Last Thursday we took another trip to Table Rock State Park but this time we climbed Pinnacle Mountain.  This mountain is actually higher than Table Rock so it was a moderately difficult trail.  We followed the same trail to Table Rock Mountain until reaching the rest shelter and then we started on the the trail along the ridge of Table Rock to Pinnacle Mountain.  After reaching the summit we returned on the Foothills Trail back to the Nature Center.  We enjoyed the over look on Pinnacle Mountain because the weather was perfect.  The total hike was just over 9 miles and it was well worth the trip.

Last Thursday we took a trip to Dupont State Forest in North Carolina.  This area is not a good location for serious hiking because most of the trails are less than a couple of miles.  But there is lots to see.  So we combined enough trails to get in our normal  8 mile hike for the day.  We met a family that told us that we looked like real hikers and wanted to take our picture.  I told them my friends are real hikers but I could not be included in that category.We ate our lunch at Bridal Veil Falls and on the way back to the car saw High Falls.  That was worth the trip. 

Last Thursday we headed out on Route 178 to Rocky Bottom.  We turned on Van Clayton Memorial Hwy to the parking lot for Sassafras Mountain Trail Access.  We entered the trail following the white blazes to Pinnacle Mountain which is the highest mountain in SC at 3,560 feet.  Along the way the trail snaked around the ridge of Hickey Nut Mountain which provided some interesting camping spots.  One was the remains of an old house which was rumored that a moonshiner had lived there many years ago.  Now all that remains was the chimney.  After abofut 5 1/2 miles we reached Pinnacle Mountain.  Our purpose for this hike was to observe some petroglyphs.  After eating lunch we hiked back to the car.  Unfortunately, we were within 2 miles when the sky opened up and it rained cats and dogs.  Except for the weather at the end of the hike, it was a good 11 mile hike.

Yesterday we hiked the Foothills Trail from Bad Creek to Thompson River.  We parked at the Bad Creek Duke Energy parking lot and started on a spur of the Foothills trail for about 2 miles before actually hiking on the trail itself.  The Foothills trail to the river was well maintained and marked.  This was my first hike on this trail and really enjoyed it.  After returning in the afternoon we had hiked a little over 8 miles.  As soon as we reached the car, it started raining.  Fortunately, we beat the bad weather again.

Last Thursday the weather man accurately predicted showers all day.  We left Liberty, SC at 8:30am and headed for the Table Rock State Park.  After stopping at the office to obtain an annual pass for the park, we drove to the trail head.  It was already lightly raining but we were hoping that this was only temporary, but it wasn’t.

The trail head is beautiful with a stream and small water fall.  The path here is well paved and gave the impression that this climb will be a piece of cake.  However, the more you hike on the 3.6 mile trail, the more difficult it becomes.  By the time you reach the shelter for a break you know the rest of the climb is going to be very difficult.  You don’t just climb over rocks but at times rocks are part of the trail.  As an example, when you reach Governor’s Rock you are surprised to find that the trail extends over the rock itself.  This gave me some concern since the rock was so slippery from the rain.  But beyond Governor’s Rock the trail did level off to give us a break.  After we reached the summit, we ate our lunch but unfortunately did not have the expected view because of the fog. 

Going down the trail was much easier although there was some difficulty avoiding the many rocks that are part of the trail.  Also, there are sections that have steps but are difficult since many have a sharp drop after each step.  But after about 4 1/2 hours we completed our hike which was a respectable 7 miles for this week.

Yesterday we took a trip to Gorges State Park in North Carolina.  Most of the park is in construction so it was difficult to find a place to park.  In the past you could park on the road but this is no longer allowed.  After entering the park we continued on a newly paved road for a couple miles before we found an available parking lot.  We started hiking on the Rainbow Falls Trail which runs along side Horsepasture River.  This particular trail is wide and well maintained.  The distance to the falls is about 3 miles.  In addition, we viewed Turtle Back and Step Falls.  The total hike for the day was a little over 6 miles.  It was well worth the trip.

Last Thursday the weather called for warm temperatures in the mountains.  I decided to leave my sweat shirt home and just rely on a long sleeve t-shirt.  I would find out later that I should never anticipate the weather in the mountains to the point of leaving a layer of clothes home.  Always be prepared.

We headed out highway 178 from Liberty and then to highway 215 after crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway.  It took about one and half hours to make the trip.  We parked at Black Balsam Cove and started out on the Art Loeb Trail to Tennent Mountain.  I immediately realized that I needed that extra layer of clothes and maybe even gloves.  The wind was blowing so hard that I could not keep by cap on.  Another thing, I noticed was how close the clouds were.  It was as if you could reach out touch them.

There are various trails from Tennent Mountain to Shining Rock.  We opted for the rail road bed.  This was built early in the 20th century by a rail road company that was clear cutting timber on the mountain.  You can still see the evidence of the rails and the coal on the ground.  The path was nice and wide but it required a lot of navigation around creeks and water holes.  Eventually we reached Shining Rock which I can only describe as quartz rocks protruding out of the top of the mountain.  We stopped here and enjoyed the view while eating our lunch.  Since we had reached our goal for the hike, we started back down the mountain taking an alternate trail which proved to be some what strenuous.  The problem was that the trail has been washed out over the years and now it is more of a gully with a lot of rocks.  One of my fellow hikers did slip and fall but fortunately he was not hurt.

We arrived at the car late in the afternoon.  The hike was over 11 miles.  We all enjoyed the day and appreciated another successful hike.

Last Thursday the weather man called for clear skies with possible showers in the afternoon.  However, when we left Bob’s house for the trail it was raining and foggy.  I wondered if I should have sprung for hiking pants sooner since they would repel water much better than my jeans.  We picked up Bud and drove toward the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The weather seemed to get worse but at least I had a rain suit and water proof hiking boots that I had just purchased the week before.  (Actually, I used a gift card given to me by my son as a retirement gift to purchase the boots and socks.  I already had a hiking pole and now all I needed was the pants.)

It took us about an hour to reach the Beaverdam Gap Overlook parking lot on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Dr. Simmons from Asheville joined us for the hike.  Our goal today was to see an old laurel tree (some call an ivy tree) which would be about a 5 mile hike.  We started on the Mountain to Sea Coast Trail until we reached the old Ferin Fire Tower that had burned down in the sixties.  The story is that a bunch of hippies broke in and got carried away and caught it on fire.   It was never rebuilt.  There we left the Mountain to Sea Trail and headed toward the Bent Creek area and then to Billy Cove Knob.  The trail was very difficult for me but I did not complain since I was trying to keep up with two men who were 78 years old.  Dr. Simmons was 63 and he was working hard to keep up too.  Finally, we reached a spring deep in the woods and everyone took a drink and it turns out we needed it.  We left our packs at the spring and starting climbing straight up a mountain.  No path or trail, it was just a matter of pulling yourself up the mountain by the trees.  Finally, we reached the top and there was the laurel tree.  It definitely had seen its best days.  It was almost dead except for one branch with a few leaves.  It probably has been there for hundreds of years but it probably would not last many more years.  It was amazing because this laurel is usually only a bush but here was a tree.  It is a shame that something like this would not be around for years to come.

Since we had reached our goal for this hike, we retraced our steps along the trail.  By the time we reached the car we had hiked 10 miles.  We were all tired but felt great.  Besides seeing the laurel tree, we had seen evidence of deer and bear and was privileged to witness beautiful scenery.  It was a good hike.

Last Thursday we took a hike to Yellow Branch Falls on Stumphouse Mountain in Oconee County.  From the parking lot, it is a moderately difficult 4 mile hike to and from the falls.  I thought these falls were spectacular. We had a snack at the falls and then had lunch once we had returned to the parking lot.  In the afternoon, we took a short drive to inspect the Stumphouse Tunnel and later went to the Oconee Station.  Both of these can be viewed after a short walk from each parking lot.   

Last Thursday I took a hike to Ranbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park.  I was fortunate enough to join two seasoned hikers who are both 78 years old.  I was probably considered by them as a youngster.  They have been hiking every Thursday for the past 12 years so they are experienced in knowing how to choose a really spectacular destination for my first hike. 

The hike to the falls is 6 miles round trip from the state park.  Most of the literature describe it as strenuous, but I would describe it as really really hard, especially the last two miles which is straight up the mountain (by my standards).  However, the climb is worth it.  If you like falls, you will love these falls.  It certainly was worth the effort.

My wife bought me a bike for my birthday in January.  Hopefully, it will keep me thin and trim in my old age.  For the most part, I have been riding it to work when weather permits.  It is only about 3 miles but it certainly has given me some experience trying keep from getting hit by a car.  Fortunately, I have only had one close call. 

Last Sunday, I decided to really test my experience by riding from Greenville to Marietta which is about 20 miles.  Now that was an experience.  I did make it but it was hard.  Two hours of sitting on a hard seat about wore me out, not to mention I almost run out of gas pedaling up the hills.  When I arrived, I felt a little disoriented.  I could not walk or talk but I told everyone that  it was fun.  No one believed me.  Maybe I will do it again some time.

My son purchased a 100 year old house.  Needless to say, it requires a lot of work before he can move in.  He does have a lot of friends helping out including his old Dad (& Mom).  I spent all day Saturday removing wallpaper.  Up and down the latter with a steamer really wore me out.  When I got home I went straight to bed but could not sleep.  I got up at 4:00 am and watched Nova and Frontline which was very interesting.  I debated whether to make coffee or go back to bed.  I decided on the bed and was very thankful that I drifted off.  I am still sore from the work but at least I got a few hours of shut eye.

Last night I went to a birthday party for my granddaughter.  Of course there was the traditional ice cream and cake with three candles.  Betsie was the princess of the party and had a crown to prove it.

Many say we look alike.  I don’t know about that, but I do know that we both like to run, jump, dance, and sing.  We had a good time “showing out” for everyone. I felt like a three old again until I looked in the mirror walking out the door.

Happy Birthday Betsie.

~Papa Marc

Every Tuesday night we feed the homeless and less fortunate in Greenville.  Many of the people are on the street or have low paying jobs and look forward to a free hot meal served with love without any conditions.  Last night, this couple ate with us.  He has a job tanning animal hides.  I didn’t know anyone provided jobs in this field.  He told me that it was seasonal work.  Makes sense.

 

 

This guy is homeless.  Can you tell?  Is there a dentist in the house? 

There was another couple who claimed to be in the witness protection plan.  For obvious reasons I could not take their picture.

~Marc

All of this social networking makes me tired.  It all started with facebook which can be pretty easy, but at the same time, it can be very complicated after including many of the “add on” features.  I usually add a few features and then take them off.  It can be too much information.  I have reviewed some facebook accounts and could not even find the wall to write on because there is so much junk on it.  Facebook is free at www.facebook.com

Then there is twitter.  You post what you are doing or feeling for everyone to see.  Everyone wants to know what others are doing.  At least it is easy to understand and there is not a lot of maintenance.  I just started twitter, but I will probably become bored and do less and less twittering.  Twitter is free at www.twitter.com

Then there is plurk.  It is very much like twitter in that you post your thoughts for everyone to see.  It is a little more complicated and I admit I like twitter better.  But I probably have not used it enough to see the value over twitter.  Plurk is free at www.plurk.com

Then there is Jott.  This feature is not a social networking thing but it can help you in that process.  Jott allows anyone to convert a voice message to text.  This can be helpful if you want to update your twitter with a comment and you are on the road.  You call an 800 number and make your comment and automatically your twitter is updated.  Also, you can call in an email or a text message for another friend on their cell phone.  You can even send yourself a reminder in the form of an email.  Pretty cool.  I actually find this feature very helpful in my business. If you have a voice dial cell phone, like me, just program jott as one your contacts.  Just say “jott” and it will dial the long 800 number for you.  Jott will answer “who do you want to jott?” and you are off and running.  Jott is free at www.jott.com

Privacy seems to be going out the window.  People now want to know what others are doing and most are willing to tell them.  I can’t really understand this change in mind set but I seem to be accepting it.

 ~Marc