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