b6ssauhXzaMcd7pX2uH1eEUdG2pTJU2FrTmZQlnH35iYCTEoMb59GTDME__wADvLooll3VvZK99hfdQpJm7ELT1sMZzfo-xthk/s2048/Glenn+Springs+kiosk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1627" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMreDT4AuoZ7s77_4jSXcQdk5hBjv17aOc4IvEAUTO1b6ssauhXzaMcd7pX2uH1eEUdG2pTJU2FrTmZQlnH35iYCTEoMb59GTDME__wADvLooll3VvZK99hfdQpJm7ELT1sMZzfo-xthk/s320/Glenn+Springs+kiosk.jpg" width="254" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Kiosk at Old Stone Church</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Take the driving tour</span></h4><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The brochure features a list of the Glenn Springs sights,
including whether it is still standing, the address, and if it is on the
National Register of Historic Places. The hotel was located near the Old Stone
Church site, as is the spring – the entrance to the original springs and the
bottling plant was off what is current-day Boys Home Road, across from the
Episcopal Cemetery. Also on the tour is the Browning Home, which was haunted by
resident ghost “Willie” who would knock over floor lamps and turn on radios
until he was asked to leave in 1992. Nearby Camp Hill got its name after
British Army Major Patrick Ferguson and his loyalist militia camped on the site
in 1780, prior to their defeat by Patriots at the battle of Kings Mountain,
and today features a Greek Revival style house built in the 1830s. The Storey
Cabin, built by Henry Storey after he obtained the land grant from King George
III in the 1750s, is located near a second spring (that feeds Storey Creek) and
is still owned by the Storey family. The Old Jail House could hold two people,
and was once a stage coach stop before being used for storage, and the Glenn
Springs Post Office (and saddler’s shop) has been restored and moved to the
very center of historic Glenn Springs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdncibHBjfYxBHIS5KKwMCM3PafavgF1gPWwRVXgbF47oN2ZnsA7Z0INfiJBXg2XbRxqWPwkdBVGIkcGJcZagnwUm3g4As_PP5Hi4judElqB6E3jBdCVQk2melGwmHflGE7Y5Bp6rLlPI/s2048/Glenn+Springs+Post+Office.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1673" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdncibHBjfYxBHIS5KKwMCM3PafavgF1gPWwRVXgbF47oN2ZnsA7Z0INfiJBXg2XbRxqWPwkdBVGIkcGJcZagnwUm3g4As_PP5Hi4judElqB6E3jBdCVQk2melGwmHflGE7Y5Bp6rLlPI/s320/Glenn+Springs+Post+Office.jpg" width="261" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Glenn Springs Historic Post Office</span></td></tr></tbody></table><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Go on a hike</span></h4><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The Post Office can be accessed from a parking lot at 3670
Glenn Springs Road. This is the parking area for the Glenn Springs Passage of
the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail</a>, which connects Croft State Park to Stagecoach Road. The
Passage is unique in that it traverses mostly private property, in contrast to
most of the Palmetto Trail which is located on state and federal public lands.
From the parking area, follow the connector trail behind the kiosk for a third
of a mile to reach the Palmetto Trail. From this point it is a little over 3
miles north to Croft Park, or 4 miles south to Stagecoach Road. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">For more information on parking and the trail, please visit
the <a href="https://palmettoconservation.org/passage/glenn-springs-passage/" target="_blank">Palmetto Trail Glenn Springs Passage page</a>. We found the hike to
be easy to moderate, though it did involve walking along roadsides for short
distances, not ideal for children. Mountain bikes are allowed on most of the
trail, and there is a bypass for the section that doesn’t. Highlights for us
were the farm animals we saw (chickens, goats) on the farm next to the trail on
the south end of the Passage, historic Glenn Springs, and Mineral & Storey
Branch creeks.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjlwUHob9rWZPgQA7ew3z_ITVfRyH5LJZUA7JbrK609cy0NHvLx-q04Lpmd4N6V7qSd079wJ_Kh2M1jbkpn79ci0pCXXdaN1XM2GWAPSf6cHD3oU3m82chczdjHJNp7k2DbyrLE6u80Q/s2016/Glen+Springs+Passage+trailhead.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjlwUHob9rWZPgQA7ew3z_ITVfRyH5LJZUA7JbrK609cy0NHvLx-q04Lpmd4N6V7qSd079wJ_Kh2M1jbkpn79ci0pCXXdaN1XM2GWAPSf6cHD3oU3m82chczdjHJNp7k2DbyrLE6u80Q/s320/Glen+Springs+Passage+trailhead.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Glenn Springs passage trailhead</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Nearby things to do:</span></h4><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Glenn Springs provides a great stop during a day of
exploration in Spartanburg County. Old Stone Church could be a great picnic spot,
while the driving tour offers an opportunity to rest after a hike. A short
drive away are several other attractions:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/03/walnut-grove-plantation-in-roebuck-sc.html" target="_blank">Walnut Grove Plantation</a> is just 15 minutes away in Roebuck.
In addition to the home and outlying buildings, visitors can also view the
property’s cemetery and walk a nature trail, or enjoy a picnic at the pavilion.
Walnut Grove Plantation recounts how free and enslaved people settled the South
Carolina Backcountry, fought for independence, and built a new nation. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Once an army training base, <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/09/croft-state-park.html" target="_blank">Croft State Park</a> covers more
than 7,000 acres of rolling, wooded terrain just a few miles from downtown
Spartanburg. The Park offers over 20 miles of biking and hiking trails, a
playground, picnicking and camping, as well as fishing and boating in one of
two lakes.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">20 minutes north of Glenn Springs is <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2019/03/glendale-shoals-preserve.html" target="_blank">Glendale Shoals Preserve</a>, featuring a 1928 pedestrian bridge, trails, mill ruins and gardens.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghp8ix9vVFH6IQXMrIUr6UwldgYRQWcjmDbjZVoYzEUWL_adM06dXuyuO1KYSXER2S_EIFe3qTc0Wagg-ogcOUY81scc7LpgjypZALOkvA7y9MVawfiBW0lUbHOk64-eTXl5GdUD2RrA4/s2016/Glenn+Springs+Passage+goats.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghp8ix9vVFH6IQXMrIUr6UwldgYRQWcjmDbjZVoYzEUWL_adM06dXuyuO1KYSXER2S_EIFe3qTc0Wagg-ogcOUY81scc7LpgjypZALOkvA7y9MVawfiBW0lUbHOk64-eTXl5GdUD2RrA4/s320/Glenn+Springs+Passage+goats.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Goats as seen from the trail</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i></i></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This post was originally published on Kidding Around Greenville in conjunction with the South Carolina 7 Expedition as <a href="https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/historic-glenn-springs-sc" target="_blank">Hike and Explore Historic Glenn Springs, SC</a>.</span></i></i></p><p></p>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0Glenn Springs, SC 29302, USA34.8123515 -81.839823099999996.5021176638211529 -116.99607309999999 63.122585336178844 -46.68357309999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-72922339441540383652021-08-26T04:00:00.003-04:002021-08-26T04:00:00.155-04:00Volunteer Opportunities in the Great Outdoors - Upstate SC & Vicinity<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>The
outdoors has given us so much in the past year: a space to safely recreate, shared
experiences as a family, and the beauty of our natural world in somewhat
uncertain times. With the mantra of “give back to places you love” guiding our family’s
approach to volunteer work, we have discovered there are plenty of
opportunities to invest your time into the outdoor spaces and places you care
about. Here are some of the volunteer stewardship opportunities in the Upstate,
and how to get involved in the protection of our shared lands!</i></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEPsDNf8Yc5sJRG1QSN39DLRmhwnmWjMvCvtaAN6S0gehXzD8I-mQNq3l37vW_eJCXPWfzOFC5NN7nWsVadiyFlf6gDnfSseWZr7XWZy47E73lGll02HBJIsgk0rcToecNVPvob1ThF8/s2000/Planting+with+TreesUpstate+and+Save+Our+Saluda.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEPsDNf8Yc5sJRG1QSN39DLRmhwnmWjMvCvtaAN6S0gehXzD8I-mQNq3l37vW_eJCXPWfzOFC5NN7nWsVadiyFlf6gDnfSseWZr7XWZy47E73lGll02HBJIsgk0rcToecNVPvob1ThF8/w400-h225/Planting+with+TreesUpstate+and+Save+Our+Saluda.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Planting trees with TreesUpstate and Save Our Saluda</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Outdoor opportunities close to Greenville</span></b></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The
Greater Greenville Parks Foundation created the <a href="http://greatergreenvilleparksfoundation.org/Volunteer.aspx" target="_blank">Park Hero program</a> to get some
love for our public spaces. When you sign up to be a Park Hero, you will join
other like-minded people who share a love of public lands and giving back; register
online to receive notification as volunteer opportunities arise. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="http://spartanburgparks.org/FormCenter/Feedback-6/Give-Back-Get-Involved-45" target="_blank">Spartanburg County Parks</a> has a similar program; the first step in helping to make the
parks, community centers, and programs of Spartanburg the best they can be, is
to complete the form on the Parks Department website.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Build
bluebird boxes, participate in clean-ups, remove invasive species or contribute
with observations for <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/03/your-guide-to-lake-conestee-nature-park.html" target="_blank">Lake Conestee Nature Preserve</a>!
Whether you and your family are interested in adopting a trail or just want to
be kept in the loop about future volunteer events, visit <a href="https://www.conesteepreserve.org/get-involved/" target="_blank">the website</a> and fill out the volunteer application!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://www.treesupstate.org/volunteer/" target="_blank">TreesUpstate</a>
volunteers have helped plant over 10,000 trees in parks, schools, and
neighborhoods throughout Greenville and Spartanburg Counties. Tree planting
season starts back up in October and runs through March, so be sure to check
back towards the end of summer for their schedule. Our family recently helped
TreesUpstate plant native trees and shrubs in northern Greenville county; it
was really cool knowing we were helping to protect the watershed for future
generations! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Jna4hDJ8V3CxEzLIDbvnSIsNmk9EiwUC4Hyu3IXO0XqYEUBLi1Cvm1CKJgR9A9jNyEWQ1AdcCpPXNwwSA2CeIELUSB8cMuti0kZdS5CeYhHSF2PZmBM4k9QOVZBoeOXRx2qCzxAKsg8/s612/HOG+day+at+local+school.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="612" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Jna4hDJ8V3CxEzLIDbvnSIsNmk9EiwUC4Hyu3IXO0XqYEUBLi1Cvm1CKJgR9A9jNyEWQ1AdcCpPXNwwSA2CeIELUSB8cMuti0kZdS5CeYhHSF2PZmBM4k9QOVZBoeOXRx2qCzxAKsg8/s320/HOG+day+at+local+school.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">H.O.G. Day at a local school</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><span>Another
website to keep your eye on is <a href="http://www.handsongreenville.org" target="_blank">United Way’s Hands On Greenville</a>. Hands On Greenville Day is the largest day of service for the state of South
Carolina, and usually takes place in May. Volunteers spread throughout
Greenville and surrounding areas to repair cabins at campgrounds for the
disabled, paint playground equipment and murals at our public schools,
landscape the grounds of local shelters, and beautify nearby state and city
parks. Companies and organizations can create teams to participate, and are
rewarded with knowing they’ve helped make a difference in our community.
Fingers crossed they resume H.O.G. Day in 2022!<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">While
applications for volunteer positions at the <a href="https://greenvillezoo.com/226/Volunteers" target="_blank">Greenville Zoo</a> are currently not
being accepted, teens interested in volunteer opportunities such as being a
zookeeper assistant and horticultural volunteer should check the website every
so often for new postings.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_meRvZewS5VqXyx3XhuXBPthREWqfp_KBs6JK0LqBJ17reTORBFRXsMn_FhyMMet6p-nt27VJbLeedj4KB1ENr_FCSPF9sV-nhSN5Qwid_BUAC3FGc_7i2Sbk55UDYs8DWjDPbU2nVfI/s2048/IMG_2876.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_meRvZewS5VqXyx3XhuXBPthREWqfp_KBs6JK0LqBJ17reTORBFRXsMn_FhyMMet6p-nt27VJbLeedj4KB1ENr_FCSPF9sV-nhSN5Qwid_BUAC3FGc_7i2Sbk55UDYs8DWjDPbU2nVfI/s320/IMG_2876.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Sampling water on a tributary of the Reedy River</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Riverkeepers</span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://www.friendsofthereedyriver.org" target="_blank">Friends of the Reedy River</a> hosts two large,
public cleanups per year - one in the spring & one in the fall - the next
one taking place on <a href="https://www.friendsofthereedyriver.org/events?fbclid=IwAR2cEjI7KKg7VB7a0I6hSJD3w74i3oNUnO2gJqnAJEq6s9GUFQTpFVSI7e8" target="_blank">September 18, 2021</a>. FoRR can also provide assistance for
private cleanups for small businesses, organizations, and community groups;
<a href="http://www.friendsofthereedyriver.org/volunteer" target="_blank">find out more and </a><a href="http://www.friendsofthereedyriver.org/volunteer" target="_blank">sign up here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Save Our
Saluda's mission is to protect and restore the Upper Saluda Watershed through
education and increased awareness of the watershed, water resource issues, and
the need to help protect our rivers. Save Our Saluda often partners with other
local conservation organizations; we planted native trees and shrubs along a
tributary to the Saluda River a couple of months ago, with Save Our Saluda in
cooperation with TreesUpstate, which was a very rewarding and also educational
experience. Volunteers also assist with
live staking, kudzu control and trash removal. For events and other information
visit their website <a href="https://www.saveoursaluda.org/" target="_blank">Save Our Saluda</a> or
contact them at <a href="mailto:info@saveoursaluda.org">info@saveoursaluda.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The Chattooga
Conservancy protects the watershed of the Chattooga River, and you can get
involved in one of their ongoing projects or join them for trash pick-ups. You
can <a href="https://chattoogariver.org/volunteer/" target="_blank">subscribe for volunteer alerts here</a> or check <a href="https://chattoogariver.org/initiatives/volunteer/" target="_blank">their website</a> for current info. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Have
children interested in environmental issues, or know kids who love citizen
science? South Carolina Adopt-a-Stream might be the program to look into! A
network of watershed stewardship, engagement, and education through
involvement, volunteers play an important role in monitoring and tracking water
quality while sharing information about local water resources with their
communities. We help monitor two creeks near our home, and while the data
collection aspect of this opportunity requires adult participation, my older
kids help with everything from collecting water samples to making scientific
measurements. Find out more here: <a href="https://www.clemson.edu/public/water/watershed/scaas/">The SC
Adopt-a-Stream Program | Clemson University</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Adopt a
Waterfall with Waterfall Keepers of North Carolina! While we wish South
Carolina had an organization similar to this one in NC, there are plenty of
waterfalls within an easy drive of the Upstate that need to be adopted! You can
learn more on <a href="https://www.waterfallkeepersofnc.org" target="_blank">their website</a>, or from our
recent article <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2021/05/junior-waterfall-keepers-program.html" target="_blank">Junior Waterfall Keepers Program</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY8_eHkUgj2sncXoBbTneQWV_ks5-Amnhi06g75T7a5fZflNXwe-Ju5nU-YXhA1qBGswLiqoTquo7tp1ZI-GZ_tRHgMI0noaFLjqpvbxwlL92t07f6Mmg7D5fD1rI6qZ16rpEo0SgUQ4/s640/Pulling+invasive+species.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY8_eHkUgj2sncXoBbTneQWV_ks5-Amnhi06g75T7a5fZflNXwe-Ju5nU-YXhA1qBGswLiqoTquo7tp1ZI-GZ_tRHgMI0noaFLjqpvbxwlL92t07f6Mmg7D5fD1rI6qZ16rpEo0SgUQ4/s320/Pulling+invasive+species.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Pulling invasive species </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><br /></span><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Botanical
gardens</span></b></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Hatcher
Garden calls their volunteers the Hearts of Hatcher, because “that’s what they
give each time they visit”! Whether it’s working in the garden, helping the
office, or walking the paths as a tour guide, volunteers keep Hatcher Garden
growing with their time, talent, and expertise – <a href="https://www.hatchergarden.org/volunteer" target="_blank">learn more here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-south-carolina-botanical-gardens.html" target="_blank">The South Carolina Botanical Garden</a> has suspended their volunteer program due to COVID-19, however they ask that
people who are interested check back again, as that is likely to change. <a href="https://www.clemson.edu/public/scbg/support/volunteer.html">Volunteer in
the Garden | Clemson University</a></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdLa3rf7sQarcfOx2R6RQ44OLqeXyuHk30otTlP5DbSWcy-IU8iFp-KLj0OZPi2PgYIqqeZndjkszFd4et2QiLpeI4Odz7E4SBoMJPHIzFgJrAuhJdgv8FQRuY0jDy8UtGds7HtunH6o/s1748/Park+cleanup+with+Friends+of+Reedy+River.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1748" data-original-width="1311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdLa3rf7sQarcfOx2R6RQ44OLqeXyuHk30otTlP5DbSWcy-IU8iFp-KLj0OZPi2PgYIqqeZndjkszFd4et2QiLpeI4Odz7E4SBoMJPHIzFgJrAuhJdgv8FQRuY0jDy8UtGds7HtunH6o/s320/Park+cleanup+with+Friends+of+Reedy+River.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Park cleanup with Friends of the Reedy River</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Community
pickups</span></b></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://www.palmettopride.org" target="_blank">Palmetto Pride</a> fights litter in South Carolina addressing prevention through education,
supporting enforcement, connecting community groups to resources, and
mobilizing volunteers. Get involved with one of
their <a href="https://www.palmettopride.org/get-involved/pickup-programs/" target="_blank">pickup events or programs</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Keep Greenville
County Beautiful has a wide range of volunteer opportunities including
environmental art, planting native species, litter cleanups, and community
garden assistance. Find out more on their <a href="https://www.keepgreenvillecountybeautiful.org/" target="_blank">website</a>. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Oconee County has a similar organization, the <a href="https://www.oconeecounty.com/300/Volunteer" target="_blank">Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission</a>, as does <a href="https://keeppickensbeautiful.com/" target="_blank">Pickens County</a> and <a href="https://keepspartanburgbeautiful.org/" target="_blank">Spartanburg County</a>. With the proper equipment and supervision, litter pickups can be attended by
kids of all ages – find your local organization, or just pack a bag on your
next hiking trip! Litter is a growing problem in the Upstate – let’s do our
part in fighting it! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p>Related article: <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2021/04/leave-no-trace.html" target="_blank">Leave No Trace</a> </o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwof1Bm74ydP_MH8X2X-lHDsLC_HKNS2D8lYg5JK-z5udLH9S1UEfTZ3e5DbnfY61WbmMp3_QhouFAw9wzPYw4aThYWU4tg72T7My1PYfTbVJjcn-Xztz_Bm1y25rPbPfEIB0QoK4Zt-M/s2000/Constructing+trail+with+Conserving+Carolina.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwof1Bm74ydP_MH8X2X-lHDsLC_HKNS2D8lYg5JK-z5udLH9S1UEfTZ3e5DbnfY61WbmMp3_QhouFAw9wzPYw4aThYWU4tg72T7My1PYfTbVJjcn-Xztz_Bm1y25rPbPfEIB0QoK4Zt-M/w400-h225/Constructing+trail+with+Conserving+Carolina.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Constructing trail with Conserving Carolina</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Conservancies
</span></b></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://conservingcarolina.org" target="_blank">Conserving Carolina</a> has helped to protect nearly 46,000 acres, from the waterfalls of
DuPont State Forest, to the rock faces of Hickory Nut Gorge, and in SC serves
the Landrum area including parts of Greenville and Spartanburg Counties. If you
are a parent who wants your child to experience the wonders of nature, one way
to do that is to get involved with Conserving Carolina. My kids love Conserving
Carolina volunteer days; not only do they get to use cool tools when building
trail and removing invasive species, but they get to hike really cool trails
with the knowledgeable and friendly Conserving Carolina crew who teach them the
names of plants and animals, find salamanders for them, and show them all the
best spots! Check out all the <a href="https://conservingcarolina.org/get-involved/volunteer-with-us/" target="_blank">volunteering options on their website</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">There
are many different ways to volunteer with the Foothills Trail community, but a
main focus is trail maintenance. As the Foothills Trail stretches from Table
Rock State Park to Oconee State Park, there are 77 miles that can use your
help! For more information about volunteering, please contact <a href="mailto:maintenance@foothillstrail.org" target="_blank">maintenance@foothillstrail.org</a>
or visit <a href="https://foothillstrail.org/volunteer/">https://foothillstrail.org/volunteer/</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The
Palmetto Trail has passages in Oconee, Greenville and Spartanburg counties (and
goes all the way to Charleston), so this is another opportunity to get involved
on trail workdays. Find out more and sign up here: <a href="https://palmettoconservation.org/volunteer/">Volunteer – Palmetto
Conservation Foundation</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Upstate
Forever is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects critical lands,
waters, and the unique character of Upstate South Carolina. Currently they are
offering two categories of volunteering work: event volunteers and stewardship
visits. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit <a href="https://www.upstateforever.org/get-involved" target="_blank">their website</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Volunteering
with conservation organizations here in the Upstate has really proved to be a
way for our family to get outdoors, grow together, and at the same time give
back to some of the organizations protecting the wild places that we’ve fallen
in love with. As a mother, I feel it is important to motivate and educate a
nation of outdoor advocates, to take care of the places we share and cherish.
And as a citizen of the Upstate, I feel it is imperative that we reverse the
negative trends that are impacting the natural areas. Now tell me – what’s your
favorite place to volunteer outdoors?</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p><i>This article was first published on Kidding Around Greenville as <a href="https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/volunteer-outdoors" target="_blank">Volunteer Opportunities in the Great Outdoors Near Greenville, SC</a>.</i></o:p></span></p><br />Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-15041264399823688842021-08-20T14:15:00.001-04:002021-08-20T14:16:21.523-04:00New Trail at Paris Mountain State Park!<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Same short drive to reach the mountains, brand new trail!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This morning we dashed out to Paris Mountain State Park for
the grand opening of Sassafras Trail. The 2.3-mile lollipop loop departs from
the back of the Sulphur Springs parking lot, and winds through the 160 acres
that was purchased by <a href="https://friendsofparismountain.com/" target="_blank">Paris Mountain State Park Friends</a> in 2015. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0SHxOGw1knmdhCf50jXldq92s_M0UrGBh1HGL0nwovrF3KfNFRnMRYaRPrbdO0om6fKXn5IhecHxlU3kkXFGQOIOaMJnqXHrg9sVkJD3QuIienRLBJUw0w927-Q51SeIfswpQJfO83I/s2016/Sassafras+Trail+blue+skies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0SHxOGw1knmdhCf50jXldq92s_M0UrGBh1HGL0nwovrF3KfNFRnMRYaRPrbdO0om6fKXn5IhecHxlU3kkXFGQOIOaMJnqXHrg9sVkJD3QuIienRLBJUw0w927-Q51SeIfswpQJfO83I/w400-h300/Sassafras+Trail+blue+skies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><p class="MsoNormal">The new trail is thanks to the tireless work by the
non-profit Friends organization, who raised money and secured funds from the
<a href="https://sccbank.sc.gov/" target="_blank">South Carolina Conservation Bank</a> for the purchase of the tract. Paris Mountain State
Park Friends then deeded it to Paris Mountain State Park in 2019, and after a
year of trail construction, new kiosk and signage, the trail is finally open to
the public! It was fitting that the president of the Friends organization was
on hand to cut the ribbon.</p></span><p></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CSzKIV_HKub/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CSzKIV_HKub/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"><div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"><br /></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; 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line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CSzKIV_HKub/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Liene | Femme au Foyer (@femmefoyer)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The trail is rated moderate, mostly due to the 340 feet of
elevation gain. Interesting trail features include multiple creek crossings and
a quartz outcrop, and the trail is almost entirely shaded. When the Friends of Paris
Mountain acquired the property, it had been extensively clear-cut. Ideally, it
would have had a more pristine forest, but the present conditions offer benefits
as well. The trail proves to be an excellent addition to the trail system at
Paris Mountain, as it allows users to see firsthand the difference between a
mature hardwood forest in comparison to an area that was recently logged. A second
benefit is that as stewards of the land, the SC Park Service will allow it to
return to a healthy state once again. Finally, the considerable addition of
acreage to the park (10% increase in size!) is a boon to wildlife and our
natural spaces in the Greenville area.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9Rv9Ospn53Iw8fVhXQy6OVf5wJFeWyUhgW4VEDvniP02zQGcHddf5YZHWf0vt5WXyknrpIPP_PKn6bDqytRjLyezEJlD_AcygXzfLbpcYMr_IkhUi2B3LYmHf_vZjfX7PXpHTx1a3kk/s2016/Sassafras+Trail+hikers+bikers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9Rv9Ospn53Iw8fVhXQy6OVf5wJFeWyUhgW4VEDvniP02zQGcHddf5YZHWf0vt5WXyknrpIPP_PKn6bDqytRjLyezEJlD_AcygXzfLbpcYMr_IkhUi2B3LYmHf_vZjfX7PXpHTx1a3kk/s320/Sassafras+Trail+hikers+bikers.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />Sassafras Trail is multi-use, and was created with the increased
usage of recent years in mind. Starting out in the Sulphur Springs parking area
(behind shelters 5 & 6), the trail starts from the kiosk at the west end of
the lot. Less than a tenth of a mile in it reaches the loop portion, with
mountain bikers directed in one direction and hikers the other. The direction
will alternate monthly, and ensures a safe, multi-use experience – especially
for families with children! We hiked it in a counter-clockwise direction today,
beginning with a rocky, rooted, easy-to-follow, blue-blazed climb through a
mature forest. Once we had looped around, we entered the former clear-cut; there
are several spots in this section that will probably feature views in the
winter. Around 1.5 miles in we started the descent, re-entered the mature
hardwoods, traversed the 3<sup>rd</sup> creek crossing, and reached the trailhead
where we started. For the Paris Mountain State Park trail map, <a href="https://embed.widencdn.net/pdf/plus/scprt/ydttjvppu6/PM-Trail%20Map3-9-2012.pdf?u=sgt8lu" target="_blank">click here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3el3ID74a0fx23kWGHbg8ai185spUOJiF63PYBPBpFCkp66PjY2IV8B2V_QbnRHcJCxBJjz3FlMETC7RDyNDvzWoWSGrvZ3N4e7gzTMnX2WNVBAsQb_szBmUveD0vCcSEM6V4POhfOfk/s2016/Sassafras+Trail+creek+crossing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3el3ID74a0fx23kWGHbg8ai185spUOJiF63PYBPBpFCkp66PjY2IV8B2V_QbnRHcJCxBJjz3FlMETC7RDyNDvzWoWSGrvZ3N4e7gzTMnX2WNVBAsQb_szBmUveD0vCcSEM6V4POhfOfk/s320/Sassafras+Trail+creek+crossing.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />From chatting with a couple of trail runners afterwards I understood
that this is certainly a welcome addition to the Greenville trail system. While
not a long trail (the Paris Mountain trails mostly average around 2 miles, but
can be combined to form much longer routes), Sassafras has the challenging
topography, as well as the central location that allows it to be added on to
the Sulphur Springs loop or Mountain Creek trail for a longer hike/run. A
couple of mountain bikers I encountered on the trail highlighted maybe the most
significant factor; it will help alleviate congestion on some of the more crowded
trails. And for families with school-age children, the short drive to the
trailhead accommodates a quick hike in the late afternoon after school lets out.
<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdA2_Uq0aDhK6HqJnxvYpDzO8Q2eCgvRskMT4AEDYQyvVm0DB26JVbVD1XBjGzI6raSy-d_K6zUtOqjTj0SIGtQ-Sq17N0IrVWa3dFkFaIor3qIjQR8MuYMnyLDLlIo7ypi_I_h5edsQw/s2872/Sassafras+Trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="2872" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdA2_Uq0aDhK6HqJnxvYpDzO8Q2eCgvRskMT4AEDYQyvVm0DB26JVbVD1XBjGzI6raSy-d_K6zUtOqjTj0SIGtQ-Sq17N0IrVWa3dFkFaIor3qIjQR8MuYMnyLDLlIo7ypi_I_h5edsQw/w400-h139/Sassafras+Trail.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />Only a 15-minute drive from Greenville, Paris Mountain is one
of the most popular state parks in SC, providing that escape to the outdoors without
the long drive. But as the population and growth have surged in the Upstate in
recent years, increased usage has had a considerable impact on the park in
terms of effects on vegetation, visitor conflict, trail widening, and erosion. Named
a “Leave No Trace Hot Spot” by the <a href="https://lnt.org/" target="_blank">Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics</a>, the
trail ribbon-cutting is part of a five-day series of workshops, outreach
programs and community events, including opportunities for community
involvement; check out the website for the <a href="https://lnt.org/hot-spots/paris-mountain-state-park-2020/?fbclid=IwAR1CC9a2vNcdnD8LDyqABCQusqdDJIYBbQrxs3ebzAKh1ulkCs9taGfd0M0" target="_blank">full schedule</a>.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXOLXCu9WlsoEldF_cCG-i0MUE8UIodPxN1xCjoI_Qu-FJzYpRsiQZSquh4mXEYnvktAOh8IffUUB0d4dD1To0wvvJbrKCYrlmEJfYGWCcE4xrNcN-ZYqIYKoDe_Gh4tudtcM8K1JdOs/s2016/Sassafras+Trail+Leave+No+Trace+Center.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXOLXCu9WlsoEldF_cCG-i0MUE8UIodPxN1xCjoI_Qu-FJzYpRsiQZSquh4mXEYnvktAOh8IffUUB0d4dD1To0wvvJbrKCYrlmEJfYGWCcE4xrNcN-ZYqIYKoDe_Gh4tudtcM8K1JdOs/s320/Sassafras+Trail+Leave+No+Trace+Center.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />For more on Paris Mountain State Park:</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/02/paris-mountain-state-park.html">Paris Mountain State Park</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/03/paris-mountains-fire-tower.html" target="_blank">Paris Mountain's Fire Tower</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/02/Paris-Mountain-Brissy-Ridge.html">Brissy Ridge of Paris Mountain</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-hike-to-mountain-lake.html">A Hike to Mountain Lake</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/09/music-in-woods.html">Music in the Woods</a> (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PMSPmusicinthewoods" target="_blank">Tomorrow's concert</a> is part of the LNT Hot Spot schedule)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/07/creek-ranger-hike-at-paris-mountain.html">Creek Ranger Hike at Paris Mountain State Park</a></span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbbzgof21IRxBJTFlQ_PulR0aJ70Bx36RSeFtknX3r2cvWa2kYj_-DBEKwi_OVpZPNuofwAcwH__OIPu_mJUFY1uk1wKQhdSVozLseR90nqbQLhIMnbHp2GTnqgeAKZriMx65gCZ4zfI/s2016/Sassafras+Trail+regal+moth+caterpillar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbbzgof21IRxBJTFlQ_PulR0aJ70Bx36RSeFtknX3r2cvWa2kYj_-DBEKwi_OVpZPNuofwAcwH__OIPu_mJUFY1uk1wKQhdSVozLseR90nqbQLhIMnbHp2GTnqgeAKZriMx65gCZ4zfI/w240-h320/Sassafras+Trail+regal+moth+caterpillar.jpg" title="Regal moth caterpillar" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><p></p>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com1Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC 29609, USA34.9435202 -82.39365246.6332863638211563 -117.5499024 63.253754036178847 -47.237402399999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-74122915061520691652021-05-07T04:30:00.037-04:002021-05-12T09:44:47.840-04:00Junior Waterfall Keepers program<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">If your family enjoys participating in the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/08/track-trails-kids-in-parks-program.html" target="_blank">Kids in Parks program</a> and earning <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/search?q=junior+ranger" target="_blank">Junior Ranger badges</a> at the National Parks, then the
new program from Waterfall Keepers of North Carolina will have you excited to
get out exploring!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggF7C1AACLmoPTvactUF6PeYsif2s01tougFDyOIHKUzLHHbjwI5nIKHMe8uoQAQNS2Qd8ha_q5oIc8w6L-H9CbHCZ2DNMDJ5P5Poy38GgOT2WD1cDcJOfIzCGr1bJ4cZcO3zAEE2pgSg/s1600/Spoonauger+Falls+boys.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggF7C1AACLmoPTvactUF6PeYsif2s01tougFDyOIHKUzLHHbjwI5nIKHMe8uoQAQNS2Qd8ha_q5oIc8w6L-H9CbHCZ2DNMDJ5P5Poy38GgOT2WD1cDcJOfIzCGr1bJ4cZcO3zAEE2pgSg/w400-h225/Spoonauger+Falls+boys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><span lang="LV"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="LV"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">What is the Junior Waterfall Keepers program?</span></span></b></p><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span lang="LV">The Junior Keepers program was kicked off this year as
part of the <a href="http://waterfallkeepersofnc.org" target="_blank">Waterfall Keepers</a> nonprofit</span><span lang="LV">, because
kids love waterfalls, too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The free program
is all about exploring and learning about waterfalls and streams: water play,
learning about the critters that call the creek home, exploring waterfalls, and
identifying the mushrooms, wildflowers, and other plants that grow near them.
The program focuses a lot on safety and good habits around a waterfall, and
encourages junior waterfall keepers to leave a place better than they found it.
Learn about how litter affects wildlife and water quality, and earn badges
while doing it!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGGmJ6ncWbyuho2HMzt9oyweVIDLJ0rdh75guV9B9O9gO-9CtClhsBzOFbaFi4hhkzPdDxR9eQH2CgRsUM3P5PyOWRCmQ0ynTtgwPEGz-Eg6rGkpID9M13rFHzM2jh4scrt9dHTsEtiE/s2048/Station+Cove+Falls2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1659" data-original-width="2048" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGGmJ6ncWbyuho2HMzt9oyweVIDLJ0rdh75guV9B9O9gO-9CtClhsBzOFbaFi4hhkzPdDxR9eQH2CgRsUM3P5PyOWRCmQ0ynTtgwPEGz-Eg6rGkpID9M13rFHzM2jh4scrt9dHTsEtiE/w400-h324/Station+Cove+Falls2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><b><span lang="LV"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="LV"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">How do I sign up?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span lang="LV">When you sign up to become a Junior Waterfall Keeper you’ll
receive a special Junior Keeper patch and sticker. Signing up is easy; just
fill out the Junior Waterfall Keeper Signup Form (find the link here: </span><a href="https://www.waterfallkeepersofnc.org/junior-waterfaller/">Junior Keepers
| Waterfall Keepers of NC</a>). There’s an added benefit for adults to sign up
to become a member of Waterfall Keepers;<span lang="LV"> family members of Waterfall
Keepers who sign up for the Junior Keepers program will also receive a free pass
to Chimney Rock State Park.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span lang="LV"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLG7agaPc_Dg7bzKtfIJBt-ZsGQFgCyXGWnYH2T4EMDoSVRS_b-HUO33Q5RU90KcoVl28RP87Ga6nH4TSRSrV3jSFSDuBe4iJtOboORbidk9uO4TIWWpmi7xFB1IRStCHFRj5wATMXkw/s1224/Fish+in+hand.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLG7agaPc_Dg7bzKtfIJBt-ZsGQFgCyXGWnYH2T4EMDoSVRS_b-HUO33Q5RU90KcoVl28RP87Ga6nH4TSRSrV3jSFSDuBe4iJtOboORbidk9uO4TIWWpmi7xFB1IRStCHFRj5wATMXkw/s320/Fish+in+hand.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><span lang="LV"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="LV"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I’ve signed my children up – now what?</span></span></b></p></span></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span lang="LV">As a Junior Keeper, your kids can work on two Badge
Challenges: <a href="https://www.waterfallkeepersofnc.org/junior-keeper-conservationist-challenge/" target="_blank">the conservationist</a>, </span><span lang="LV">and <a href="https://www.waterfallkeepersofnc.org/junior-keeper-creek-critters-challenge/" target="_blank">creek critters</a>.
The challenges concentrate on observing the critters and plants you find on
your hike, and on improving the waterfall experience by making good choices to
help our environment. New badges will be announced each year so work hard to
earn them ALL!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="LV"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYHK2i7z-tAPw4xPj6fpLto1E6ySjxtzNF8d6m68w2sJihNHyfeca2FMa0nVaxsjwpWtStw6wOXo42wajWWUy_SYgI03LDEDaDXDOA_qJPu4RHW57gRZPIUTiFNbLet9rJK_ExY2AR2U/s2016/IMG_2918b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYHK2i7z-tAPw4xPj6fpLto1E6ySjxtzNF8d6m68w2sJihNHyfeca2FMa0nVaxsjwpWtStw6wOXo42wajWWUy_SYgI03LDEDaDXDOA_qJPu4RHW57gRZPIUTiFNbLet9rJK_ExY2AR2U/s320/IMG_2918b.jpg" /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="LV"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The Waterfall Passport will be added to the program in
2022, but all the work done this year will count. The Passport includes five
state parks that feature some of North Carolina’s most beautiful waterfalls, and
Junior Keepers will receive passport books to keep track of all the waterfalls
they visit. Currently waterfall passport info can be found online on the
<a href="https://www.waterfallkeepersofnc.org/junior-waterfaller/" target="_blank">Waterfall Keepers website</a>; you can download the pages to start working on these
challenges now.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">As a bonus, the Waterfall Keepers have developed a
curriculum that adults can use with their kids or homeschool group. They can be
used as a standalone adventure with kids or combined with Junior Keeper badge
challenges for a fun, and educational waterfall experience.</span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="LV"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span lang="LV"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lQpPMid10ltN-ZxVLZXDrDXwqLMEPhoGO1zlh6a_I631avEY0R9QYTEAgtVVEMzavUHoKTEUQruXElwWZ5BDUej9oSYiaSt69Vpw-ZVR9AZu-BqxwDxxLjWsTwlHS4AAVuWJQbrTMwI/s2048/IMG_2921.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lQpPMid10ltN-ZxVLZXDrDXwqLMEPhoGO1zlh6a_I631avEY0R9QYTEAgtVVEMzavUHoKTEUQruXElwWZ5BDUej9oSYiaSt69Vpw-ZVR9AZu-BqxwDxxLjWsTwlHS4AAVuWJQbrTMwI/s320/IMG_2921.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="LV"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">But wait – we’re in South Carolina, isn’t this in NC? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">While
the Junior Keepers program is based in NC, there are dozens of North Carolina
falls within an hour’s drive of Greenville! I’ve featured <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/02/Chimney-Rock.html" target="_blank">Chimney Rock State Park</a> (one of the parks featured in the Park Passport) here on <i>Femme au Foyer</i>,
and have another dozen articles with inspiration for your next waterfall
adventure, in North <b>and</b> South Carolina, here:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/06/rainbow-falls.html" target="_blank">Rainbow Falls</a></span></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/03/moonshine-falls.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Behind Moonshine Falls</span></a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/11/falls-creek-falls.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Falls Creek Falls</span></a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/09/oconee-station-and-station-cove-falls.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Station Cove Falls</span></a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/10/spoonauger-falls.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Spoonauger Falls</span></a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2019/02/beech-bottom-falls-aka-pinnacle-falls.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Beech Bottom Falls</span></a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/03/riley-moore-falls.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Riley Moore Falls</span></a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/07/little-bradley-falls.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Little Bradley Falls in Saluda, NC</span></a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/02/pearsons-falls.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Pearson's Falls near Saluda, NC</span></a></li><li><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/10/dupont-state-forest-and-its-waterfalls.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Dupont State Forest and its Waterfalls</span></a></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">A driving tour that takes you on a multi-waterfall exploration: <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/10/mountain-waters-scenic-byway-highlands.html" target="_blank">Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, Highlands to Franklin</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Touring Lake Jocassee by boat:<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/08/lake-jocassee.html" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Exploring Lake Jocassee</a></span></li></ul><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4O1WGWi67ZQ8LXJ-hbG-DNGGByH5Jk1K2rMjE1r0W3sglbDDZFSSgZXcHq_aoFMOpaIyYn6mtlGBh3UD_Oy5ADdDDpsW10pu6x7JFcvLBLRrc36F4lS833ZKL-kh4ukW4atgzpneXXHY/s2048/Laurel+Fork+HP+Virginia+Hawkins+falls+and+the+boys.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4O1WGWi67ZQ8LXJ-hbG-DNGGByH5Jk1K2rMjE1r0W3sglbDDZFSSgZXcHq_aoFMOpaIyYn6mtlGBh3UD_Oy5ADdDDpsW10pu6x7JFcvLBLRrc36F4lS833ZKL-kh4ukW4atgzpneXXHY/s320/Laurel+Fork+HP+Virginia+Hawkins+falls+and+the+boys.jpg" /></a></div></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Remember to stay safe while exploring - people have died at many of our Upstate SC waterfalls! I wrote about some of the local incidents in my article </span><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/07/humans-vs-nature.html" style="font-family: trebuchet;" target="_blank">Humans Vs. Nature</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">, and following </span><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2021/04/leave-no-trace.html" style="font-family: trebuchet;" target="_blank">Leave No Trace</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> ethics is always a good decision.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">There’s
no denying summer is here, along with the hot weather that has every kid longing
to cool off at the closest swimming hole. As you explore the beautiful
waterfalls of our region this summer, earn badges with the Junior Keepers
program while also learning a little something to help keep you safe, our
trails enjoyable, and the tremendous beauty of these natural places intact!</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p></div>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-36793472067935716442021-04-26T05:30:00.074-04:002021-04-26T05:30:00.194-04:00Leave No Trace<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With the
recent celebration of Earth Day still fresh in our minds, the reports coming
from many of our local natural areas are disheartening; many of our Upstate
parks and green spaces are being negatively impacted by the increase in
visitation due to a year of covid-influenced activity. “Loved to death” is a phrase
we have been hearing more often about some of the most stunning places in our
region; Max Patch on the Appalachian Trail and Chimney Tops in Great Smoky
Mountains National Park are only a couple of places that have required intense
clean-up efforts, even closures due to abuse and over-use. But the effects are
being felt much closer to home as well, as places like the State Parks, <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/03/your-guide-to-lake-conestee-nature-park.html" target="_blank">Lake Conestee Nature Preserve</a>, and Upstate
National Forest facilities enact closures, policy changes, visitor caps, and in
the case of <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/06/congaree-national-park.html" target="_blank">Congaree National Park</a>, an implementation of <a href="https://www.wistv.com/2021/04/10/enter-lottery-see-synchronous-fireflies-congaree-national-park/" target="_blank">a lottery</a> system during
synchronous firefly season to limit disturbance to critical habitat and try to
reverse harmful user trends.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We need
to be better stewards of our region if we want our children to be able to experience
the wonders of the natural world, and the tenets of “Leave No Trace” are a
great place to start. You may have heard the acronym “LNT” – this refers to the
Seven Principles of the Leave No Trace outdoor ethic, which provide a framework
of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2_LFAdAxXvTur4q_XgKTR-9JxurImE4W6kly1MUYHJMofk8hf11PZBGFoSzFmoWg_Hhaj1jBbN3m8ErDVZke-mXW6fbHaBdSrw8eZBfOLorRT_wvVoLGMxFRYc0HevMkYO9VQnuHhGs/s257/Leave+No+Trace+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="153" data-original-width="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2_LFAdAxXvTur4q_XgKTR-9JxurImE4W6kly1MUYHJMofk8hf11PZBGFoSzFmoWg_Hhaj1jBbN3m8ErDVZke-mXW6fbHaBdSrw8eZBfOLorRT_wvVoLGMxFRYc0HevMkYO9VQnuHhGs/s0/Leave+No+Trace+logo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why
practice LEAVE NO TRACE? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While we
enjoy the natural world, Leave No Trace teaches us how to minimize our impacts.
Following the basic principles of LNT helps prevent the trashing of our natural
areas, water pollution, damage to trails, the harming of wildlife and
overcrowding, all while connecting youth to nature and providing enjoyable
outdoor adventure. LNT will not cost you a cent – these are all free things you
can do while enjoying the great outdoors as you normally would! It just means
taking a few extra steps when preparing for your next adventure, as well as
thinking things through while out and about. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Although
Leave No Trace has its roots in backcountry settings, it has been adapted so
that the seven principles can be applied anywhere and to almost every
recreational activity — from remote wilderness areas, to local parks and even
in your own backyard. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How
can I practice LEAVE NO TRACE with my children? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/">The 7 Principles - Leave No Trace
Center for Outdoor Ethics</a> website details these seven tenets,
with invaluable info on each of them. Here are the 7 Principles, and seven ways
you and your family can recreate responsibly!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. <b>Plan
ahead and prepare</b>, looking into the regulations, weather, and special concerns
for the area you’ll visit. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Schedule your trip to avoid
high times of use, and have a Plan B in case the trailhead/park is full or the
park doesn’t allow pets and you’ve got your new puppy along. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Don’t</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Get lost! Bring a map as
back-up to your navigating app, and know what the hazards will be in the area
you are visiting. Is there a lot of recent bear activity? A burn ban? Is it
gnat season? Knowing these things in advance can help you plan your time
outdoors so that it is relaxed and enjoyable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did
you know</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> that
building rock cairns is considered vandalism in most of our local parks? Moving
rocks around can lead to resource damage by exposing soil to wind and water
erosion, and also disturbs the many critters that make their home in the
protected underside of a rock. Only rarely are cairns used to mark trails in
the Upstate; most often you’ll see trees “blazed”, or painted with a line to
mark the trail.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzo4LCeJJZ_T6-lHKG5eiy4lVtS4IXBLoGyggPsPfddLOOl_ssTRemoACRv1Zg1rX_OVikeROebVjDeOssepFGWcTTpNzPkJhY5vVxRcGpCw8Y3tejdLLIg960OOHNrITqCEw-JiW4AfQ/s2048/LNT+rock+piles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzo4LCeJJZ_T6-lHKG5eiy4lVtS4IXBLoGyggPsPfddLOOl_ssTRemoACRv1Zg1rX_OVikeROebVjDeOssepFGWcTTpNzPkJhY5vVxRcGpCw8Y3tejdLLIg960OOHNrITqCEw-JiW4AfQ/w400-h300/LNT+rock+piles.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock stacks on Cedar Rock Mountain in DuPont Forest</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. <b>Travel
& camp on durable surfaces</b>, protecting our trails, waterways, and
fragile ecosystems.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Stay on the trail and utilize
switchbacks, avoiding shortcuts which often cause water to wash out plants/soil
and erode gullies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Don’t</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Hike on muddy trails; wet
trails are fragile, and muddy/icy trails can be slippery and dangerous for
kiddos. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did
you know</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> that trying
to avoid getting mud on your shoes and going around muddy spots causes what is
called “trail braiding”? This widening of trails contributes to both compaction
and erosion of soil. (Check out <a href="https://www.outdoors.org/articles/amc-outdoors/mud-season-hiking-dos-and-donts" target="_blank">this article</a> on hiking in wet weather!)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. <b>Dispose
of waste properly</b> – pack it in, pack it out!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Pack a bag for your trash, and
do a quick check of your campsite/trail rest stop before you leave. Apple cores,
spilled trail mix and paper are still garbage – they bring animals into increased
contact with humans leading to wildlife becoming sick & diseased, getting
hit by cars, or becoming problem animals. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Don’t</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Leave human waste and toilet
paper lying around! Not only is it stinky and unsightly, but it degrades our water
quality when bacteria enter our waterways! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did
you know</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> that Googling
“how to pee and poop in the woods” will bring you hours of entertainment?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS37-tKhVDn_bXugjkWcDnKbHkIc1Ljls3aPdAwHyPcLk0BDh43hDGYD8BOwOIcsWsZD8SThHd6hvdQtUBdqVSO3d1pgkVZJOIJuA7Oq6EtAQwl5IKrBommMa_RvtKY0ZYf6p6HcDMgVU/s1613/LNT+trillium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="1613" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS37-tKhVDn_bXugjkWcDnKbHkIc1Ljls3aPdAwHyPcLk0BDh43hDGYD8BOwOIcsWsZD8SThHd6hvdQtUBdqVSO3d1pgkVZJOIJuA7Oq6EtAQwl5IKrBommMa_RvtKY0ZYf6p6HcDMgVU/w400-h300/LNT+trillium.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red trillium</td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. <b>Leave
what you find</b>, preserving cultural/ historic artifacts and leaving rocks
and plants as you found them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Leave flowers for those who come
after you to enjoy. This also ensures that our rare plants have the opportunity
to reseed for healthier populations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Don’t</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: transport firewood, as you can
introduce pests/disease to new areas. (For more info, visit <a href="http://Dontmovefirewood.org">Dontmovefirewood.org</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did
you know</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> that it
is illegal to collect plants, animals and artifacts from most of our public
lands?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. <b>Minimize
campfire impacts</b>!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Use a cook stove for cooking
and utilize established fire rings where fires are permitted, making sure your
fire is completely out when finished.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Don’t</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Be the person to start a
wildfire with your Insta-photo-op!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did
you know</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> nearly 85%
of wildfires are caused by humans?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrc_w2g2UNKtXQtyKUW-9VPdaU4vMQ75CRSe9JOA1gB9DqjG1AkyjZ2DEKKdnSjqLkpyX5epm_V9tVPC_fQ6lKPcmAfF_D7sY4bb6vJe-mluZASie1FerWTP37YQAh3rS1PyDqGt7ff-A/s2048/LNT+elk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="2048" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrc_w2g2UNKtXQtyKUW-9VPdaU4vMQ75CRSe9JOA1gB9DqjG1AkyjZ2DEKKdnSjqLkpyX5epm_V9tVPC_fQ6lKPcmAfF_D7sY4bb6vJe-mluZASie1FerWTP37YQAh3rS1PyDqGt7ff-A/w640-h336/LNT+elk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elk, as photographed from vehicle in Great Smoky Mountains National Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6. <b>Respect
wildlife</b> by observing from a distance, and never feed wild animals!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Respect trail closures and
barriers! Sure, it’s tempting to climb the fence to get that great photo out on
the ledge, but many times those barriers aren’t only there to protect you from
yourself, they also help minimize effects on nesting areas and protect fragile
ecosystems.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Don’t</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Stack rocks in rivers! Moving
rocks and creating dams to make chutes or pools in a stream causes serious
damage to the delicate river ecosystem; aquatic plants and animals make their
homes on, under, and around these rocks, and when people move the rocks, the
nest is destroyed and the eggs and young fish die.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: .25in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did you know</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> that waterfalls have some of the
most sensitive plant ecosystems in their spray zone? When you climb up the
rocks on the sides of waterfalls, you are not only endangering yourself (and
possibly the lives of the first responders who will have to carry you out), but
you are inadvertently creating social trails in the spray zone, encouraging
erosion, and possibly helping to create slippery, unsafe areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7.
<b>Be considerate of other visitors</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Follow social distancing
guidelines as suggested by medical experts and local authorities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Don’t</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Lower the quality of other visitors’
experience by playing loud music, allowing off-leash pets, and leaving behind
your trash.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did
you know</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> that
there is a hierarchy of right of way considered proper hiking etiquette? Check
out <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/hikingetiquette.htm" target="_blank">this National Park Service article</a> for the full story,
but in general, hikers coming uphill have the right of way, bicyclists should yield
to hikers & horses, and hikers should yield to horses and other pack stock.
As a mom hiking with small kids, I yield to really just about everyone; it’s considered
courteous to yield to other hikers who are setting a faster pace.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3_zbFBaKLA4oarvP9tpW8LgYK4SQQrUHktUgUCx6AIfPfi5bdGBxb2kYbHPx1bIqG0zZ5DEm3s9PCUN6Ea55_yq1tPZ8PTXPHCYgD3_tB1CFTaNJxKQd3tp0r4mhGV6XlMBO30mGxDM/s2048/LNT+Peachtree+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1577" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3_zbFBaKLA4oarvP9tpW8LgYK4SQQrUHktUgUCx6AIfPfi5bdGBxb2kYbHPx1bIqG0zZ5DEm3s9PCUN6Ea55_yq1tPZ8PTXPHCYgD3_tB1CFTaNJxKQd3tp0r4mhGV6XlMBO30mGxDM/w308-h400/LNT+Peachtree+Rock.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peachtree Rock, before and after (source 1st photo <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/peachtree-rock-heritage-preserve/" target="_blank">here</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Leave
no Trace principle #8</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Wait, I
said there were only 7 principles… Well, technically there are, but in the last decade
another tenet is being considered for inclusion, concerning geotagging. While
LNT is not anti-geotagging, serious consideration should be given to whether or
not a location is shared with every photo. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Post a photo that specifies
your location along with appropriate Leave No Trace information, as that is a great
way to invite people into the outdoors. A geotag can empower people to research
safety measures, learn about the location’s history and culture, and find out
what to expect when visiting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Don’t</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Post the location of places
that can’t handle increased visitation: the site of a rare flower, a sensitive
waterfall ecosystem, a protected wildlife area. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did
you know</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> that
natural areas across the state are seeing an increased amount of poaching, with
rare animals and flowers being targeted due to their perceived value to
collectors? If you observe illegal activity on public lands, please contact <a href="https://www.dnr.sc.gov/law/OGT.html" target="_blank">SCDNR Operation Game Thief</a> – see something, say something!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1lJhQpqTOcsQ7nVCYWQOOYS814N_j9S4SjAe_9VZZ4PmtEguJUpoeI2LOPQHHN66rAFoVBCbUkRWU03T7Td5I6xz6a1rl54UyN-nitK_pv79d0pdG0P2fIfy_0_4Sp9DNr9Oab2hysY/s1613/LNT+Bald+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1613" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1lJhQpqTOcsQ7nVCYWQOOYS814N_j9S4SjAe_9VZZ4PmtEguJUpoeI2LOPQHHN66rAFoVBCbUkRWU03T7Td5I6xz6a1rl54UyN-nitK_pv79d0pdG0P2fIfy_0_4Sp9DNr9Oab2hysY/w640-h410/LNT+Bald+Rock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Enjoy
your world, leave no trace! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There
are a growing number of examples of places suffering from the negligent
attitudes of visitors, such as <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/05/bald-rock-heritage-preserve.html" target="_blank">Bald Rock Heritage Preserve</a> – once home to protected
plant species such as Piedmont ragwort and grass-of-parnassus, but today mostly
housing graffiti, broken glass, cigarette butts and illegal fire rings. Or
Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve, whose namesake sandstone rock was toppled in
2013 by a combination of erosion and visitors carving their initials into the base.
Luckily, the colony of rare <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/03/oconee-bell.html" target="_blank">Oconee Bell</a> growing in
<a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/10/devils-fork.html" target="_blank">Devils Fork State Park</a> is thriving after State Park officials installed boardwalks
and fencing along the Oconee Bell Trail to keep visitors from trampling the
tiny flower, but other sites such as <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/11/bunched-arrowhead.html" target="_blank">Bunched Arrowhead Heritage Preserve</a> has
seen theft of plants over the last decade. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For my
family it comes down to is this – the natural areas in the Upstate have given
me so much in the last twenty years: trail time with the man who would become
my husband and the father of my children, later an escape to the woods with a
fussy baby, exercise to help get back into shape after a couple more kids, and
most recently therapy in the form of time outdoors as our family struggles to
retain some sense of normalcy in an anything-but-normal year. In return for all
of that, the very least I can do is bring a trash bag when we go out, to help
leave each place a little better than we found it! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Take nothing
but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">. For future generations to have
the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful natural areas like you and I do, to see
undisturbed landscapes and enjoy an abundance of wildlife, leave everything as
you found it — it’s really that easy. Enjoy Your World. Leave No Trace! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>For a
ton of resources on LNT, visit the <a href="https://lnt.org/research-resources/" target="_blank">Center for Outdoor Ethics LNT website</a>.</i> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>The resources there include</i>
Bigfoot’s Playbook, <i>a collection of activities, games and initiatives that
explore Leave No Trace principles, as well as youth education info and ways to
get involved!</i></span></p>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-1557447259373942152020-11-11T04:30:00.046-05:002020-11-11T04:30:08.039-05:00Nine Times Forest, a.k.a. Big Rock Mountain<span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Now that autumn has descended to the Upstate, we’re revisiting our favorite local spots to watch the progression of color as we fall into winter. One of those is Nine Times, the area named for the creek named for the nine bridges that had to be built to gain access to Nine Times Preserve, beloved for the seasonal display of wildflowers. <br /><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Also see my posts:<br /> </i></span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/11/nine-times-preserve.html" target="_blank">Nine Times Preserve<br /></a> </i></span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/03/nine-times-preserve-spring.html" target="_blank">Spring Comes to Nine Times Preserve</a></i></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />However, just across E Preston McDaniel Road from the Preserve is an area with a similar name, but with a much different claim to fame; Nine Times Forest is known for its rock climbing and spectacular views of the Upstate. </span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzd7K9dZbQ2rkGsbp_mkYLt-nP0gtPM6LTx8aVJi4AJ0LGvFE7cJrkNEUIwem0vkUxEuRipkBSMrgqy441hqHPHx-zweE-x8HQJFE7zm68F4iOEbPDwZV7a9bKE3C-fxHf_AE7c7bB9I0/s3056/Big+Rock+Mtn+panoramic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="3056" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzd7K9dZbQ2rkGsbp_mkYLt-nP0gtPM6LTx8aVJi4AJ0LGvFE7cJrkNEUIwem0vkUxEuRipkBSMrgqy441hqHPHx-zweE-x8HQJFE7zm68F4iOEbPDwZV7a9bKE3C-fxHf_AE7c7bB9I0/w640-h216/Big+Rock+Mtn+panoramic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Located near Pickens, Nine Times Forest (a.k.a. Big Rock) was protected by Naturaland Trust in 2013 and was opened to climbers in 2017. A grant from R.E.I. partially funded the construction of a parking lot off Big Rock Lake Road, allowing easier access than the Nine Times Preserve trailhead which had provided entry up until then. Then, in 2019 after the Carolina Climbers Coalition contributed another $5,000, Naturaland Trust was able to secure a 1-acre lot north of the new parking lot – creating a buffer for future expanded parking. Big Rock is the only significant cliff open year-round in SC; it faces south and can therefore be a destination during the winter months. With around 50 routes and several hundred boulder problems, there is plenty of room to spread out. And while the trails to the top of Big Rock Mountain (1,801 ft in elevation) do require scrambling up some more challenging spots, it is still accessible to non-climbers (such as my family) who do not have the safety equipment for rock climbing. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGXi5X3Ewxf8AB5K2rVetJDRmFtHadautaIkSzDewEA6GyrPWGwxqUyP-_YluiqqD8z3mSw3Mhg7GieEvazov8FHW4bgo0CnH_0FhpRR-Nom0zkRhbjtsHfDyDltdbvZap1bVPit8L3A/s2016/Big+Rock+Mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGXi5X3Ewxf8AB5K2rVetJDRmFtHadautaIkSzDewEA6GyrPWGwxqUyP-_YluiqqD8z3mSw3Mhg7GieEvazov8FHW4bgo0CnH_0FhpRR-Nom0zkRhbjtsHfDyDltdbvZap1bVPit8L3A/w400-h300/Big+Rock+Mountain.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Two main trailheads and one or two more informal trailheads provide access to the network of trails in Nine Times Forest. The main trailhead is on Nine Times Preserve, on the corner of E Preston McDaniels Rd. and Nine Times Creek Rd. From the gravel lot, cross E Preston McDaniels to enter Nine Times Forest. You’ll see the creek trail fork to the left; also called Appalachian Lumber Trail, it parallels E Preston McDaniel Road and begins and ends at connection points to the Cedar Rock Trail on the opposite side of the road. Continue up the wide gravel road instead, and when you reach the power lines you will have two options: take a left on Naturaland Way that climbs up into the Gap, or hop onto Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail and begin your ascent up (700ft of up, to be precise) to the summit. About ¼ mile before reaching the top there is an intersection with the Gap trail, and then at the top Big Rock Mountain Road provides access to the rest of the trails within Nine Times Forest – Pink Mountain is just across the gap and is 4 feet taller than the Big Rock summit. All Trails lists this route as 2.2 miles round trip, though with all the little detours we took for scenic vantage points we tracked almost 3 miles on our most recent visit. Loops that include Pink Mountain and Big Rock will be upwards of 6 miles…</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-ThxVY_pnmWU1UBeu9SHvCz53CSVC0chjL2PnKbW_9d1e5iQwcyeEW0NdY2sv2I1UjyIMCLhFcoh2kefe91y24BwcVVI1eTsIfEhWCjxAxVyqFMf8fhBPUH4oX98FIST_WqNjlBq5Ko/s2016/Big+Rock+Mtn+trailhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-ThxVY_pnmWU1UBeu9SHvCz53CSVC0chjL2PnKbW_9d1e5iQwcyeEW0NdY2sv2I1UjyIMCLhFcoh2kefe91y24BwcVVI1eTsIfEhWCjxAxVyqFMf8fhBPUH4oX98FIST_WqNjlBq5Ko/s320/Big+Rock+Mtn+trailhead.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">An unassuming trailhead...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The second main trailhead is at the newly constructed parking lot off Big Rock Lake Road, coordinates here: 34.954252, -82.787584. Follow the trail up to the base of Big Rock and shortly thereafter hop on the Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail to finish your ascent to the summit. This option is shorter – somewhere around 1-mile round trip – but still climbs about 500ft of elevation. The last stretch of trail to the summit has the most scrambles up rocks, but this route has a few extra challenging sections. My children have been able to navigate without problems, but it helps to have an extra set of hands, especially if you have a little in a carrier. As always, exercise caution, hike within your limits, and be aware that there are inherent dangers involved in hiking in the mountains of the Upstate. Once you venture off trail all bets are off – there are no guardrails protecting you from a fall, and steep drop-offs occur in many places! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCVB_mz4cC_ieh8EUs-K5Eo9q9_ldeKXgmW_v7kod1G-W-_Lac-dzd1NHj2j_qWf0V2xuuoPDkDkb9TrLP_6qnBkn8OfuVSXd4XTJeGV3PUv5HdDt-lXV9DBMl3VFAWiKyRGihptRUFk/s2048/Big+Rock+Mtn+view+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCVB_mz4cC_ieh8EUs-K5Eo9q9_ldeKXgmW_v7kod1G-W-_Lac-dzd1NHj2j_qWf0V2xuuoPDkDkb9TrLP_6qnBkn8OfuVSXd4XTJeGV3PUv5HdDt-lXV9DBMl3VFAWiKyRGihptRUFk/w400-h300/Big+Rock+Mtn+view+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>On the summit of Big Rock Mountain you’ll find several strategically placed rocks forming a table of sorts on a level spot, perfect for a picnic. We have celebrated my birthday here with cheese and crackers, as well as taken a breather from the baby carrier; it is a safe spot for kids to run around, a gently-sloping playing field for a break from the steep sections. There are views, although the most spectacular views are from short spur trails on your climb up (though I repeat my warning about getting off-trail… some of these spur trails are used by climbers who are clipped in to safety harnesses!). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsH2WLD-40qYC8FEwY2YBk2_UhfbjjEB1ZUoVjS5jRNcGAPJvri3wZklwcqkd5bQy7SugdJIhgyRmbzZIObC0tCSfLQjHEIwQoXJ6qsVAbRvso0McoVqD29OngGzaNx5X5-mQ6Lw0_Ig/s2048/Big+Rock+Mtn+summit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsH2WLD-40qYC8FEwY2YBk2_UhfbjjEB1ZUoVjS5jRNcGAPJvri3wZklwcqkd5bQy7SugdJIhgyRmbzZIObC0tCSfLQjHEIwQoXJ6qsVAbRvso0McoVqD29OngGzaNx5X5-mQ6Lw0_Ig/s320/Big+Rock+Mtn+summit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Every time I hike this trail, I find a new view of Upstate SC to admire. While I am still on the hunt for the spur trail that will give me a view of the ‘mushroom rock’ chimney I once saw in a photo, I am grateful for these mountains that are right here in our backyard – no need to venture to North Carolina for blue ridge views! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINjTSnC0l7nkYp7bI0_3D70f1htPkttuQ8GSZNMXfVbZKKjt4pPaKEkaQObIiD-X8lyIUqSijVo4evL5mCJQzajkDTno7P6fUStXpsvsCDEMHQBuBhqrWIezn56fplSz7SB4wb0KIArw/s2048/Big+Rock+Mtn+view+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINjTSnC0l7nkYp7bI0_3D70f1htPkttuQ8GSZNMXfVbZKKjt4pPaKEkaQObIiD-X8lyIUqSijVo4evL5mCJQzajkDTno7P6fUStXpsvsCDEMHQBuBhqrWIezn56fplSz7SB4wb0KIArw/w400-h300/Big+Rock+Mtn+view+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>For more information, please see the following resources: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Naturaland Trust’s <a href="http://www.naturalandtrust.org/nine-times" target="_blank">Nine Times Forest</a> and <a href="http://www.naturalandtrust.org/big-rock" target="_blank">Big Rock</a> pages </span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Hikingproject.com has a good <a href="https://www.hikingproject.com/directory/8019475/nine-times-forest-and-nature-preserve" target="_blank">overview map</a> of the various trails and parking areas on the Forest and Preserve </span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://carolinaclimbers.org/climbing-areas/big-rock.html" target="_blank">Carolina Climbers page</a> for Big Rock </span></li></ul><div><br /></div></span></div>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0Nine Times Forest, Pickens, SC 29671, USA34.9603276 -82.80269986.6500937638211539 -117.9589498 63.270561436178845 -47.6464498tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-46449974430572715562020-10-27T04:30:00.003-04:002021-08-25T15:32:38.565-04:00Mountain biking with kids in Upstate SC<span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>Greenville has made headlines and received national recognition for the Swamp Rabbit Trail, but did you know the Upstate is also well-known for its mountain biking? With a dozen parks to choose from, there are options for all skill levels. We recently set out to compile a list of the best places to get some dirt under your tires! This article was originally published on the local family website, <a href="https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/mountain-bike-in-upstate-sc" target="_blank">Kidding Around Greenville</a>.</i><br /><br />My family has recently explored a few Upstate bike parks and trails with the goal of finding some new favorites; having ridden the same local trails numerous times, the boys were getting bored. As parents, we also felt that reaching out beyond the familiar would boost their skill levels by giving them a bit of a challenge. That being said, we have one little that still needs a bit more experience before being set loose on his own, and a newborn – which means mom is hiking along more often than she’s on two wheels. With all those factors in mind I set out to put together a list of places to go mountain biking with kids in the Upstate. <br /><br />A factor that comes into play when we are choosing a park is whether there is an admission fee. If we are headed out for a quick bike ride, I would rather go to a free course – and save the parks with admission for a time we can spend the whole day there. I also pay attention to the difficulty level listed; for this article difficulty ratings listed as according to MTB Project. Remember: always wear a helmet, ride within your ability, follow the local regulations, and respect trail and park closures. </span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOlgB3_D3OD01wYARDxyRMIAvXeV5VVSDKc9OLr9TmQprBRRycpBusfjIVmU7AtqRAbKeTh5zXhV79I6UT8B-9aXyIWSdgPsNT0aXYSklVU4B1sOwz7oUOPgBdFajUr6uFsNRJUQTU9k/s2048/Gateway+Bike+Park.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOlgB3_D3OD01wYARDxyRMIAvXeV5VVSDKc9OLr9TmQprBRRycpBusfjIVmU7AtqRAbKeTh5zXhV79I6UT8B-9aXyIWSdgPsNT0aXYSklVU4B1sOwz7oUOPgBdFajUr6uFsNRJUQTU9k/s320/Gateway+Bike+Park.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b>Greenville county</b></span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b>Sliding Rock Creek Trail</b>: this mile of mountain bike trail is just off the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/03/swamp-rabbit-trail.html" target="_blank">Swamp Rabbit Trail</a>, providing some urban trail that gives you the “out in the woods” feels. </span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Entrance fee: none <br />View trail map <a href="https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7041396/sliding-rock-creek-loop" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />Difficulty level: easy to intermediate <br /><br /><b>Riverbend Equestrian Park</b>: 74 acres with numerous natural-surface trails are open to mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding at this county park. <br />Entrance fee: none <br />Difficulty level: easy to intermediate <br />Website <a href="https://greenvillerec.com/parks/riverbend-equestrian-park/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br /><b>Pleasant Ridge County Park</b>: Over 6-miles of trail are located in this former state park that is located just off <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/02/highway-11.html" target="_blank">scenic Highway 11</a> in Cleveland. <br />Entrance fee: none <br />Download map <a href="https://greenvillerec.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/pleasantridgeline_v17_072916.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />Difficulty level: mostly intermediate, with a few sections of easy and difficult </span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">For more information on the park, please read my post <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/06/pleasant-ridge.html" target="_blank">Pleasant Ridge Falls</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Spartanburg </span></h3><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div>The brand-new <b>Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park</b> is located off the Mary Black Rail Trail near South Pine Street. The park has features for bikers of all skill levels including a pump track, dirt jump area, a boulder garden and a perimeter trail. <br />Entrance fee: none <br />View map <a href="https://pictures.dealer.com/v/vicbaileysubarusoa/1990/643a8a0aa961077ea23ea79f59fc4892x.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />Difficulty level: easy to difficult <br /><br /><b>Duncan Park Bike Trails</b>: Six miles of trail in the woods of Duncan Park feature plenty of jumps and pump turns. <br />Entrance fee: none <br />Difficulty level: easy to intermediate <br />Website <a href="https://www.cityofspartanburg.org/parks-and-recreation/trails-and-cycling/duncan-park-trails" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br /><b>Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve/Cottonwood Trail</b>: This 116-acre urban preserve and trail system is located minutes from downtown Spartanburg. <br /> Entrance fee: none <br />Difficulty level: easy to intermediate <br />Website <a href="https://www.spartanburgconservation.org/cottonwood-trail" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br /><b>Holston Creek Bike Park</b>: The park is located in Inman and is managed by the Spartanburg County Parks Department. In addition to the mountain bike course, the park also has a disc golf course and a playground. <br />Entrance fee: none <br />Download map <a href="http://sc-spartanburgcountyparksandrec.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/998/5-4-17-Holston-Creek-Bike-Trail-Map-PDF " target="_blank">here</a>.<br />Difficulty level: intermediate <br /><br /><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The South Carolina State Parks</span></h3><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Paris Mountain State Park</b>: The Paris Mountain trails were the first trails my boys went mountain biking on! With 15 miles of hiking/biking trails in the park, there are sections appropriate for all skill levels. Please note that that biking is not allowed on any of the trails on Saturdays. <br />Entrance fee: yes <br />Download a trail map <a href="http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/files/State%20Parks%20Files/Paris%20Mtn/PM-Trail%20Map3-9-2012.pdf " target="_blank">here</a>.<br />Difficulty level: easy to difficult <br />For more information on the park, please read my post <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/02/paris-mountain-state-park.html" target="_blank">Paris Mountain State Park</a>.<br /> <br /><b>Croft State Park</b>: Bike one or all of the more than 20 miles of mountain biking trails in the park! The multi-use Croft Passage of the Palmetto Trail is also located within the park, but be advised that the bridge near the southern terminus washed out in February and has yet to be replaced. <br />Entrance fee: yes <br />Download a trail map <a href="https://embed.widencdn.net/pdf/plus/scprt/sohstjfuoz/CroftTrailMap.pdf?u=sgt8lu " target="_blank">here</a>.<br />Difficulty level: mostly intermediate with a few difficult trails mixed in. <br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">For more information on the park, please read my post <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/09/croft-state-park.html" target="_blank">Croft State Park</a>.</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /> <br /><b>Sadlers Creek State Park</b>: The loop bike trail is 6 miles long with a trail rating of easy. Its location near I-85 makes this an appealing choice for residents of Anderson. <br />Admission fee: yes <br />Download a trail map <a href="https://embed.widencdn.net/pdf/plus/scprt/0jwbgjcumg/14-SCP-558-SADLERS-CREEK-MAP-LoRes.pdf?u=sgt8lu" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />Difficulty level: easy <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div> </span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Palmetto Trail </span></h3><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTI30aGUplqGJM2jxbELyjcYfdhdFrwiWWvN443AG-BcIj6Xx2ePL6iSzus9klDIdjfqFvjj732SeidWR6DO_dHljb59A3ZEmLtF1kN9TS5XObFUqVWU7h2pAAeJEEKG3vPI5MyBRcJsE/s2016/Stumphouse+Mountain+Bike+Park.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTI30aGUplqGJM2jxbELyjcYfdhdFrwiWWvN443AG-BcIj6Xx2ePL6iSzus9klDIdjfqFvjj732SeidWR6DO_dHljb59A3ZEmLtF1kN9TS5XObFUqVWU7h2pAAeJEEKG3vPI5MyBRcJsE/w300-h400/Stumphouse+Mountain+Bike+Park.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Stumphouse Mountain Passage and Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park</b>: The 1.5-mile passage of the Palmetto Trail is a multi-use connector that serves as the gateway to the 10+ miles of mountain bike trail within Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park. <br />Entrance fee: yes <br />Download a trail map <a href="https://www.stumphousepark.com/trail-information" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />Difficulty level – intermediate to difficult <br />An article on Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/10/stumphouse-mountain-bike-park.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /> <br /><b>Oconee Passage</b>: From Oconee State Park to <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/09/oconee-station-and-station-cove-falls.html" target="_blank">Oconee Station State Historical Site</a>, the passage drops about 1,000 feet for a challenging, one-way descent from ridgeline to cove. <br />Entrance fee: Oconee SP yes, none at Oconee Station SHS <br />Download a trail map <a href="https://palmettoconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Oconee-Passage-1.jpg https://palmettoconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Oconee-Passage-1.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />Difficulty level – intermediate/difficult <br /><br /><b>Croft Passage</b>: The 12.6-mile Croft Passage is shared by hikers, cyclists and equestrians! Please be advised that the bridge near the southern terminus washed out in February and has yet to be replaced. <br />Entrance fee: yes <br />Download a trail map here. <br />Difficulty level: difficult <br /><br /><b><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2021/08/blackstock-battlefield.html" target="_blank">Blackstock Battlefield Passage</a></b>: Four miles of nature trails, camping, and first-rate mountain biking along a remote section of the Tyger River where Revolutionary War patriots defeated the British. <br />Entrance fee: none <br />Download map <a href="https://palmettoconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Blackstock-Passage-2020.pdf " target="_blank">here</a>.<br />Difficulty level: intermediate/difficult <br /><br /><b>Enoree Passage</b>: The 36-mile Passage along with the numerous trails on the Enoree Ranger District of Sumter National Forest provide extensive opportunity to experience biking on natural surfaces. <br />Entrance fee: none <br />Download Enoree Passage maps <a href="https://palmettoconservation.org/passage/enoree-passage/ " target="_blank">here</a>.<br />View additional Sumter National Forest maps <a href="https://www.mtbproject.com/directory/8019733/buncombe-trails" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />Difficulty level: easy to intermediate <br /><br />For the full <i>Femme au Foyer </i>guide to the Palmetto Trail, click <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">More trails and bike parks! </span></h3><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Town Creek Bike Park</b>: This is a local favorite! With everything from a pump track, dirt jumps, wall climbs, rollers and singletrack, the park also has a multi-use paved trail that is great for the little ones to ride while their older siblings are on the mountain bike trails. Signed waiver required. <br />Entrance fee: none <br />View map here and read more about Town Creek <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/10/town-creek-bike-park.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />Difficulty level: from easy to difficult </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzuhN9y7CplFgyN2vhJhfuSoIUSYvWVbx-70vXxKNRZKk2RT6DAvGbbeXZm7Tfzi0ZYGNAUOUHNKJjk2MJRUEoPzPTkNKlppQvJHkfxDWEtFx7EzUrywWNZTNZO2Rpcl8uSw3aOkN258/s2048/Town+Creek+Bike+Park.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzuhN9y7CplFgyN2vhJhfuSoIUSYvWVbx-70vXxKNRZKk2RT6DAvGbbeXZm7Tfzi0ZYGNAUOUHNKJjk2MJRUEoPzPTkNKlppQvJHkfxDWEtFx7EzUrywWNZTNZO2Rpcl8uSw3aOkN258/w300-h400/Town+Creek+Bike+Park.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b>Bike Skills Flow Park at Gateway Park</b>: Just off the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/03/swamp-rabbit-trail.html" target="_blank">Swamp Rabbit Trail</a>, the bike park at Gateway has a pump track in addition to a technical flow track. The trail progression with the various challenges and terrains are designed to introduce riders to the sport while sharpening their skills. Bonus: littles can play on the playground while older children ride on the course. <br />Entrance fee: none <br />Difficulty level: easy to difficult <br /><br /><b>Central SWU Bike Trails</b>: This brand-new trail system in Central has more than six miles of singletrack tucked into the forest next to Southern Wesleyan University's Central, SC campus. Open to hiking as well as biking, the park is park is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. <br />Entrance fee: none <br />View map <a href="https://www.facebook.com/swubiketrails/photos/a.106025887907337/106025854574007 " target="_blank">here</a>.<br />Difficulty level: easy to difficult <br /><br /><b>Clemson Experimental Forest</b>: The trail system is divided into three primary areas: Fant's Grove, Issaqueena/Keowee Heights and Todd's Creek. The trails are a component of a working forest used for teaching, research and extension education for natural resource management while also allowing for recreational use. With dozens of routes to choose from, there is something for everyone. <br />Entrance fee: none <br />View maps <a href="https://www.clemson.edu/public/experimental-forest/map/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />Difficulty level: from easy to difficult <br /><br /><b>Overmountain Victory Trail - Lake Whelchel</b>: This 6.7-mile trail in Gaffney is part of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail which traces the route used by patriot militia during the Kings Mountain campaign of 1780. <br />Entrance fee: none <br />View map <a href="https://www.carolinathreadtrailmap.org/trails/trail/overmountain-victory-trail-lake-whelchel " target="_blank">here</a>.<br />Difficulty level: easy to difficult <br /><br />For learning more about individual trails and parks, I have found <a href="https://www.mtbproject.com/" target="_blank">MTB Project</a> to be a valuable resource. In addition to descriptions and photos of many of the trails, there are also ratings and recommendations to help choose a destination. Another good resource is <a href="https://bikeupcountrysc.com/mountain" target="_blank">Bike Upcountry SC</a>. <br /><br />What are your favorite places to go mountain biking in the Upstate? Let us know if we missed anything!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div></div>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-35206820604932318912020-10-20T04:30:00.001-04:002020-10-20T04:30:07.005-04:00Hike with llamas at Earthshine!<span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I knew we were in for an adventure as soon as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/llamacaddy/" target="_blank">Mark</a>, our llama guide and self-proclaimed “all things llama dude,” asked my husband if he would watch the llamas.... </span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEq_FBi7eLD1Z__swAKZXqXdxWkdv-NNDlGldqBMNWWNhlWCrvLG3qyOKQhf53j48p4tQkwFkTs70AkBJcaXHx6cgHN43aUyqbUm-MCV_X78grgyXSYVvp-okd0fjmfeZg-qLSrZja2pI/s2048/Earthshine+Lodge+Vision+and+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEq_FBi7eLD1Z__swAKZXqXdxWkdv-NNDlGldqBMNWWNhlWCrvLG3qyOKQhf53j48p4tQkwFkTs70AkBJcaXHx6cgHN43aUyqbUm-MCV_X78grgyXSYVvp-okd0fjmfeZg-qLSrZja2pI/w400-h266/Earthshine+Lodge+Vision+and+family.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We had driven 1.5 hours from Greenville into the Blue Ridge Mountains to Earthshine Lodge, our basecamp for adventure for the weekend, with the express objective of participating in a llama hike. Mark met us with exciting news – one of the Earthshine llamas had given birth a few days ago! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yIFN0Nv52sUApH4YNCLjVWPCDCaG_sZYf5GAqfz4tEEgWtZh0akFQdfnyEMQugS7m0ftDY5wqQ9o-UHqhRImMSG_rCdDRmpdqAN-lR5cf-dOJ0kZql7F_pKBgPjMRxBYSoVDrlL5yuY/s2048/Earthshine+Lodge+baby+llama.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yIFN0Nv52sUApH4YNCLjVWPCDCaG_sZYf5GAqfz4tEEgWtZh0akFQdfnyEMQugS7m0ftDY5wqQ9o-UHqhRImMSG_rCdDRmpdqAN-lR5cf-dOJ0kZql7F_pKBgPjMRxBYSoVDrlL5yuY/s320/Earthshine+Lodge+baby+llama.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Earthshine Lodge is home to four female llamas, who can be seen grazing in their pasture as visitors drive the winding road that leads up to the Lodge. We admired the llamas and the four-day-old cria (baby llama) with their colorful autumn backdrop, and then headed back up the hill to relieve my husband of his llama-care duties – of course all the hiking llamas were still happily grazing, and our infant son contentedly watching the show. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHd5jTr1NvOnvDD6_QjAey-Nqh6GFA-iCpWY_mD6rHYaNDbM8WAIff2qGsSqN-CPMhBz1rkhoqA1ZBl_emNvAVxHw57rAdqskkFdTahA0Ah3opypdlHiDx9KL0XumPVcoK6oD5XWAvOaQ/s2048/Earthshine+road+to+llama+farm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHd5jTr1NvOnvDD6_QjAey-Nqh6GFA-iCpWY_mD6rHYaNDbM8WAIff2qGsSqN-CPMhBz1rkhoqA1ZBl_emNvAVxHw57rAdqskkFdTahA0Ah3opypdlHiDx9KL0XumPVcoK6oD5XWAvOaQ/s320/Earthshine+road+to+llama+farm.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After a quick orientation, my three older children had a rope in hand, and were each leading a llama off across the meadow. The 76-acre Earthshine property has multiple trails for exploration, and we had a mile-long loop planned. As we hiked across the meadow and into the autumn-cloaked forest, we learned more about the llamas; not just what they can and can’t eat and how to properly guide them, but also about their individual personalities. My 8yo led “Vision,” a gentle but very alert llama who evidently has the best eyes of the group, while the 6yo and 10yo followed with “P Diddy Peaches” and “Legend.” All the llamas were well-behaved, responded to the guidance of their novice guides, and provided the boys with an extraordinary experience that they are already asking to repeat! When not out on Earthshine hikes, the llamas are offering wilderness therapy to special needs kids through the <a href="https://soarnc.org/">S.O.A.R.</a> 3-day, 2-night Llama Trek Expedition in Panthertown Wilderness area, being ringbearers at weddings, or surprising guests at birthday parties; think of an occasion that wouldn’t be livened up by a llama… these are some exceptional llamas! </div><br /> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGL3KJajtgZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGL3KJajtgZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); 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font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div></a> <p style="margin: 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGL3KJajtgZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">“You are not in the mountains. The mountains are in you.” - Muir</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/femmefoyer/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Liene | Femme au Foyer</a> (@femmefoyer) on <time datetime="2020-10-11T01:54:29+00:00" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 10, 2020 at 6:54pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <br />As we descended into the valley’s magical mist, I marveled at the scene before us; the wooden Earthshine Lodge rising stately on the ridge overlooking the surrounding valleys, reminiscent of the great lodges of our national parks. The views from the lodge stretch into the distance on a clear day, and on this autumn afternoon the sight of my boys traversing the meadow was storybook-perfect. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCMlKjqaIMPe9PX9YFzEY-6ehjzc9Dwk_VQ2LVJKjzNFYJ43DSiG0f_654q1jySkV1mho6IfKbw0qp6M-MoIbWx13vXxlSBZKQsomAweFj6xJDu5naMOe5QGDsOR1BwzkNz-cmdTqvqk/s2048/Earthshine+Lodge+Legend+and+boy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCMlKjqaIMPe9PX9YFzEY-6ehjzc9Dwk_VQ2LVJKjzNFYJ43DSiG0f_654q1jySkV1mho6IfKbw0qp6M-MoIbWx13vXxlSBZKQsomAweFj6xJDu5naMOe5QGDsOR1BwzkNz-cmdTqvqk/w300-h400/Earthshine+Lodge+Legend+and+boy.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Having returned to the lodge and each hugged our llama a couple of times goodbye, we sat down for a delicious dinner prepared by Earthshine Lodge chef, Shelley. A perfect end to the day included warming up from the chill of the evening with a cup of hot chocolate – all the while soaking in the magic from the mountain view. Once darkness fell, we tucked in the boys in their loft nook and snuck away to one of the several chairs on the outdoor terrace for a minute. However, the lure of a warm bed proved to be too hard to resist, and soon we too were dreaming llama dreams… </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguP3GHRy3SN2D_aTv1cp0aiJhnx1nzfRY9IIkScqq6XVsi1p60qT1qdD-FP-0niPaqBozbYNdCd6Yk6Y0i3NCvBOmxquv-qwRd9foSjS_vZRD75a3-f8UQmNozpLPKFPfZAitQy0PoL24/s2048/IMG_2968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguP3GHRy3SN2D_aTv1cp0aiJhnx1nzfRY9IIkScqq6XVsi1p60qT1qdD-FP-0niPaqBozbYNdCd6Yk6Y0i3NCvBOmxquv-qwRd9foSjS_vZRD75a3-f8UQmNozpLPKFPfZAitQy0PoL24/s320/IMG_2968.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There is a good reason for their slogan “Your Basecamp for Adventure”; Earthshine is located right in the middle of some of the most breathtaking public lands in the Carolinas. Sandwiched by the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, the Lodge provides access to popular Gorges State Park, DuPont State Recreational Forest and Panthertown Valley. The proximity allowed us to reach popular trailheads before they got too crowded, although it was hard to leave the property because there was more to do on site – an example being the hammocks in the trees just calling for a daytime nap. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhv-oKBakvRIV4qoBVIvZylhSsRhBE9xw3A2_ByyeuFgYFcGWJKoR1az6d6fOFFJ2S-ynOz0kcdorH25WNBgVhhkeSuyC8ZjGlaO3agSyV9d0d_J5s2e3ik8ohsmQL__Ks5SLElpx_y8/s2048/IMG_3324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhv-oKBakvRIV4qoBVIvZylhSsRhBE9xw3A2_ByyeuFgYFcGWJKoR1az6d6fOFFJ2S-ynOz0kcdorH25WNBgVhhkeSuyC8ZjGlaO3agSyV9d0d_J5s2e3ik8ohsmQL__Ks5SLElpx_y8/w300-h400/IMG_3324.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gorges State Park is only 15 minutes away!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Earthshine started thirty years ago with a mission to provide environmental education and family vacations, and then in 2018 new owners stepped forward to continue the legacy as well as add to it; all that time the natural beauty of the Lake Toxaway region has nourished and grown the experience to what is today. Earthshine Lodge is not just a place to stay – it is full immersion into a Blue Ridge adventure! Whether you choose to book a family vacation and take a wilderness skills workshop, or want to celebrate an anniversary with a romantic weekend away, the mountain oasis is a retreat from the chaos of the year. </div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMeDUhONHH4Fk7GkYCXuH218sLaji2hy6F2GoBzrqiJPjCZfYUEjhuRIIoGkOOerlupyEQRTqMw-y7vPhZl-f-psm9S7Ez5d7iR3LC8R6h6ArWLhvqZJSfR6Oy6c04yNcXQoeaauAdm4/s2048/Earthshine+Lodge+P+Diddy+Peaches+and+boy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMeDUhONHH4Fk7GkYCXuH218sLaji2hy6F2GoBzrqiJPjCZfYUEjhuRIIoGkOOerlupyEQRTqMw-y7vPhZl-f-psm9S7Ez5d7iR3LC8R6h6ArWLhvqZJSfR6Oy6c04yNcXQoeaauAdm4/s320/Earthshine+Lodge+P+Diddy+Peaches+and+boy.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of the chaos of 2020… Earthshine is taking all precautions to keep visitors safe, including even small details like disinfecting the llama lead lines. For those e-learning, homeschooling and learning remotely, Earthshine Lodge has wi-fi, and offers multiple programs to incorporate into your curriculum such as Cherokee Village (pottery making), Pioneer village (where guests can try their hand at blacksmithing, wool felting and candlemaking), art-based activities (nature art and seasonal crafts), the before-mentioned wilderness skills classes (including shelter construction and fire-starting), geology and hydrology (creek hikes with gem mining), and more! During the week the Lodge caters to school groups with programs that have been updated to support state standards, while on weekends various retreats are held, with workshops on everything from mindfulness to fly-fishing. On our visit we had the option to join in outdoor yoga, archery/tomahawk throwing, and a “paint & wine” – check the calendar on their website to see what fun opportunities are available during your stay. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMgrVnZ4zbpnHyt2CZHe4yjkxF0Ofe-mgXmiV67aFK8h1MV8ao521r5k3urfVHD0ZytM4F4LnlbkPerqlbAQjKXj5H2GF7-HxG0I8FDWkbXCp1FRVsgO03jE9nwM2tzZQPTGmmCMeoOY/s2048/IMG_3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMgrVnZ4zbpnHyt2CZHe4yjkxF0Ofe-mgXmiV67aFK8h1MV8ao521r5k3urfVHD0ZytM4F4LnlbkPerqlbAQjKXj5H2GF7-HxG0I8FDWkbXCp1FRVsgO03jE9nwM2tzZQPTGmmCMeoOY/w400-h300/IMG_3024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The llama hikes continue through the year, occurring two or three days a week at several different times. For three weekends in December they will take a backseat as an add-on to Earthshine’s <a href="https://earthshinenc.com/appalachian-christmas/" target="_blank">Appalachian Christmas</a>, an all-inclusive holiday package featuring meals, caroling, pioneer village activities, crafts, a movie and the highlight – brunch with Santa! For rates and times, please visit the Earthshine <a href="https://earthshinenc.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. And for the cutest baby llama pics, check out their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/earthshinelodge/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EarthshineNC" target="_blank">Facebook</a> pages! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaOhIiqNYZtrBUzcakQxZuWWQ_dcVRCPacHMonZai-nwOpJ5pqQxbTM273zcJam5MNMj1ccEXF9FTsLHFCO90S2cA_B8cTrfPq_bwONf56LuWv4yNYX4S8v_WJTQP0pKAzT6O2hLT1r4/s2048/IMG_3040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaOhIiqNYZtrBUzcakQxZuWWQ_dcVRCPacHMonZai-nwOpJ5pqQxbTM273zcJam5MNMj1ccEXF9FTsLHFCO90S2cA_B8cTrfPq_bwONf56LuWv4yNYX4S8v_WJTQP0pKAzT6O2hLT1r4/w640-h480/IMG_3040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We thought we had signed up for a hike with a llama. What we didn’t realize was that we would return from our weekend feeling so well-rested and healthy after a peaceful yet high-adventure weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains. And we certainly didn’t imagine we would be among the first to greet an hours-old llama to the world! As we were leaving, we stopped by the llama barn where the tiny cria was shakily standing on four legs, marveling at the world from under the gaze of her protective mama. Unforgettable moments for the kids, thanks to the Earthshine family! </div><br />Earthshine Lodge <br />1600 Golden Road Lake Toxaway, NC 28747 <br />https://earthshinenc.com/ <br />info@EarthshineNC.com <br />(828) 862-4207</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This post was first published on <a href="https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/earthshine-lodge" target="_blank">Kidding Around Greenville</a>. <br /></span><br /> </div>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com01600 Golden Rd, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747, USA35.1551032 -82.89829036.8448693638211537 -118.0545403 63.465337036178845 -47.7420403tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-81476441346121445972020-10-13T04:30:00.003-04:002020-10-13T04:30:02.377-04:00Town Creek Bike Park<span style="font-family: trebuchet;">With the advent of cooler weather, the kids have been spending more time on their bicycles, not just in our neighborhood, but in numerous local bike parks. Today I want to share one of the boys’ favorite places to hit the trail on two wheels: Town Creek Bike Park. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2JwxBK3PK7qgMx0yRPZyzagan3ZJXUm_gF8QU8ToGRrSeppKLSRqKzUnWoTTcwRUr29p0uy4VpCPjTRaOpk7i4_VT6W61cK2f3f4guzFsqVb3sDdTMHtr42aMXdG4bszuLbd-6-DkD4/s2016/Town+Creek+Bike+Park+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2JwxBK3PK7qgMx0yRPZyzagan3ZJXUm_gF8QU8ToGRrSeppKLSRqKzUnWoTTcwRUr29p0uy4VpCPjTRaOpk7i4_VT6W61cK2f3f4guzFsqVb3sDdTMHtr42aMXdG4bszuLbd-6-DkD4/w400-h300/Town+Creek+Bike+Park+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Located about 30 minutes from Greenville, the Town Creek Bike Park is located at 545 State Rd S-39-190, just north of Pickens, SC. You’ll see a sign for “Pickens Recreation Center,” and after making the turn, proceed to the far end of the parking lot. There you’ll see a kiosk with a map of the park, as well as a box for waivers; a second waiver station and the park rules are located just past the park entrance. The City of Pickens asks that you please fill out a waiver form before using the park, and riders under the age of 18 must have a parent’s signature. At the kiosk you can also see a map of the park, including the difficulty legend for the various trails. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipwekWzsNJiYgNaHpbrLxZ3ocoZ8be_bwnsPexkDBTw54b3lCzsQiRTzqgs6fMLDS3LHqKTRl2tG0aeR0nky4_6GQ3fmlzp-PYe7JxdSCj7b2nrzGXQ9kGnsZucUPk6pT-gItx4Cwpcc/s2016/Town+Creek+Bike+Park+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1514" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipwekWzsNJiYgNaHpbrLxZ3ocoZ8be_bwnsPexkDBTw54b3lCzsQiRTzqgs6fMLDS3LHqKTRl2tG0aeR0nky4_6GQ3fmlzp-PYe7JxdSCj7b2nrzGXQ9kGnsZucUPk6pT-gItx4Cwpcc/w400-h300/Town+Creek+Bike+Park+map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <br />The park is a large playground for kids on bikes. With single track, a pump track, half-log trails, earthen & wooden rollers, jumps and wall rides, the course is challenging yet offers plenty of choices for younger and less-experienced riders. We’ve visited with a kid who is still on training wheels, and have ridden on the 8’ wide paved trail called the “Appalachian Lumber Greenway” that follows the historic Appalachian Lumber Company railroad route from the Pickens Recreation Center around the bike park to a playground. Most of the intermediate and difficult features also have bypass trails. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxe002fHP3kmhoPAcAVFwB-ALl85aBCSp5jFbCIPvJWbDOCT4zixPPeb2kTgehhL91ESj2zq7msqRHzoJwehA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>A large portion of the park is forested, providing shade on hot summer days. This does affect visibility though, and the park is big enough that you can’t see from one end to the other – we utilize the buddy system for safety, keeping the younger riders paired with an adult or more experienced rider. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByeXYv0hWmfGM0_ZVcYy4Ib2z7_Mx7YC0v9HcP-PAJ0w-RqAp6X6_CgQRbv6xmgD7dDf8czMnK-Du_utnlxw1aaX4ME8L02OKWRpcOS4w5IBVkOGCDH0Fj3d-nIMzsoGqOI_vFrxcRAs/s2048/Town+Creek+Bike+Park+wall+ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByeXYv0hWmfGM0_ZVcYy4Ib2z7_Mx7YC0v9HcP-PAJ0w-RqAp6X6_CgQRbv6xmgD7dDf8czMnK-Du_utnlxw1aaX4ME8L02OKWRpcOS4w5IBVkOGCDH0Fj3d-nIMzsoGqOI_vFrxcRAs/s320/Town+Creek+Bike+Park+wall+ride.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Just like most of the bike parks in the Upstate, the course must be dry when used in order to keep it in good shape. To prevent the dirt features from being damaged and posing a hazard to the riders, the course is closed and cannot be used when wet. As a general rule, if there is an inch of rain, the course will remain closed for one day, if there are two inches of rain, the course will remain closed for two days, etc. The course may also be closed for major holidays, extreme weather conditions, and for special events; you may want to call ahead if there has been rain. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeq8bS_71vWMqEhC9BtsRNo1mndWWmdvhB_tZwJnMcpa5YAW8SdqUjJrKTaW4jKtlqizHXOxpvSnHjJQCuLYkdLUat8cf4jBgpg2MRj4dEXHxGs13vqbZC2Y1HBo4v5QjFaX2nnkQW_g/s2048/Town+Creek+Bike+Park+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeq8bS_71vWMqEhC9BtsRNo1mndWWmdvhB_tZwJnMcpa5YAW8SdqUjJrKTaW4jKtlqizHXOxpvSnHjJQCuLYkdLUat8cf4jBgpg2MRj4dEXHxGs13vqbZC2Y1HBo4v5QjFaX2nnkQW_g/s320/Town+Creek+Bike+Park+bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>To read a detailed list of the features available at Town Creek Bike Park, please visit the <a href="https://www.cityofpickens.com/tcbp" target="_blank">City of Pickens website</a>. The course is only open during park hours. There is no cost to use the Bike Park, and there is no attendant on duty. Remember to ride within your abilities, respect all park rules, and have fun while staying safe. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dylTMX5ddWhyDyZQbVKt38r1cBHc2Ro8eoTJqfMdpTO3vfxwcfH7iKFQ8zk-zpP8S_Pfv3UhHqGcw6nM0YAMA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Before you go: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Double check that the park is open, by checking the calendar on the <a href="https://www.cityofpickens.com/tcbp" target="_blank">City of Pickens website</a>, or by calling the Recreation Department at (864) 898-8155 and getting an update via the recorded message.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Bike Park riders need to sign a waiver and wear a helmet and other recommended protective gear. You may complete a waiver at one of the kiosks at the Bike Park or you may print one from the Town Creek Bike Park website at <a href="https://www.cityofpickens.com/vertical/Sites/%7BAB6925E6-1A3B-4A2E-9768-0B9D15A83ED0%7D/uploads/Town_Creek_Bike_Park_Waiver_Form_11-12-14(1).pdf" target="_blank">this link</a> and bringing it with you. Once you get to the park, place the signed waiver in the designated slot in one of the kiosks.</span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX8TiCMkjp1LcaD5CfdgX05adIieMBG2lpKYLxSaDMf52aeB8P3UE7shuN2vXZB4YyjGh7D4CrgHt-VsDb52e1NJ7GOVjQ17Ulvn4teCistkge-8iomMgUE06RgtNjXnZ-iK22IxGt0c/s1698/Town+Creek+Bike+Park+L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="1698" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX8TiCMkjp1LcaD5CfdgX05adIieMBG2lpKYLxSaDMf52aeB8P3UE7shuN2vXZB4YyjGh7D4CrgHt-VsDb52e1NJ7GOVjQ17Ulvn4teCistkge-8iomMgUE06RgtNjXnZ-iK22IxGt0c/w400-h300/Town+Creek+Bike+Park+L.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>If you liked Town Creek Bike Park, you might also like: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/03/swamp-rabbit-trail.html" target="_blank">The Swamp Rabbit Trail</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/10/stumphouse-mountain-bike-park.html" target="_blank">Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/from-peak-to-prosperity-on-palmetto.html" target="_blank">Peak to Prosperity Passage</a> of the Palmetto Trail </span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/06/food-on-friday-piney-mountain-bike.html" target="_blank">Piney Mountain Bike Lounge</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/06/pleasant-ridge.html" target="_blank">Pleasant Ridge</a> </span></li></ul><div><br /></div></span></div>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0545 State Rd S-39-190, Pickens, SC 29671, USA34.8942403 -82.71935696.5840064638211544 -117.8756069 63.204474136178845 -47.563106899999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-15783055591049164252020-10-08T04:30:00.002-04:002020-10-08T04:30:01.564-04:00Cruise into an Upstate Autumn<p style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><i>Autumn is here, bringing cooler temperatures and breathtaking fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Take a driving tour this fall up the Blue Ridge Escarpment for a showcase of what our region has to offer...</i></span></p><p><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><b>Travelers Rest SC to Brevard NC Loop </b></span></p><p><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Get
an early start to beat the crowds at <i>Tandem Creperie</i>, a local favorite
in Travelers Rest. Fortified with coffee and <i>cr</i></span><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ê</span></i><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">pes</span></i><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">, head north on Highway 276 into
the Foothills. Passing through Marietta it is only a short detour to the
<a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/06/strawberries-to-sunflowers-at-beechwood.html" target="_blank">Beechwood Farms</a> farmstand, where you can stock up on freshly-picked apples to snack
or pick a pumpkin from their pumpkin patch. Continuing north, soon after Cleveland, SC is your second stop, <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/06/wildcat-branch-falls.html" target="_blank">Wildcat Wayside</a>. The roadside
destination is the perfect introduction to the mountains, as Wildcat Branch
tumbles down over three waterfalls on its way to the South Saluda River. Have
just 15 minutes? Take a photo at the lower falls and then buy a bag of boiled
peanuts from the vendor who has usually set up in the parking lot before
heading on. Have 1-2 hours? Hike the 1-mile loop path that leads up past the
middle falls to the upper waterfall.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCFRFMmjhv5CPkvEZupKbTxWGcoGwPSM4g4td8I-IzSbIDkb6KY7FS-a7v6TyihGZaMq86UWzsc-Y1lB6BiaixpHCBOuj4tsPF8Di_yaxi4UVdRWS4FGKyxZT2S55GGDcstl7z_RQUrQ/s1296/Wildcat+Wayside+autumn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCFRFMmjhv5CPkvEZupKbTxWGcoGwPSM4g4td8I-IzSbIDkb6KY7FS-a7v6TyihGZaMq86UWzsc-Y1lB6BiaixpHCBOuj4tsPF8Di_yaxi4UVdRWS4FGKyxZT2S55GGDcstl7z_RQUrQ/w400-h300/Wildcat+Wayside+autumn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wildcat Branch Falls</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Next stop, </span><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/05/bald-rock-heritage-preserve.html" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;" target="_blank">Bald Rock Heritage Preserve</a><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">. In
recent years the vandalism of this beautiful natural area has been on the
uptick, however the views from the enormous granite escarpment are still unbeatable.
Cross the small footbridge and walk a short distance to find a stunning vista
of the Upstate; on a clear day Greenville can be seen to the SE, and Table Rock
to the SW. In the parking area peruse the back of a local vendor’s pickup for an
assortment of jams and jellies before continuing up 276 into the Mountain
Bridge Wilderness.</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffmMG00ba6ZeusfMV03PLU7mxNG8KPITsm9-7572Ie9jUoPCbF8hakFiIrk6DsNPISqvMJsBj7NswcvEk_j1EuQirw7StsznpQjCtgJdFMDvI-r0IAtKwx-3kkUQih3zjnl3jEk5nO20/s1600/Bald+Rock+Silini+ciemos.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffmMG00ba6ZeusfMV03PLU7mxNG8KPITsm9-7572Ie9jUoPCbF8hakFiIrk6DsNPISqvMJsBj7NswcvEk_j1EuQirw7StsznpQjCtgJdFMDvI-r0IAtKwx-3kkUQih3zjnl3jEk5nO20/w400-h213/Bald+Rock+Silini+ciemos.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">View from Bald Rock</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">As
you climb the <a href="http://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2013/04/zinta-and-blue-ridge-escarpment.html" target="_blank">Blue Ridge Escarpment</a> through endless switchbacks, you’ll find plenty
of fall color; from the red maples and sourwoods at the very beginning of the
season, to the deep reds and purples of the oaks into November. Take a break
from the winding road at <a href="http://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/06/caesars-head-sc.html" target="_blank">Caesars Head State Park</a>, walking a few hundred feet to
the overlook for more breathtaking views, and keep an eye out for migrating
hawks; although the numbers are at their highest in mid-September, you’ll find
members of <a href="http://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/09/hawk-watch.html" target="_blank">Hawkwatch</a> on duty through November to count the migrating raptors
soaring the thermals <i>en route</i> south.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnw4cMH3Bbx_WYkSw9K8protPh99-PjyWMfVysQiUkH5Xp_nZ3esEFVQEJCpCYPs1OS-sIN2wtrl1TJWpyWBVbyQmrhd8Dsn5ctbDnm_DZxRfHtWXm3ohg00jPYXnK8xS2ifaJTZs1w0/s1562/Caesars+Head+Silini+ciemos+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1562" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnw4cMH3Bbx_WYkSw9K8protPh99-PjyWMfVysQiUkH5Xp_nZ3esEFVQEJCpCYPs1OS-sIN2wtrl1TJWpyWBVbyQmrhd8Dsn5ctbDnm_DZxRfHtWXm3ohg00jPYXnK8xS2ifaJTZs1w0/w400-h190/Caesars+Head+Silini+ciemos+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">View from Caesars Head State Park overlook</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Making your way north into Brevard you’ll pass through the community of Cedar
Mountain, with an eclectic collection of shops, galleries and other curiosities.
The descent into Brevard gives you time to discuss your options of where to
stop for lunch!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEo5rgqvObM3Fu8E2_kFhkf2Q0jZ4EyRz_kPjfnHQwecG-zyEZC8ua24gNBFCe57xDuWRPTXyzyqpnC7wLlRlVrK-ZPfjSWcnvjsoo_LNvEA0byaDXrMruTEuE02j5n145ROyc0ZcFPo/s912/Highway+276+in+autumn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="912" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEo5rgqvObM3Fu8E2_kFhkf2Q0jZ4EyRz_kPjfnHQwecG-zyEZC8ua24gNBFCe57xDuWRPTXyzyqpnC7wLlRlVrK-ZPfjSWcnvjsoo_LNvEA0byaDXrMruTEuE02j5n145ROyc0ZcFPo/w400-h300/Highway+276+in+autumn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Headed north on US-276</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Once
back on the road, take US-64 W to US-178 and head south from Rosman. You’ll
soon cross back over the Eastern Continental Divide (the first time was on 276
crossing into NC) into South Carolina, and start your descent from the Escarpment. There’s
still a 'high' point to come, however; from Rocky Bottom head east up to </span><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/09/sassafras-mountain.html" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;" target="_blank">Sassafras Mountain</a><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">, the highest point in South Carolina. From the brand new observation deck
you can take in views of the entire region, with views extending to Georgia on
a clear day.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_2wJJAfK2XT3ho7mnZIg4M53FUAi7TAgwf-OGhnz-h3cCh7LxpcWYGRDxE0St2GnR8NXh1b8clJaE-HSoHGE5-8nkVnOnR3gzvvJqdXEC8eBykvM4WWcE3nF9oginW3mulQNcKlO6lI/s1008/Sassafras+goldenrod.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_2wJJAfK2XT3ho7mnZIg4M53FUAi7TAgwf-OGhnz-h3cCh7LxpcWYGRDxE0St2GnR8NXh1b8clJaE-HSoHGE5-8nkVnOnR3gzvvJqdXEC8eBykvM4WWcE3nF9oginW3mulQNcKlO6lI/w400-h300/Sassafras+goldenrod.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">End of summer goldenrod on Sassafras Mountain</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Once
you’ve descended from the escarpment, take the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/02/highway-11.html" target="_blank">Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway</a> east to <a href="http://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/10/table-rock.html" target="_blank">Table Rock State Park</a>. Stop at the Visitor Center, walk out on
the pier on Lake Oolenoy, and soak in the view from the rocking chairs
overlooking a meadow, the lake and Table Rock in the distance. Have more time?
Drive over to the other side of the highway and drive Table Rock State Park
Road all the way around, with stops at the Lodge, Pinnacle Lake and a scenic
overlook as inspired. Note: the north portion of the Park has an entry fee.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6I3NbNIxqNMV5h9VX3xeFfeEnRWaU8BchUIHnZWOuYnKY8oyt_I1ZcOVTlUL-S6tilnyQmRYTTgUq09rBvmWiUkBVEcxyJk2Fm6IoUCT5O4VYEkmCfdUkDHzkccGhqY3x21-rugREYhk/s1600/Table+Rock+view+on+day+of+start+of+Pinnacle+Fire.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6I3NbNIxqNMV5h9VX3xeFfeEnRWaU8BchUIHnZWOuYnKY8oyt_I1ZcOVTlUL-S6tilnyQmRYTTgUq09rBvmWiUkBVEcxyJk2Fm6IoUCT5O4VYEkmCfdUkDHzkccGhqY3x21-rugREYhk/w400-h250/Table+Rock+view+on+day+of+start+of+Pinnacle+Fire.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">View of Table Rock from the Table Rock State Park Visitor Center</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Continuing
west on Scenic Highway 11 you’ll pass Table Rock Tea Company, and then a little
further Aunt Sue’s Country Corner (<a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/09/victoria-valley-vineyard.html" target="_blank">Victoria Valley Vineyards</a> just to the
north) & Pumpkintown Mountain. If you’re planning a stop here, make sure to
check websites for operating hours. Finally, enjoy the last light of the day reflecting
the gold and orange hues of the forests blanketing the Blue Ridge Escarpment as
you make your way back east on the Cherokee Foothills Parkway!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" aria-hidden="false" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m76!1m12!1m3!1d208911.0574948732!2d-82.77760273237386!3d35.100835590093396!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m61!3e0!4m5!1s0x8858333ab9b2bf17%3A0x8f57cc3c3cd86f45!2sTandem%20Creperie%20and%20Coffeehouse!3m2!1d34.9676136!2d-82.4434186!4m5!1s0x8859cb75ae051009%3A0x79286b8886ded78e!2sBeechwood%20Farms%2C%20Bates%20Bridge%20Road%2C%20Slater-Marietta%2C%20SC!3m2!1d35.0246065!2d-82.4891549!4m5!1s0x8859b6789c31c437%3A0xe9f01870ecd2280!2sWildcat%20Wayside%2C%20Cleveland%2C%20SC!3m2!1d35.0761239!2d-82.59633439999999!4m5!1s0x8859b69ea6e16995%3A0x9fdd0cb8a1e70e39!2sBald%20Rock%2C%20South%20Carolina!3m2!1d35.082527999999996!2d-82.621174!4m5!1s0x8859b6e7b315549b%3A0x4870b297be11fd07!2sCaesars%20Head%20State%20Park%20Visitor%20Center%2C%20Geer%20Highway%2C%20Cleveland%2C%20SC!3m2!1d35.105858999999995!2d-82.626111!4m5!1s0x8859a4cb5640a41d%3A0x8f85466844a544b3!2sBrevard%2C%20North%20Carolina!3m2!1d35.2334472!2d-82.7342919!4m5!1s0x8859ac61d143644f%3A0xf3675b46707fa335!2sRocky%20Bottom%2C%20South%20Carolina%2029685!3m2!1d35.045829999999995!2d-82.8025!4m5!1s0x8859adb54d91bb45%3A0x4740149e58efb290!2sSassafras%20Mountain%2C%20South%20Carolina!3m2!1d35.0645327!2d-82.7745546!4m5!1s0x8859b2fba48b5bfb%3A0x4949a3b421298dbc!2sTable%20Rock%20State%20Park%2C%20East%20Ellison%20Lane%2C%20Pickens%2C%20SC!3m2!1d35.0193994!2d-82.691946!4m5!1s0x8858323ffec57f4b%3A0x79d9f23330b14a4a!2sTravelers%20Rest%2C%20SC!3m2!1d34.9676167!2d-82.4434548!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1601740246498!5m2!1sen!2sus" style="border: 0;" tabindex="0" width="600"></iframe></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">While
the entire driving tour takes a good 2.5 hours, plan to make several stops
along the way to enjoy the sights; I would plan 5-8 hours to allow for time at
the scenic overlooks. Remember to bring a camera, a coat for once you’re up on
the Escarpment, and a map if you’re not familiar with the area – you won’t have
cell service for a portion of the drive. Enjoy your Blue Ridge autumn, and let
me know in the comments if you have any favorite stops along this route!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinndfcZPb8e5Z0QQLTs3b2ZwxlA2Q1S1GIdBvrCBDk9JFCpwsJnLfMKCI-hp14lYXv3FPNqdmkJ5hymW6WueT4pgXpDhpMjbUgqXpPbgsDCAO-t0bejIcfhTgudnLKBGgjgQDOAetjKE/s1600/Nine+Times+Preserve+fall+colors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinndfcZPb8e5Z0QQLTs3b2ZwxlA2Q1S1GIdBvrCBDk9JFCpwsJnLfMKCI-hp14lYXv3FPNqdmkJ5hymW6WueT4pgXpDhpMjbUgqXpPbgsDCAO-t0bejIcfhTgudnLKBGgjgQDOAetjKE/w300-h400/Nine+Times+Preserve+fall+colors.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">For
more options on seeing the best of autumn in the Upstate, see the following
posts:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2016/09/upstate-fall-color.html" target="_blank">Fall Colors in the Upstate SC and Vicinity</a></span></li><li><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2015/09/your-upstate-fall-bucket-list.html" target="_blank">Your Upstate Fall Bucket List</a></span></li><li><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><a href="http://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/02/highway-11.html" target="_blank">Your Guide to Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11</a></span></li><li><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/04/greenville-in-two-days.html" target="_blank">Greenville in Two Days</a></span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-13253092195495514402020-10-06T04:30:00.125-04:002020-10-25T10:14:36.475-04:00Stumphouse Mountain Bike ParkStumphouse Park gets busy on weekends! It is home to the unfinished Stumphouse Tunnel that was dug using hand tools prior to the Civil War, as well as the well-known Issaqueena Falls, both of which I've previously written about <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2014/06/issaqueena-falls-and-stumphouse-tunnel.html">here on the blog</a>. There is also the Blue Ridge Railroad hiking trail, a moderate hike to two more abandoned rail tunnels. However, the highlight of the 440-acre park is the least-crowded – Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park. <br /><br /> <img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="3270" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhypBYYXVrGpNynA-Dl_CODl3P3fYy3nXHJpi7g4yS1h7IX1FUoQ1WnJGwUde8CRGUX8BIhVPsS51vlg0X-ZpqplKF9YHyUAhqWkkwkpr3GqnRqvbcEomeowvoo1D4neK6gB12QlS4ft4/w640-h187/Stumphouse+Mountain+Bike+Park+Walhalla+Reservoir.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />The main entrance for the Mountain Bike Park is also the trailhead for the Stumphouse Mountain Passage of the <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/07/palmetto-trail.html">Palmetto Trail</a>. The nearly-continuous network of trails stretches from Oconee State Park in the Upstate Foothills, to its low-country terminus at Awendaw and Buck Hall on the Intracoastal Waterway. Established in 1994, it is South Carolina’s longest pedestrian & bicycle trail. Today 350 of the proposed 500 miles of trail have been completed, and the Stumphouse Passage is one of the newest! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY60lahh6R8Oozw_ING6axWW-LqjxW6a-51H2GWWtDHg0_8CYfRMiZT97hnNUIEXxJ6lPHcrzXZK7VKEA5qhmUZ4bI8aaF11nB0GllM_CoJzJLO99be-UcTgxveAcO57fFfn7UeP6FGc/w300-h400/Stumphouse+Mountain+Bike+Park+stump.jpg" width="300" /></div><br />From the trailhead, the Stumphouse Passage follows Cane Creek past the Walhalla Reservoir for 1.5 miles. In the future, the Ross Mountain Passage will connect it with Oconee State Park, but for now it provides access to an additional 10 miles of bike trails within the park. A few more trails are in the works, including a short spur trail (hikers only) that leads to a small waterfall on a tributary of Cane Creek. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="1250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnjVP9intH7kYvLghsWu0XFpoegBdijY8H2V-mF5n7mz1jvQ49t5-GuWZR7qR3ezKfvW5vZNzQfboPx9uNQ-E9ws1nDx4SVhewoJTCNZ5gA9hesZ_4We8cs8mLnzB9c5Qusm0fr9PT0A/w300-h400/Stumphouse+Mountain+Bike+Park+V.jpg" width="300" /></div> <br />The Passage/Mountain Bike Park was a collaboration between many parties: the City of Walhalla, Oconee County, Upstate Forever, Oconee Forever, Palmetto Conservation Foundation, Walhalla Partners for Progress, Oconee County Chamber of Commerce, Visit Oconee SC, the SC Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, the SC DNR, the U.S. Forest Service, REI, Upstate SORBA, Benchmark Trails, and the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor - WOW. While the city of Walhalla owns the 440-acre Heritage Preserve, Upstate Forever holds a permanent conservation easement on the property, allowing visitors to enjoy the trails for generations to come. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZy5u80ykAEVAZdz0XGFMJQWEmZ85L17B0Ghs7XNekNVH6xb1Tef2zOpEK0leXmzufpt-tyrmPMhHcp36oPVAnaeNNEwUvLLA9orRbbxFtCChMEaKVDq50V4iawzV3MeqAxvxHDtz67k/s1957/Stumphouse+Mountain+Bike+Park+flora+fauna.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1957" data-original-width="1492" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZy5u80ykAEVAZdz0XGFMJQWEmZ85L17B0Ghs7XNekNVH6xb1Tef2zOpEK0leXmzufpt-tyrmPMhHcp36oPVAnaeNNEwUvLLA9orRbbxFtCChMEaKVDq50V4iawzV3MeqAxvxHDtz67k/w488-h640/Stumphouse+Mountain+Bike+Park+flora+fauna.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Clockwise: Yellow-tipped Coral Fungus, Cardinal Flower, Imperial Moth, snail<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />There is an entry fee of $5 per vehicle (but free for City of Walhalla Residents, and annual passes are available). For parking, follow signs for the Palmetto Trail trailhead, where you will also find picnic tables and restroom facilities. There is no water available once you’re on the trails, so pack in/pack out. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlKTuHMrKkrctoNzLqy9rysqBKPdpW1s0EruNVH_rNSbS6M1VNmbhNdxn0gpQa1mBe7tZRc_FOTR7turyjcySv1KJQYX17msExRwaaHhUvZIRoC7OprF-nk6ntGWbjd8h9Slj6Ihmhhg/w400-h300/Stumphouse+Mountain+Bike+Park+mushroom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This mushroom had been knocked over, catching our eye because of its size!</span></td></tr></tbody></table> <br />On our most recent visit I hiked the Palmetto Trail with my youngest in a carrier, while the six year old rode his bike; there were some sections that he had to dismount and push his bike up, but not many. Meanwhile, the two older boys set off with their dad to explore the rest of the mountain bike trails. They gave rave reviews, and in terms of technical difficulty only the 0.68 mile one-way, black diamond trail was close to being too challenging - but as always, know your capabilities. <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFR7QpcECdxBXszflj2-dy5sPcW1__bKRa_DV8pj0EgGw7cEq-Wfaw0NuyJxmW7gj8pyylSp-F8vxJSd_k9vX6D_4qXbnj3cf1rIysaehgbpp22sorvzOucSXrnquvH4s6rJ2P74hrOdw/s2016/Stumphouse+Mountain+Bike+Park+tree.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFR7QpcECdxBXszflj2-dy5sPcW1__bKRa_DV8pj0EgGw7cEq-Wfaw0NuyJxmW7gj8pyylSp-F8vxJSd_k9vX6D_4qXbnj3cf1rIysaehgbpp22sorvzOucSXrnquvH4s6rJ2P74hrOdw/w300-h400/Stumphouse+Mountain+Bike+Park+tree.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-small;">Palmetto Conservation Project Manager Jim Majors made sure the trail route passed by this giant <br />when he was mapping out the trail</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Things to do before hiking/biking Stumphouse Park: <br /><ul><li>Call (864) 638-4343 option 4 to find out if the park is open or closed. The park is closed after significant rainfall in order to protect the trails.</li><li>Review your <a href="https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/mtb-etiquette.html">bike etiquette</a>. Mountain bikers must yield to hikers, and on descent yield to uphill traffic. </li><li>Download a map (or print out a paper copy), available <a href="https://www.stumphousepark.com/trail-information">here</a>.</li><li>For additional information, email <a href="mailto:info@stumphousepark.com">info@stumphousepark.com</a>.</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1957" data-original-width="1492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyE6p5BZQEnk_sKGZbHbj1n0Y_Ths9CRwPO7T8x_QL7Jtp_GV-cyWtYvZVamtYoxrKtw-tq90IArOKNNqq_tAWj0WdkN3BCtnRr8UezcleeDYvX4PjYdeJ5jQ1epQnjhE58rSNk_PWXRs/w305-h400/Stumphouse+Tunnel.jpg" width="305" /></div><div><br /></div>If you still haven’t gotten your fill after the three mile roundtrip hike, drive to nearby <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2014/06/yellow-branch-falls.html" target="_blank">Yellow Branch Falls</a> on the other side of Highway 28; Stumphouse Park is bordered by the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of Sumter National Forest. The moderate 3-mile hike leads to a beautiful 50-ft cascade. You can also head to <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/06/hidden-falls.html" target="_blank">Oconee State Park</a> and <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2018/09/oconee-station-and-station-cove-falls.html" target="_blank">Oconee Station</a>, or just cruise <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/02/highway-11.html" target="_blank">Scenic Highway 11</a>. One of our favorite areas in the state, whatever mode of transportation you might choose – bicycle or foot – you’ll find adventure at Stumphouse Park!<br /></div><div><br /></div>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA34.808968100000008 -83.12273446.4987342638211629 -118.2789844 63.119201936178854 -47.9664844tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-35363879123104650992020-09-29T04:30:00.037-04:002020-09-29T04:30:12.739-04:00The Saluda River at Dolly Cooper Park<p><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet;">There are those days when I
just have to get outside, but the state parks are at capacity and the mountains
are too far. Nearby <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2017/03/your-guide-to-lake-conestee-nature-park.html" target="_blank">Lake Conestee Nature Preserve</a> is a fantastic urban green
space, but sometimes I just need something a little different. Thanks to
<a href="https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/south-carolina/saluda-river-walk" target="_blank">AllTrails</a>, I’ve found some hikes in unexpected places – most recently, Dolly
Cooper Park.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" lang="LV" style="font-family: trebuchet; mso-ansi-language: LV;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQS1YwRwk91GbddYlSuIE0gDpNtPi70ccYWDzTAWWDAGg3l9K9-f-hKZFWVI-c3dHaW86LwPxN5PR24-pX9e_vLG89-1ylACtEh6Fmt6MYNYe9k7GGwZ18EiD7nCVKMFSV0q_WTFF2Uo/s2016/Dolly+Cooper+entrance.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQS1YwRwk91GbddYlSuIE0gDpNtPi70ccYWDzTAWWDAGg3l9K9-f-hKZFWVI-c3dHaW86LwPxN5PR24-pX9e_vLG89-1ylACtEh6Fmt6MYNYe9k7GGwZ18EiD7nCVKMFSV0q_WTFF2Uo/s320/Dolly+Cooper+entrance.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Although technically in Anderson
County, the park is just across the Saluda River from Greenville County in Powdersville,
about a 15-minute drive southwest. After cutting over to River Rd. From Anderson
Road, visitors pass by the Recycling Center before entering the park. A paved
parking area near the front accommodates visitors to the front ball field, and
then an enormous three-level gravel lot handles additional parking for the disc
golf fields and the baseball field. There is a paved, third lot near the river
and canoe launch which should re-open with the conclusion of the construction.</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" lang="LV" style="font-family: trebuchet; mso-ansi-language: LV;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQvI5gzP8ralJhtOHFWHK9fgF62xrsuRJBaJBkaBLZ9seFMYnbWwMk3gn4WK8EMFCXfb88lKBtkCXsq3T2aqRpP1NwA2Xlk2JCF09ixz_xdQPWXSKR8PJA_ZIDKH5PQYEnQffzSWhLfc/s2016/Dolly+Cooper+Saluda.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQvI5gzP8ralJhtOHFWHK9fgF62xrsuRJBaJBkaBLZ9seFMYnbWwMk3gn4WK8EMFCXfb88lKBtkCXsq3T2aqRpP1NwA2Xlk2JCF09ixz_xdQPWXSKR8PJA_ZIDKH5PQYEnQffzSWhLfc/s320/Dolly+Cooper+Saluda.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Currently home to a full
18-hole disc golf course and a couple of ball fields, the park has enormous
potential in its 40-acres. This year Anderson County Parks launched a $350,000
construction project, putting boulders up to prevent instances of vandalism, as
well as constructing a new kayak launch to replace the old plastic one that
kept being damaged in floods.</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" lang="LV" style="font-family: trebuchet; mso-ansi-language: LV;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5A_9fDVR70NbFjdfC8xItDWRDKq9JVGrnCVlW0FO6sUREZp5mQzMkKt64sIh9K8lsEEAle8BvoUdDg5bfXQixQw36PyvExHo8H_5xZ2iXVDOCUOduXVaIUEEIEOUMd9gnYX3BEVR9nQ/s2016/Dolly+Cooper+construction.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5A_9fDVR70NbFjdfC8xItDWRDKq9JVGrnCVlW0FO6sUREZp5mQzMkKt64sIh9K8lsEEAle8BvoUdDg5bfXQixQw36PyvExHo8H_5xZ2iXVDOCUOduXVaIUEEIEOUMd9gnYX3BEVR9nQ/s320/Dolly+Cooper+construction.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">The shore line access trail
project has yet to be completed, but a new trail has been paved that curves east
along the Saluda from the pier. The trailhead to the River Walk is by the kayak
launch parking lot. It meanders between the open fields of the park and the strip
of forest that lines the Saluda. The ¼ mile-long trail offers access to multiple
spur trails that provide views of the river, and ends near an old bridge
foundation.</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" lang="LV" style="font-family: trebuchet; mso-ansi-language: LV;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeBvzaJM0nxaLj0nxuQAD8lg6tZcS9O_DSLZZKl2-Fgm9xQTvOoSf6-t7Z8gJMjh_f8cbdkxTdg_2kafq0QOWw3nrFQaTCAa19KWkOg9tLW2VkFktL4tE561T8nloUWz2M9y8NzWbB8U/s2016/Dolly+Cooper+old+bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeBvzaJM0nxaLj0nxuQAD8lg6tZcS9O_DSLZZKl2-Fgm9xQTvOoSf6-t7Z8gJMjh_f8cbdkxTdg_2kafq0QOWw3nrFQaTCAa19KWkOg9tLW2VkFktL4tE561T8nloUWz2M9y8NzWbB8U/s320/Dolly+Cooper+old+bridge.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Dolly Cooper Park was named for
M.J. ‘Dolly’ Cooper, who was elected to the S.C. House of Representatives in
1974 on a platform of bringing more health care services to Pelzer, Piedmont
and Williamston, and served in House District 10 for 16 years. Cooper was known
for his World War II military service, where he served as a combat infantryman
with the 30th Infantry Division. He saw 11 months of combat in Europe including
action at <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2011/11/normandy-part-deux.html" target="_blank">Normandy</a> & the Battle of the Bulge, and he was awarded the Purple
Heart, Bronze Star, American Defense Silver Medal and the Combat Infantry
Badge.</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" lang="LV" style="font-family: trebuchet; mso-ansi-language: LV;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrf4htTBdu8Q26oupPffkGO7k0LlkIx44TmGO_kjq7e8pwcnoJ_PsbYlMPrMTECWMhXQKBodPMV4RgJX8TsywmSJO8JUNylzv83jdJ5fWK-bv527mFhorsuJdi0tsthjoP7VvZc5OtMCM/s2016/Dolly+Cooper+Saluda+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrf4htTBdu8Q26oupPffkGO7k0LlkIx44TmGO_kjq7e8pwcnoJ_PsbYlMPrMTECWMhXQKBodPMV4RgJX8TsywmSJO8JUNylzv83jdJ5fWK-bv527mFhorsuJdi0tsthjoP7VvZc5OtMCM/s320/Dolly+Cooper+Saluda+2.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">The park was briefly closed in
2016 due to lack of funding. A proposed tax hike was not passed by the County
Council, and it was mentioned that without additional funds it was too hard to keep
the park maintained and safe. However the canoe/kayak launch is one of the only
public launches on the Saluda, and after public outcry the park was soon
reopened. While vandalism has been a problem over the years, it seems as though
recently there has been a push to upgrade the park as Anderson County moves
forward with a park and recreation master plan. In my opinion the park could
benefit from a few work days to get the litter picked up and the kudzu under
control – as could most large parks in the Upstate. There is plenty of room for
a playground, and this might be a great spot for a <a href="https://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2020/08/track-trails-kids-in-parks-program.html" target="_blank">Kids in Parks TRACK Trail</a>. A
lot of potential, but from the sound of it, only a little funding...</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" lang="LV" style="font-family: trebuchet; mso-ansi-language: LV;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavgAkaoIUl0YNth1-xgydBHo49CwZ1Chu86CGaJ6adych0pbVe0t3UPFwBeyR5QsJkTOy4pfzJVuqAvkVMrIcQFk-iCd6OZMu0cxOlmNsu6JUMwJnbCOZNPW3lk5BEsQRUbFCr6cvFRI/s2016/Dolly+Cooper+kudzu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavgAkaoIUl0YNth1-xgydBHo49CwZ1Chu86CGaJ6adych0pbVe0t3UPFwBeyR5QsJkTOy4pfzJVuqAvkVMrIcQFk-iCd6OZMu0cxOlmNsu6JUMwJnbCOZNPW3lk5BEsQRUbFCr6cvFRI/s320/Dolly+Cooper+kudzu.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">So as to not to end this post on a negative
note, here are the things that will bring me back to Dolly Cooper:</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; text-indent: -0.25in;">The hardwoods lining the Saluda put on a pretty show in
autumn</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Public river access to the Saluda is rare on this
section, with the </span><a href="http://randomconnections.com/water-wednesday-the-saluda-river-at-pelzer/" target="_blank">boat ramp on the Saluda River in Pelzer</a><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"> one of the only other
spots that comes to mind</span></span></li><li><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" lang="LV" style="font-family: trebuchet; mso-ansi-language: LV;">We had the place to ourselves</span></li><li><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; text-indent: -0.25in;">With 40 acres of park it’s easy to put together a few
mile walk</span></li><li><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" lang="LV" style="font-family: trebuchet; mso-ansi-language: LV;">It’s only a 15 minute drive</span></li><li><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; text-indent: -0.25in;">The Saluda is a beautiful river, with little development
visible on its shores</span></li><li><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; text-indent: -0.25in;">You can always find beauty in nature, no matter how urban the park!</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" lang="LV" style="font-family: trebuchet; mso-ansi-language: LV;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJUNQqLrnXM0xtfmHotxm92Gg7WR3gxhz1WdA-eBrpqVGDV8RRuuD-wlAv8ljyL8NSwzHxvbVhTVcJA4A9IZ9J_lZlP_gCG9KrPYhXENHq4MJExjgBDB_nsHhtioBCCzzxDPnzUYN1xI/s2520/Dolly+Cooper+flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="2520" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJUNQqLrnXM0xtfmHotxm92Gg7WR3gxhz1WdA-eBrpqVGDV8RRuuD-wlAv8ljyL8NSwzHxvbVhTVcJA4A9IZ9J_lZlP_gCG9KrPYhXENHq4MJExjgBDB_nsHhtioBCCzzxDPnzUYN1xI/w400-h198/Dolly+Cooper+flowers.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Good luck to the folks over in Anderson County with the park
upgrade, and hopefully the boat dock is finished soon. Is there anything you
would like to see happen in Dolly Cooper? Let me know in the comments!</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<iframe class="alltrails" frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.alltrails.com/widget/recording/saluda-river-walk-f3067d6?u=i" title="AllTrails: Trail Guides and Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running" width="100%"></iframe><div><br /></div>Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com0Dolly Cooper Park, 170 Spearman Cir, Greenville, SC 29611, USA34.8025773 -82.47189116.4923434638211575 -117.6281411 63.112811136178848 -47.315641099999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8986048791171437584.post-36012669568927372702020-08-20T04:30:00.000-04:002020-08-20T04:30:02.754-04:00Bombs Away: the atomic bomb impact crater in Mars Bluff, SC<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Fun (little known) fact: the US
has dropped a nuclear bomb on the Carolinas.... twice.</span><br />
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<span lang="LV" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: LV;">About three hours east of
Greenville lies the small town of Mars Bluff. Originally known as Marr's Bluff
during the American Revolution, the name was shortened to Mars Bluff at some
point before the Civil War, near the end of which the inland Confederate Mars
Bluff Naval Yard was established.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="LV" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: LV;">I had never heard of the naval
yard, but the town’s name is familiar; Mars Bluff has the distinction of having
been inadvertently bombed with an atomic bomb by the United States Air Force.
This might otherwise not have been on my radar, but my boys are budding US history
buffs and so it was a given that we would eventually visit the site.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6Xg78Ps-cSuMIaHDgGszPpzuE2ZEEzw8eWk_qF3hyphenhyphennmGN-nklIty4XYZd39QYYaBgEOFWdIXasaBlPVBVyf6VPrO39Kyu_BXrObNeltDoDpEu-Dn74t8u52c4iQ6HKiPrHWgUltUyas/s1600/Mars+Bluff+marker+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6Xg78Ps-cSuMIaHDgGszPpzuE2ZEEzw8eWk_qF3hyphenhyphennmGN-nklIty4XYZd39QYYaBgEOFWdIXasaBlPVBVyf6VPrO39Kyu_BXrObNeltDoDpEu-Dn74t8u52c4iQ6HKiPrHWgUltUyas/s640/Mars+Bluff+marker+1.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span lang="LV" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: LV;">On a spring day in 1958, a B-47
Stratojet was en route to the U.K. to take part in “Operation Snow Flurry.” A
fault light lit up, indicating the bomb’s harness locking pin had not engaged,
and Captain Bruce Kulka went to investigate. As he reached around the bomb to
pull himself up he accidentally hit the emergency release pin; the 8,500-lb.
device hit the bomb bay doors, broke through them, and went screaming towards
earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1eQZg1ppvC-6FmgHwW7IuUTyRAm2zvWKaeqJ68zxod9oQec9CT6qZR1kmpu_cVYfvJLvv4uyF6DHR6uUeYYIPfMKZTOVQmN294gDesprFjlAgzBlknYN83L1NW189Y_KgBFLgb4eMHo/s1600/Mars+Bluff+aerial+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="634" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1eQZg1ppvC-6FmgHwW7IuUTyRAm2zvWKaeqJ68zxod9oQec9CT6qZR1kmpu_cVYfvJLvv4uyF6DHR6uUeYYIPfMKZTOVQmN294gDesprFjlAgzBlknYN83L1NW189Y_KgBFLgb4eMHo/s320/Mars+Bluff+aerial+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Aerial photo of the Gregg home after the bomb (Photo credit: Columbia Star)</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="LV" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: LV;">Luckily for Walter Gregg and
his family, the bomb wasn’t armed with its nuclear rod; its fission core was
stored in a separate part of the plane. Unluckily for Walter Gregg, it was
loaded with about 7,600 pounds of explosives; the resulting explosion destroyed his house, flattened his garden & surrounding forest, and created a
mushroom cloud that could be seen for miles. By some miracle, not a single
person was killed in the blast. The military reimbursed Gregg giving him a chance to start over, and
the property was passed through the hands of several owners over the next fifty years. The hole was
never filled in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQRn_uVqswGf4xW-gSJdbbcqw4oUk7t96kw0hOZWIns1bnrHqZq2lQF1D3t9YjMxxrc7blqni14zXTmRE35AlxXyA4C97fLxS_FeLfhZJMx3TrAD3Zn8tgLYKdBi-HF8TXEWlndkz9Gg/s1600/Mars+Bluff+crater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQRn_uVqswGf4xW-gSJdbbcqw4oUk7t96kw0hOZWIns1bnrHqZq2lQF1D3t9YjMxxrc7blqni14zXTmRE35AlxXyA4C97fLxS_FeLfhZJMx3TrAD3Zn8tgLYKdBi-HF8TXEWlndkz9Gg/s400/Mars+Bluff+crater.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="LV" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: LV;">The original bomb crater was 30
feet deep and measured 75 feet across, although today not much remains to
indicate that this was the site of a local footnote in Cold War
history. A historical road marker on the north side of Interstate 76 marks the
entrance to an overgrown road that leads to a hard-to-follow trail. Wind your
way through a pine thicket past the foundation of the Gregg house, and you’ll
come to what is now just a leafy depression in the woods, most easily recognized
by the large plywood cutout of a bomb and kiosk with newspaper stories that
were prepared for a 50th anniversary event. At one point the crater was used as
a burn pit, giving the rainwater a murky appearance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDO0_wCgGIMBnaymrWjAubHH_mDj5nYyTBVw1CptAfYsgZvc-KLUBvX-0Ts5IIC5JJYX-mrYtz2GW7Y5EAPoUvLYxSOGMAUqwYs54mm72yc3WBncyh1MR-QzZ38Bm4Z2zfWAl6YWKY_iA/s1600/Mars+Bluff+Crater+Rd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDO0_wCgGIMBnaymrWjAubHH_mDj5nYyTBVw1CptAfYsgZvc-KLUBvX-0Ts5IIC5JJYX-mrYtz2GW7Y5EAPoUvLYxSOGMAUqwYs54mm72yc3WBncyh1MR-QzZ38Bm4Z2zfWAl6YWKY_iA/s320/Mars+Bluff+Crater+Rd.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Crater Road</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="LV" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: LV;">Because the property remains in
private hands, visitors need the owner’s permission to visit the site. There is
a second, much easier access point off Lucius Circle – also on private
property. To round out the trip, make sure to stop by the Florence County Museum after stops at the crater and historical
marker; <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">it houses several fragments of the bomb.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTctIwlYaRuvV52djemfPNwZbP16n_7NgnEjJ8l59zTfS-KBnzf1zKgyDNxD3HifAw2T0YbGZLZALEq7zn3b8beMkuClElXXm-IOqPcGrsUz9eLSpZNU0EaqO2yaXwplrutgipJSi1ZRQ/s1600/Mars+Bluff+marker+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTctIwlYaRuvV52djemfPNwZbP16n_7NgnEjJ8l59zTfS-KBnzf1zKgyDNxD3HifAw2T0YbGZLZALEq7zn3b8beMkuClElXXm-IOqPcGrsUz9eLSpZNU0EaqO2yaXwplrutgipJSi1ZRQ/s400/Mars+Bluff+marker+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span lang="LV" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: LV;">After the Mars Bluff incident
all flights were required to ensure that bombs were locked down properly before
takeoff. That still wasn’t enough to prevent a second Carolina event, as on January
23, 1961, a B-52 bomber broke up mid air, dropping two Mark 39 hydrogen bombs
over Goldsboro, North Carolina. Information declassified in 2013 showed that
one of the bombs came very close to detonating; it had its trigger mechanisms
engage and its parachute open, two things that only happen when the bomb is
intended to explode on target. Only one low-voltage trigger kept the bomb from
detonating upon landing. In July 2012, the State of North Carolina erected a
historical road marker in the town of Eureka, 3 miles north of the crash site,
commemorating the crash under the title "Nuclear Mishap" – maybe a
future destination for our crew? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy7bQmVLtVfckir8ZgLxBLqvDEqeLjbKlsyYT5fNzDzMQ4Y0uh-Log6bbLtiRG55BEji8SJ2KeQH_AUcgVo_OBteSYJKhtjnbdcDOC2RCOhh29yXIxI83WWobsemlD8NrAoTUSpR4kyo/s1600/Mars+Bluff+kiosk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="1600" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy7bQmVLtVfckir8ZgLxBLqvDEqeLjbKlsyYT5fNzDzMQ4Y0uh-Log6bbLtiRG55BEji8SJ2KeQH_AUcgVo_OBteSYJKhtjnbdcDOC2RCOhh29yXIxI83WWobsemlD8NrAoTUSpR4kyo/s400/Mars+Bluff+kiosk.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Commander Admits Crew Error Possible" and "It Was a Bad Day in Mars Bluff"</span></td></tr>
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<br />Lienehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07479489443374383602noreply@blogger.com04764 Lucius Cir, Florence, SC 29506, USA34.20108659834127 -79.65712891562193934.200265598341268 -79.65838941562194 34.201907598341272 -79.655868415621939