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
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