December 2011

Chattooga River

Sorry can't remember name of falls!

Chattooga River

         

          December has been a slow month, but a good month. Seems as if we've gotten a lot of rain and gray skies, something that we really needed. The lake levels are coming back up to full pond and the creeks and streams are flowing at a steady clip. We were out at the Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve a couple of days ago and the small stream which flows by the trail was full. It talks when there is enough water to loosen up her vocal cords.Well, really sounds like a happy baby being bathed in the kitchen sink with all the gurgling and splashing going on. The sun was shining and an easy breeze was coasting around the naked trees. We could see through the woods, saw several rock formations that we hadn't seen before. The hills aren't quite Mts. yet, but still a good muscle stretching hike.  The first part of the month we went to the Chattooga river during a steady rain and I was once again impressed with the power fast moving water generates. Gracie would step into the water  [ she is a yellow lab-therefore she will get in any and all nearby water  ] I would say " You better get out of there, I'm not coming in after you!" She just looked at me and kept on swimming. She never was swept away!
           These pictures were taken in April when the river was not as wild. I know it will be hard to believe,but I forgot to take my camera with me. Used my cell phone to take pictures, but could not download them to my computer. Even took some video, but could not download it either. I have- new camera, new computer, and maybe even some training on how to be more electronically savvy on my list for this year of 2012. None of that will do me any good if I don't take a camera with me.

          Hope to get out more this year! "Hiking is good for the soul"  I said that, it really is true. If all you can do is walk around your neighborhood- then do that! It will be good for what ails ya!

          In the woods or on the water,

          Turtle

A Good Camping Trip 11. 23-27. 2011

Morning Fog

Sunrise Lake Murray

Sunset Lake Murray

          
          A good weekend! It is always nice to get away from the normal routine of life and do something different. Camping with my wife, two big dogs, my niece, her husband and their three kids is definitely different! The camping Gracie and I do requires a very small amount of gear [stuff] whereas two families require one big pickup truck load of stuff, a small pickup truck load of stuff and a SUV packed full of stuff. Two big tents and a huge woppin' big tent! Two canopies stringed with lights and two picnic tables; one to cook on and one to eat on. Half a truck load of fire wood and three wienie/marshmallow roasting telescoping store bought cushioned handled things, which replace thin knife sharpen poke your eye out roastin' sticks!! Two Coleman- two burner cooking stoves, a big Coleman one burner cooking stove, an electric skillet, an  electric coffee pot, and an assortment of pots and pans with which to cook One charcoal grill- portable -which grilled chicken, hotdogs, hamburgers, and even steaks! Even saw a toaster! And, yes, we ate very well thank you! Nothing like the freeze dried foods I would normally eat. Coolers of all sizes and colors full of good grub, milk, pop and sweet tea. Three excellent cooks and seven satisfied tummies and two beggin' dawgs!


          One motor boat, one paddle!  One canoe, two paddles! Motor boat used for fishin' and stressin', canoe used for meditation and relaxin'.  Motor boat would not start, floatin' in middle of lake--paddle with one paddle, blow whistle, wave hat, two kind men towed us to boat ramp! Canoe paddled nice and smooth-listen to birds, have easy conversation and gently float back to shore and campsite. Day two, Gracie and I went out in canoe. Day three, great- nephew and I went out in canoe. Makes me his GREATEST uncle! Day four, niece and I went out in canoe. Beautiful weather all weekend for being on the lake. Motor boat not my thing!

          Dogs!  We have a Rottweiler, his name is Rocki. He has been neutered, therefore his name is Rocki instead of Rocky! Now you know!! He is not my outdoors companion, he likes to lay in the soft comfortable chair and watch TV. Not a big sports fan--his name is Rocki. He  is into Oprah and Judge Judy, those type shows. He, Gracie and I rode together to the State Park in my little truck. The seat is too small for all three of us. I drove, Gracie laid where she normally does and Rocki sat on top of her. When we arrived at the park Rocki threw up in my cup holder-. not pretty! That symbolized his feelings, not a happy camper!

ROCKI

            Gracie threw up in the tent that first night as we were readying for bed, she just ate too many table scraps. Nasty! As you can imagine she loved camping, something she is very experienced at doing. Every morning I would put the dogs in the truck and drive to an empty spot on the shore to let the dogs run and do dog stuff. Gracie loves water and would walk right in, Rocki always hesitated but would step in and drink before we returned to the camp site. One morning they played like puppies and yapped and ran in circles.

Rocki and Gracie

           In the evenings we would sit around the campfire and talk and share secrets of life. NOT!!!! Everyone had some kind of electronic device, instead of the glow of the fire reflecting off our faces we had the muted glare of  cell phones, nooks, and game gizmos reflecting off our glasses and glassy eyes, I even watched a football game on a cell phone one night. What is this world coming to!  The nights of staring dumbly and numbly into the campfire are over! Checking the time-five minutes later then it was last time you checked. Do I need to put more wood on the fire or let it burn out? Should we go to bed now or wait? lets see it's 7:30, we should wait. All of us had a battery charger of some kind and we plugged everything in at night. Now that I think about it,it really is kinda funny. Family camping-it is a good thing to do!         
           At night we looked at the stars and hunted for the big and little dippers. We saw the sky covered with the thousands of stars which surround us. Loons on the lake and a big ole stork roosting on a tree, fish jumped from the water and turtles swam- heads held high waking the water. Red sun rises and golden sun sets.Cold wind and warm breezes. Calm lake and wind blown waters. Morning coffee with french toast, grilled steaks with home made fries and cold Dr. Pepper.
          

Crane/Stork

Loons

         
          On the lake or on the land,

          Turtle


         

Peanut Butter Sandwiches

          Sometimes before we go hiking, I will eat a PBS as my breakfast and protein source to give me the get up and go I need to get up and go! Not all the time, just some of the time. Do not eat a biscuit from any fast food restaurant, it will sit on your stomach and talk all about the discomfort it is causing you as you sweat and hurt two miles into the hike. The one and only time I did eat a nice greasy steak biscuit and the yummy hash rounds, I washed them down with a Dr. Pepper and a satisfying burp! Two miles latter I ended up on my hands and knees with my head under a rhododendron  bush back washing the biscuit, the steak, and each golden brown hash round. Dr. Pepper didn't come out through my nose, but still burned as it flowed the wrong way in a one way pipe. Gracie, concerned about my welfare stuck her nose- bulls eye in my backside! Preoccupied as I was, that was totally unexpected and rather shocking. Gurgling through the half digested steak biscuit, rounds and Dr.P- I  screeched like an old mother hen collecting her brood when danger is near! Falling forward, my head and hat hit the trunk of the bush and fell off- no, not my head! Slowly toppling over to my right gave Gracie enough room to squeeze next to me and eat the  remains of one steak biscuit, several hash rounds, and burning stomach acid! I crawled out from under the bush, got to my feet, cleaned up and then had a good hike.

          Talking about PBS's at work, a co-worker said how he used two slices of bread and spread the peanut butter between them. I have never made a PBS that way, nor do I remember ever eating one made like that. We always used one slice of bread, spread peanut butter on half and folded the bread over. Only way to make one and for sure the only way to eat one! I remember my Mother standing at the head of the table making PBS one at a time and tossing them to her growing children. We were like baby birds in a snug nest, just our beaks sticking up waiting for food. You would eat PBS with canned fruit, maybe peaches in heavy syrup,or fruit cocktail, sometimes even canned pears. Today I love PBS and canned fruit. Drink a cold glass of milk and call it a meal!

          Now I just told how to eat a PBS when using store bought loaf bread, using Ma's homemade bread is a whole different production. Ma was a stay at home Mom when she wasn't driving one of us kids someplace, which was often! She baked a mean loaf of bread. [ that sentence can stand alone-no one will dare refute it ]  She also passed her baking skills on to her daughters and grand-daughters; they are good, but not as good as Ma. I would never tell them that, they may not give me any bread! I better not forget the daughter-in laws, my wife included, they also are excellent bread bakers. Ma has been gone six years now and her baking skills will continue to be talked about and followed for many generations to come. Just one of her many virtues!  Another thing I will always remember is listening to her try to tell a funny story, we would all be laughing so hard we would cry, because she was laughing so hard she couldn't even begin to start the story. She would say one or two words and laugh and the rest of us would just roll out of our chairs with  tears streaming down our cheeks. Don't get her together with her siblings and relatives and friends of her generation, what a mess of old people laughing and crying with us younger generation not having a clue what they were talking about, just laughing and crying right along with them.--- Think Morley Reunion---We've heard some stories more than a dozen times and hoot and carry on like they've never been told.  Many good times around the big dining room table in Honea Path; laughing, story telling and enjoying the company of family. Ma loved her family. The eight children, their spouses, and all the grand- children and great-grand- children. She even loved the old man she was married to for over fifty years. Now that is a long time!

          Back to PBS!  You take a loaf of home made bread and let it cool. After it cools you get a bread knife and cut a slice about 3/4 of an inch thick. Add Peter Pan smooth peanut butter by digging as much peanut butter out of the jar as you can with a normal size table knife. Spread this thickly all over the slice, use two knife fulls if necessary to get the 1/2 in. thickness required. Now squeeze Sue Bee honey all over the peanut butter and take knife and combine the two together so it doesn't drip off of the bread. Get a glass of milk ready and keep the milk jug near by, you will need another glass sooner. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!
One slice is never enough, two is good, but three slices will always hit the spot. Repeat the next day and savor the experience, you won't be allowed to do it again for a month or more.

Memory's are sweet,
God is Good!

 Turtle



                

Wandering in the woods.

          What a beautiful fall day in the Upstate of SC!  I did not want to waste it by staying at home being constructive and doing something worthwhile I had to get out of the house and get in the woods. Drove up to the top of Sassafras Mt. to take some pretty fall color pictures, but it was hazy and I could not get a true picture of the mountains. I'd seen the top of an old building several times on my way down the mountain;so we, Gracie and I decided to stop and see what was under that roof. Parked beside the road and walked down an old leaf covered road to this blue barn with boards missing from its side. Barn was made out of 2x4's so it wasn't that old, but still kinda neat.

Old faded blue barn.

          A few yards away was an old chimney with the foundation pillars of the house  covered with vines.We could see where a spring and holding tank had once been, nice homestead at on time.

Spring

Old stone chimney.

          Gracie and I walked back to the truck and passed a small flock of turkeys while driving on down the mountain.We came to another road with a red gate across it, but a green road sign naming the road Abner Creek Road, so we got the hiking shoes on, put on the day pack,grabbed the trekking poles and started walking down the road. A very nice hike on a very nice day to be in the woods.As we walked deeper into the woods this silo looking think caught our attention. What is it? If you have any idea please let me know. It is located on Wildlife Game Management Land.                                                                      

Secret Government Spy thingamojig?????

           A triangle hole, about 4 in. thick walls and hollow. No door into the thing!!  Scary!  We kept hiking and had a great hike. Never made it to the end of the road, try again another day.

          By the time we got home it was time to get cleaned up and go meet my wife for our dinner date. Had a super supper meal at Longhorn Steak House and always have fun being with my wife!

          In the woods or on the water,

          Turtle

October

          Well the month of October is done! It was a good month to be alive and see Fall consume this part of the country. Did not do an awful lot of fun things this month was preoccupied with other unimportant issues. Was able to do a little hiking, three times in the woods for short day hikes. Did not put the canoe on the water, left it under the deck all month. Have been walking 4-5 miles a day to keep myself limbered up. Work is steady and God is good! Did a little yard work this week and Bam!! that sums up my month.

          One lazy-
         
          Turtle

Beastly Bruin by gracie [ biker beaver part 2 ]

        He had on a pair of knee high lumberjack boots only half tied, the red strip around the top of his gray wool socks was faded to a pale pink. His double kneed pants were stained and darkened with dirt and pine sap.  Both pant legs were cut up to the knees and I could see the black hair curling over the tops of his boots. His belly looked hard behind the belt buckle shaped like a McCullough chainsaw. The wife beater t-shirt had
holes burned in it from the ash of the cigar wedged between his rounded and worn teeth. His unbuttoned yellow and black flannel shirt was half a size too small, both torn sleeves hanging loose around his massive wrists had the stain of blood, berries and booze discoloring the bright yellow. squares! His hat-I had seen that hat before-it was leather with a wide brim and a band made from the skin of a rattle snake. Yep, there's the eagle feather, just like the biker beavers. I could not look at his eyes staring at me over his long black nose;dripping snot, flaring in and out sucking my scent out of the air. I was chilled to the bone, yet mesmerized by fear of this new critter standing on the shore of Lake Jocassee.

          The Turtle man was speaking softly, "I'm getting some good pictures of the bear. First time I've seen a bear in the wild like this. This is really neat!!

          Fear is clutching my heart and I'm having trouble breathing. I don't want to, but the draw is unmistakable -I look into his eyes! Shining black coal, rimmed with blood red, surrounded by the dirty yellow of a long time smoker. The fire in his eye smoulders as his look burns into my soul and he says, "The beaver boys told me about you. You're yeller!" I try to make light of it and say, "I am a yellow lab, but I think of myself as blonde. Blonde and beautiful!" He raised to his full height and roared-the sound-like a flash flood in a narrow canyon, the trees bowed and the lake shook, water splashed into the canoe as we thundered  back and forth.

          "Gracie be still, you're going to scare the bear."                     
          "Wow! Where did all this wind come from? I can hardly keep the canoe still."
         
          I drop to the bottom of the canoe and stick my nose in the bow so he can't see me. Seventy pounds of quivering dog, squirming to get out of sight! The canoe is rocking and banging, I think I hear him say,"One day!-one day you will be ours!"  I don't know what I've done to the biker beavers or to this beastly bruin. I sure don't understand the Turtle man. Why? Why does he not see what I see? Why does he not hear what I hear?

BEAR-----Looks like a normal bear to me!

          Gracie    and     the Turtle

Canoe-Camp-Content 09-13-2011

          The day started slow, just could not get motivated to get going.  Only had a couple of errands to run and then could get ready to go on an one night camping trip. Finished my errands and stopped at the store to buy some hot dogs for my supper, got a few other food items and twenty dollars. [ I am always amazed that I can ask for money and the clerk just hands it over to me-Where does it come from?]  Finally loaded up the truck, loaded up Gracie, and pulled myself into the cab. Still not acting like a man who had been anticipating this trip for two weeks. Sometimes a body is just tired. As late as it was we stopped and ate a sub before heading to the lake. Put in at 1:00pm- Jocassee about 20 feet below full pond and lots of shore line showing, we made our first stop at 1:51pm 2.2miles from the boat ramp. Knowing that we had plenty of time to get to the camp site Gracie and I took a long break, playing in the water and soaking up the sun! Paddled with a steady stroke, making good time moving on the clear quiet water. We were slowly and quietly following the shore line heading toward  the bridge that crosses over the Toxaway River, this is just as you come out of the narrow part of the lake crossing the boarder into NC. Off to my right I see movement near the tree line and a big ole bear is wandering out of the woods and into the open space between the water and the woods! Well shut my mouth! Never have I seen a bear in the wild before. Slowly get the camera and start taking pictures. He never even looks my way.

                                                                            

        

Black Bear - Lake Jocassee

          The bear is gone and I am thrilled to have seen him, this is by far the highlight of this trip. We paddle on up toward the bridge where we hope to camp on top of this bluff over looking the lake. The closer we get to the bridge the harder to paddle, the Toxaway river is flowing fast because the lake is so low. Here is no lake just river. Can not get to the bluff so we just find a place anywhere and hope the Camping Police don't show up. [They don't ]  I get the camp set up and we wait for the full moon to rise. We traveled ten miles this afternoon and I'm sitting in the chair soaking in the wilderness, Gracie is sleeping near me.  There is a log that appears to be moving across the lake with a purpose and direction in life, I don't think logs are capable of that! I get my binoculars and walk to the shore line looking at this moving log which is not a log, but a mama bear and her two cubs! Does it really get any better than this????  I watch as they come on shore and walk a little ways before trailing off into the woods. I am so sorry that my camera, even with it's zoom lens was not able to get a picture. What is better than seeing one bear?  Seeing four bears!

Campsite from shore.

Lake view from tent.

          After dark we built a small fire and roasted a couple of hot dogs. It was fun to put a fire pit together in the sand, plenty of rocks for the circle and plenty of dead wood laying around for the teepee style fire. Used my big sheath knife to cut a stick to roast the dogs with--NOT Gracie-- and then used it to cut open the package of weenies. Only mention that because I always take the knife, but never really need it except to open food packs of some kind or the other. Normally eat freeze dried food, but to night was special.

On the Beach Vacation Week

          We had a great vacation in the city of Savannah GA, ate lots of food and saw all the city sights. AND went to the beach on Tybee Island!!!!  That was the coolest part, sitting on the beach and watching the waves crash onto the shore. A couple of days the wind blew hard and we didn't even open the umbrella, just soaked up the sun. The last day was just a picture perfect day [sorry we took no pictures]. Light breeze blowing and not to hot!

          View from the beach chair-through the squinted eyes of  a mountain man disguised as a tourist.

Hike to North Lake 8-11-2011

WHAT?

          I got out in the heat today and went to Paris Mtn. State Park for a short hike. I enjoyed myself so much I took a longer hike and went to North Lake. Hiked around it and then finished the Brissy Ridge trail. Almost got confused along the way. Can you understand why? 

          I've seen that signage several times,but today was the first time I stopped and looked at it!

           In the woods,  On the water.


           Turtle

Lake Hartwell Choestoea Access 8-16-2011

This was where the eagle was! 

          We paddled up lake toward the Walker Creek access, where we began this exploration of Lake Harwell, it was a wonderful morning.  The weather, not to hot, the sky blue and beautiful, even saw a bald eagle fly overhead. I followed the eagle across the lake where he had perched in a pine  tree. Knowing he would fly, I was ready with the camera in my hand, facing him!!!!  The breeze slowly turning the canoe, me slowing turning toward the eagle, he flew right over my head!! I was so startled almost dropped the camera, turned quick and pushed the button!  What a beautiful blue sky.  Oh well, they are beautiful birds with their white heads and white tails. I saw one on Lake Keowee a few years ago. He would not stop and chat either!

          We continued past Mullin's Ford Rec Area and up into Sugar Creek, turned around and made our way back to the ramp.Lots and lots of boat docks on this part of lake. The houses are built off the shore behind the trees. So, we saw very few houses but they all had docks floating in the lake.

          From Sugar Creek to Chauga River is the only section of this part of Lake Hartwell we have not paddled, includes a side trip up Rock Creek. We'll, have to finish it later this summer or early fall.

She wanted her picture taken!

Canoe at rest on Lake Hartwell

            On the water!

             Turtle                                                                              

Lake Tugalo August 4,2011

A Raft of Rafts

Sand Bar

          AWE-some is the only way to describe this lake nestled in the GA Mts. Gracie and I put in at noon and headed toward the Chattooga River, the plan was to paddle as far up river as we could and then turn around and float down river. That was the plan and that is what we did! We were not in a hurry, but then we never are, following the shore line as it followed the steep mountain terrain. Based on what we saw this is a wilderness lake with no houses. Reminded me of Lake Jocassee ,but much smaller.  The low water level  made for some long sand bars and a good place to sit and eat lunch. The Chattooga River is a rafting river. The rafters float out into the lake and are hooked together with each other and a small jon boat which has a motor. When all are connected the jon boat pushes, pulls and guides the raft of rafts to the boat ramp where all people are put in a big bus and all rafts are put on top of same big bus, bus then slowly drives up mountain and disappears. We watched five different groups do this.

Waterfall

                                                                                   

Rock Waterfall

                                                                                 

Water Slide

                                                                                  

Boat Ramp

                                                                                 

Power Plant

                                                                             

Chattooga River flowing into lake.

                                                                              
          Later

          Turtle

Top of Sassafras Mt.

Gracie

Lake Hartwell - Stephens County Rec Area

                                                Lake Hartwell    Tugaloo River

          This is the second landing on the lake as we go downstream on the Tugaloo River. Stephens County Rec Area is not real big, a few picnic   tables and one boat ramp. It cost three dollars to use the area.  This picture is looking north paddling up toward the Walker Creek access. Gracie and I had a hot day this day. No boats around to cause us any concern so we just paddled all over that part of the lake. As we paddled we  headed up stream and over lapped some of the lake that we had paddled last year. We finally came to a bridge and stopped and talked to a grandpa who was fishing with his two grand sons. He was retired and was spending the summer with the boys fishing. They had caught a mess of bream and were going too have a fish fry for supper. What a good lazy southern summer day! Stopped a couple of times to take a quick dip in the water as we headed back to the boat ramp.
          As we got closer to the ramp we could see people swimming in front of the ramp and just hanging out in the water. The thought came to mind---you might be a redneck if you go swimming at the lake and your beach is the boat ramp!!!!!!!!!!!
           Another one of my favorite questions- "Have you been canoeing?"  OK, I have just paddled to the boat ramp, you have had to move out of my way, there is no motor on the canoe, just me and the dog---AND YOU ASK Have you been canoeing?  Don't really know how to answer the question. Yes seems to obvious, but any other answer is bound to be too tart!
          Have a wonderful day. We are known, not by the bumps in our life, but how we react to them!


          On the water or in the woods.


          Turtle














      




         

Lake Hartwell - Walker Creek Access

          One of the most popular lakes in upstate of SC is Lake Hartwell, because of this I have always stayed off of the lake. Yes, I am a chicken! The speed boats, pontoons, jet skis, and all the crazies driving these different types of water craft have little or no respect for the humble canoe. But, one day a couple of years ago I bought  a map of Lake Hartwell and opened it up. Well, well, well, It is much different looking then what you see as you pass over it on I-85. In the spirit of Lewis and Clark, Gracie and Turtle have begun exploring the nooks and cranny's of Lake Hartwell. This is a big lake,will take more than a day to see all this lake has to offer.
          One day last year we drove all the way to GA and put in at the Walker Creek Access, according to my map this is the farthest north access point on the Tugaloo River. It is deep enough to back boat trailers into the water, even with the current flowing at a steady clip. The canoe was easy enough to put in and after loading it up and heading downstream it floated easy with the current. Wasn't long before we were on the flat water and no current, this is where I like to paddle. Just slow and easy, enjoying the shore line and looking for critters and stuff that may be laying around on the shore. The only thing of interest was a coyote standing and watching us float by, as we got closer to him he would walk ahead and stay away from us. Finally he just loped off into the woods leaving paw prints in the sand. We went under one bridge and paddled until we saw the railroad trestle and then the Hwy 123 bridge. The lake started getting wide and the boat traffic began to pick up so we turned around and headed back up stream. Very few houses on this part of the lake and the ones we saw were older homes and not in the hundreds of thousands of dollars range.
          Paddling back to the boat landing became a challenge when we encountered the water flowing with reckless abandon toward the lake. Side note-easier to go with the flow than against it!  When we got to the landing I just kept paddling up stream to see how far we could go, current so strong we did not even get out of sight of landing. Floated back to landing, took canoe out, and loaded truck. A car was parked in the lot with two older ladies watching what I was doing, Being the nice guy that I am I say "Hi", they respond with a similar greeting and then ask one of my favorite boat ramp questions--Are you ready for the question? And the question is-------Is that your dog?-------They have just watched the dog, Gracie, get out of the canoe, walk to the truck and wait for me to open the door. When I open the door she slowly puts her front paws on the seat and looks back at me, saying "Will you lift me up, I'm rather tired! it's rough laying around in a canoe all day." I help her into the truck, she walks to the far seat and lays down absolutely spent.  I have yet to come up with a good answer, all I can say is "Yes, that's my friend Gracie."  Oh well!
          It's been a good summer, I'm way behind on the up dates of my out doors life. Easier to do than to sit down and write. Have been to Hartwell two times, Jocassee two times, and taken one short  hike with out sharing with the World Wide Web. Will try to catch up and do better.

          Water or Woods

          Turtle

June 21,2011

          What have we been doin'? We have been on the water having a great time! I will have to refer to my little black book to refresh my memory on the places I've been this pass month. My little black is not like the one that comes to mind when you hear that phrase, mine tells- where I've been, who I've been with, and what we've been doin'!  Pretty close to the same thing only no phone numbers. Oh well, depends on how you look at it! Would much rather spend a day in the wild than a minute on the wild side!
          Today is 06/21/2011 the first day of summer, supposed be 98 degrees hot this afternoon, to hot for me. If and when I finish this I may take a quick hike and soak my feet in a cool creek, sit on the bank and say "sure is hot". Now that is what I call livin'!   Was at Lake Jocassee the other day, put in at 6:30am and paddled till 12:30pm. The lake was perfect-no waves, but a light wind and blue sky. Went to the far side and stopped for a swim in just the most perfect cove, the water was kinda' cold and really woke me up.Headed west following the shore, no boats out and about, just Gracie and I and the birds singing.  Chewie-Chewie-Chewie, don't know what kind of bird this is,or even her name but I hear her at the house, in the woods, and on the lake. One happy bird, always singing! If you know what kind leave me a comment.
          Moved on to the special hidden cove I found years ago and looked to see if  the turtle was hanging out- have not seen him this year- maybe he has crawled to the big turtle nest on the heavenly Lake in the great bye and bye.  There has been enough rain to keep the lake full and the small water fall continues to feed the lake here in the small cove. The water runs through green moss and trickles off the rocks leaving behind a dark stain, there is a ray of sunshine filtering its way down past the trees and landing on the sand between the water and forest floor, the water is clear and on a good day small fish dart and cruise under the canoe. We, Gracie and I sit still and listen and hear and soak in the richness of  God's creation.
          Kept going west, continuing to follow the shore line.  Our time was up,so we turned headed east back to the boat ramp. Nonstop to the ramp, directly across the lake, just over an hour of steady stroking. The wind picked up and made for a cooler paddle back to the truck. As we got to within one hundred yards of the ramp the wind stopped and the temp increased about 20 degrees, or so it seemed. Perfect timing!
       

          The second opportunity this month was spent on the other side of Double Springs Mtn.--- My bad!! Every time I say that I cross the lake, I am paddling from the second remote boat ramp to Double Springs Mtn. It is between a mile and a quarter / a mile and a half, depending on how straight you go and where you land. The first trip this month we went to DSMtn and paddled to the left or west, this trip we are paddling to the right or east and following the shore which goes around to the west and then in a north/westerly direction. [ That makes my head hurt-and I know of what I'm talking] Once again we stayed with the shore line and slowly made our way enjoying the green forest, clear water and blue sky. We come to another cove, bigger by far then the previous one, but oh so pretty. There is a song that says," There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart  of God" This cove is that place! We have a lunch with us, a camp chair, and all day! The far end of the cove has a creek flowing into it. You can hear the water rustle as it joins the lake, trees shield it from the heat and grasses protect as it slips into the muddy bottom of the cove. Mountain creek cold and pure diamond clear.  - Makes a man want to strip bare butt naked and do the Whoeethiswateriscolddance!  [ I would never do anything like that ]-
          We had finished lunch when we heard the thunder, loud and close, we just sat still under the trees and watched as the lightening flashed and a hard rain fell. Big plops as it hit the lake, in just a very few minutes the water was dripping through the trees and we got soaked. Two hours later it was over, as we left the cove we passed two wood duck nesting boxes, have not see any ducks nesting this year. Made our way back to the ramp and headed home.


The third trip to Jocassee was in a motor boat!!!! Have never done that before, been to the lake for the past 12 years and first time not in a canoe. A totally different experience! Will write about it later.


        In the woods or on the water,
       
        Turtle

Beaver Dam 5-24-2011

          Gracie and I were able to get in the big red canoe and go for a nice paddle today. We were on Lake Keowee, a part of the lake that we had not paddled before. After leaving behind the houses and developed shore line the lake was just woodland with small clearings and creeks flowing into the lake. A real nice place to canoe and enjoy God's handiwork! We followed the shore line and stayed within twenty feet of land, because of this we discovered a real live beaver dam!-- How cool is that??-- About two feet high and three different sections with marsh land between each section.

,

          We didn't see any beavers,they are active from dusk to dawn, it was the middle of the day and hot!  . Going back to the dam will be a good trip for a moonlit night. We had a fun experience and needed too share it with all ya'll before it got stale.

          Water or woods,

           Turtle and Gracie

Biker Beavers! by gracie

          I pretty much just wander along behind or run out in front, but always stay with in eye shot of the Turtle man.  He needs care, and I enjoy hanging out with him. When we're in the canoe, I watch him do all the paddling as I bask in the warm sun. My life is easy! Walk in the woods, ride on the water, sleep in the truck, and even stay in an air conditioned house. It's called a dog's life, and I love living it! I've heard it said,"It don't get no better than this!"

          Why, just the other day we were paddling along the shore of Lake Keowee, a nice lake there at the Keowee Town Landing. I was all laid out in the bottom of the big red canoe, had my cool shades on and a cold Pepsi between my paws. Turtle was doing the stealth paddle seeing just how quiet he could be, I'm half asleep looking for animal figures in the clouds{don't try to chase a cat cloud, you will look pretty stupid-Been There/ Done That} So here we are floating real quiet like, me half asleep, Turtle thinking really really hard about what he is doing-when I hear a rustle.  Faint and slow. Silent and cautious. Earthy and moving. Big and bold! I must see and experience this rustle,it is all consuming!  Ever so carefully I roll over on my belly, put on my WWJD ball cap, adjust the shades and peek over the gunnel to see and hear this rustle. Nothing to see, but I still can hear. Turtle has quit paddling and we come to a smooth stop on a glassy lake waiting to see the Rustle!  The bank has a rise to it, not to fast, gentle like with tall grasses and some brush.covering the ground all the way to the tree line. I wouldn't have a picnic here or even lay around and chew a bone, my guess is bugs and ticks live there, not for me. Voices, gruff harsh voices! Voices, use to being loud and crass coming from deep down barrel chests covered with hair and dirt and twigs and body oil and odor! The sound of voices, louder then the Rustle! One, two, now three black pointy noses protrude through the grass and out into the dusk light. Oh! yeah! I remember these things. Late one night, when the moon was high and the water was dark--SMACK--scared me right out of my skin, these things with their big flat tails and coal black eyes. Tough guy image and long yellow teeth, chew trees and make them scream timber before they crash to the hard unforgiving ground! I remember I was scared! had never seen or heard of these creatures before. Now they are back and dog nose to beaver noses we stare. "Yo" I say in a high girly giggle. No response. I see before me three hard cases. Two of them have on black leather vests with LOG DAM stamped on the back, the third vest is trimmed in pink and says DEN MOTHER over the left breast, the back also has LOG DAM stamped on it. At first I thought I was looking at Larry, Moe and Curly, but no way! This here is Buck, Bo and Mother. The three baddest beavers to swim the clear waters of the Keowee. Turtle is just sitting in the canoe whispering "I wish I had the camera." I'm wantin' to get moving and get away, but Turtle still just sits and stares. Don't dare jump into the water and swim, I may be a yellow Lab, but can't out swim a gang of  biker beavers. Did I tell about their hats? all three have on a leather hat with the full floppy brim, a band of rattle snake skin is holding an eagle feather, dark and stained from the smoke of the late night campfire. A unfiltered Camel cigaret is protruding from the vest pocket of Mother, Bo is chewing a cigar, and Buck is cleaning his yellow tooth with a pine stick. Buck says,"Yellar hair is purdy." Bo replies,"Real purdy." I, Gracie am having a fit and start moving to the back were Turtle is sitting and saying in a low quiet mood," They are so nice to see in the full moonlight" "Wish I had the camera! I'd get a picture of those three cute beavers."-- Is he seeing the same thing, or hearing the same things I'm seeing and hearing?-- Mother steps in front of Bo and I read the tattoo  inked in the middle of her wide tail, "EAT MORE WOOD" Not sure if I should be scared or not, it's surrounded by an oak stump with a sapling growing out of the top. Bo, not to be out done, flips his paddle up and a heart with BO LOVES WATER is skillfully tattooed and centered for all to see. Now Buck is different, his tat is on the underside of the tail and it simply states-GONE!!

          That's it- they slide into the water, smack their tails and swim under the canoe. We watch them come up on the other side and swim to the far bank. Three fat glossy beavers waddle onto the shore and disappear into the woods. I must have been having a bad dream! They look and act like beavers in the water. Oh! well' I'll never forget Buck, Bo, and Mother. May they live in our hearts forever.

          On the water or in the woods,

          Gracie and Turtle

Hiking!! Sometimes you just gotta do it! April 22,2011

          It was dreary!  I staggered to the window and looked for Mr. Sunshine, he wasn't there. The liquid drops of sunshine bounced on the deck doing the bounce and splat dance, I'd never heard that tune before, it was a little soggy! That is OK- this isn't a scheduled Take a Hike Day, it is a  scheduled Take a Break Day. Monday -Thursday were the do it or die days, and I did it! Very proud of myself, for being disciplined enough to get out of bed four days in a row and go hiking. Have been working the afternoon/night shift, commonly called the second shift, getting home at 12:30am. Real easy to sleep late in the  morning until time to get ready to go to work again.Don't like this shift, but only work it one week out of four, not to bad! When you work for someone else you just have to take the good with the bad and move on.

          Paris Mountain State Park, the go to place when there's not time to drive to the mountains. A nice park close to Greenville SC. Lots of trails for both the experienced hiker and the inexperienced hiker. Open to mountain bikers Sunday-Friday on most of the trails. I hiked the Brissy Ridge Trail on Monday,Tuesday, and Wednesday. This trail gives a good work out and takes an hour or hour and a half. On Thursday I hiked to the North Lake. A very beautiful 15 acre lake just sitting there on the mountain. It was a two hour hike there and back.

          No, nothing fun happened, nothing bad happened, nothing exciting happened, just a good four mornings of hiking.

          On land or lake,

          Turtle 

           

"Soak in the nature Day" Paddle to Corbin Creek 4-14-2011

          The big water had a breeze blowing across the entire body of water causing a rippling effect which was mesmerizing. We stood at the boat ramp enjoying the slight breeze and warm sun, waves from a passing bass boat rocked the canoe. Gracie jumped into the canoe and I seated myself on the paddler cushion, a nod to the men standing on shore and  we were off. The plan for the day was to cross the lake and check out a small hidden cove which houses a big turtle. Lake Jocassee is about five feet low which is perfect for canoeing, many small sand bars are exposed which allows for stops and stretching. We are also able to slip into the entrance of this tree covered and water logged log jammed cove. There is a water fall on one side and a huge rock jutting   out over the other side. A nice place to hide and eat a simple lunch. We have a hard time surprising the turtle, he is usually slipping into the water about the time we spot him. Because of the wind we change plans.

          The wind factor has us paddling directly toward Corbin Creek, which is fine. This allows us to stay on the left side of the lake heading in a westerly direction. We just go at a turtle pace and soak up the sunshine enjoying it's warmth. We are tracking the mileage with a GPS and see it's about three miles to the mouth of the creek. Am not sure how far up the creek we go, but we stop when we come to a rock ledge and can't go any further.  On the way back down the creek a stiff wind is blowing toward us trying to put us in the trees, no real problem until I see a duck swimming and decide to take a picture of it. A swimming duck, a wind blown canoe, and a inexperienced photographer! We spent fifteen minutes trying to get close enough to take THE PICTURE! It didn't happen! The duck flew away, the canoe tipped over-not really-and photographer got wet-not really! It was fun, but the duck just would not be still.
 
           Stayed close to shore as we paddled back to the truck. Listened for water falls hidden behind the rhododendrons. Saw new growth--- bright green and glistening in the bright sunshine.  Pollen is floating on the water and even a pollen ring stains  the rocks. We find five small water falls flowing into the lake, some are easy to see a couple are hidden behind leaves. This paddle has turned into a "soak in the nature day" as we meander along the shore.

          A good afternoon; paddled nine miles, saw one independent duck, and arrived back home safely.

Later, from land or lake!

          Turtle

New Stuff

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Turtle

Fourteen Mile Hike 3-17-2011

The Enoree Passage of the Palmetto Trail. Section 1-Franklin Rd Trailhead to Brickhouse Rec. Area.

Not hiking in the Mountains of the Upstate of SC was a new experience for Gracie and I, we survived but just barely. We also had a third party with us, and that also changed the hiking experience-maybe for the good or not- I'm not real sure. Some where along the trail we lost our focus and spent more time talking and less time moving toward the goal, breaks became too often and too long. I enjoyed Marks company, we just had to push it to get to the end of the trail before dark. I joke about barely surviving, it was nice not having to climb any mountains and not having to hike down the steep trails, we could see through the trees and walk at a steady pace. Saw some deer and turkey, also  saw a black snake. There were a lot of ticks in the woods and they found there way onto Gracie. Every break we would find the little buggers crawling on her fur, when we got home we found more ticks crawling on the floor. Wife NOT happy!!!!!!!! Oh well! What's a blood sucking tick between friends?

The trail was nice, part of it was on Forest Service Roads, some even on paved two lane roads, old logging roads and of course the normal type single file trail one would expect to find going through the woods. Nice bridges where needed and culverts at the smaller creeks. Would not do this hike in the summer, would be just too hot and muggy and buggy! Section 2 and section 3 add another 21.8 miles to the 14 miles in section 1 for a total of 35.8 miles.

Maybe we, Gracie and I will be able to finish the Enoree Passage this winter. Should be a nice two day hike with a good camp out that one night. Always gotta have a plan and some thing to look forward to.

New knees are now six months old as of March 21. Had a Drs. appointment and he said they look good by way of the ole x-ray machine. This is good but they still don't look very sexy, just a little bit of swelling still around the knee and a scar running down the middle. To be honest "don't look very sexy" will pretty much describe all of me, not just the knees!         

Later,

Turtle

Good Grief Gracie

  I was able to take some days off from work and do pretty much as I pleased this pass week, not something I have a chance to do very often. It has been a good week, starting last Wed. the 16th. Passed the physical fitness test for work and can now do all the tasks required of me. Turned 56 years old on the 18th and the next day drove with my father to the Laurel Valley Trail Access, there we left my truck. On the return home I drove him to the top of Sassafras Mtn. A new overlook platform has been built with a short trail leading down to it. We walked to the overlook and saw a wonderful panoramic view of the mountain ranges. I am always honored when I am able to share this part of my life with him. I remember him working all the time and never just sitting around and relaxing or taking the day for a fun trip. [ Eight kids and one wife will keep a good man working! ] Sunday was spent going to church and visiting with friends after the evening service. Then Monday showed up, as it always does right after Sunday. My oldest brother had agreed to drive me to the Bad Creek Trail Access where I would begin the three day hike. Even though my brother and I live with in just a few short miles from each other, we seldom see each other. The trip from my house takes around an hour, which we were able to spend just talking and catching up on life. He even let Gracie sleep on the back seat of his nice truck. So far had been a good start to a short vacation.

Time check 8:13 am Feb. 21,2011!!!!    Begin the solo hike on the last remanding part of  the Foothills Trail. I have hiked all the other sections, but not this section around the northern part of Lake Jocassee. When I've been paddling this part of the lake I always say, " Some day I'm going to hike around the lake and see what these mountains are really like." Well now I know!   Rough and ready! A fifty pound pack on my back and my Gracie girl at my feet, off we go!

This day is a day of getting into the rhythm  of the hike. Learning how to walk with the extra weight, not leaning too far forward or too far backward. Moving the trekking poles and the new knees in sync with each other.      Do not want to fall upon the trail-for there I may bust my tail-to do that would be but to fail-then the hike would be to no avail!     OK, maybe no more poems; sometimes they just pop out.     I start; dressed for cool weather even tho the weather people say it will get into the 70's. After the first hour I stop and shed my fleece, remove my hat, unzip the lower half of my pants and take off my second shirt. It will be a hot day for a man to take a hike. In just a short time I meet another hiker headed the other way, we stop and talk a few minutes, he has hiked 19 miles the day before. My goal is 10-12 on a good day! We resume our hikes and go in opposite directions, in hindsight I may should have turned around and gone with him. Why? because the trail was steep, steep going up and steep going down.  As we all know, "what goes up must come down." Almost got stressed out the first day, it was hot and it was steep, drank lots of water and ate my snacks several times during the day, but never really had a good feeling about day. Stopped at 5:30 and set up camp, fixed the freeze dried meal I had, fed Gracie but she did not eat her dog food.She never does when we're on the trail, she just tries to push leaves and dirt over it. I tell her that we are not going to be passing this way again, eat it! Never listens to me!  We were in the tent and headed to sleep by 7, had put the rain fly on in case of rain. we may have had a little shower during the night, but not much, nothing was wet in the morning.

Day two started at 6:30 as we watched and listened to the woods wake up. It is always a treat to be able to be still and hear the world come alive. I'm not sure if I can describe all the small sounds that make up the new day.      I hear the sun begin to shine- I hear the beetle on the vine- I hear the bird in the twine- And God's grace is sublime.     I see the darkness sneak away- I see the mist leave for the day-  I see colors replace the gray- And God's grace is the way.   I feel a good day begin to dawn- I know the miles will be long- I sing within my heart a  song- In the grace of God I belong!       We did not see another person this day, but we saw Lake Jocassee and hike along her shore for a ways. The lake is about 15 feet low so lots of white shore line is showing. The Toxaway river flows into the lake here and a long bridge crosses the river as it flows into the lake. A cool place to be. When you leave the lake the trail goes up and over the mountain, no if, and's, or but's! Rugged hike! We camp on top of the mountain the second night and do not put the rain fly on. All night I am able to see the clear sky, half moon and plenty of stars, just plain pretty.

Day three arrives and we break camp ready to hike to the truck and drive on home. This day is not near so rough on a old man's body. I must mention that my knees have not bothered me at all during this hike, the rest of my body got tired and stiff and sore, but my knees have done real well. This hike goes fairly fast and is much easier to pick up some speed. Stopped and talked to two men doing trail maintenance, thanked them for keeping the trail in such good shape. We got to the truck at about 2:45 Wed.

Have now hiked every foot of the Foothills Trail, it is still my favorite place to hike and Lake Jocassee is my favorite place to paddle. Am very thankful for the health God gives me and allows me to do these out door adventures. I'll see you on the trail or on the water, take care.

God is Good!

Turtle

Full Moon

It may have, but I don't recall it happening.  But then I do forget some things and other things I just have never remembered in the first place! That's not old age, that's just the way it is! The full moon is what I am talking about. Most people who have a real love for the out of doors seem to also have a real interest in the moon. We watch it's waxing and it's waning knowing that the old man in the moon is watching our feeble attempts to enjoy his midnight light. The specialness of the full moon tonight is that it is on my birthday.

Doesn't look like it will be a clear sky, some clouds, no rain, kinda of a iffy night to go see the moon in all  of his glory. One of the few things I remember as a child living on the farm, is looking out the bedroom window down across the snow covered pasture and hay fields. Seeing the fields blazing with the full moon light! The windows would have frost on them and I would scratch a peek hole to see through. Always wore PJ's with feet and as I grew Ma would cut the feet off so my feet would stick out the bottoms. I don't remember if my two older brothers were still wearing footie PJ's at that time, but my younger brother and I were. We wore these all summer long and the knees and elbows would wear out. Looked like scarecrows by the summers end! Don't remember when we got new ones.

I may go to the lake tonight and I may not. The moon has special glow when he shines off of Lake Keowee. I have paddled more than once on that moonlit lake. Arrive at the lake about midnight and paddle until day break. Take a short break on a sand bar and eat a snack, drink some water, and just relax in the beauty of God's creation. One night Gracie and I were cruising along, when a beaver slapped the water with her tail, now Gracie had never heard that before and she got worried. Then I got worried, Gracie stood up in the bow and turned around, headed back toward me. She was walking on one side of the canoe and it was tipping in that direction. The water too cold, the night too quiet, and I too alone to want to go swimming. "Gracie, No, Stay there. It's OK!" She finally sat down and relaxed; then the other beaver slapped the water. This time she was cool with it. It's just a beaver, no big deal!  If I go tonight I will not canoe, haven't been canoeing since the surgery, will make the first canoe trip in the warm daylight.

As I look out the window I see a clear sky and a beautiful full moon hanging over Paris Mtn. It is easy to understand why people and animals act strange during this time. It has even been said that I act strange-full moon or not!

Have a nice out doors week planned for next week.  Will keep you posted.

Turtle