tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237161947424119652024-03-12T18:41:26.367-04:00Marks Photo Travels - now at marksphototravels.blogspot.com!Photographic explorations centered around Upstate South Carolina.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-48036092405873685742019-03-22T18:14:00.000-04:002019-03-27T22:32:46.675-04:00Blog has movedFor quite a while, I've wanted a change the website name to one that better describes the purpose of this blog: taking photos of waterfalls, old buildings, cemeteries, and anything else I find interesting in the Upstate of South Carolina, Western North Carolina, and surrounding areas. And now I've gone and done it!<br />
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This blog and all its posts have moved to <a href="https://marksphototravels.blogspot.com/">marksphototravels.blogspot.com</a>. All future updates will be posted there. But because so many sites have links posts to the old website name, <a href="https://markemark4.blogspot.com/">markemark4.blogspot.com</a>, I have left behind a stub page for each post with a link directing you to the post's new location. Please adjust your bookmarks accordingly!<br />
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Thank you, dear readers, and see you over at <a href="https://marksphototravels.blogspot.com/">marksphototravels.blogspot.com</a>! And apologies for any inconvenience!<br />
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<b>Update:</b> It helps if the redirect links actually work!
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Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-43153632718697948892019-03-19T17:38:00.000-04:002019-03-19T17:45:30.572-04:00Ramble around Rocky Bottom<div class="centered-photo-div">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E3kjFCm9QSY/XJEuX7YUkrI/AAAAAAAAZiI/ragYGZvS4y4D3VYhNybPK1o56hnOsLX_ACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01906.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E3kjFCm9QSY/XJEuX7YUkrI/AAAAAAAAZiI/ragYGZvS4y4D3VYhNybPK1o56hnOsLX_ACKgBGAs/s640/DSC01906.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
A few weeks ago, I <a href="http://0.0.7.227/02/a-hike-in-eastatoe-creek-heritage.html">went out to Rocky Bottom to visit the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve</a>. I had wanted to find a path down to the creek so I could explore and see if I could some waterfalls. I didn't find a path, even after I had been studying old aerial maps to find logging roads, and I wanted to try one more time.<br />
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Once again I parked in the Foothills Trail parking access area. I expected the parking access to empty like last time, but to my surprise it wasn't.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTvQ_xbZTV8/XJEvcmE_GLI/AAAAAAAAZiQ/_iv3FetTjQ8j_HI1NvdSRAb9PVpAT74vwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01757.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTvQ_xbZTV8/XJEvcmE_GLI/AAAAAAAAZiQ/_iv3FetTjQ8j_HI1NvdSRAb9PVpAT74vwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01757.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
I hiked down the road to where a satellite view showed what may have been some old logging roads, but I found nothing but forest. So I went back to my car and parked near the gate to the trailhead for the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve. These photos are from my most recent visit:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jEr7Wu0afsY/XJEwdHFLbfI/AAAAAAAAZiY/fxlImKdW4Dgw-5XFz9Pq8fUh-ajSnEb9gCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01351.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jEr7Wu0afsY/XJEwdHFLbfI/AAAAAAAAZiY/fxlImKdW4Dgw-5XFz9Pq8fUh-ajSnEb9gCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01351.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5IUgdwnZQAI/XJEwdHw0CaI/AAAAAAAAZiY/hLoHgJLc6KYwOgQjVS4941BrsM1jixOEQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01362.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5IUgdwnZQAI/XJEwdHw0CaI/AAAAAAAAZiY/hLoHgJLc6KYwOgQjVS4941BrsM1jixOEQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01362.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I found a spot where I thought an old logging road may have once branched off from the trail. If there was a logging road, it didn't go far. I did find an old rusting mattress box spring and some old cans of J<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT3S8YZfc-E">ohnson's Glo Coat</a> floor wax.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zymgp3h7MI0/XJEy1XrZoXI/AAAAAAAAZik/tKL6fTcR_zMpKniGXLOrVPDh0XQLziu7wCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01758.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zymgp3h7MI0/XJEy1XrZoXI/AAAAAAAAZik/tKL6fTcR_zMpKniGXLOrVPDh0XQLziu7wCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01758.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c9ACtcYkSms/XJEy1S34w3I/AAAAAAAAZik/CojpW7DzhokEaLbxOLHeEmPITyacR7pqgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01760.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c9ACtcYkSms/XJEy1S34w3I/AAAAAAAAZik/CojpW7DzhokEaLbxOLHeEmPITyacR7pqgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01760.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I decided to bushwack over to an old logging road located to my east near Laurel Valley Road. You can easily see this road <a href="https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=927&LayerID=18058&PageTypeID=1&PageID=8074">on a 1968 aerial</a> from the Pickens County GIS website:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGBcmiH-4cc/XJE2wLyyzLI/AAAAAAAAZiw/ZO77pTXisow8-O3JJ0s7SyyOT9CB0Z8EACLcBGAs/s1600/Annotation%2B2019-03-19%2B143619.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="311" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGBcmiH-4cc/XJE2wLyyzLI/AAAAAAAAZiw/ZO77pTXisow8-O3JJ0s7SyyOT9CB0Z8EACLcBGAs/s400/Annotation%2B2019-03-19%2B143619.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
From there I hoped to find a path down to Eastatoe Creek. I made my way down the overgrown old road without results, until I explored a path I hadn't seen the last time. I found this path (showing faintly below) curving down toward the creek on the 1968 aerial:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IcVCXNF7DAg/XJE3su85GKI/AAAAAAAAZi4/Fin2DVagT6EcoonuigWf0wcQttDOWZ9WACLcBGAs/s1600/Annotation%2B2019-03-19%2B143853.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="366" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IcVCXNF7DAg/XJE3su85GKI/AAAAAAAAZi4/Fin2DVagT6EcoonuigWf0wcQttDOWZ9WACLcBGAs/s320/Annotation%2B2019-03-19%2B143853.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
I had finally found a path that got me down to Eastatoe Creek. I waded into nearly waist high cold water to get some photos of this small waterfall:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDkfWjs8qxI/XJE4efG1NgI/AAAAAAAAZjA/hslHEV1PFXUYaEp6kRMLAaEWVwuRsf2gQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01812.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDkfWjs8qxI/XJE4efG1NgI/AAAAAAAAZjA/hslHEV1PFXUYaEp6kRMLAaEWVwuRsf2gQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01812.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLrEOEzggj0/XJE4eWLVkaI/AAAAAAAAZjA/cW6sYaeM41w3Zi4s9EuF-JywLKOL2AeUQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01827_stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="1600" height="166" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLrEOEzggj0/XJE4eWLVkaI/AAAAAAAAZjA/cW6sYaeM41w3Zi4s9EuF-JywLKOL2AeUQCKgBGAs/s640/DSC01827_stitch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I was tempted to continue across the water to the other side where I could more easily head downstream where I could see another waterfall. But the water was just too cold to stand any longer so I waded back out of the water and walked back to my car to visit my next target.<br />
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My next target was the site of old mill by Rocky Bottom Creek I <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/trek/fungi/SC/Sassafras_Falls_2-15.html" rel="nofollow">had heard about</a> from another adventurer. I also spotted the old mill on the 1968 aerial:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xDvSSiPXn4E/XJE7AW8zAmI/AAAAAAAAZjM/s8fXxBlMnbohsFpN9Rel1ong7cFSoJR3ACLcBGAs/s1600/Annotation%2B2019-03-19%2B144937.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="413" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xDvSSiPXn4E/XJE7AW8zAmI/AAAAAAAAZjM/s8fXxBlMnbohsFpN9Rel1ong7cFSoJR3ACLcBGAs/s200/Annotation%2B2019-03-19%2B144937.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
I parked over by a turnoff on U.S. 178. I walked off the side of the road, then down Spencers Alley. I stumbled across the ruins of a small house while investigating yet another old logging road:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4MgApZdxQA/XJE9SWxsoBI/AAAAAAAAZjY/ktN-N7Pvhn0wKcXLvoJlYS_YmMUd2Gc-QCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01857.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4MgApZdxQA/XJE9SWxsoBI/AAAAAAAAZjY/ktN-N7Pvhn0wKcXLvoJlYS_YmMUd2Gc-QCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01857.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U9hIiOtndfU/XJE9SSO6NlI/AAAAAAAAZjY/mTBg2lvTH_cfgFc8__HsNhrtEDYKeZewwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01856.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U9hIiOtndfU/XJE9SSO6NlI/AAAAAAAAZjY/mTBg2lvTH_cfgFc8__HsNhrtEDYKeZewwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01856.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I followed the path down to the creek and found the ruins of the old mill:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLCbzbzz7zU/XJE9oFIEHsI/AAAAAAAAZjg/YZYVqn_3QpsRaY8oQpMJMdZShJD25_WLACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01861.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLCbzbzz7zU/XJE9oFIEHsI/AAAAAAAAZjg/YZYVqn_3QpsRaY8oQpMJMdZShJD25_WLACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01861.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W3qYCa5HHLk/XJE9oClyWrI/AAAAAAAAZjg/T_Lni87iAMgHi_gNAgA9xkMNXJJ2_QXYgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01863.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W3qYCa5HHLk/XJE9oClyWrI/AAAAAAAAZjg/T_Lni87iAMgHi_gNAgA9xkMNXJJ2_QXYgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01863.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I also found the ruins of a dam that had partially failed long ago:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90mjUl2vxvM/XJE-2FAjMII/AAAAAAAAZjs/B_sNNkrk1Oct4F9jb9FOVGRuZLwKetiswCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01864.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90mjUl2vxvM/XJE-2FAjMII/AAAAAAAAZjs/B_sNNkrk1Oct4F9jb9FOVGRuZLwKetiswCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01864.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xufMC2wBBo4/XJE-2JI8JhI/AAAAAAAAZjs/QteNRuLzNnAqp5FVYDBEzGB0kl10qM1zQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01866.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xufMC2wBBo4/XJE-2JI8JhI/AAAAAAAAZjs/QteNRuLzNnAqp5FVYDBEzGB0kl10qM1zQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01866.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I could see a house up on top of a hill on the other side of the creek. I figured the property line was the creek around here so I didn't cross. A month or two ago I would have headed back to my car and gone home, but with the longer daylight I visited one more target that's been on my list a long time.<br />
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On top of a hill I found the Alexander-Dodson-Powell Cemetery. Most of the markers, by far, were uncarved flagstones like this one:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upV5y2lac5c/XJFA9Svpg7I/AAAAAAAAZj4/EvDxdrF4JKoCfqasBlRhEhDADPPyH8CdQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01876.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upV5y2lac5c/XJFA9Svpg7I/AAAAAAAAZj4/EvDxdrF4JKoCfqasBlRhEhDADPPyH8CdQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01876.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I found at a few members of the Dodson family, including this one:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBcinP34eIk/XJFBY_e50MI/AAAAAAAAZkA/mAycVJAy1lES_4CjCp7JV6hHF9qFOTb3ACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01875.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBcinP34eIk/XJFBY_e50MI/AAAAAAAAZkA/mAycVJAy1lES_4CjCp7JV6hHF9qFOTb3ACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01875.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
I also found some graves of the many children of <a href="https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/31088796/arsula-vicia-dodson">Arsula</a> (1892-1967) and <a href="https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/31088795/george-washington-dodson">George Washington Dodson</a> (1892-1974):<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpxrjnHrjl0/XJFCN2BrAlI/AAAAAAAAZkM/SxEPUa0EmvIcl6mJfxtOrMDCZQQCmUBgwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01885.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpxrjnHrjl0/XJFCN2BrAlI/AAAAAAAAZkM/SxEPUa0EmvIcl6mJfxtOrMDCZQQCmUBgwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01885.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mQOpllck4lU/XJFCNxJLr7I/AAAAAAAAZkM/91VSKw3C42gbtZ53Pm80hnOaNEowu7qcACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01886.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mQOpllck4lU/XJFCNxJLr7I/AAAAAAAAZkM/91VSKw3C42gbtZ53Pm80hnOaNEowu7qcACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01886.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtkTeJvZrmk/XJFCN4x9QsI/AAAAAAAAZkM/caCZLg2rwUwa2c-MWLwbvNiflY1rqhV8ACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01888.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtkTeJvZrmk/XJFCN4x9QsI/AAAAAAAAZkM/caCZLg2rwUwa2c-MWLwbvNiflY1rqhV8ACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01888.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
I found a few members of the Alexander family:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CuV2V3xZIYM/XJFCmyCO88I/AAAAAAAAZkU/tRaVmawGxNIoMNX8T1eIsXzonWCOmG6DACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01897.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CuV2V3xZIYM/XJFCmyCO88I/AAAAAAAAZkU/tRaVmawGxNIoMNX8T1eIsXzonWCOmG6DACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01897.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihiLO79Sacw/XJFCm8WgqUI/AAAAAAAAZkU/5ve8vY2NL7gc_-OXGHXHUL9HH67czsMSQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01898.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihiLO79Sacw/XJFCm8WgqUI/AAAAAAAAZkU/5ve8vY2NL7gc_-OXGHXHUL9HH67czsMSQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01898.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YiEl47Pqq78/XJFCm-b4BhI/AAAAAAAAZkU/M_1gKqMqg_4PNVpINg4nG2CNmUfek5QAwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01896.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YiEl47Pqq78/XJFCm-b4BhI/AAAAAAAAZkU/M_1gKqMqg_4PNVpINg4nG2CNmUfek5QAwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01896.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I also found one handwritten grave I couldn't read very well, but I discerned "Josy Powell" and 1868 for her birth and 1886 for her death:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PT87fRyO2b0/XJFC8cRVfNI/AAAAAAAAZkc/EqicO4tC5rcw6XXEpEeApgmN0KCEgzw4gCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01880.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PT87fRyO2b0/XJFC8cRVfNI/AAAAAAAAZkc/EqicO4tC5rcw6XXEpEeApgmN0KCEgzw4gCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01880.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I also found the grave of John S. Holcombe, the only Holcombe in this cemetery:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-16GZpQIAaHQ/XJFDnSC6GSI/AAAAAAAAZko/3KM-AaeBAGwI_Rg5_B1u9PmAugo4cgLfwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01892.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-16GZpQIAaHQ/XJFDnSC6GSI/AAAAAAAAZko/3KM-AaeBAGwI_Rg5_B1u9PmAugo4cgLfwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01892.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I spent a few minutes mapping out the borders of the cemetery, then I headed back to my car to head home. I spotted this long disused outhouse along the way:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Zb_d4nM3RI/XJFEAnHcgTI/AAAAAAAAZkw/CsMSg0mY3N0DqRRyYuUVtj70VaRTFA4SQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01906.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Zb_d4nM3RI/XJFEAnHcgTI/AAAAAAAAZkw/CsMSg0mY3N0DqRRyYuUVtj70VaRTFA4SQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01906.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Back at home, I spent some time seeing what I could find out about George Washington Dodson and Arsula Dodson. The 1920 census showed they were sharecroppers with three living children, but by the 1930 census they owned their own land with seven living children (two living from the 1920 census). By the 1940 census, George and Arsula had moved up to Eastatoe, Transylvania County, North Carolina and were sharecropping again and had six children at home (I'm really hoping some had married and moved out in those 10 years). Find A Grave shows their graves are in southern Transylvania County, North Carolina across the state line at <a href="https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/48099/middlefork-church-cemetery">Galloway Memorial Park</a>, also known as Middlefork Church Cemetery.<br />
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I made a map of my trip <a href="http://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/rocky-bottom-ramble-partial_305423">at my uMap site</a>, and I've uploaded my photos to the album <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/8NRYH9XBMiKv7xew6">Ramble Around Rocky Bottom - March 2019</a> at Google Photos.<br />
<br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-77345345252474294212019-03-04T14:39:00.000-05:002019-03-16T12:17:15.880-04:00At The Tall Pines And What We Found There<div class="centered-photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4T5oeFUljA/XHilUi5nQQI/AAAAAAAAZJw/2pwORddNITQJnLItDXCNx7pZcD6FNOOJACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01589.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4T5oeFUljA/XHilUi5nQQI/AAAAAAAAZJw/2pwORddNITQJnLItDXCNx7pZcD6FNOOJACKgBGAs/s640/DSC01589.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Recently, officials with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources <a href="https://www.wspa.com/news/scdnr-opens-more-space-to-hunt-fish-and-hike-in-greenville-county/1784254098">announced the opening</a> of a new Wildlife Management Area, the 1757 acre <a href="http://www.dnr.sc.gov/news/2019/feb/TallPinesWMAmap2019.pdf">Tall Pines Wildlife Management Area</a> located in northern Greenville County. The area is now open for hunting, fishing, and hiking. Part of new WMA runs along the South Saluda River, with one parking access <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/35%C2%B003'52.2%22N+82%C2%B034'07.7%22W/@35.0644871,-82.5693642,221m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8859b5ed504d69e1:0x577dec64c970c10a!2sMoody+Bridge+Rd,+South+Carolina!3b1!8m2!3d35.0526801!4d-82.5722478!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d35.064486!4d-82.5688171">off Moody Bridge Road</a> near Tall Pines Lake. The South Carolina DNR has produced <a href="http://www.dnr.sc.gov/news/2019/feb/TallPinesWMAmap2019.pdf">a helpful PDF map</a> of the WMA.<br /><br />While I was adding <a href="https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/9346048">the area to OpenStreetMap</a>, I could see some some lakes, disused agricultural fields, old logging roads that all looked interesting, but not a high priority to visit. That changed when I examined a topo map from 1961, and found an old church and a cemetery located in the new WMA.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IEPcoII-Rf8/XHi4lJ55mPI/AAAAAAAAZKQ/mZoYQcigOxQiAbm9TkxHp2K5oo4cB3IxgCLcBGAs/s1600/Annotation%2B2019-02-28%2B234232.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1071" height="168" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IEPcoII-Rf8/XHi4lJ55mPI/AAAAAAAAZKQ/mZoYQcigOxQiAbm9TkxHp2K5oo4cB3IxgCLcBGAs/s320/Annotation%2B2019-02-28%2B234232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A recent satellite view showed nothing there but trees...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Typ6R6ePuD4/XHlJrpNsAbI/AAAAAAAAZKc/ziskDkbBjc0Ekcj5KwhIS9qlHZIGvUMCQCLcBGAs/s1600/Annotation%2B2019-03-01%2B100206.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="794" height="243" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Typ6R6ePuD4/XHlJrpNsAbI/AAAAAAAAZKc/ziskDkbBjc0Ekcj5KwhIS9qlHZIGvUMCQCLcBGAs/s320/Annotation%2B2019-03-01%2B100206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>which made me highly curious to know what, if anything, remained.<br /><br />Last Wednesday, I met up with <a href="http://randomconnections.com/">Tom Taylor</a> at the Moody Bridge Road access area to see what, if anything, remained of the church and cemetery.<br /><br />Most of what is now the Tall Pines W.M.A. was named Tall Pines Farm, owned by George Jr. and Mildred Wilkinson. The Wilkinson parcel, and other parcels, were bought by the Burroughs & Chapin Company, operating as Tall Pines Investment, in 2007. In November 2006, before the sale was finalized, the Burroughs & Chapin Company Inc. proposed a subdivision with an 18 hole golf course to be named "Tall Pines". From the November 6, 2006 edition of <i>The Greenville News</i>:<br /><blockquote>A Myrtle Beach-based company is considering turning the property near State 11/U.S. 276 and Moody Bridge Road into a residential golf community. A draft submitted by Burroughs & Chapin Company Inc. to the Greenville County Planning Commission for preliminary viewing showed 990 lots, a village center and an 18-hole golf course in a development called "Tall Pines." </blockquote>In February 2008, the subdivision plans were changed to reduce the number of homes. Again from The Greenville News archives:<br /><blockquote>The 1,700-acre former timber farm in northern Greenville County may have fewer home sites than initially proposed.<br /><br />Owners of the Tall Pines farm are considering about 600 home sites for the property, located at U.S. 276/State 11 and Moody Bridge Road, half of the 1,200 in the original plans...</blockquote>Plans for the golf course were scrapped.<br /><br />In May 2008, plans for the subdivision changed yet again and announced in <i>The Greenville News</i>. The name was changed for some odd reason:<br /><blockquote>The planned Copper Lakes community in northern Greenville County would have approximately 550 home sites, a working farm and market that would be open to the public. </blockquote>Later in the article more about the revised plans was revealed:<br /><blockquote>Copper Lakes will be gated and offer its homeowners amenities that include a craft village, lakeside pavilion, fishing piers, a mountaintop pavilion with hiking trails, riverside campsites with fire pits, community gardens with greenhouses, a swimming hole, and underground utilities. </blockquote>The plans for the subdivision came to nothing. T.D. Bank foreclosed on the property in 2014, then <a href="https://sccbank.sc.gov/map-grants-region/piedmont/tall-pines-tract">sold the property to The Conservation Bank</a> in 2015. <a href="https://sccbank.sc.gov/">The Conservation Bank</a> officially turned the property over to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources on January 28. The news conference and <a href="http://www.dnr.sc.gov/news/2019/feb/feb15_tallpines.php">press release</a> about the acquisition took place a few weeks later on February 15th.<br /><br />Rain, a frequent visitor around here the past few months, was falling yet again at my house as I stepped out the door last Wednesday. Fortunately, local radar showed the rain band would be east of the Tall Pines WMA by the time we got there.<br /><br />Tom and I accidentally timed our arrival so well he pulled in right behind me as I entered the semi-muddy parking area. As expected, the rain had departed. One pickup truck was there and its owner was out by the lake fishing. The parking area overlooks the more interesting of the WMA's lakes, with an interesting island containing a stone tower topped with a lantern. We both suddenly wished we had brought our kayaks to explore this island.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_S23AMYTK4/XHinyRkvWOI/AAAAAAAAZKE/JbjPoARzyBsKo0PyKNrg_tRmN3hdMft1gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01590.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_S23AMYTK4/XHinyRkvWOI/AAAAAAAAZKE/JbjPoARzyBsKo0PyKNrg_tRmN3hdMft1gCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01590.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ItcnGRzw8TI/XHvQKLzFdFI/AAAAAAAAZLM/VmODrPotFDII-lFI0eB8mt1cPnDqUCF6ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01592.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ItcnGRzw8TI/XHvQKLzFdFI/AAAAAAAAZLM/VmODrPotFDII-lFI0eB8mt1cPnDqUCF6ACLcBGAs/s400/DSC01592.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Across Moody Bridge Road by the creek was the ruins of ... something.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMrvIEOQw9w/XHvR-MT9EpI/AAAAAAAAZLY/96ZjE-BjzXYdUg8b-bqTLScbxvofKM3EgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01594.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMrvIEOQw9w/XHvR-MT9EpI/AAAAAAAAZLY/96ZjE-BjzXYdUg8b-bqTLScbxvofKM3EgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01594.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Blogger <a href="http://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/">Liene</a> mentioned these same ruins <a href="http://femmeaufoyer2011.blogspot.com/2019/02/tall-pines-wildlife-management-area.html">in her recent visit</a> and didn't know what they were either. So that makes three of us that don't know.<br /><br />We were here to visit the old church and cemetery, about a half mile down the road from the parking area, so we walked down the side of the road toward our targets. Before the visit, I had marked the location of the old church and cemetery online and downloaded the locations to my phone.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AqnrO0K8jAI/XHvTo4P1M1I/AAAAAAAAZLk/wBuRp8BQwsQPDKWcGhcfPQ29KFamnwAswCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20190303-081424.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AqnrO0K8jAI/XHvTo4P1M1I/AAAAAAAAZLk/wBuRp8BQwsQPDKWcGhcfPQ29KFamnwAswCLcBGAs/s400/Screenshot_20190303-081424.png" width="225" /></a></div>GNIS named the church "South Saluda". I found a 1955 aerial of the area showing the church still standing:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_Ju-dEqzpk/XHvVJSviBfI/AAAAAAAAZLw/xt-PsbWV1IU8WDmmlghKo_Jj-4kbaBcyQCLcBGAs/s1600/Annotation%2B2019-03-03%2B082153.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="101" data-original-width="125" height="161" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_Ju-dEqzpk/XHvVJSviBfI/AAAAAAAAZLw/xt-PsbWV1IU8WDmmlghKo_Jj-4kbaBcyQCLcBGAs/s200/Annotation%2B2019-03-03%2B082153.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Along the way we explored a dam separating two lakes.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VcNRFm2hPT0/XHvWl6NZcPI/AAAAAAAAZL8/OlzrCLc-owIRZHZY79pBomJYMZyr7_VxACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01610.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VcNRFm2hPT0/XHvWl6NZcPI/AAAAAAAAZL8/OlzrCLc-owIRZHZY79pBomJYMZyr7_VxACLcBGAs/s400/DSC01610.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Or at least my digital map showed two lakes, but in reality the dam for the second lake had failed allowed the creek to flow straight through. A path lead down from the top of the dam into where the dam failed. The old lake is now a bog-like wetlands area.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-ZkV5svTHI/XHvXKIgHgXI/AAAAAAAAZME/Hb4ga1X5TCIREdGvQM7shVtP9x05FYEBgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01614.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-ZkV5svTHI/XHvXKIgHgXI/AAAAAAAAZME/Hb4ga1X5TCIREdGvQM7shVtP9x05FYEBgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01614.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The road to the church was clearly marked....<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5USIyEIgYo/XHvX4372M6I/AAAAAAAAZMQ/dwYk1Kxyue4g6suqSUwpLJb_ZzZjqz8_ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01615.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5USIyEIgYo/XHvX4372M6I/AAAAAAAAZMQ/dwYk1Kxyue4g6suqSUwpLJb_ZzZjqz8_ACLcBGAs/s400/DSC01615.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>and recently maintained.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ56RzI8EiE/XHvYJS4cMEI/AAAAAAAAZMY/BRMUQ9J0-AAjsbWS2qkDroPmQ_pyQG09ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01616.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ56RzI8EiE/XHvYJS4cMEI/AAAAAAAAZMY/BRMUQ9J0-AAjsbWS2qkDroPmQ_pyQG09ACLcBGAs/s400/DSC01616.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Saluda Church and cemetery were located at the top of ridge. We had considered bushwacking up, but we decided to stick to the road. The road, muddy in spots, curved around and up the ridge. We reached a spot where the road branches off in two directions. One lead to the southwest, another to the northwest. Neither headed in the direction we wanted to go, so we took the third way northeast through a thin concentration of pine trees.<br /><br />Tom spotted some field stones, and then I found some others:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ERFgGYidEmo/XHvcidTqWwI/AAAAAAAAZMk/_I0oZeAwiIUtqIYuQpQAqvddKfqCBUL-gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01631.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ERFgGYidEmo/XHvcidTqWwI/AAAAAAAAZMk/_I0oZeAwiIUtqIYuQpQAqvddKfqCBUL-gCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01631.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>When we came to some fallen pine trees, underneath we found several grave stones:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRsVlWOfd9M/XHvdYy2X1iI/AAAAAAAAZMs/IeFmGgCs7YwG9I5ImXkaj0i00FZJ5CTgACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01628.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRsVlWOfd9M/XHvdYy2X1iI/AAAAAAAAZMs/IeFmGgCs7YwG9I5ImXkaj0i00FZJ5CTgACLcBGAs/s400/DSC01628.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fo6fBccyFFw/XHvdqvu7M8I/AAAAAAAAZM4/5YFD_0SXaR41kqlNbNC-WeuQn1lFG4uCgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01632.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fo6fBccyFFw/XHvdqvu7M8I/AAAAAAAAZM4/5YFD_0SXaR41kqlNbNC-WeuQn1lFG4uCgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01632.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp7IunjsG2w/XHvd2AQxiTI/AAAAAAAAZM8/45oe1pXYglYSe7McWoK71-FfJR0zoHhDwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01633.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp7IunjsG2w/XHvd2AQxiTI/AAAAAAAAZM8/45oe1pXYglYSe7McWoK71-FfJR0zoHhDwCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01633.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We found several intact gravestones, mostly children of William and Mattie Keith, but others were from the Carr and Boyd families.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fPJv6WCCVg/XHvhhyeI-_I/AAAAAAAAZNY/56K03uGDIIokk2RXuEA3XjqfXEQ_-q5bgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01640.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fPJv6WCCVg/XHvhhyeI-_I/AAAAAAAAZNY/56K03uGDIIokk2RXuEA3XjqfXEQ_-q5bgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01640.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLt2_E6X23M/XHvheW33fEI/AAAAAAAAZNU/9lejhdEJ8LEM5zy1hPBG7uE5713FRam0ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01641.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLt2_E6X23M/XHvheW33fEI/AAAAAAAAZNU/9lejhdEJ8LEM5zy1hPBG7uE5713FRam0ACLcBGAs/s400/DSC01641.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mARKQI8eHU/XHvhh3vA9EI/AAAAAAAAZNc/5IyLQeIbAcs24OTeMpAlwv7Se-JQYE59wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01643.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mARKQI8eHU/XHvhh3vA9EI/AAAAAAAAZNc/5IyLQeIbAcs24OTeMpAlwv7Se-JQYE59wCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01643.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl24TFKApMA/XHvhOlh9fnI/AAAAAAAAZNM/qPPp5KmEFp8jL5bn59qtJRkojCjxyMnmQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01634.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl24TFKApMA/XHvhOlh9fnI/AAAAAAAAZNM/qPPp5KmEFp8jL5bn59qtJRkojCjxyMnmQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01634.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JeWHf-1Nat8/XHvjYp2zE-I/AAAAAAAAZNw/WoC3NwDVVmIzZQRAif2oPCYc0TJXfJOeQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01645.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JeWHf-1Nat8/XHvjYp2zE-I/AAAAAAAAZNw/WoC3NwDVVmIzZQRAif2oPCYc0TJXfJOeQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01645.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iaJ31rmyu2E/XHvjZNiJ9iI/AAAAAAAAZN0/IMYhhJi9-6MqeG8ibGfjoRdm5ocg9FvjACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01647-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iaJ31rmyu2E/XHvjZNiJ9iI/AAAAAAAAZN0/IMYhhJi9-6MqeG8ibGfjoRdm5ocg9FvjACLcBGAs/s400/DSC01647-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>One was hand carved with the name "Carr":<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TP9zOMJC3K8/XHvkFuRztQI/AAAAAAAAZOA/JZTVLfvEPkE7wg6aDMFyfZBm2X1ZtfCGgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01649.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TP9zOMJC3K8/XHvkFuRztQI/AAAAAAAAZOA/JZTVLfvEPkE7wg6aDMFyfZBm2X1ZtfCGgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01649.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>This one was carved with the name "Blythe Williams". <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HhlvTjpGNjE/XHvlM6EG4zI/AAAAAAAAZOM/EmDt3fIiyDQ8s4s9-hT6VCi-746ZUyTiACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01652.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HhlvTjpGNjE/XHvlM6EG4zI/AAAAAAAAZOM/EmDt3fIiyDQ8s4s9-hT6VCi-746ZUyTiACLcBGAs/s400/DSC01652.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>The name "Blythe" got us both excited. Blythe Shoals is named after the Blythe family and we couldn't help but wonder if this fellow was related in some way. <br />We were also looking for signs of the church foundation or some other remnant. The only thing we found were some broken remnants of some milk colored glass globes from a light fixture:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVofFeaDH-o/XHvom5YJ7WI/AAAAAAAAZOY/nXZ6lZDHHTwwu4WZxtdl55uQq9LF4KJWgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01650.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVofFeaDH-o/XHvom5YJ7WI/AAAAAAAAZOY/nXZ6lZDHHTwwu4WZxtdl55uQq9LF4KJWgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01650.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6yKDNMzuhU/XHvom7z2PtI/AAAAAAAAZOc/PRz3fuAfXp0Yz5Mzk1rzjeYQ20U9xc7MACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01651.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6yKDNMzuhU/XHvom7z2PtI/AAAAAAAAZOc/PRz3fuAfXp0Yz5Mzk1rzjeYQ20U9xc7MACLcBGAs/s400/DSC01651.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>A lone mossy brick was the only thing we found: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_-izRU8yoM/XHvo-RcQ9gI/AAAAAAAAZOo/z2dGAAUCJGMKjmdO4c5Pdl9d71DKs0JbgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01646.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_-izRU8yoM/XHvo-RcQ9gI/AAAAAAAAZOo/z2dGAAUCJGMKjmdO4c5Pdl9d71DKs0JbgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01646.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We were clearly in the right area though. The church and cemetery were both in a clear area in the 1955 aerial, and we were in a relatively clear area. Just off the ridge the trees became thick.<br /><br />We found some metal grave markers, but the actual names were gone. I noticed the letters on the stand were reversed, but that was easily reversed in editing: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lkw1ZpkjPCM/XHvpoeEFU7I/AAAAAAAAZOw/1UB8DTkKmoQXP9CEy-OAxQ_1cf-02eDAQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01656.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lkw1ZpkjPCM/XHvpoeEFU7I/AAAAAAAAZOw/1UB8DTkKmoQXP9CEy-OAxQ_1cf-02eDAQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01656.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'm sure they're more gravestones underneath the downed trees, but there were too many downed trees in the way to find out.<br /><br />The location we found for the cemetery was a bit off the location on the topo map so I suggested we head on just in case there was more graves to be found. We didn't find any at the location on the topo map, but we did find a small path leading down the hill.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHZtUwV-aNI/XHvsFSkvE0I/AAAAAAAAZO8/y018yiLqWiUqLQwCtZi7K-rWJ3DkdsdVACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01658.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHZtUwV-aNI/XHvsFSkvE0I/AAAAAAAAZO8/y018yiLqWiUqLQwCtZi7K-rWJ3DkdsdVACLcBGAs/s400/DSC01658.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We decided to head that way and then bushwack directly back down to Moody Bridge Road. That way was more direct, easy to walk, and less muddy.<br /><br />We walked back down Moody Bridge Road to the parking area, then crossed over the road down a dirt road to take a closer look at the building ruins we had seen earlier.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jZXsLIyrUg/XHyap1Qm8_I/AAAAAAAAZPQ/d10amAYDgzoEa_H0pfMIz0G-MM_DlaHOgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01660.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jZXsLIyrUg/XHyap1Qm8_I/AAAAAAAAZPQ/d10amAYDgzoEa_H0pfMIz0G-MM_DlaHOgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01660.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We walked down the path until it opened up into a field. The South Saluda River, the border between Greenville and Pickens Counties and also the edge of the WMA, could be seen in the distance.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7VUpnhkNVE/XHycuYAH18I/AAAAAAAAZPc/A2tJ1zZy_L4cXo0l1_D09YvCAvefN1OHACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01662.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7VUpnhkNVE/XHycuYAH18I/AAAAAAAAZPc/A2tJ1zZy_L4cXo0l1_D09YvCAvefN1OHACLcBGAs/s400/DSC01662.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I noticed one building on the satellite located above the parking area that hadn't yet been torn down after the Wilkinsons sold the property. We went up a muddy road leading up and away from the parking area. When we reached the spot I had indicated, we saw nothing but straw and new grass. Drat!<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln5GpYSvu24/XHym6YyVPSI/AAAAAAAAZQ8/4guAnJ5JCY0FU6DTelkZnK-dUzf7hqTsQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01740.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln5GpYSvu24/XHym6YyVPSI/AAAAAAAAZQ8/4guAnJ5JCY0FU6DTelkZnK-dUzf7hqTsQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01740.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Around where the building was once located we spotted some impressively large bamboo.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXxJrzMSrWA/XHyfxJPDNCI/AAAAAAAAZPo/D5_ZKBP5vCAKXtab7dD2oqKplWq9ukX_wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01670_stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="734" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXxJrzMSrWA/XHyfxJPDNCI/AAAAAAAAZPo/D5_ZKBP5vCAKXtab7dD2oqKplWq9ukX_wCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01670_stitch.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>While the height of the bamboo was interesting, we were more impressed by the girth. The photo doesn't do them justice:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H31C66h1s4U/XHygM8igFfI/AAAAAAAAZPw/zRB_6ncbJx4sqhZ3aUXqwmpNXggnsiWBQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01676.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H31C66h1s4U/XHygM8igFfI/AAAAAAAAZPw/zRB_6ncbJx4sqhZ3aUXqwmpNXggnsiWBQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01676.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I posed so Tom get could a photo with my new best friends for some perspective:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomconnections/40276730783/in/album-72157703755659292/" title="Tall Pines Preserve and South Saluda Church Cemetery-109"><img alt="Tall Pines Preserve and South Saluda Church Cemetery-109" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7900/40276730783_b810dcc1e3.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>We walked back down to the parking area. As we were chatting, we watched a fellow pull off the side of Moody Creek Road, launch a canoe, and paddle out to the island.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-COyhcRFc-ro/XHyjF-3abDI/AAAAAAAAZP8/gKp2syBsM4gRs0FlNX_fqVFte3fFvqtbACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01679.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-COyhcRFc-ro/XHyjF-3abDI/AAAAAAAAZP8/gKp2syBsM4gRs0FlNX_fqVFte3fFvqtbACLcBGAs/s400/DSC01679.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I envied that guy.<br /><br />Tom had some other business requiring his attention so he had to leave, but I wanted to explore the area a bit more before heading home. We said our goodbyes and I walked around a bit. I'd love to report I made some astounding finds, but I didn't.<br /><br />Down a road heading toward two more lakes, I found some rusty cans, rusty fencing, and a rusting barrel among other things.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BIN3HaU21Ww/XHykhEWF3AI/AAAAAAAAZQI/ojeJhaxBWwEdEHfpY6-V3oIbfVgHYVxnQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01680.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1062" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BIN3HaU21Ww/XHykhEWF3AI/AAAAAAAAZQI/ojeJhaxBWwEdEHfpY6-V3oIbfVgHYVxnQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01680.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vdCJsBJ53yY/XHykl1sr60I/AAAAAAAAZQQ/5r9fYuPtmgQOrIdGznij3aS1-X7CuG1dgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01681.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vdCJsBJ53yY/XHykl1sr60I/AAAAAAAAZQQ/5r9fYuPtmgQOrIdGznij3aS1-X7CuG1dgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01681.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQOb5IbCPvc/XHykkT4KF-I/AAAAAAAAZQM/ptkFDPZHv7sYeSvn2Wu5xga87Jw8d8zvwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01683.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQOb5IbCPvc/XHykkT4KF-I/AAAAAAAAZQM/ptkFDPZHv7sYeSvn2Wu5xga87Jw8d8zvwCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01683.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The dam for the first lake is breached.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h1BnkWXA7eY/XHyl6YXshSI/AAAAAAAAZQk/KVxnMBnvbPY9s7vUXb3ekOUlVEldaqSoQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01704.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h1BnkWXA7eY/XHyl6YXshSI/AAAAAAAAZQk/KVxnMBnvbPY9s7vUXb3ekOUlVEldaqSoQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01704.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This lake is more of a bog now.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XMbQ564T_0E/XHymOnAcXuI/AAAAAAAAZQw/UGYlDxBO7hMnMAkL1sjUB9hMN1iDXddBwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01712.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XMbQ564T_0E/XHymOnAcXuI/AAAAAAAAZQw/UGYlDxBO7hMnMAkL1sjUB9hMN1iDXddBwCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01712.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The dam for the second lake upstream is still intact. I found a fishing pole in the water someone left behind.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGHrxeTec6Y/XHynZTvwjyI/AAAAAAAAZRI/vym-wxHbvHglc0aAZlrT6tzaVJM20ZgsgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01729.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGHrxeTec6Y/XHynZTvwjyI/AAAAAAAAZRI/vym-wxHbvHglc0aAZlrT6tzaVJM20ZgsgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01729.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I headed back to the parking area, and back up to explore an area where another building was once located. All that's left now are rows where a covered garden may have been:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dkZr2QEVNRo/XHyobRXK6ZI/AAAAAAAAZRY/WoX0bq63nPcIL8-7GkIozbxnVBgaunGwQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01744.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dkZr2QEVNRo/XHyobRXK6ZI/AAAAAAAAZRY/WoX0bq63nPcIL8-7GkIozbxnVBgaunGwQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01744.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I had seen enough for now. My feet were a muddy mess, but a quick wash at home took care of that.<br /><br />I wanted to know more about the church and the cemetery, but information about both was hard to come by. Find-A-Grave has no listing for the old cemetery, but the <a href="http://www.cemeteryscgs.scgen.org/23-greenville.html">Greenville County Cemetery GPS Cemetery Project</a> does give its location, but I already knew that.<br /><br />I moved on try finding some info about the people buried in the cemetery. I couldn't find anything about the people either until I used <a href="https://www.heritagequestonline.com/">HeritageQuest</a>, accessible my county's local library <a href="http://0-www.heritagequestonline.com.millennium.greenvillelibrary.org/">or from home</a> with a library card.<br /><br />I found this record about Blythe Williams from a 1910 census record search:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQvD8Q5mny4/XH0wk8Xs26I/AAAAAAAAZRk/K3qkRWuqe_soKK4noglia2gTT42O-5wZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Annotation%2B2019-03-04%2B090427.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="434" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQvD8Q5mny4/XH0wk8Xs26I/AAAAAAAAZRk/K3qkRWuqe_soKK4noglia2gTT42O-5wZwCLcBGAs/s640/Annotation%2B2019-03-04%2B090427.jpg" width="348" /></a></div>The record indicated Blythe Williams was 34, single, black, and a sharecropper. I checked the census record for 1920, but I couldn't find a listing for him there.<br /><br />Some writing on his tombstone interested me in particular:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPvRAKe9LH4/XH1whr2_e0I/AAAAAAAAZSY/4pLBltqF0OgRKDeu-DpJwZX8gT0lRMtfQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01652.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPvRAKe9LH4/XH1whr2_e0I/AAAAAAAAZSY/4pLBltqF0OgRKDeu-DpJwZX8gT0lRMtfQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01652.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>The words "A Member of the W.B. & S. Society" (I think) suggest he may have been a member of a fraternal society but I couldn't find any African-American fraternal societies matching those initials. Anyone know the meaning of the initials, and if it's related to the symbolism at the top?<br /><br />I also found William and Mattie Keith's records, and Mack and Mary Carr's records in the 1910 census. They were all listed as married black sharecroppers. This means the church members were African-American.<br /><br />I found a story about Mack Carr in the Greenville News on Newspapers.com. The library's access to Newspapers.com doesn't grant access to The Greenville News, but someone made a clip about his death I could access. The clip uses cringey language, and goes into unnecessary level of detail on how he died:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6NzHWMAea0/XH1Rh1ODxqI/AAAAAAAAZSI/-JOqSRY8Jt81dbG0rscT39YYWLxKiL6ZQCLcBGAs/s1600/Annotation%2B2019-03-04%2B112447.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="553" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6NzHWMAea0/XH1Rh1ODxqI/AAAAAAAAZSI/-JOqSRY8Jt81dbG0rscT39YYWLxKiL6ZQCLcBGAs/s640/Annotation%2B2019-03-04%2B112447.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>I turned my attention to the church. I searched through the deed indexes of Greenville County Register of Deeds for churches in the approximate location of the South Saluda River. Churches were indexed under "church" which made the search somewhat less tedious.<br /><br />I found a deed for a church matching the location in book SS, pages <a href="https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=u/X4uAEvDwdpxe1DPB3t8tei6LsINi+qoxrA6juz0qPylmUw82Fmfyc6858EqNHOdUuVSA5soMzld3dp/cOSLyUsrGzcwMc/oB4gW3tBqz3TReJ8lGthbJH+UFIFWjTv/SnpTkHjHHWmZsQWdK4tmXHlhA1F3CDQ70cOiLCpU/yVjH56ezyA+FG+oXbrf0bnv9HsZdgVS8wxExs6g5PnOQ==">834</a> (on page 2 of the PDF) and <a href="https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=u/X4uAEvDwdpxe1DPB3t8tei6LsINi+qoxrA6juz0qPylmUw82Fmfyc6858EqNHOdUuVSA5soMzld3dp/cOSLyUsrGzcwMc/oB4gW3tBqz3TReJ8lGthbJH+UFIFWjTv/SnpTkHjHHWmZsQWdK4tmXHlhA1F3CDQ70cOiLCpU/wh+ssZ/Zdt84VlASM+uYmg32mTg9UR6NhRAr7VNL5lCw==">835</a>. I'll transcribe enough for you to get gist of the deed:<br /><blockquote>I, Lizzie Hagood, ... have granted, bargained, sold, and released ... unto the Deacons of South Saluda Ridge Colored Baptist Church ... on the waters of South Saluda River containing two acres. ... Witness my hand and seal this 13th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty six.</blockquote>The deeds provides a three important pieces of information. One, the church land was bought in 1886, and possibly organized then too. Two, the church was named South Saluda Ridge Colored Baptist Church in this deed. And three, the denomination was Baptist. The few references to the church I could find omitted the words "ridge" and "colored" so I'll just go with the name "South Saluda Baptist Church".<br /><br />However, I found map that shows the church may have been founded earlier. <a href="https://www.loc.gov/item/2013593123/">This 1882 map</a> of Greenville County at the Library of Congress shows a church in the same area as South Saluda Baptist Church, so it's likely the same one:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vm7aE9OwbkE/XH1MyNTK05I/AAAAAAAAZRw/1bFOcmvsZMEdGMQ_aFR8jmtdCvhfB2kzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Annotation%2B2019-03-04%2B110250.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="520" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vm7aE9OwbkE/XH1MyNTK05I/AAAAAAAAZRw/1bFOcmvsZMEdGMQ_aFR8jmtdCvhfB2kzwCLcBGAs/s320/Annotation%2B2019-03-04%2B110250.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />The 1882 date also matches information about the charter members of the <a href="http://www.oolenoyriverassociation.org/">Oolenoy River Baptist Association</a> I found on <a href="https://sites.rootsweb.com/~scoconee/church-bapt.html">a web page about area Baptist associations</a>. South Saluda Baptist Church is listed as a charter member in 1882. In 1982, it's listed now as a historical member:</div><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eIK8T-Jt5Xg/XH1PCpMXmqI/AAAAAAAAZR8/XcEI5RX0YnERY0lb1XcOYmkHXVJA3XZVQCLcBGAs/s1600/Annotation%2B2019-03-04%2B111432.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="928" height="195" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eIK8T-Jt5Xg/XH1PCpMXmqI/AAAAAAAAZR8/XcEI5RX0YnERY0lb1XcOYmkHXVJA3XZVQCLcBGAs/s640/Annotation%2B2019-03-04%2B111432.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>What I couldn't find is a deed selling the two acres, so I don't know when the church ceased to exist.<br /><br />I did <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015024219845;view=1up;seq=158">find a listing for the church</a> in the book <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015024219845;view=1up;seq=1">Directory of Negro Baptist Churches in The United States, Vol 2</a> sponsored by the Works Projects Administration that showed the church as active in 1942.<br /><br />So the church was organized in 1882, four years earlier than I originally thought, but the area we explored wasn't bought until 1886.<br /><br />Thank you Tom for coming along! We had a good time exploring and preserving some forgotten history of South Saluda Baptist Church, the cemetery, and the people that once worshiped there. I know we both would like to come back sometime and explore some more.<br /><br />Now the SCDNR owns the property and is under public ownership, perhaps they could help organize a cleanup of the cemetery? If not, at least Tom and I preserved in photos what we could.<br /><br />Tom has already shared his photos in <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomconnections/albums/72157703755659292">an album on Flickr</a>, and his post <a href="http://randomconnections.com/buried-in-the-tall-pines/">about the visit on his blog</a>.<br /><br />I uploaded my photos from the visit to <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/GvDocvCbKeoizHED7">an album on Google Photos</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-11454082463627610482019-02-19T09:29:00.000-05:002019-03-16T12:17:16.267-04:00A Hike In The Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve<div class="centered-photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMH_6hNI29c/XGmZHk3MXcI/AAAAAAAAZA0/6rKlcXoMrrs6MAQkm0UNSdc5S7377jYwgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01565.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMH_6hNI29c/XGmZHk3MXcI/AAAAAAAAZA0/6rKlcXoMrrs6MAQkm0UNSdc5S7377jYwgCKgBGAs/s640/DSC01565.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>A return trip to Rocky Bottom has been on my radar since last year when I explored Rocky Bottom Creek. This time I wanted to explore Eastatoe Creek down to The Narrows on Eastatoe Creek. Fortunately, my vacation time coincided with good weather for a change and I made the hour or so trip to Rocky Bottom.<br /><br />I parked in the Foothills Trail access parking area. I had to place to myself. From previous trips, I knew there was could have been an old logging road leading out the back of the parking area.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jUXdojKV14/XGmaJQJ1AQI/AAAAAAAAZA8/ByndrD2SfyMaWkiPGerEPet6jCyOQ5dIgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01349.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jUXdojKV14/XGmaJQJ1AQI/AAAAAAAAZA8/ByndrD2SfyMaWkiPGerEPet6jCyOQ5dIgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01349.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The old road leads downhill toward Eastatoe Creek. Good road! Except the road was taking a slight left curve toward private property. Bad road!<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qju3sUhpTUg/XGmbxckHLwI/AAAAAAAAZBI/iEqDY6-ps_Y64dL_divYpNphklbVaEV_ACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01350.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qju3sUhpTUg/XGmbxckHLwI/AAAAAAAAZBI/iEqDY6-ps_Y64dL_divYpNphklbVaEV_ACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01350.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Continuing straight away from private property wasn't really an option since that was heading sharply downhill into a gorge and would require a way too steep uphill climb. I went to plan B and headed back to my car and went down Horse Pasture Road to the small parking area for the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve. I parked off to the side to not block the gate.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9OI0eunS2j4/XGmcu75cpUI/AAAAAAAAZBQ/Cjnz3ilWEAQcgSGf9hUMoRcsbMUVm6PDwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01352_stitch-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1600" height="198" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9OI0eunS2j4/XGmcu75cpUI/AAAAAAAAZBQ/Cjnz3ilWEAQcgSGf9hUMoRcsbMUVm6PDwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01352_stitch-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In the map of my GPS trace below, you will notice I took a number of detours onto old logging roads to find an easy way down to Eastatoe Creek. That is, a way I would feel comfortable leading another hiker down. None of them met my conditions.<br /><br />In exploring one abandoned logging road, I found what must have been a sign.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7K_LnJdr4uo/XGmj7WcCUTI/AAAAAAAAZBc/FcUnAjIi6A8VHcMFzc5r15rjuEPJ5FDrQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01381.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7K_LnJdr4uo/XGmj7WcCUTI/AAAAAAAAZBc/FcUnAjIi6A8VHcMFzc5r15rjuEPJ5FDrQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01381.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I kept going until the road seemingly ended. But then I noticed some wooden steps leading sharply downhill! I just had to follow. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvUP1frJYWA/XGmkpE88dmI/AAAAAAAAZBk/ycLTTwn9_I0WpfYBEFT3oKTkr3R9nW5AwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01408.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvUP1frJYWA/XGmkpE88dmI/AAAAAAAAZBk/ycLTTwn9_I0WpfYBEFT3oKTkr3R9nW5AwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01408.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>I followed the steps down until the trail suggested turning a corner, but the trail was blocked by two trees that had fallen over. The first one was avoidable...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPnKxacLbM0/XGmlCs76YyI/AAAAAAAAZBs/bhL-81EKZOMI00aL21qlaMm0TGHtO69MwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01418.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPnKxacLbM0/XGmlCs76YyI/AAAAAAAAZBs/bhL-81EKZOMI00aL21qlaMm0TGHtO69MwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01418.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>but the second one wasn't. I did climb around around it eventually, but I couldn't find the trail. I turned around, but I wanted to investigate the loud sound of rushing water. I bushwacked toward the sound, and my suspicions were rewarded!<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVI84EmN0C4/XGmlxFPo3AI/AAAAAAAAZB4/-6Vwuhs3ZHgGguvq8-nICMEEAFClxd_FgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01414.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1336" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVI84EmN0C4/XGmlxFPo3AI/AAAAAAAAZB4/-6Vwuhs3ZHgGguvq8-nICMEEAFClxd_FgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01414.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>It's was a pretty one in person, but the tree limbs do not make for a good photo.<br /><br />I made my way back up to where the old path began. I bushwacked my way up a ridge arm to get back to the main trail so I could see the Eastatoe Narrows. The trail makes a hard left to descend into the gorge. The old logging road continues, but I didn't have the time to investigate beyond more than a few feet.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXPibi9hJAQ/XGmm52f0gMI/AAAAAAAAZCE/Z-2BT8e5X8cCQTn-AFre-68lCajXe3XJgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01419.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXPibi9hJAQ/XGmm52f0gMI/AAAAAAAAZCE/Z-2BT8e5X8cCQTn-AFre-68lCajXe3XJgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01419.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>By Eastatoe Creek, one path heads left to three campsites, the other heads to Eastatoe Narrow. I headed left to check out the campsites. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Tw9_G7w68Q/XGmnYK_7IZI/AAAAAAAAZCM/8dGj7c8ZZKE2_qzqeDr3cmvskKujHSRsgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01421_stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1600" height="152" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Tw9_G7w68Q/XGmnYK_7IZI/AAAAAAAAZCM/8dGj7c8ZZKE2_qzqeDr3cmvskKujHSRsgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01421_stitch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I found two items of interest besides the campsites such as this one...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oa5-5fM2-Uo/XGmoZ_0o4uI/AAAAAAAAZCg/Xlp_hcZ2g8MvXE0RpEB4bcirHuxe9kaZwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01475.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oa5-5fM2-Uo/XGmoZ_0o4uI/AAAAAAAAZCg/Xlp_hcZ2g8MvXE0RpEB4bcirHuxe9kaZwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01475.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The first was this cascade.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ov_cmd-0GPs/XGmnqMxhIsI/AAAAAAAAZCU/YSu670fBcF8PkjO7rgzOOJ9SEtuZngsggCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01463.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ov_cmd-0GPs/XGmnqMxhIsI/AAAAAAAAZCU/YSu670fBcF8PkjO7rgzOOJ9SEtuZngsggCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01463.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The second was this moss covered woman's hiking shoe: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec7el_RgXew/XGmn4P5v8nI/AAAAAAAAZCY/qj7ezFSdFpoFogg8xD2BJ-_uJabMeSDrwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01480.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec7el_RgXew/XGmn4P5v8nI/AAAAAAAAZCY/qj7ezFSdFpoFogg8xD2BJ-_uJabMeSDrwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01480.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>It does make me wonder what the story is with this shoe. What's it doing here on a tree stump and where is its mate? And its owner?<br /><br />I made my way back to the trail intersection and then back down the mail trail to the viewing platform. The view was nice, but I got a bit closer.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0iJ4Y8cqo0/XGmqc5KRGjI/AAAAAAAAZCs/ka6Rkd27GEwtQJBBn-h38te2ZRymsRB7wCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01515.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0iJ4Y8cqo0/XGmqc5KRGjI/AAAAAAAAZCs/ka6Rkd27GEwtQJBBn-h38te2ZRymsRB7wCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01515.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>I didn't think I'd have time to find a way down to the creek, as it was getting darker, but I did explore a side trail leading to another waterfall just downstream of Eastatoe Narrows.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56ILXl-1ZOU/XGmrW1Io9xI/AAAAAAAAZC0/u9-tjD8dx88qa9EvQI1L6-E8UbwwVTNaACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01533.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56ILXl-1ZOU/XGmrW1Io9xI/AAAAAAAAZC0/u9-tjD8dx88qa9EvQI1L6-E8UbwwVTNaACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01533.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMU9a7Praa0/XGmrW-DaHcI/AAAAAAAAZC0/g0TVdaiVeacl0Gh2wJfKVnSgzBB50nVZgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01575.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMU9a7Praa0/XGmrW-DaHcI/AAAAAAAAZC0/g0TVdaiVeacl0Gh2wJfKVnSgzBB50nVZgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01575.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The rocks were wet and slippery. I carefully made my way down the bank for a more distant shot before I called it a day.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_UsUksooxnM/XGmr021SVAI/AAAAAAAAZC8/1nnf5AeUkXMPuzPmk7SDSmuAr81h3yU7wCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01565.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_UsUksooxnM/XGmr021SVAI/AAAAAAAAZC8/1nnf5AeUkXMPuzPmk7SDSmuAr81h3yU7wCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01565.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And a long day it was. When I made it back to my car it was almost dark. Fortunately, I had a flashlight me if it got too dark for me to see, and it in a few more minutes it would have been. I was still alone, and I had seen nobody else on the main trail all day.<br /><br />My map shows my on and off trail wanderings:<br /><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360px" src="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/exploring-eastatoe-gorge_289173?scaleControl=false&miniMap=false&scrollWheelZoom=false&zoomControl=true&allowEdit=false&moreControl=true&searchControl=null&tilelayersControl=null&embedControl=null&datalayersControl=true&onLoadPanel=undefined&captionBar=false#14/35.0413/-82.8168" width="80%"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/exploring-eastatoe-gorge_289173">See full screen</a></small></div><br />And my complete trip photos are on <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/yKZ3rdEquboLmKk69">an album on Google Photos</a>.<br /><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-2783705697636673112019-02-17T10:18:00.000-05:002019-03-16T12:17:16.661-04:00A Late Afternoon Walk Around Pendleton<div class="centered-photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-najC-_3n4DM/XGNgKxTk2TI/AAAAAAAAY4o/d86GIkpinxIK4mCTNt2Sssdw3LRxrZWlgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01269.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1600" height="339" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-najC-_3n4DM/XGNgKxTk2TI/AAAAAAAAY4o/d86GIkpinxIK4mCTNt2Sssdw3LRxrZWlgCKgBGAs/s640/DSC01269.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The first Wednesday of every month, the meetup group <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Tri-County-Adventure-Group/">Tri-County Adventure Group (Hike, Paddle & More!)</a> meets at a restaurant in the Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson County area to meet and discuss upcoming adventure meetups. This month's meetup took place at the Islander Pub and Grille on Exchange Street in Pendleton. Since I had to take the whole day off to attend this meetup, I traveled down to Pendleton a few hours early to walk around to see a few historic points of interest in this small town.<br /><br />Pendleton District was created in 1789 and covered the present day counties of Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson. Pendleton was established in 1790 as the seat of Pendleton District and a courthouse built. Both Pendleton District and the town of Pendleton were named after <a href="http://www.usbiographies.org/biographies/read.php?1036,18939">Henry Pendleton</a>, a circuit court judge originally from Virginia. In 1826 while a second courthouse was being built, Pendleton District was abolished and replaced by Pickens District and Anderson District. Pickens District would later be divided into Pickens County in Oconee County in 1868. MapOfUs.org has <a href="http://www.mapofus.org/southcarolina/">a handy interactive map of South Carolina</a> showing the many changes to South Carolina's county boundaries over the years.<br /><br />Pendleton was important as a summer destination for wealthy plantation owners from the Low Country by 1800, and that continued into the mid 1800s. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge_Railway_(1901)">Blue Ridge Railroad</a> was completed from Anderson to Pendleton to West Union by 1859. The original plans called for the railroad to extend up to Knoxville, Tennessee, but the cost of the many tunnels (and fraud and other reasons) doomed the project. The partially completed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stumphouse_Mountain_Tunnel">Stumphouse Tunnel</a> is one famous result of the failed project.<br /><br />I didn't have time to visit every historical site in town, but I did manage to visit quite a few in the time I had before I ran out of time.<br /><h4>Old Stone Church and Cemetery</h4>Before heading into downtown Pendleton I paid another visit to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Stone_Church_and_Cemetery">Old Stone Church and Cemetery</a> just outside of Pendleton <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Old+Stone+Church/@34.6644631,-82.81554,150m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x88585de35fc48c2f:0xa500ff1e154f0274!2sOld+Stone+Church!8m2!3d34.6644763!4d-82.8152693!3m4!1s0x88585de35fc48c2f:0xa500ff1e154f0274!8m2!3d34.6644763!4d-82.8152693">on Stone Road</a>.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJd4-318aBk/XGN26OJwJ7I/AAAAAAAAY40/ZxmwaTvxXQEbIOXhyGdQl6tzoDgnT5RkQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01138.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJd4-318aBk/XGN26OJwJ7I/AAAAAAAAY40/ZxmwaTvxXQEbIOXhyGdQl6tzoDgnT5RkQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01138.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>During my first visit, I somehow didn't take a photo of the date marker:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Qw6esNdkdM/XGN3N9Dkm8I/AAAAAAAAY48/zK2FaOqLThMH7tSnCniSDtcyk_EGrkkYQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01136.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Qw6esNdkdM/XGN3N9Dkm8I/AAAAAAAAY48/zK2FaOqLThMH7tSnCniSDtcyk_EGrkkYQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01136.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I had also missed the grave of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Pickens_(congressman)">General Andrew Pickens</a>:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JCl95ldj-8U/XGN3dzc48kI/AAAAAAAAY5A/gMzKXL3yfpUFMIJ-iNPSa4JFuzhPLDYeACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01150.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="984" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JCl95ldj-8U/XGN3dzc48kI/AAAAAAAAY5A/gMzKXL3yfpUFMIJ-iNPSa4JFuzhPLDYeACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01150.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><h4>Ruins of Tanglewood Mansion</h4>As early as the 1830's, the site of Tanglewood Mansion was the site of a residence. In 1860, John and wife Mollie Sloan established a home now known as Tanglewood. That home burned in 1908, but was rebuilt two years later, reusing some of the columns. Tanglewood remained in the Sloan family until the 1950s, when the home was sold. The home burned down again in 1970 and this time it stayed burned down. In 2004, the owners of the property sold the ruins to the Anderson County Library System, and the Pendelton Branch Library now sits next door.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6yUegZ1Wd4/XGN-9AQDDxI/AAAAAAAAY5Q/Z07At2fjoUw6QHMFUOYiP3kyicdKU_zdgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01216.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6yUegZ1Wd4/XGN-9AQDDxI/AAAAAAAAY5Q/Z07At2fjoUw6QHMFUOYiP3kyicdKU_zdgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h4>Farmers Hall</h4>The Farmers Hall building sits in downtown Pendleton on the town's village green <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B039'02.9%22N+82%C2%B047'01.0%22W/@34.6508021,-82.7841612,223m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88585d808723b659:0x547e2b6337ea8ab!2sPendleton,+SC+29670!3b1!8m2!3d34.6517733!4d-82.7837514!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6508005!4d-82.783614">off Exchange Street</a>. The Pendleton Farmers Society organized in 1815, meeting in a log cabin from 1816 until 1828. When the state decided to split Pendleton District into Pickens District and Anderson District in 1826, a new courthouse was already under construction. The Pendleton Farmers Society bought the partially completed structure and completed it in 1828. The bottom floor was at one time a post office.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--K6ruVswi0o/XGjS-GC9W-I/AAAAAAAAY-E/jZc2IQO0dKE1bf_KphuWR1JaGoEWmYBswCLcBGAs/s1600/Pendleton_Farmers_Society_Hall_templestyle_structure_with_four_monumental_pillars.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1600" height="323" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--K6ruVswi0o/XGjS-GC9W-I/AAAAAAAAY-E/jZc2IQO0dKE1bf_KphuWR1JaGoEWmYBswCLcBGAs/s400/Pendleton_Farmers_Society_Hall_templestyle_structure_with_four_monumental_pillars.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://digital.tcl.sc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/wpaplp/id/70">South Carolina Digital Library</a></span><br /><br />The bottom floor is now home to the 1826 Bistro:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nt1QFfgYY64/XGjTx5z3AbI/AAAAAAAAY-M/qHN_yjTX-9YWRAWbjlqUIUNcOdEvesLZgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01241.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1600" height="279" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nt1QFfgYY64/XGjTx5z3AbI/AAAAAAAAY-M/qHN_yjTX-9YWRAWbjlqUIUNcOdEvesLZgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01241.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h4>Guard House and Library</h4>The Guard House was built in 1860 on the site of the old town jail <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B039'05.3%22N+82%C2%B047'00.5%22W/@34.6514751,-82.7840202,223m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88585d808723b659:0x547e2b6337ea8ab!2sPendleton,+SC+29670!3b1!8m2!3d34.6517733!4d-82.7837514!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6514741!4d-82.783473">a short distance north of Farmers Hall</a>. The building later served as the town library.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jL-hrRMR6X8/XGjU7Bx9vvI/AAAAAAAAY-Y/EsDFseOesy4uAXdw39u2suMrIWp-jR9LgCLcBGAs/s1600/Pendleton_Library_1811_Pendleton_SC.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1307" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jL-hrRMR6X8/XGjU7Bx9vvI/AAAAAAAAY-Y/EsDFseOesy4uAXdw39u2suMrIWp-jR9LgCLcBGAs/s400/Pendleton_Library_1811_Pendleton_SC.jpg" width="327" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://digital.tcl.sc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/kmp/id/329">South Carolina Digital Library</a></span><br /><br />The first floor is currently used by the <a href="https://www.pendletonhistoricfoundation.org/">Pendleton Historic Foundation</a>. The second floor is currently the magistrate's office.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KD6hnFvuhRg/XGjWCW795DI/AAAAAAAAY-g/ZEUbZKQzJGALwWeni1-zr8fxF6ipb3afgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01245.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KD6hnFvuhRg/XGjWCW795DI/AAAAAAAAY-g/ZEUbZKQzJGALwWeni1-zr8fxF6ipb3afgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01245.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h4>Hunter's Store and Warehouse</h4>The Hunter's Store building, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B039'07.0%22N+82%C2%B047'01.2%22W/@34.6519341,-82.7842052,223m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88585d808723b659:0x547e2b6337ea8ab!2sPendleton,+SC+29670!3b1!8m2!3d34.6517733!4d-82.7837514!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6519332!4d-82.7836579">at the corner of North Mechanics Street and East Queen Street</a>, was built by John Lewis in 1850 as a general store. The Hunter family operated the store in this location from 1873 until 1929, when the business moved next door to where Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant is now. The building was mostly empty until 1968 when the newly formed Pendleton Historic Preservation Commission assumed ownership.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEKxKBxzhZ8/XGjaFge-5BI/AAAAAAAAY-s/zsxyhWhIAuweWBv0wkSOO1EXLf21PNEEQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01248.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEKxKBxzhZ8/XGjaFge-5BI/AAAAAAAAY-s/zsxyhWhIAuweWBv0wkSOO1EXLf21PNEEQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01248.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9vLEvdEmWlE/XGjaFtO-6iI/AAAAAAAAY-s/rnU9GQTE6wgHRrwupZQGmRYkeorY0mSFwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01251.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9vLEvdEmWlE/XGjaFtO-6iI/AAAAAAAAY-s/rnU9GQTE6wgHRrwupZQGmRYkeorY0mSFwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01251.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The warehouse for Hunter's Store, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B039'08.1%22N+82%C2%B046'59.5%22W/@34.6522461,-82.7837478,223m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88585d808723b659:0x547e2b6337ea8ab!2sPendleton,+SC+29670!3b1!8m2!3d34.6517733!4d-82.7837514!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6522453!4d-82.7832004">now behind Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant</a>, was built in 1880. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFX0Trs-YD4/XGjbDd9j72I/AAAAAAAAY-0/LQKJgfpY0JAg9Vwar7vhCtQ4vDZc2KIQwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01262.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFX0Trs-YD4/XGjbDd9j72I/AAAAAAAAY-0/LQKJgfpY0JAg9Vwar7vhCtQ4vDZc2KIQwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01262.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSMCxkbP668/XGjbMw9-bnI/AAAAAAAAY-4/rA4NxKnKJygmSCHwjVpadJeGe8FllWfuQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01264.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSMCxkbP668/XGjbMw9-bnI/AAAAAAAAY-4/rA4NxKnKJygmSCHwjVpadJeGe8FllWfuQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01264.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h4>Pendleton Theater</h4>The Pendleton Theater <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B038'55.6%22N+82%C2%B047'03.9%22W/@34.6487721,-82.7849532,223m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88585d808723b659:0x547e2b6337ea8ab!2sPendleton,+SC+29670!3b1!8m2!3d34.6517733!4d-82.7837514!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6487709!4d-82.7844058">on South Mechanic Street</a> showed movies during World War 2 but closed shortly after the war ended <a href="http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/11746">according to Cinema Treasures</a>. After being owned by a series of businesses, the <a href="http://www.clemsonlittletheatre.com/">Clemson Little Theatre</a> bought the old theater in 1989, renovated it, and has been performing there since 1992.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V4HdTm8TCwo/XGjdVW4Jl3I/AAAAAAAAY_E/dEhVP3cJ00cRXe2VkmZ6JFZtc485FCYjQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01274.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="1600" height="167" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V4HdTm8TCwo/XGjdVW4Jl3I/AAAAAAAAY_E/dEhVP3cJ00cRXe2VkmZ6JFZtc485FCYjQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01274.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8bU0mO6jwgw/XGjdVXlkBEI/AAAAAAAAY_E/zHIgUpKegYg6Jrd48o2ABDm4fbuKk-aWwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01289.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="1600" height="120" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8bU0mO6jwgw/XGjdVXlkBEI/AAAAAAAAY_E/zHIgUpKegYg6Jrd48o2ABDm4fbuKk-aWwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01289.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h4>Jones' Rifles</h4>Near the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B038'57.3%22N+82%C2%B047'01.4%22W/@34.6492361,-82.7842542,223m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88585d808723b659:0x547e2b6337ea8ab!2sPendleton,+SC+29670!3b1!8m2!3d34.6517733!4d-82.7837514!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6492347!4d-82.7837069">corner of South Mechanic Street and Cherry Street</a> is the building once home to the Civil War headquarters of Jones' Rifles. It was built in 1840 as a blacksmith shop and iron forge works. The building currently appears to be vacant. The last occupant appears to have been Whitfield Gallery.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FW2F_H5gUlQ/XGjer5qfANI/AAAAAAAAY_Q/wHbryFKpMtwzfl00QbYiQfSD8mbqAtHxQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01292.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1586" data-original-width="1600" height="397" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FW2F_H5gUlQ/XGjer5qfANI/AAAAAAAAY_Q/wHbryFKpMtwzfl00QbYiQfSD8mbqAtHxQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01292.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h4>Mural</h4>Painted on the side of the building <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B039'05.9%22N+82%C2%B047'02.5%22W/@34.6516421,-82.7845872,223m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88585d808723b659:0x547e2b6337ea8ab!2sPendleton,+SC+29670!3b1!8m2!3d34.6517733!4d-82.7837514!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6516413!4d-82.7840397">at 175 North Mechanic Street facing West Queen Street</a> is a mural by Lori Solymosi depicting several historic homes and churches in Pendleton.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8d_BG18_Rk0/XGjiXtn7vkI/AAAAAAAAY_c/djGa0MeIbmsHfumURt7Cdp7jQeetyO0SACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01294.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1600" height="198" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8d_BG18_Rk0/XGjiXtn7vkI/AAAAAAAAY_c/djGa0MeIbmsHfumURt7Cdp7jQeetyO0SACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01294.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOnecXTm6B0/XGjiXur5KSI/AAAAAAAAY_c/ykMgkthn_bsr1maBrLAVf34XqhLzGt-bQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01297.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1600" height="188" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOnecXTm6B0/XGjiXur5KSI/AAAAAAAAY_c/ykMgkthn_bsr1maBrLAVf34XqhLzGt-bQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01297.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h4>Keese Barn Memorial</h4>Where <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B039'07.4%22N+82%C2%B047'08.3%22W/@34.6520511,-82.7861834,227m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88585d808723b659:0x547e2b6337ea8ab!2sPendleton,+SC+29670!3b1!8m2!3d34.6517733!4d-82.7837514!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6520497!4d-82.7856256">West Queen Street splits into two one-way streets</a> is a memorial to Keese Barn.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PeLLAOcfG6Y/XGjjJbf5VjI/AAAAAAAAY_k/RdH_IFOxAzQwmMW9j0VhNnMyl7yA9DS0gCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01302.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PeLLAOcfG6Y/XGjjJbf5VjI/AAAAAAAAY_k/RdH_IFOxAzQwmMW9j0VhNnMyl7yA9DS0gCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01302.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVhoDcRMupw/XGjjJQ28vVI/AAAAAAAAY_k/0h2z9RQN-pAiRKgLaS3DNAu7pIzESskJACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01305.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVhoDcRMupw/XGjjJQ28vVI/AAAAAAAAY_k/0h2z9RQN-pAiRKgLaS3DNAu7pIzESskJACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01305.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Keese Barn was an antiques store built in 1910 (with cafe added soon after) owned by Ben Keese (1871-1975). The store shut down in the 1970s and Keese Barn fell into disrepair. The Pendleton Foundation for Black History and Culture bought the property in 1975 in hopes of preserving the structure. Efforts to raise enough money to preserve the structure failed, so it was taken down. Parts of the old structure were reused by Clemson University architecture students to build a memorial in 2003.<br /><h4>Printer John Miller House</h4>On North Broad Street off East Queen Street is the house of John Miller who came to Charleston, South Carolina from London and became publisher of the state's first daily newspaper in 1783. In Pendleton, he published Miller's Weekly Messenger, the Upstate's first newspaper.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icjQNMEvIJM/XGlgEW1hb4I/AAAAAAAAZAQ/Npi4ylLYBWEe3hN-mtcbvxH0tQK-WYbPACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01315.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icjQNMEvIJM/XGlgEW1hb4I/AAAAAAAAZAQ/Npi4ylLYBWEe3hN-mtcbvxH0tQK-WYbPACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01315.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h4>Pendleton Depot</h4>The Pendleton Depot was moved from where it once served passengers <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B038'57.0%22N+82%C2%B046'50.4%22W/@34.6491596,-82.7814502,317m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88585d808723b659:0x547e2b6337ea8ab!2sPendleton,+SC+29670!3b1!8m2!3d34.6517733!4d-82.7837514!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6491578!4d-82.7806711">off East Blue Ridge Street</a> to its <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B038'57.0%22N+82%C2%B046'50.4%22W/@34.6491596,-82.7814502,317m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88585d808723b659:0x547e2b6337ea8ab!2sPendleton,+SC+29670!3b1!8m2!3d34.6517733!4d-82.7837514!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6491578!4d-82.7806711">current location on Cherry Street</a>. The move occured sometime between 1978 and 1994. Railroad Picture Archives has two photos, both from 1978, showing the depot at its original location. One shows t<a href="http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2472443">he depot and a caboose</a>. The other shows <a href="http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2472440">the depot and a locomotive</a>. A 1994 aerial shows the depot no longer at its original location.<br /><br />The depot has been recently used as a senior center, but now the train depot building is currently an office for the <a href="https://www.casapride.club/">Clemson Anderson Soccer Alliance</a>.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u4WwoCU7Y9Y/XGlsMWoLIgI/AAAAAAAAZAc/AauLW4x8E-oDADu8biRO5_M9pNN_FOR-wCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01320.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1600" height="182" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u4WwoCU7Y9Y/XGlsMWoLIgI/AAAAAAAAZAc/AauLW4x8E-oDADu8biRO5_M9pNN_FOR-wCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01320.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h4>Pendleton Oil Mill</h4>Pendleton Oil Mill was a mill complex for extracting oil from cotton seeds to make cottonseed oil <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B038'57.5%22N+82%C2%B046'40.2%22W/@34.6493161,-82.7783822,223m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88585d808723b659:0x547e2b6337ea8ab!2sPendleton,+SC+29670!3b1!8m2!3d34.6517733!4d-82.7837514!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.649315!4d-82.7778353">on both sides of East Main Street</a>. The Sutton family opened a cotton gin here in the 1860s. A cottonseed mill was built here sometime later, possibly by 1900. When the mill closed down in the 2000s, the mill was producing fertilizer. The mill has been decaying for some time and <a href="http://andersonobserver.com/news/2018/5/22/epa-to-visit-pendleton-oil-mill-site-next-week.html">the EPA has recently taken interest in the site</a>. In July 2015, <a href="http://archive.independentmail.com/news/local/part-of-old-pendleton-mill-collapses-onto-rail-bed-ep-1190509205-347666021.html">part of the mill collapsed</a> and briefly blocked the adjacent railroad track.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzsqYj-kfvc/XGlyh5k33EI/AAAAAAAAZAo/3F07MP1QsqAgF_AtxmsuW68G2iWhKsChwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01323.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1600" height="191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzsqYj-kfvc/XGlyh5k33EI/AAAAAAAAZAo/3F07MP1QsqAgF_AtxmsuW68G2iWhKsChwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01323.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KblmrKgMchU/XGlyh2Dl0EI/AAAAAAAAZAo/TkcTonW78OMxyD6cK-aBh878pfEz1G8aACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01327.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KblmrKgMchU/XGlyh2Dl0EI/AAAAAAAAZAo/TkcTonW78OMxyD6cK-aBh878pfEz1G8aACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01327.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3BOwiLLJjqc/XGlyh0jrTLI/AAAAAAAAZAo/Zp9yv8VrxF0ki4QlCHBDVv9K8wuek5UsQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01328.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3BOwiLLJjqc/XGlyh0jrTLI/AAAAAAAAZAo/Zp9yv8VrxF0ki4QlCHBDVv9K8wuek5UsQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01328.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gi-kuZ-q9wI/XGlyh5eVlXI/AAAAAAAAZAo/bw6YKSbhpQk7qDdpAhtxs6hPo5AfUEcfwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01329.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1600" height="175" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gi-kuZ-q9wI/XGlyh5eVlXI/AAAAAAAAZAo/bw6YKSbhpQk7qDdpAhtxs6hPo5AfUEcfwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01329.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h4>Wrapup</h4>By the time I made it to the Pendleton Oil Mill, it was getting dark and it was almost time for the meetup at Islander Pub and Grille. I took a few photos then I headed back to downtown. I got to see some great people I haven't seen in a quite a while, other great people I've seen just recently, and some other great new folks I met there.<br /><br />I've uploaded my trip photos <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/SrbBm8MvmJNg37TWA">to an album on Google Photos</a> for your usual viewing displeasure.<br /><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-73397000407266906042019-01-13T19:53:00.000-05:002019-03-22T18:56:01.990-04:00Hike to Upper Whitewater Falls Lower Viewing PlatformLast Satuday, the meetup group <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Tri-County-Adventure-Group/">Tri-County Adventure group (Hike, Paddle & More!)</a> hosted a meetup to hike from the Duke Energy Bad Creek Foothills Trail access area to the lower viewing platform for Upper Whitewater Falls, a distance of about 3 and a half miles. I didn't take that many photos on this trip, so I will mix in some photos from <a href="https://marksphototravels.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-adventure-of-upper-and-lower.html">my last visit in June 2018</a>. Just mentally erase some of the greenery and pretend they were taken in December.<br />
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The day was cloudy cold with freezing rain in the forecast that evening. As we gathered in the parking area, a snow and sleet shower passed by. I've already met some of these people, others were new to me.<br />
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This is what the parking area looked like back in June:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzjUTNB1inc/XDvUhHQgAPI/AAAAAAAAYf0/LztSRWKTZIIqbPYfou2ziYSCWPsYB4dCwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC06757.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzjUTNB1inc/XDvUhHQgAPI/AAAAAAAAYf0/LztSRWKTZIIqbPYfou2ziYSCWPsYB4dCwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC06757.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EUDW_zfQ8rw/XDvUo6FCZFI/AAAAAAAAYf4/N2Vsu2Bz-YEY5M74YvRJ63GSi1lyiUgrQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC06758.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EUDW_zfQ8rw/XDvUo6FCZFI/AAAAAAAAYf4/N2Vsu2Bz-YEY5M74YvRJ63GSi1lyiUgrQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC06758.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Last time I was here I hiked to the Lower Whitewater Falls viewing platform. Part of the way was the same as in last June, just with no leaves:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmLPAH5EAw0/XDvVKSuxV_I/AAAAAAAAYgA/Z-f38KXJVAk2573ZrW1FDd-mYM97NtdJgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC06772.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmLPAH5EAw0/XDvVKSuxV_I/AAAAAAAAYgA/Z-f38KXJVAk2573ZrW1FDd-mYM97NtdJgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC06772.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gx6HRlp198Y/XDvVKSuxzkI/AAAAAAAAYgA/Ut4rHziG50k9ro5LCZhpCT4_uvBF6Vt7QCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC06779.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gx6HRlp198Y/XDvVKSuxzkI/AAAAAAAAYgA/Ut4rHziG50k9ro5LCZhpCT4_uvBF6Vt7QCKgBGAs/s400/DSC06779.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dN-cuPh_Szg/XDvVKah1V8I/AAAAAAAAYgA/ntdlCVad9Oc9wHjFHI0o6rNeTnirc2ftgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC06791.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dN-cuPh_Szg/XDvVKah1V8I/AAAAAAAAYgA/ntdlCVad9Oc9wHjFHI0o6rNeTnirc2ftgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC06791.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This time instead of turning down the spur trail to the viewing platform like I did in June, we continued on Foothills Trail:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LkN1oGfXYZ8/XDvU4pnh5oI/AAAAAAAAYf8/I0O-0GijkSgp3sn7D3QYruhVKGqq1nqXACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC06810.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LkN1oGfXYZ8/XDvU4pnh5oI/AAAAAAAAYf8/I0O-0GijkSgp3sn7D3QYruhVKGqq1nqXACKgBGAs/s400/DSC06810.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uS5XoJhusCk/XDvU4gPKmTI/AAAAAAAAYf8/3_oE1LvDY7oePVSfH7zBTWn6dEWTD2WtgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC06817.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uS5XoJhusCk/XDvU4gPKmTI/AAAAAAAAYf8/3_oE1LvDY7oePVSfH7zBTWn6dEWTD2WtgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC06817.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Parts of the trail were soggy, and I was wearing shoes instead of my usual sandals this time (which got comments!) due to the cold, so I had to hop around like everyone else this time. A wooden sign informed us we were leaving Duke Energy property, but it also happens to be the South Carolina-North Carolina border. As we crossed Corbin Creek, we could see the waterfall further up the ridge: <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3xJlBb-Nues/XDvVfUKpBUI/AAAAAAAAYgQ/Au4WQxRedtgqFKYAOSChvqt1fY0RhIGBQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01013.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3xJlBb-Nues/XDvVfUKpBUI/AAAAAAAAYgQ/Au4WQxRedtgqFKYAOSChvqt1fY0RhIGBQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01013.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
We could also now see Upper Whitewater Falls from the trail: <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6ucVIYGoiU/XDvVsMg80kI/AAAAAAAAYgc/urUHbxpJgf0kop-eBaF2wpgV8eIOIQQJwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01016.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6ucVIYGoiU/XDvVsMg80kI/AAAAAAAAYgc/urUHbxpJgf0kop-eBaF2wpgV8eIOIQQJwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01016.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
We crossed over the Whitewater River on the same bridge I stopped at back in June.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVk2yFW12k4/XDvWJnCb3qI/AAAAAAAAYgk/fQOz3GNsFv8uNgRUl8jn5icCXKGjMoNvQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC07069.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVk2yFW12k4/XDvWJnCb3qI/AAAAAAAAYgk/fQOz3GNsFv8uNgRUl8jn5icCXKGjMoNvQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC07069.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KW2Z23F4cxc/XDvWJs4vijI/AAAAAAAAYgk/bpdRmAzId_QRrtP0wrN1vMsgT8mIL54VgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC07070.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KW2Z23F4cxc/XDvWJs4vijI/AAAAAAAAYgk/bpdRmAzId_QRrtP0wrN1vMsgT8mIL54VgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC07070.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Back then, I started hearing thunder and had to hurry back so I didn't get soaked, making it just in time.This time there was no such need to rush, but a long series of steep wooden steps forced me to stop once to rest a bit. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVd2lU5J1ZM/XDvWbKENfbI/AAAAAAAAYgs/tEePgfhULrAS8_xjO6HMgZq73B0R9HqHACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC07031.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVd2lU5J1ZM/XDvWbKENfbI/AAAAAAAAYgs/tEePgfhULrAS8_xjO6HMgZq73B0R9HqHACKgBGAs/s400/DSC07031.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
We arrived at the lower viewing platform. The view was just as good as last time, if not better without the greenery to get in the way this time. <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mi5SmLslJn4/XDvWtdDKLHI/AAAAAAAAYg4/Ni8AO8D8Y14sBwNbgH30m8a9xjRMKRCywCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01023.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="952" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mi5SmLslJn4/XDvWtdDKLHI/AAAAAAAAYg4/Ni8AO8D8Y14sBwNbgH30m8a9xjRMKRCywCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01023.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
We ate our snacks until we started getting pelted with sleet from a passing shower. That's when everyone suddently decided it was time to go.<br />
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We made our way back the 3.5 miles to the Bad Creek parking area, faster this time since we were heading mostly downhill. We said our goodbyes and I pulled out of the parking area.<br />
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Instead of turning right head back out to the highway, I turned left down to an overlook I wanted to visit. I had mentioned my plan to one person during the hike, and so several of us ended up down at the overlook. I took a photo of this monument first: <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u9550Q5W1mA/XDvW-n2Z_pI/AAAAAAAAYhE/U0RugxTDvU0y-Yttmx3Xf2MlIMyfkdiawCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01026.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u9550Q5W1mA/XDvW-n2Z_pI/AAAAAAAAYhE/U0RugxTDvU0y-Yttmx3Xf2MlIMyfkdiawCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01026.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
My meetup friends even accidentally ended up in one shot, though I was able to erase and crop them out.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYNQCYLgskg/XDvW-uqgP-I/AAAAAAAAYhE/bJUncS3zAVQXkz-4x1ltCJteH_8k9qdmgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01029.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYNQCYLgskg/XDvW-uqgP-I/AAAAAAAAYhE/bJUncS3zAVQXkz-4x1ltCJteH_8k9qdmgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I put them back for this shot so you can see what I did:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIU-A2c7sx4/XDvW-pRDdCI/AAAAAAAAYhE/-Iyz25-sVGkJqEGiLrPmQD0lD3rKauq8gCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01029b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1600" height="172" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIU-A2c7sx4/XDvW-pRDdCI/AAAAAAAAYhE/-Iyz25-sVGkJqEGiLrPmQD0lD3rKauq8gCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01029b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A walkway leads down to a gazebo: <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UVlWCFB-FI/XDvYVabqp5I/AAAAAAAAYhQ/UerZwKX_Edww2Hjh2D9q8U23yNfQsgF5ACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01043.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UVlWCFB-FI/XDvYVabqp5I/AAAAAAAAYhQ/UerZwKX_Edww2Hjh2D9q8U23yNfQsgF5ACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A good view of Lower Whitewater Falls emptying into Lake Jocassee can be seen from the wooden fence: <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B-P4P7GzL_0/XDvZX4O26XI/AAAAAAAAYhc/vDyON2RvBvkztA6MX1y_zqHnc45fK0TqACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01047.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1249" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B-P4P7GzL_0/XDvZX4O26XI/AAAAAAAAYhc/vDyON2RvBvkztA6MX1y_zqHnc45fK0TqACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01047.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
My remaining meetup friends had other places to be, so we all parted ways and made my way home.<br />
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I made a map of my GPS track overlayed on top of OpenStreetmap:<br />
<div class="photo-div">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400px" src="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/hike-to-upper-whitewater-falls_282139?scaleControl=false&miniMap=false&scrollWheelZoom=false&zoomControl=true&allowEdit=false&moreControl=true&searchControl=null&tilelayersControl=null&embedControl=null&datalayersControl=true&onLoadPanel=undefined&captionBar=false#14/35.0247/-83.0052" width="90%"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/hike-to-upper-whitewater-falls_282139">See full screen</a><br />
<br /></div>
My photos from this trip are in the album <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/cSn8apyphn4T5o5r5">Hike To Upper Whitewater Falls - Jan 2019</a> on Google Photos. Photos from my June 2018 trip are in the album <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/tEr26qmV9iqhzcmM6">Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls - June 2018</a> also on Google Photos.<br />
<br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-64672660369840214942019-01-13T16:53:00.000-05:002019-03-16T12:17:17.439-04:00Raines Mill and the Waterfalls of Fall Creek<div class="centered-photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNHFH4SFKAo/XDqoV43ubHI/AAAAAAAAYQc/BAs8DHBzC_sQ_Dch-PgrRvXzu9fdtGssACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00548.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1600" height="327" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNHFH4SFKAo/XDqoV43ubHI/AAAAAAAAYQc/BAs8DHBzC_sQ_Dch-PgrRvXzu9fdtGssACKgBGAs/s640/DSC00548.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The recent all-too-frequent wet weather relented for a few days last week finally allowing me a chance to visit an old grist mill on my to-visit list for some time now, Raines Mill on Fall Creek in western Oconee County, South Carolina. This one made my list because of the large waterwheel and for a number of small waterfalls located upstream on Fall Creek.<br /><br />I made my way there by turning off U.S. 76 on to Chattooga Ridge Road then on to Fall Creek Road. I parked by a pull off...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6BDJokLk0w/XDqwWQSItLI/AAAAAAAAYQo/i77IY9maOr4Bi2Se1gPNa7BNVoSbXlFQACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00478.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6BDJokLk0w/XDqwWQSItLI/AAAAAAAAYQo/i77IY9maOr4Bi2Se1gPNa7BNVoSbXlFQACKgBGAs/s400/DSC00478.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>and walked down the road, passing by the gated road leading to the mill, to turn down an ungated road... <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcwkDF7SlBY/XDqw-jhkV7I/AAAAAAAAYQw/v1P-VdBbk3AlnXOztViXKi9F1z7bPgyeACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00482.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcwkDF7SlBY/XDqw-jhkV7I/AAAAAAAAYQw/v1P-VdBbk3AlnXOztViXKi9F1z7bPgyeACKgBGAs/s400/DSC00482.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I didn't want to take my car down that road in case it couldn't make it through a muddy area, like this one...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-aOFdTamsc/XDqyKGrf7_I/AAAAAAAAYQ8/gORFkzNDJQ8sRo406ox7dym_-eaw3m-IwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00484.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-aOFdTamsc/XDqyKGrf7_I/AAAAAAAAYQ8/gORFkzNDJQ8sRo406ox7dym_-eaw3m-IwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00484.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I passed by the ruins of a concrete block building...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01BUCECAiHI/XDqy4jKnJGI/AAAAAAAAYRE/-zSGM3f-9ME9OptvnIoZnLIgHtGkI6cRwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00485.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01BUCECAiHI/XDqy4jKnJGI/AAAAAAAAYRE/-zSGM3f-9ME9OptvnIoZnLIgHtGkI6cRwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00485.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>then I wandered around exploring the mill and the waterfalls.<br /><h4>Raines Mill and Upstream Waterfalls</h4>Raines Mill was built around 1914 by Luther Henry Raines <a href="https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88542636/luther-henry-raines">(1887-1970</a>), a preacher and leader of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Creek_Academy">Long Creek Academy</a> from 1914 to 1956. The mill remained in the Raines family until 1998.<br /><br />The mill's most prominent feature is the large overshot waterwheel:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3Ncw9CSc0c/XDtn_rRsUhI/AAAAAAAAYSc/U6_-2Vy_F34_Ad1QQCS7Cspd-rlGftbwwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00819_stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1445" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3Ncw9CSc0c/XDtn_rRsUhI/AAAAAAAAYSc/U6_-2Vy_F34_Ad1QQCS7Cspd-rlGftbwwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00819_stitch.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>Raines Mill is currently undergoing restoration, funded in part <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rainesmill/raines-mill-restoration-at-fall-creek/description?fbclid=IwAR0C25eAeOFeARZltTWSOPSfFoAN4uaqIaT6x_BOeRuPSeFQ1g_OTpvOsQM">by a kickstarter</a>.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7F3dsuJVyQ/XDtyJ94R8gI/AAAAAAAAYTk/CLj4HAmluXcJSE83VAvVZIXWtQWzw_HjwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00544.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7F3dsuJVyQ/XDtyJ94R8gI/AAAAAAAAYTk/CLj4HAmluXcJSE83VAvVZIXWtQWzw_HjwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00544.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The mill's waterwheel was fed by a sluice originating from a sluice gate a few hundred feet upstream...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JB4LQi9TvB8/XDtqsCeeReI/AAAAAAAAYTE/IVdg36Pa6cIR_PRyFj3XBvq0n3n7gDGBwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00512.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JB4LQi9TvB8/XDtqsCeeReI/AAAAAAAAYTE/IVdg36Pa6cIR_PRyFj3XBvq0n3n7gDGBwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00512.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>down through a pipe underneath the road, then to second sluice gate...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHkS2EPUlfY/XDtqPX3Ke9I/AAAAAAAAYS4/YpnJ1qRT2LoFHPjVV6Y9b6FeBjLRxdX2gCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00497.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHkS2EPUlfY/XDtqPX3Ke9I/AAAAAAAAYS4/YpnJ1qRT2LoFHPjVV6Y9b6FeBjLRxdX2gCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00497.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>then down to the waterwheel.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7MJ0diOgD0/XDtp7tbS3yI/AAAAAAAAYSw/2cHkKIW-0VAFpY_uONRs42Okf03gNkzlACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00495.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7MJ0diOgD0/XDtp7tbS3yI/AAAAAAAAYSw/2cHkKIW-0VAFpY_uONRs42Okf03gNkzlACKgBGAs/s400/DSC00495.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Three sets of waterfalls are upstream, the first is right by the waterfall.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--M4FpwmM_3o/XDtpfxHTNQI/AAAAAAAAYSo/3W1mq8eca2MJcBDoRFw0lTRaTu7xFZafACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00645.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--M4FpwmM_3o/XDtpfxHTNQI/AAAAAAAAYSo/3W1mq8eca2MJcBDoRFw0lTRaTu7xFZafACKgBGAs/s400/DSC00645.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The second is down a short path near the creek.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDMTgl_Q0VU/XDtsmSt4eUI/AAAAAAAAYTQ/GI3c1YtU6covtF6DvIVrKwiFCcjN74qzQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00980.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1600" height="181" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDMTgl_Q0VU/XDtsmSt4eUI/AAAAAAAAYTQ/GI3c1YtU6covtF6DvIVrKwiFCcjN74qzQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00980.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The third is a short distance upstream following down the same path:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdxQBi7ZwsY/XDts37eIW2I/AAAAAAAAYTY/ocOK3j0OD_obGM82O8x263LiuVOg8fYlgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00811.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdxQBi7ZwsY/XDts37eIW2I/AAAAAAAAYTY/ocOK3j0OD_obGM82O8x263LiuVOg8fYlgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00811.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h4>Fall Creek Road To The Chattooga River</h4>I made my way back to my car, then I went down Forest Service Road 722, also known as Fall Creek Fall Road, not to be confused with the public road of the same name. I parked <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B049'22.1%22N+83%C2%B015'02.8%22W/@34.822812,-83.2514572,280m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8858e81778b2e439:0x1123b63597ad0a17!2sFall+Creek+Rd,+South+Carolina+29664!3b1!8m2!3d34.8316082!4d-83.2398888!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.8228118!4d-83.2507677">by the side of the road</a> just beyond the bridge over a tributary of North Fork of Fall Creek. The trailhead is flagged with pink flagging tape that's much more visible in person than it is in this photo.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqHp9_TkNS4/XDt2rCb7_CI/AAAAAAAAYTw/xuq3Cy3L1xsBpcbVE4VRFY_PK3OrJ_TTgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00855.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqHp9_TkNS4/XDt2rCb7_CI/AAAAAAAAYTw/xuq3Cy3L1xsBpcbVE4VRFY_PK3OrJ_TTgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00855.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The trail ends at the Chattooga River with six (or seven if you count Upper Andrew Ramey Falls seperately) waterfalls along the way. The first is Andrew Ramey Falls. The upper portion is below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGFs4VJjkxk/XDt4STzarOI/AAAAAAAAYT8/YKKaUhy7jqsYsQPqmA1l0TT9SJ3YIDyzQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00857.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGFs4VJjkxk/XDt4STzarOI/AAAAAAAAYT8/YKKaUhy7jqsYsQPqmA1l0TT9SJ3YIDyzQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00857.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The main portion is a short distance downstream:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGQfoRe_iNk/XDt4c2xtW8I/AAAAAAAAYUA/fi6-CTxA2vsRhNzQAll4aAUob6CI8yDyACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00872.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGQfoRe_iNk/XDt4c2xtW8I/AAAAAAAAYUA/fi6-CTxA2vsRhNzQAll4aAUob6CI8yDyACKgBGAs/s400/DSC00872.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Midway Falls is about midway between Andrew Ramey Falls and where North Fork Fall Creek empties into Fall Creek.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_e2v3VwQBY/XDuJbg-kZTI/AAAAAAAAYUY/UBnHUhQy17wxL02Eo66jtDXKhXR1Sz-twCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00938.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_e2v3VwQBY/XDuJbg-kZTI/AAAAAAAAYUY/UBnHUhQy17wxL02Eo66jtDXKhXR1Sz-twCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00938.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Just beyond where the North Fork Fall Creek and Fall Creek merge is the aptly named Rhodo Falls.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yA8hZAghUmc/XDuLf_Im1lI/AAAAAAAAYUs/XRL9zuzqqggI_AWtkTGYlP2hn8EQTdI1QCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00943.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yA8hZAghUmc/XDuLf_Im1lI/AAAAAAAAYUs/XRL9zuzqqggI_AWtkTGYlP2hn8EQTdI1QCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00943.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>A few minutes down the trail I came across the ruins of what I presume was a homestead. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SF7dHkedqA4/XDuM1IEHSqI/AAAAAAAAYU4/aJhTjyW-YsoM9se0ZwPq0Wb3nWSdBDbEwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00953.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SF7dHkedqA4/XDuM1IEHSqI/AAAAAAAAYU4/aJhTjyW-YsoM9se0ZwPq0Wb3nWSdBDbEwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00953.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Fall Creek Falls (not to be confused with Fall<b>s</b> Creek Falls in Greenville County) is just a short distance away from where Fall Creek empties into the Chattooga River.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LuhmguPeYVM/XDuSFYiwg-I/AAAAAAAAYVE/2vrBms_qAf0PRP31B6SDgiBhSqbwMLJJACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00971.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LuhmguPeYVM/XDuSFYiwg-I/AAAAAAAAYVE/2vrBms_qAf0PRP31B6SDgiBhSqbwMLJJACKgBGAs/s400/DSC00971.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0FprO8ijsAs/XDuSFSHsbqI/AAAAAAAAYVE/aac6zcicnO8TDHXSwwEKtBQIwX37o-_nQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00975.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0FprO8ijsAs/XDuSFSHsbqI/AAAAAAAAYVE/aac6zcicnO8TDHXSwwEKtBQIwX37o-_nQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00975.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Side Pocket Falls is a short walk downstream: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FW5j1E4Xt6A/XDuSja9wPBI/AAAAAAAAYVM/FezyfDQ7Rrs4mhW4TqM__W_hciIpWDxTACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00980.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1600" height="181" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FW5j1E4Xt6A/XDuSja9wPBI/AAAAAAAAYVM/FezyfDQ7Rrs4mhW4TqM__W_hciIpWDxTACKgBGAs/s400/DSC00980.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Final Falls is the seventh and last waterfall. I didn't get a good photo because it was about to get dark and climbing down and back would have forced me to return back in the dark. So you'll have to settle for this lousy photo just like I had to:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6RJAC8fJjsM/XDuTcs5aBtI/AAAAAAAAYVY/7K9sk0N72sYoNjMmy7gzNq0rCtGvC1sVwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01009.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6RJAC8fJjsM/XDuTcs5aBtI/AAAAAAAAYVY/7K9sk0N72sYoNjMmy7gzNq0rCtGvC1sVwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC01009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I did make the climb down to the river to get a glimpse of the Chattooga River and Georgia on the other side.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FnbRIMYoqfs/XDuhpHXwqqI/AAAAAAAAYVk/BD8WWrx_UWApwQ-I2yr_A56jUNZenqWkACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC01004.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FnbRIMYoqfs/XDuhpHXwqqI/AAAAAAAAYVk/BD8WWrx_UWApwQ-I2yr_A56jUNZenqWkACKgBGAs/s400/DSC01004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The trail was mostly easy to follow on the way in and out, although I did lost my way two or three times and I had to backtrack and try again. I made it back to my car just as it was getting dark. A few minutes more and I would have been forced to use my phone as a flashlight!<br /><br />I visited one grist mill and ten waterfalls today in seven hours which I call a good, but tiring day! I made a map of the locations I visited today below:<br /><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400px" src="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/raines-mill-and-fall-creek-waterfalls_282091?scaleControl=false&miniMap=false&scrollWheelZoom=false&zoomControl=true&allowEdit=false&moreControl=true&searchControl=null&tilelayersControl=null&embedControl=null&datalayersControl=true&onLoadPanel=undefined&captionBar=false#15/34.8207/-83.2583" width="90%"></iframe><br /><a href="http://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/raines-mill-and-fall-creek-waterfalls_282091">See full screen</a></div><br />I wanted to visit Pristine Falls on Fall Creek but I had to cut that due to it was getting dark. Maybe next time?<br /><br />I uploaded my trip photos to <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/ATWfe3fFLCRoCuX99">an album</a> on Google Photos for your viewing pleasure (displeasure?). Happy hiking!<br /><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-18099834577534002412018-11-22T12:00:00.000-05:002019-03-22T18:57:58.745-04:00Apple Country Tour: 2018 Edition<div class="centered-photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-up9ztgMfecM/W_YnaO6VtII/AAAAAAAAXtw/0ZEB2BRpNo8Gv33YMmmAUhnzZmqHniBMQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181023_134028.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-up9ztgMfecM/W_YnaO6VtII/AAAAAAAAXtw/0ZEB2BRpNo8Gv33YMmmAUhnzZmqHniBMQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181023_134028.jpg" /></a></div>About a month ago, I made my annual trek up to Henderson County, North Carolina to buy some apples and do a bit of exploring along the way. This year, much like <a href="https://marksphototravels.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-renno-ramble.html">my recent trip to Renno</a>, I decided to revisit some of the places I've been to before to see what, if anything, has changed.<br /><h4>Staton's Grocery</h4>Staton's Grocery is located just south of Tuxedo on N.C. 225 (Old U.S. 25) near <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/3QEycHP7agN2">the intersection with Green River Road</a>. The store was built in 1920 by Ulysses Staton who also operated the store until his death. His wife, Effie, then operated the store until her death in 1981. The building later used as an antiques store, but is currently unoccupied. My <a href="http://marksphototravels.blogspot.com/2012/10/sky-top-orchard-and-more.html">first visit here was in 2012</a>, and looks much the same except the Dr. Pepper sign <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEArKcLlA4Y/UILFvOVkA5I/AAAAAAAAEW0/5CQL5ULBR2g/s1600/DSC04927.jpg">once above the left window</a> is now gone.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1A-_omI9g50/W_Ysm8MGqAI/AAAAAAAAXuA/WdYEEUdu5_oOwuQz7nRNntl2Eidf-RVFQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00134.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1A-_omI9g50/W_Ysm8MGqAI/AAAAAAAAXuA/WdYEEUdu5_oOwuQz7nRNntl2Eidf-RVFQCKgBGAs/s520/DSC00134.jpg" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8eP-F91dII/W_Ysm6NgY7I/AAAAAAAAXuA/a0YeOgmbVasL6s809eVaFpGWCrnrzNCtACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00135.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8eP-F91dII/W_Ysm6NgY7I/AAAAAAAAXuA/a0YeOgmbVasL6s809eVaFpGWCrnrzNCtACKgBGAs/s520/DSC00135.jpg" /></a></div><h4>Tuxedo Community Store</h4>Continuing up N.C. 225, the old Tuxedo Community Store building <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/35%C2%B013'33.5%22N+82%C2%B025'45.1%22W/@35.22597,-82.4297452,221m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8859c48981549eb9:0xd7583521c4431b45!2sTuxedo,+NC+28790!3b1!8m2!3d35.2253945!4d-82.4295635!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d35.22597!4d-82.4291976">sits across the street</a> from where the Tuxedo's textile mill once stood (now the site of Tuxedo Park). This building once served as the mill's company store, then a grocery store, and more recently an antiques store. The building currently sits empty, but looks to be in excellent shape:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RC3jNpY5ejw/W_YwFES8T0I/AAAAAAAAXuM/rGikR0bhTGcTgpJtYii5b_5nZc3Gb6V2QCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00140.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RC3jNpY5ejw/W_YwFES8T0I/AAAAAAAAXuM/rGikR0bhTGcTgpJtYii5b_5nZc3Gb6V2QCKgBGAs/s520/DSC00140.jpg" /></a></div><h4>Tuxedo Elementary School</h4><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/C4RCyrweSzE2">Just up the road</a> on N.C. 225 is the old <a href="http://hendersonheritage.com/tuxedo-school/">Tuxedo Elementary School</a>, built in 1924 and closed in 1994. When <a href="http://marksphototravels.blogspot.com/2014/11/north-carolina-apple-country-tour-2014.html">I visited in 2014</a>, the school was abandoned and up for sale. Sometime since then, the school <a href="https://www.whkp.com/news/4458-new-owners-have-big-plans-for-the-old-tuxedo-school-property.html">has been sold</a> and renamed the Tuxedo School of Innovation and Preservation.<br /><br />When I pulled into the driveway, a large green bus was parked in front of the school. The bus prevented me from getting a good photo of the school, yet at the same time I'm glad the school building has found a new use.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYVvfyHnvCc/W_Yyfm46tAI/AAAAAAAAXuc/9BjvuwiJkkM_Zk0OFKEbaoIs561F-4zbQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00157_stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYVvfyHnvCc/W_Yyfm46tAI/AAAAAAAAXuc/9BjvuwiJkkM_Zk0OFKEbaoIs561F-4zbQCKgBGAs/s520/DSC00157_stitch.jpg" /></a></div>I first visited here in 2014, and back then it looked like this: <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mCTYcH_uoIE/W_a0xG0T9II/AAAAAAAAXvU/VLSPOhLbNtkIModEyYNlsqN6FQSzCDRHwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09331.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mCTYcH_uoIE/W_a0xG0T9II/AAAAAAAAXvU/VLSPOhLbNtkIModEyYNlsqN6FQSzCDRHwCKgBGAs/s520/DSC09331.jpg" /></a><br /><h4>Zirconia</h4>The old store <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Ls4SCPtM2Cs">across the street from the Zirconia Post Office</a> <a href="http://marksphototravels.blogspot.com/2012/10/sky-top-orchard-and-more.html">I first visited in 2012</a> remains empty:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sV68syQtsPk/W_YzQXrHacI/AAAAAAAAXuk/oTnQzbI7NGgBb6f2_WSM5aacYKm7MPM8ACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00172.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sV68syQtsPk/W_YzQXrHacI/AAAAAAAAXuk/oTnQzbI7NGgBb6f2_WSM5aacYKm7MPM8ACKgBGAs/s520/DSC00172.jpg" /></a></div>Then it was up the steep and windy Pinnacle Mountain Road to visit <a href="http://www.skytoporchard.com/" rel="nofollow">SkyTop Orchard</a> to buy my usual 1/2 bushel of Granny Smith apples. I've been here many times, and the place remains the same, including the crowds.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhwOi1jWm9Q/W_Yz1SPrfNI/AAAAAAAAXus/ch70pXZG54UWDv9jx08FdBQPcputKovcgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00218.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhwOi1jWm9Q/W_Yz1SPrfNI/AAAAAAAAXus/ch70pXZG54UWDv9jx08FdBQPcputKovcgCKgBGAs/s520/DSC00218.jpg" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-696QOXrTfDg/W_Yz1UIiHFI/AAAAAAAAXus/kqSAHzl6ue4QOxdBqANtv2_myFNoJc_-ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181023_134028.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-696QOXrTfDg/W_Yz1UIiHFI/AAAAAAAAXus/kqSAHzl6ue4QOxdBqANtv2_myFNoJc_-ACKgBGAs/s520/IMG_20181023_134028.jpg" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oekXrIvfjas/W_Yz1ZoZ9mI/AAAAAAAAXus/vBtYRzoX9PsOLpcPqbgpFyOftU5ajxrBgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181023_134008.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oekXrIvfjas/W_Yz1ZoZ9mI/AAAAAAAAXus/vBtYRzoX9PsOLpcPqbgpFyOftU5ajxrBgCKgBGAs/s520/IMG_20181023_134008.jpg" /></a></div>I managed to catch the checkout at a relative lull. The orchard was busy, but <a href="http://marksphototravels.blogspot.com/2017/10/apple-country-tour-2017-edition.html">unlike my last visit</a> there were no school buses full of children from different states being led around the orchard.<br /><h4>Jump Off Rock</h4>The record warm September delayed the leaf changing season by a few weeks. A month ago, the leaves were still mostly green in the Upstate of South Carolina, and I was hoping I could see some color up here in the Hendersonville area. <a href="https://www.laurelpark.org/jumpoff">Jump Off Rock</a> overlook in Laurel Park, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/qBM3buMoXAK2">at the end of Laurel Park Highway</a>, was the natural place in the area to check. When <a href="http://marksphototravels.blogspot.com/2017/10/apple-country-tour-2017-edition.html">I visited last year</a>, I didn't see much color, and this year I didn't much either.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rljHeIlIC2o/W_aySW-gSPI/AAAAAAAAXvI/IQTYiUn_dyQ2pAbfOsb9dmewYPV7TdZzACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00224_stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rljHeIlIC2o/W_aySW-gSPI/AAAAAAAAXvI/IQTYiUn_dyQ2pAbfOsb9dmewYPV7TdZzACKgBGAs/s520/DSC00224_stitch.jpg" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6nayg8NwuQA/W_aySTXF6_I/AAAAAAAAXvI/GV8CYloxkwEkRX0vZuxbH8kKPpDSyPrRwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00253.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6nayg8NwuQA/W_aySTXF6_I/AAAAAAAAXvI/GV8CYloxkwEkRX0vZuxbH8kKPpDSyPrRwCKgBGAs/s520/DSC00253.jpg" /></a></div><h4>Wrapup</h4>Yesterday, I finally finished the last of the 1/2 bushel of Granny Smith apples I bought at SkyTop during this trip a month ago. During the past month, Flickr announced changes to their free and paid options that I find unappealing. I will probably pay for one year to continue on Flickr. During that year I will be editing my posts to change my photo links away from Flickr so when I don't pay next year my photos will remain intact. I'll be uploading my photos to Google Photos from now on.<br /><br />In the past month, I've attended some meetups with some fine people and made some new friends (one I'm in almost daily contact with and hope to see outside the meetups). I didn't take many photographs (wasn't there for that), but I did take a few. The <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/xXeEzhQWGP6WpchS7">Visit to Table Rock - Nov 2018</a> album contains a few photos I took at a November 10th meetup at Table Rock for a walk around the lake and a bluegrass jam. <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/xmnMq3ZXsAMmdw9n9">Nine Times Preserve - Nov 2018</a> is from a November 18th meetup at Nine Times Preserve where we hiked up to an overlook on Cedar Rock Mountain, then down the mountain to a parking area, then down a path along an old lumber railroad grade in <a href="http://www.naturalandtrust.org/nine-times-forest/">Nine Times Forest</a> back to the parking area.<br /><br />I also took two vacation days off with the intent to visit some waterfalls before the leaves dropped, but wouldn't you know the area received heavy rain on both of my vacation days.<br /><br />I usually post my trip report within a week, but stuff happened and then I forgot about it. I've uploaded my photos from this year's Apple Country Tour <a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNMOBPHO5i5WackDu2n5MJLPXCi6gAeKtrjoz9O2aSAu0X4d66Co7KRoAixVRRC2w?key=Nm5IQjBzNUhTQlFtRVhXTnAtRUZFUUhvOFZveDVR">to an album</a> on Google Photos.<br /><br /><div><br /></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-42517619012822973722018-10-17T15:49:00.001-04:002019-03-26T20:51:06.500-04:00Shooting the Chute<div class="centered-photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzpQbs_YTd0/W_CkBNYESLI/AAAAAAAAXg0/XBoCu1cCbGISdz-ZQs3rERRgzKA8NfuWACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC00045.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzpQbs_YTd0/W_CkBNYESLI/AAAAAAAAXg0/XBoCu1cCbGISdz-ZQs3rERRgzKA8NfuWACKgBGAs/s640/DSC00045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Usually when one hikes up the strenuous <a href="https://www.sctrails.net/trails/trail/falls-creek-falls" rel="nofollow">Falls Creek Trail</a> near River Falls in northern Greenville County it's to see <a href="https://www.hdcarolina.com/episode/falls-creek-falls" rel="nofollow">Falls Creek Falls</a>, a must visit waterfall in Jones Gap State Park. I've been there a number of times, and it's always a pleasure to visit, except for the difficulty making the climb. This time I came to hike Falls Creek Trail to visit a number of rarely visited smaller waterfalls, the last one being Chute Falls, all reachable by spur paths from the main trail.<br /><br />The parking area, just beyond Palmetto Bible Camp, has room for only two or three cars, but a limited amount of space is available off one side the road for a few more cars.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MeOZcuu0Qk8/W_ClKuwsvVI/AAAAAAAAXhI/qEGqjpINRm8qIm-Qj_f0nMGBAvukRSY0QCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09933.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="auto" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MeOZcuu0Qk8/W_ClKuwsvVI/AAAAAAAAXhI/qEGqjpINRm8qIm-Qj_f0nMGBAvukRSY0QCKgBGAs/s520/DSC09933.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>Before heading up the trail, I had to visit the dam for Trammel Lake. While not a waterfall, the stone dam does make for a good photo when the water is flowing nicely.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTnukWeZp50/W_Cuc0RxUGI/AAAAAAAAXhg/NiUQDrjhs8gZFwAmiKqIzr1lDvZ5rKrngCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09932.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTnukWeZp50/W_Cuc0RxUGI/AAAAAAAAXhg/NiUQDrjhs8gZFwAmiKqIzr1lDvZ5rKrngCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09932.jpg" /></a></div>The trail by kiosk is one of the easiest parts of the trail.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BASCvlwEI0/W_DGnDtQiMI/AAAAAAAAXhs/Pj4LpQY800ItlTgr2Q0D0rAq-DbUXAfygCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09934.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BASCvlwEI0/W_DGnDtQiMI/AAAAAAAAXhs/Pj4LpQY800ItlTgr2Q0D0rAq-DbUXAfygCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09934.jpg" /></a></div>The entire trail, except near Falls Creek Falls, once was a logging road. This is the steepest part, is rather eroded, and a is bit slick with the recent rains. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLAK-FmggQk/W_DG46kB9FI/AAAAAAAAXh0/xq8mTMZ-cGwAEQOktw8R2Pf0MDvJA93qgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09949.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLAK-FmggQk/W_DG46kB9FI/AAAAAAAAXh0/xq8mTMZ-cGwAEQOktw8R2Pf0MDvJA93qgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09949.jpg" /></a></div>The more observant will spot partially overgrown old logging roads, and other spur trails, that branch off the main trail. The trail is blazed purple, so if you're purpose is to visit Falls Creek Falls then pay attention for the purple blazes.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NezbsdyZCKI/W_DHFkWRZrI/AAAAAAAAXh4/s392XuGsecgGMgQbZU3btF3OeIwsFy35ACKgBGAs/s400/DSC09948.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NezbsdyZCKI/W_DHFkWRZrI/AAAAAAAAXh4/s392XuGsecgGMgQbZU3btF3OeIwsFy35ACKgBGAs/s400/DSC09948.jpg" /></a></div>The first waterfall I visited was on Little Falls Creek, which soon enough feeds into Falls Creek. Before the trail crosses Little Falls Creek, an old logging road heads toward a neat, twisty waterfall a short distance uphill. I turned onto the old road heading toward the sound of rushing water.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51Olvc6h9T0/W_DHYDS0xNI/AAAAAAAAXiA/wAnfD_-sV2kZ3PyPBLQS5fz3Ps-jp-A9gCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00011.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51Olvc6h9T0/W_DHYDS0xNI/AAAAAAAAXiA/wAnfD_-sV2kZ3PyPBLQS5fz3Ps-jp-A9gCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00011.jpg" /></a></div>The turn onto old logging road can be hard to spot from the trail if you don't already know where to look. Fortunately, on the other side of the turn is a private property sign that's easy to spot. Just turn right uphill when you see the sign for the private path on the left.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2CD8GBzcDGI/W_Dd7qonEZI/AAAAAAAAXiM/K7rYvzGGIgYJuIF3lbjEGER-K9EqTZlmgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00013.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2CD8GBzcDGI/W_Dd7qonEZI/AAAAAAAAXiM/K7rYvzGGIgYJuIF3lbjEGER-K9EqTZlmgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00013.jpg" /></a></div>The waterfall on Little Falls Creek is in three sections. This is the less interesting lower section:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BijDwFwpxBk/W_DeOwDtk2I/AAAAAAAAXiU/YuJM62FmD0AMDp-CdtoFvjuM2rz8FocLACKgBGAs/s400/DSC09958.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BijDwFwpxBk/W_DeOwDtk2I/AAAAAAAAXiU/YuJM62FmD0AMDp-CdtoFvjuM2rz8FocLACKgBGAs/s400/DSC09958.jpg" /></a></div>This is the more interesting middle section:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2EUA0AjVH2k/W_Def30a9EI/AAAAAAAAXic/IiHtRsl6_F02nDh7XZRqGs8krtLJ0ixMwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09975.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2EUA0AjVH2k/W_Def30a9EI/AAAAAAAAXic/IiHtRsl6_F02nDh7XZRqGs8krtLJ0ixMwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09975.jpg" /></a></div>I took a lousy cell phone video here too: <br /><div><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vouy68zt7Wc?rel=0&ecver=1" width="560"></iframe></div>Then the high section that continues up and beyond the top of the frame: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8h-jEIrCdGE/W_DgNYHI-5I/AAAAAAAAXio/OgfwVtDg6ggVc5obFTGIPeuCoOQwvQwlACKgBGAs/s400/DSC00008.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8h-jEIrCdGE/W_DgNYHI-5I/AAAAAAAAXio/OgfwVtDg6ggVc5obFTGIPeuCoOQwvQwlACKgBGAs/s400/DSC00008.jpg" /></a></div>A foot path continues up the right hand side, but the view up there wasn't photogenic and getting there required a steep climb. No thanks this time.<br /><br />Back down the main trail I crossed over Little Falls Creek.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sA2_D2RdjRI/W_DgghqjbSI/AAAAAAAAXiw/gzImHHlrO4wWzADqAXWEUgv9vBLWu0SrwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00014.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sA2_D2RdjRI/W_DgghqjbSI/AAAAAAAAXiw/gzImHHlrO4wWzADqAXWEUgv9vBLWu0SrwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00014.jpg" /></a></div>I skipped past a tempting spur trail to turn down another old logging road. This one is blocked by branches, presumably to keep people from unintentionally straying.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hu1T4-hhMzU/W_DgycQ1R8I/AAAAAAAAXi4/ER6cwvPLpG8rVqZfGH_VYHXDf0G8BtIkQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00022_stitch%2Bv2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hu1T4-hhMzU/W_DgycQ1R8I/AAAAAAAAXi4/ER6cwvPLpG8rVqZfGH_VYHXDf0G8BtIkQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00022_stitch%2Bv2.jpg" /></a></div>I stepped over the branches and followed the old road until it ended. I could see a foot path on the other side of the creek. As I started crossing over the creek to follow that path, I noticed someone else must have been here recently.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySqyFo-pBZM/W_Dg-HrbdmI/AAAAAAAAXi8/dHEppC_hKUUSp7-tqJCJfydlr6Mg5-fHQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00033.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySqyFo-pBZM/W_Dg-HrbdmI/AAAAAAAAXi8/dHEppC_hKUUSp7-tqJCJfydlr6Mg5-fHQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00033.jpg" /></a></div>Aside: It's interesting that a photo with my feet as the subject gets the most views by far in my trip albums. Hmm...<br /><br />Anyway, I followed a path along creek right until this beauty:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu-RahD8m8o/W_DhUyHuOqI/AAAAAAAAXjE/OVKneBbKKIIorCvNy3MSICqPGmPr7q23gCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00040.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu-RahD8m8o/W_DhUyHuOqI/AAAAAAAAXjE/OVKneBbKKIIorCvNy3MSICqPGmPr7q23gCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00040.jpg" /></a></div>From here, the terrain dictated I cross back over to head for Chute Falls, the last waterfall I intended to visit along this creek. I followed the creek, but on the return I found I could have taken a shorter path. Oh well.<br /><br />Reaching Chute Falls wasn't difficult as bushwacks go, but I was disappointed the sun chose that moment to come out. Until then, the sky had remained cloudy, great for photographing waterfalls. Fortunately, I still managed a good shot of the waterfall.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDg4W2Vg5FM/W_Dh2OR6zRI/AAAAAAAAXjQ/o-4SKkMODCw4l6vqEmmmraAv0O0XVueAwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00085.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDg4W2Vg5FM/W_Dh2OR6zRI/AAAAAAAAXjQ/o-4SKkMODCw4l6vqEmmmraAv0O0XVueAwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC00085.jpg" /></a></div>I took a cell phone video here too:<br /><div><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wnhAvvMZeww?rel=0&ecver=1" width="560"></iframe></div><br />Rather then head back the way I came, I headed uphill a short distance back to Falls Creek Trail and followed it back down to the parking area. I had intended to head down to the paved end of Oil Camp Creek Road to visit another waterfall, but it began to sprinkle as I approached the car. Then I as I drove back down River Falls Road is began to rain. I decided Oil Camp Creek Road could wait for another day.<br /><br />I noticed two changes as I headed back down River Falls Road. The first was the roof collapsed on the old River Falls country store across the street from the River Falls Fire Department. I didn't take a photo because of the rain, but this is what the store looked like just last year:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1fj8gcfvgQ/W_DifB4Z4GI/AAAAAAAAXjc/XrKhQ-92fzQG_1hLeMgQpU5WtwBvnUJdwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC03434-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1fj8gcfvgQ/W_DifB4Z4GI/AAAAAAAAXjc/XrKhQ-92fzQG_1hLeMgQpU5WtwBvnUJdwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC03434-2.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="901" /></a></div>I also noticed Tankersley Lake, near the intersection of River Falls Road and Devils Fork Road, is now filled with trees instead of water. <br />Another change I didn't notice (but should have) is <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/n8GRo715FyH2">the dilapidated "El Rooster" building</a> that sat across the street from the Ingles just north of Travelers Rest is no more. I always meant to stop by to take some photos, but now it's too late.<br /><br />I had a great time visiting some good looking waterfalls. I'm plotting another trip to some more waterfalls near a grist mill out in Oconee County in the few weeks as the fall colors finally start showing.<br /><br />My photos from this trip are in the album <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/WoqLoFbr1KnQtBLW9">Shooting the Chute - Oct 2018</a> on Google Photos.<br /><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-74506948344483909992018-10-01T20:56:00.001-04:002019-03-26T20:51:23.916-04:00The Renno Ramble<div class="centered-photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5k_YMldxQDQ/W_bqFJzRtaI/AAAAAAAAXvo/a0ceh-CK3G4gyHRHi5xPeTAy0GqOHZADgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09609.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5k_YMldxQDQ/W_bqFJzRtaI/AAAAAAAAXvo/a0ceh-CK3G4gyHRHi5xPeTAy0GqOHZADgCKgBGAs/s640/DSC09609.jpg" /></a></div>Usually when I head out to take photos of old, historic places, I already have a list of targets I've researched ahead of time because I like to be prepared. This time I only had one target in mind, the ruins of Bell's Store in the ghost town of Renno, while other targets would be decided along the way.<br /><br />I recently bought Luminar 2018 as an alternative to Lightroom 5 which I've been using for a few years now. I strongly prefer owning software over renting, making paying a monthly fee to keep Lightroom working not an option for me. I tried ON1 Raw 2018.5, but found the interface a bit clunky and unintuitive for my taste. So for now, I'm using Lightroom 5 for its library functionality and Luminar 2018 to process most of my photos. I've also chosen a few of my older photos to process with Luminar 2018, one of which happened to be <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/6853934089/">a February 2012 photo</a> of Bell's Store in the ghost town of Renno in Laurens County.<br /><br />I decided to post <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44931540832/">the newly processed edit of Bell's Store</a> to the Facebook group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/scpictureproject/">South Carolina Picture Project</a>. My adventuring friend <a href="http://randomconnections.com/">Tom Taylor</a>, in a comment, wondered if the remnants of Bell's Store were still there. I was wondering the same thing, so we decided to go visit Renno to see what, if anything, was left. The ramble was postponed once out of concern for evacuation traffic escaping Hurricane Florence, but last Wednesday we successfully visited Renno, and other places along the way.<br /><br />I made the short trip to his house, made friends with his fluffy orange cat Cosmo, then soon enough we were heading south down Interstate 385 toward Laurens County.<br /><br />We left the interstate to check out the community of Owins and the town of Gray Court. Tom grew up in this area and knows the area well. He pointed out interesting places along the way, some with connections to his family, including his old family home.<br /><h4>Gray Court</h4>We took no photos here, except at this former Northern and Western Railway caboose <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B036'35.6%22N+82%C2%B006'57.1%22W/@34.6098972,-82.116465,203m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88578cb326e34d45:0xd067f8e0e37f067a!2sGray+Court,+SC+29645!3b1!8m2!3d34.6081774!4d-82.113438!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6098956!4d-82.1158491">just off of West Main Street</a> near downtown Gray Court. Tom was kind enough to let me take a few photos while he waited in the car:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-NDUCf7T1M/W_bqeClZxyI/AAAAAAAAXvw/yZMae0g8OngYAXA3Js7CTuKyCXU3VonBgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09574.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-NDUCf7T1M/W_bqeClZxyI/AAAAAAAAXvw/yZMae0g8OngYAXA3Js7CTuKyCXU3VonBgCKgBGAs/s520/DSC09574.jpg" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rzyqy5DE0o/W_bqeCDpoSI/AAAAAAAAXvw/OM8JzwXwiPYuhiB0x7xwGalss9DmGA0EgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09575.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rzyqy5DE0o/W_bqeCDpoSI/AAAAAAAAXvw/OM8JzwXwiPYuhiB0x7xwGalss9DmGA0EgCKgBGAs/s520/DSC09575.jpg" /></a></div><h4>Tip Top Store</h4>We left Gray Court and wandered through Martin Crossroads, through Ora (past the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/45022855051/">old Ora School</a>), through Tylersville, by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44110117535/">Duncan Creek Presbyterian Church</a>, then down to the Tip Top community to visit a vine covered old store <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B029'33.9%22N+81%C2%B046'36.2%22W/@34.492744,-81.7772542,223m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8857c472937d7ca7:0x164ffe88445b43fd!2sRenno,+SC+29325!3b1!8m2!3d34.4729094!4d-81.7689954!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4927438!4d-81.7767066">where SC 72 meets Renno Road</a>. Tom <a href="http://randomconnections.com/exploring-jacks-township/">explored this area back in 2013</a>, but this store was new to me<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlTw8lifUyM/W_btm51cjPI/AAAAAAAAXv8/Vttq2h7ojzIKesLYHw75zm7lkcyYPfcXQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09586.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlTw8lifUyM/W_btm51cjPI/AAAAAAAAXv8/Vttq2h7ojzIKesLYHw75zm7lkcyYPfcXQCKgBGAs/s520/DSC09586.jpg" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4KcBrbGctU/W_btm9b4l7I/AAAAAAAAXv8/qSvl6n6D968ZvQC3vwUgFm1LtVUzQWP0wCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09584.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4KcBrbGctU/W_btm9b4l7I/AAAAAAAAXv8/qSvl6n6D968ZvQC3vwUgFm1LtVUzQWP0wCKgBGAs/s520/DSC09584.jpg" /></a></div><h4>Renno</h4>Off Seymour Road near where it intersects with Renno Road, ...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cO-n9Rf2_1g/W_bulrj7lgI/AAAAAAAAXwE/eNUxdarKaUYgR6E3pUexqPFVi_sIHdXzACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09638.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cO-n9Rf2_1g/W_bulrj7lgI/AAAAAAAAXwE/eNUxdarKaUYgR6E3pUexqPFVi_sIHdXzACKgBGAs/s520/DSC09638.jpg" /></a></div>we found the ruins of Bell's Store well off the road. The store ruins are easy to miss this time of year if you aren't looking carefully:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoD-yyHqm-g/W_bvC3iMB1I/AAAAAAAAXwM/QXx3G2JMz_8YrtYKypOpx3gUUjVLgP4QwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09636.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoD-yyHqm-g/W_bvC3iMB1I/AAAAAAAAXwM/QXx3G2JMz_8YrtYKypOpx3gUUjVLgP4QwCKgBGAs/s520/DSC09636.jpg" /></a></div>Tom took photos in front of the store. Meanwhile, I went off to the right side to make a composite of the remaining intact wall:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sraVI0kWsYg/W_bvc3PmfII/AAAAAAAAXwU/BGdxlrDksJYX-7cGzOl779Jbh_Zvo8YUACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09598_stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sraVI0kWsYg/W_bvc3PmfII/AAAAAAAAXwU/BGdxlrDksJYX-7cGzOl779Jbh_Zvo8YUACKgBGAs/s520/DSC09598_stitch.jpg" /></a></div>Then I made my way out front where the old lettering is still visible:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H12jccJzVCE/W_bw_jpQEjI/AAAAAAAAXwg/Ok8ywT_PU38a4ot0dCRlbFeG8CEmokekgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09606.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H12jccJzVCE/W_bw_jpQEjI/AAAAAAAAXwg/Ok8ywT_PU38a4ot0dCRlbFeG8CEmokekgCKgBGAs/s520/DSC09606.jpg" /></a></div>In case you can't read it the lettering reads, "The Bells Dealers In General Merchandise".<br /><br />Looks like Tom caught me in the act of taking that photo:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomconnections/44029024165/in/dateposted/" title="Bell's Store Renno-007"><img alt="Bell's Store Renno-007" height="331" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1943/44029024165_bcee33e70f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>We made our way back to the car, then headed a short distance back up Renno Road <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B028'49.9%22N+81%C2%B046'21.5%22W/@34.4805281,-81.7731772,211m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8857c472937d7ca7:0x164ffe88445b43fd!2sRenno,+SC+29325!3b1!8m2!3d34.4729094!4d-81.7689954!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4805272!4d-81.7726303">where Renno School once stood</a>.<br /><br />This is the South Carolina School Insurance Archive <a href="http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/schools/S112113000002661000/pages/S11211301337.htm">photo of the school</a>:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGmyRrR5k_8/W7JI6T9rWOI/AAAAAAAASjo/U-4znDNhxz823vXoi1HyeOL38f83Ym2QgCLcBGAs/s1600/S11211301336.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="500" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGmyRrR5k_8/W7JI6T9rWOI/AAAAAAAASjo/U-4znDNhxz823vXoi1HyeOL38f83Ym2QgCLcBGAs/s1600/S11211301336.jpg" /></a></div>This is Tom's 2008 photo where the building is in the process of becoming ruins:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomconnections/2384623032/in/photolist-2a5Gj5H-4CHPmd-hiF8iT-9QGNmf-hiEbtd" title="Renno School Ruins"><img alt="Renno School Ruins" height="295" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3111/2384623032_efee2e8609.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>When I visited the school in 2012, the building was almost completely gone:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DcOpMmPCWU/W_bz3YePTQI/AAAAAAAAXxU/jgFd1DY9e7sVreMKj_LplZrFP_YfgF7VgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC03060.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DcOpMmPCWU/W_bz3YePTQI/AAAAAAAAXxU/jgFd1DY9e7sVreMKj_LplZrFP_YfgF7VgCKgBGAs/s520/DSC03060.jpg" /></a></div>When we passed by this day, no trace of the school was visible:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JMmJCRCJVNs/W_b0HmlwoCI/AAAAAAAAXxc/KO7GAjtvb-AmaIZem21hWDUDdE4qTrrkACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09639.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JMmJCRCJVNs/W_b0HmlwoCI/AAAAAAAAXxc/KO7GAjtvb-AmaIZem21hWDUDdE4qTrrkACKgBGAs/s520/DSC09639.jpg" /></a></div><h4>Stomp Springs</h4>We went over to Stomp Springs, the site of a <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B028'09.5%22N+81%C2%B044'03.8%22W/@34.4693151,-81.7349342,211m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8857c5b528abdd51:0xcc3da7b74196c28f!2sStomp+Springs,+SC+29325!3b1!8m2!3d34.469855!4d-81.7342739!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4693142!4d-81.7343874">mineral spring</a> and health resort in the mid-1940s to 1950s. When I last visited during <a href="http://marksphototravels.blogspot.com/2012/02/photo-trek-to-laurens-and-newberry.html">the winter of 2012</a>, the spring <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44261113874/in/dateposted/">was clearly visible</a> but the water looked icky and not healthy. This time the spring was overgrown, so we just kept going. At least some of the trash strewn around the place seen in 2012 had been cleaned up.<br /><h4>Sardis Methodist Church Cemetery</h4>We circled back to yet another site Tom has been to, but I haven't. Near <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B029'53.1%22N+81%C2%B045'45.6%22W/@34.4980831,-81.7632232,211m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8857c5b528abdd51:0xcc3da7b74196c28f!2sStomp+Springs,+SC+29325!3b1!8m2!3d34.469855!4d-81.7342739!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4980816!4d-81.7626757">the intersection of SC 72 and Stomp Springs Road</a> is <a href="https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/1976723/sardis-methodist-church-cemetery">Sardis Methodist Church Cemetery</a>, a cemetery once associated with Sardis Methodist Church that once stood nearby.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D828-2XilZ0/W_d8DgqtwUI/AAAAAAAAXx4/D4wucatWAksaOnGdOAoDrcDNk6exvuiCgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09798.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D828-2XilZ0/W_d8DgqtwUI/AAAAAAAAXx4/D4wucatWAksaOnGdOAoDrcDNk6exvuiCgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09798.jpg" /></a></div>A dirt road leads down and past the cemetery. The church is long gone, but the cemetery seems to be maintained. After passing through a gate, we were in.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6PhBmYDbsw/W_d87wfdScI/AAAAAAAAXyA/v89z8duqsVQG5Ceo5Np1N8I5GsHX8yGeQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09650.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6PhBmYDbsw/W_d87wfdScI/AAAAAAAAXyA/v89z8duqsVQG5Ceo5Np1N8I5GsHX8yGeQCKgBGAs/s520/DSC09650.jpg" /></a></div>We noticed a few graves had been chalked, probably because someone wanted to take a rubbing:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpLnTO5f6Gw/W_d9YWqDyLI/AAAAAAAAXyI/9rM11Go6b-QQ6f_J86OM904M8hvqPRY9ACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09664.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpLnTO5f6Gw/W_d9YWqDyLI/AAAAAAAAXyI/9rM11Go6b-QQ6f_J86OM904M8hvqPRY9ACKgBGAs/s400/DSC09664.jpg" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XtT9k7ZGUNM/W_d9YQZTOAI/AAAAAAAAXyI/QG00lph4iQ0ZQ10lVbgMV53fPBe2dzUhQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09684.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XtT9k7ZGUNM/W_d9YQZTOAI/AAAAAAAAXyI/QG00lph4iQ0ZQ10lVbgMV53fPBe2dzUhQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09684.jpg" /></a></div>Several graves were of confederate veterans:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9dL8tQN80Q/W_d90cCtAPI/AAAAAAAAXyQ/_2XlgGFc3Mw90-vOQEBKQHbSTkkLCr4HQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09683.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9dL8tQN80Q/W_d90cCtAPI/AAAAAAAAXyQ/_2XlgGFc3Mw90-vOQEBKQHbSTkkLCr4HQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09683.jpg" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3Hbvb6qDTE/W_d90Yub82I/AAAAAAAAXyQ/d--0BA12wT0EvnU8iW7BBxyj8zCgf0fIwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09686.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3Hbvb6qDTE/W_d90Yub82I/AAAAAAAAXyQ/d--0BA12wT0EvnU8iW7BBxyj8zCgf0fIwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09686.jpg" /></a></div>I found one grave marker with a signature:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NEo1LLFIZy8/W_xYMonPHPI/AAAAAAAAXy4/-q0h551EFcAn3GWdXsQndjl-wXRXEc7IQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09757.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1140" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NEo1LLFIZy8/W_xYMonPHPI/AAAAAAAAXy4/-q0h551EFcAn3GWdXsQndjl-wXRXEc7IQCKgBGAs/s420/DSC09757.jpg" /></a></div><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ev4wRKpA0Ho/W_xYoGCJ8rI/AAAAAAAAXzA/pjsulNWzOCA5yQitFJ0jI-yaqW5_zZybQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09756.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ev4wRKpA0Ho/W_xYoGCJ8rI/AAAAAAAAXzA/pjsulNWzOCA5yQitFJ0jI-yaqW5_zZybQCKgBGAs/s300/DSC09756.jpg" /></a></div>Tom showed me a second grave with a signature:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HpEmnwOxGKE/W_xY3cqcXqI/AAAAAAAAXzE/EGGFWRpLYbEaV9-TAfh1stQyxJDwx6ccQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09790.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HpEmnwOxGKE/W_xY3cqcXqI/AAAAAAAAXzE/EGGFWRpLYbEaV9-TAfh1stQyxJDwx6ccQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09790.jpg" /></a></div>The latest grave in the cemetery dates from 1977 and 1979, or at least 50 years after the small church closed.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZxUlwnyThg/W_xZF8WQQWI/AAAAAAAAXzM/J3XkSBzBCPYFOdWTqSvSS5Nb3xyD_9QTwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09660.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZxUlwnyThg/W_xZF8WQQWI/AAAAAAAAXzM/J3XkSBzBCPYFOdWTqSvSS5Nb3xyD_9QTwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09660.jpg" /></a></div><h4>Whitmire</h4>We were both in the mood for some lunch so we headed for Whitmire. Before stopping for lunch, I asked if we could stop at this <a href="http://www.scequalizationschools.org/known-schools.html">former equalization school</a> <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B030'34.5%22N+81%C2%B037'39.2%22W/@34.5095911,-81.6280962,211m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8857c9434f53fdb5:0x7a645ec02b0218ea!2sWhitmire,+SC+29178!3b1!8m2!3d34.5029145!4d-81.6114932!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.5095897!4d-81.6275486">off Satterwhite Road</a> so I could get a photo.<br /><br />Carver School was built in 1951 as <a href="http://www.scequalizationschools.org/equalization-schools.html">an equalization school</a> as a segregated elementary and high school for black students. Carver became an elementary school in 1954, a middle school in 1970. then back to an elementary school in 1979, closing in 1996. I photographed the part of school I could without trespassing, stitching together multiple photos later on to make a composite:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMerqfKiLqk/W_xZWVVi7RI/AAAAAAAAXzU/PaIcjGwQYfc017AVrulP0bYJMtldGofhACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09806_stitch%2Bv2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMerqfKiLqk/W_xZWVVi7RI/AAAAAAAAXzU/PaIcjGwQYfc017AVrulP0bYJMtldGofhACKgBGAs/s640/DSC09806_stitch%2Bv2.jpg" /></a></div>We continued on into Whitmire, parking near a restaurant and this ghost sign:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-y5l4S6FGM/W_xZuihVPhI/AAAAAAAAXzc/kYZhkle5NSwtpL4_RaroWFUu8xnRwm0VQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180926_121405.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-y5l4S6FGM/W_xZuihVPhI/AAAAAAAAXzc/kYZhkle5NSwtpL4_RaroWFUu8xnRwm0VQCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20180926_121405.jpg" /></a></div>Tom also envied a bottle museum near the restaurant, but the museum is only open on weekends, so he had to content himself looking through the large window.<br /><br />The Whitmire Cafe, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B030'12.8%22N+81%C2%B036'54.9%22W/@34.5035421,-81.6158012,211m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!1m6!3m5!1s0x8857c9630ff7a80d:0xbc903a25bc34ab10!2sWhitmire+Cafe+or+Lisa's!8m2!3d34.5035744!4d-81.61521!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.5035405!4d-81.6152539">at 153 Main Street</a>, was doing good business when we entered:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k6EtLTl908A/W_xZ-E0ceuI/AAAAAAAAXzg/d3Ko_CURMxY4YLjejI0jzM_h-gDxfY88wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180926_123817.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k6EtLTl908A/W_xZ-E0ceuI/AAAAAAAAXzg/d3Ko_CURMxY4YLjejI0jzM_h-gDxfY88wCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20180926_123817.jpg" /></a></div>We both enjoyed our meals (even more since he paid for mine. Thanks Tom!). Tom spotted this sign along the wall. My cell phone camera was out of its element here, but it's good enough:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kV2PwOjv4vI/W_xaJicrOOI/AAAAAAAAXzo/GeKBFIkFXLgWsxxBP52jwfaUXCsDiI1fACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180926_123422.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kV2PwOjv4vI/W_xaJicrOOI/AAAAAAAAXzo/GeKBFIkFXLgWsxxBP52jwfaUXCsDiI1fACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20180926_123422.jpg" /></a></div>Whitmire Truck Stop was a restaurant a<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B030'59.1%22N+81%C2%B035'28.3%22W/@34.5154477,-81.5915513,597m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8857cbc5a988a5e7:0x3cbbea1e53edc371!2sWilkerson+Rd,+South+Carolina+29178!3b1!8m2!3d34.5157237!4d-81.5891111!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.5164092!4d-81.5911825">long U.S. 176 a short distance north of Whitmire</a> that Tom had been to before. It turned out the waitress serving us was a relative of the lady that owned the place until she died in 2014. What a small world!<br /><br />Walking back to the car, we took photos of the sidewalk advertisements. This one is intact...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m026uOUwPZU/W_xaR2Vx0NI/AAAAAAAAXzs/rxS_fybglzorOsJSIHNmwR45BT6q9eD4QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180926_123857.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m026uOUwPZU/W_xaR2Vx0NI/AAAAAAAAXzs/rxS_fybglzorOsJSIHNmwR45BT6q9eD4QCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20180926_123857.jpg" /></a></div>while this one is not: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHZSTcJlEfU/W_xab4RCDWI/AAAAAAAAXzw/tOUnhKISc6oY4m8je7z6Q9NjJEWBXgUjwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180926_123924.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHZSTcJlEfU/W_xab4RCDWI/AAAAAAAAXzw/tOUnhKISc6oY4m8je7z6Q9NjJEWBXgUjwCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20180926_123924.jpg" /></a></div>We headed down Coleman Avenue to the old Whitmire High School where I took this composite panorama:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nTPgvsYq7rc/W_xalOueO5I/AAAAAAAAXz0/4QeUX4lqxKglWEb_EQpRY-VwMTWhM5S3QCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09850_stitch%2Bv2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nTPgvsYq7rc/W_xalOueO5I/AAAAAAAAXz0/4QeUX4lqxKglWEb_EQpRY-VwMTWhM5S3QCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09850_stitch%2Bv2.jpg" /></a></div>We circled back around to US 176 to where the Whitmire Truck Stop building sits empty:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2-qtdXVDLQ/W_xavnVyL0I/AAAAAAAAXz4/dB8eIiSiTdkwgQyzarahMXCt-2cU6QXeACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09873.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2-qtdXVDLQ/W_xavnVyL0I/AAAAAAAAXz4/dB8eIiSiTdkwgQyzarahMXCt-2cU6QXeACKgBGAs/s500/DSC09873.jpg" /></a></div><h4>Jew's Harp Spring</h4>Then we made our way down Maybinton Road to <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/scnfs/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=47263&actid=50">Jew's Harp Spring Trail</a>. Tom found a place to park by the roadside and we walked the short distance back to the entrance.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05vgA3Ld8MY/W_xdzWGVDeI/AAAAAAAAX0E/0-wGH3_FHBk1agHj5_zIS-svO9zoVU9CQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09875.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05vgA3Ld8MY/W_xdzWGVDeI/AAAAAAAAX0E/0-wGH3_FHBk1agHj5_zIS-svO9zoVU9CQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09875.jpg" /></a></div>As we started down the trail we could see a sign:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-9Il-fg8T0/W_xeEeS06VI/AAAAAAAAX0M/3TUEYI1Q4aAS7haVwWd5_tUtgueivVGKgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09877.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-9Il-fg8T0/W_xeEeS06VI/AAAAAAAAX0M/3TUEYI1Q4aAS7haVwWd5_tUtgueivVGKgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09877.jpg" /></a></div><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ0QuIFIzHc/W_xeRTgcIvI/AAAAAAAAX0Q/qrw5qGu-YwENRDEnGrFGGjfoZvMh_wVCwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09878.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ0QuIFIzHc/W_xeRTgcIvI/AAAAAAAAX0Q/qrw5qGu-YwENRDEnGrFGGjfoZvMh_wVCwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09878.jpg" /></a></div>The sign explains the area was once part of Orange Hall Plantation, a plantation that once stood a short distance away. A second sign at the spring goes into more detail about the plantation. We followed the trail the half mile or so downhill to the spring.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34lq4osI0p0/W_xiveDBJqI/AAAAAAAAX0c/kK3MN3tbxsQCWwT6oWh-xa_QME1lpQwoQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09880.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34lq4osI0p0/W_xiveDBJqI/AAAAAAAAX0c/kK3MN3tbxsQCWwT6oWh-xa_QME1lpQwoQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09880.jpg" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWRltHpszAU/W_xi4c_PHEI/AAAAAAAAX0g/O_lINkgtSOg56thsO-gn5KFhSzOJyTfCQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09881.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWRltHpszAU/W_xi4c_PHEI/AAAAAAAAX0g/O_lINkgtSOg56thsO-gn5KFhSzOJyTfCQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09881.jpg" /></a></div>The second sign by the spring explains more about the Orange Hall Plantation.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JqTGM3sW5S4/W_xnqjF-jcI/AAAAAAAAX0s/2m46Gjiy5a0j2N3KbNSUfwt3Xk2teox7wCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09882.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JqTGM3sW5S4/W_xnqjF-jcI/AAAAAAAAX0s/2m46Gjiy5a0j2N3KbNSUfwt3Xk2teox7wCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09882.jpg" /></a></div>Orange Hall Plantation was built in 1796 by John Rodgers, producing cotton among other products. In the spring of 1929, according to other sources, the plantation had fallen into disrepair when a tornado completely destroyed the structure. The spring supplied water for the plantation. The granite was carved in the 1860s by J. E. Sherman.<br /><br />I walked down the set of steps first, giving Tom another opportunity to catch me in the act again:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomconnections/44220888804/in/dateposted/" title="Jew's Harp Spring-008"><img alt="Jew's Harp Spring-008" height="331" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1953/44220888804_1795a9aac0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The spring, at least today, was just a slow trickle.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgCBh4vnso8/W_xr2GPq6AI/AAAAAAAAX04/yD4Y-JmT2_08TVQoBL8W2vk2h5A932c3wCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09894.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgCBh4vnso8/W_xr2GPq6AI/AAAAAAAAX04/yD4Y-JmT2_08TVQoBL8W2vk2h5A932c3wCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09894.jpg" /></a> </div>I got out so Tom could take his turn.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7EYjYkJZmfM/W_xr-Nt1MGI/AAAAAAAAX08/i0FbYiW0vJI5iwsOL1VRuI6hM5N1O12lgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09897.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7EYjYkJZmfM/W_xr-Nt1MGI/AAAAAAAAX08/i0FbYiW0vJI5iwsOL1VRuI6hM5N1O12lgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09897.jpg" /></a> </div>Jew's Harp Spring gets it name from the granite base that strongly resembles a Jew's Harp.<br /> Alrighty then, so what is a Jew's Harp? A Jew's Harp is a small musical instrument with a reed attached to a frame. The reed is placed in the performers mouth and plucked to produce a note.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWMX7NEWWNI/W_xsJn9wh9I/AAAAAAAAX1A/5EdVvcdM4rY0m_G-JphWYKMwR2Hz9Ba1gCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09890.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWMX7NEWWNI/W_xsJn9wh9I/AAAAAAAAX1A/5EdVvcdM4rY0m_G-JphWYKMwR2Hz9Ba1gCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09890.jpg" /></a></div>An example of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:JewsHarpCivilWar.jpg">one type of Jew's Harp from Wikipedia</a>: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_SCV_-SJ1M4/W7KlFpOuX8I/AAAAAAAASj0/3yYpmFg-7YkFZDul25ctV-ZgZPSrBQo5QCLcBGAs/s1600/JewsHarpCivilWar.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="560" height="166" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_SCV_-SJ1M4/W7KlFpOuX8I/AAAAAAAASj0/3yYpmFg-7YkFZDul25ctV-ZgZPSrBQo5QCLcBGAs/s320/JewsHarpCivilWar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The resemblance is definitely there. I found <a href="http://web.bledsoe.net/~danshell/WhitmireLGM.htm">a land grant map of the area</a> that pinpoints the location of the plantation close enough to satisfy my curiosity.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iiC6NQTC-AM/W7KrCnvJrNI/AAAAAAAASkA/Sgr3KllMx7wK9UPMF7-P942mQrSYh9ixgCLcBGAs/s1600/WhitmireLGM1-2%2B%2528crop%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="549" height="362" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iiC6NQTC-AM/W7KrCnvJrNI/AAAAAAAASkA/Sgr3KllMx7wK9UPMF7-P942mQrSYh9ixgCLcBGAs/s400/WhitmireLGM1-2%2B%2528crop%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>According to the map, Orange Hall Plantation was located about here on Maybinton Road:<br /><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2193.5969632629885!2d-81.52037993839886!3d34.47678694231237!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x0!2zMzTCsDI4JzM1LjUiTiA4McKwMzEnMDguOCJX!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1538436390385" style="border: 0;" width="500"></iframe></div>Tom wasn't quite done here yet. According to his geocache app, one geocache was <a href="https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GCDDD9_jews-harp?guid=b847fc11-dcc0-4767-9036-7063f1704a0f">hidden near the spring</a>. He crossed the creek and disappeared over a hill on the other side. A few minutes later, he reappeared triumphantly displaying his prize:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k1w7zHZhC8A/W_xsY1sf-gI/AAAAAAAAX1E/tnny3OmmJG0R-TVesbbzg6-f50jNjFwNgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09908.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k1w7zHZhC8A/W_xsY1sf-gI/AAAAAAAAX1E/tnny3OmmJG0R-TVesbbzg6-f50jNjFwNgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09908.jpg" /></a></div>He replaced the geocache, and came back across the creek. We then headed back uphill toward the road. When we got back near to the road, Tom went hunting for <a href="https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC1V1Q7_jews-harp?guid=a76c12e4-92f8-4956-bb3e-dfc4be36e76b">a second geocache</a> hidden in the area. I followed behind this time to see where this geocache was hidden. I somehow managed to spot this one first:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajPlE2CktyU/W_xsm5ZE57I/AAAAAAAAX1M/udtP2GWgWREtJG8HFImmUvOJCfz0Eo0uACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09913.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajPlE2CktyU/W_xsm5ZE57I/AAAAAAAAX1M/udtP2GWgWREtJG8HFImmUvOJCfz0Eo0uACKgBGAs/s400/DSC09913.jpg" /></a></div>Tom signed the log then we returned to the car then back to Greenville.<br /><h4>Wrapup</h4>It was a nice surprise to see Bell's Store look about the same as it did few years ago. I also enjoyed learning about Jew's Harp Spring and the Orange Hall Plantation. It was also great to go on an adventure with Tom again, as we have a few times in the past, and take advantage of his knowledge of the area.<br /><br />All my photos from this trip are on <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/4R6rVdvYVRJ51nhz9">an album on Google Photos</a>.<br /><div class="photo-div"><br /></div>Tom posted his photos to the album <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomconnections/albums/72157701756265964">2018-09-26 Renno Ramble</a> on Flickr, and his blog post <a href="http://randomconnections.com/renno-revisited/">Renno Revisited</a> is his take on the adventure.<br /><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-29305569655396447332018-09-18T23:07:00.001-04:002019-03-26T20:51:53.619-04:00The Day After 'Hurricane Florence' Visit to Misty Falls, Evans Falls, and Mashbox Falls<div class="centered-photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zbrl882Bu0o/W_x6Ws9eyTI/AAAAAAAAX5E/V_QjgBYUKCAGtky4RDwfdkpaeDzAFhxegCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09506.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zbrl882Bu0o/W_x6Ws9eyTI/AAAAAAAAX5E/V_QjgBYUKCAGtky4RDwfdkpaeDzAFhxegCKgBGAs/s640/DSC09506.jpg" /></a></div>On Sunday, the remnants of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Florence">Hurricane Florence</a> passed through the area, dumping a few inches of rain and some gusty breezes. The next day was cloudy, especially where in the mountains where I needed it to be, making it a perfect day to explore some normally low flow waterfalls at their best. I chose to visit Misty Falls, Evans Falls, and Mashbox Falls, three waterfalls clustered near each other near the portion of U.S. 276 that ascends Caesars Head Mountain.<br /><br />I parked at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/35%C2%B005'56.6%22N+82%C2%B036'41.0%22W/@35.099063,-82.6119422,169m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8859b6284c73e3f7:0x8af556da92e7b72d!2sOil+Camp+Creek+Rd,+South+Carolina+29661!3b1!8m2!3d35.1103507!4d-82.563215!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d35.0990634!4d-82.6113949">a pull-off within a short distance</a> ahead of the intersection of U.S. 276 and old Oil Camp Creek Road. I got my gear, and walked down the side of the road to the intersection. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OpVzqctNB48/W_x7SRldy1I/AAAAAAAAX5U/AhXKy0F84g0LE_xiLBnNGRTGewyk4qxzgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09054.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OpVzqctNB48/W_x7SRldy1I/AAAAAAAAX5U/AhXKy0F84g0LE_xiLBnNGRTGewyk4qxzgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09054.jpg" /></a></div>An old fading stop sign remains from years past.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhnja9UYBuY/W_x7bBq3J1I/AAAAAAAAX5Y/SeNLs-7o9psruUj5zfs4ThCdxXTbRy3BQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09055.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhnja9UYBuY/W_x7bBq3J1I/AAAAAAAAX5Y/SeNLs-7o9psruUj5zfs4ThCdxXTbRy3BQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC09055.jpg" /></a></div>Another parking area is located a few hundred feet down old Oil Camp Creek Road:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a__aDNHNGnE/W_yG89J9gFI/AAAAAAAAX5k/2N7Z7AHRkAoWZvlxNR9qXvSgrRC7s9yDQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09056_stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a__aDNHNGnE/W_yG89J9gFI/AAAAAAAAX5k/2N7Z7AHRkAoWZvlxNR9qXvSgrRC7s9yDQCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09056_stitch.jpg" /></a></div>A green gate prevents vehicles from passing through overgrowth would do that job just fine even if the gate was open.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dib7iGNVmHs/W_yHLdelzaI/AAAAAAAAX5o/xAyQjft4Zl4zC8hlE3Pl6yq2lC6mbj9zQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09064.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dib7iGNVmHs/W_yHLdelzaI/AAAAAAAAX5o/xAyQjft4Zl4zC8hlE3Pl6yq2lC6mbj9zQCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09064.jpg" /></a></div>Some areas were so overgrown I almost thought I was bushwacking:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjZAx0FOOmM/W_yHV8r7B2I/AAAAAAAAX5s/bos2-Aq9M0EpDhGGH5tqRkZX8gMfN8AewCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09070.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjZAx0FOOmM/W_yHV8r7B2I/AAAAAAAAX5s/bos2-Aq9M0EpDhGGH5tqRkZX8gMfN8AewCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09070.jpg" /></a></div>I continued down Oil Camp Creek Road, following the switchbacks, to a red gate stands just beyond where Pinnacle Pass Trail joins the road.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_n2pIEyWGow/W_yHonjAdzI/AAAAAAAAX50/81ARyF2U8_wfX-iy_6zItGcR2vj7IA8QgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09074.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_n2pIEyWGow/W_yHonjAdzI/AAAAAAAAX50/81ARyF2U8_wfX-iy_6zItGcR2vj7IA8QgCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09074.jpg" /></a></div>After even more switchbacks, I made it to the intersection with an old overgrown logging road. Fortunately, I knew where it was from previous visits, or else I would never have noticed it (the logging road starts where that log is laying):<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-syk3d15xp9k/W_yIcKkIq2I/AAAAAAAAX6A/B2H_qZEGResFx0QKuBNU6tsYZe3KVTfCQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09081_stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-syk3d15xp9k/W_yIcKkIq2I/AAAAAAAAX6A/B2H_qZEGResFx0QKuBNU6tsYZe3KVTfCQCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09081_stitch.jpg" /></a></div>I followed the old logging road mostly by watching old road grade. See the barely discernible ruts?<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C009DaK8sr4/W_yIo92UiYI/AAAAAAAAX6E/uwZ5JGPVAJgMgbxjpV7vXm4f7LtLZJAUACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09106.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C009DaK8sr4/W_yIo92UiYI/AAAAAAAAX6E/uwZ5JGPVAJgMgbxjpV7vXm4f7LtLZJAUACKgBGAs/s500/DSC09106.jpg" /></a></div>The old logging road does have a few spots where the rhododendrons get a bit too thick to work through easily:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MkBuEzh3ZBs/W_yIxQc4qAI/AAAAAAAAX6I/AjOT5yqfbwk4t5oXIF0s_ja7TMqy-WPDQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09109.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MkBuEzh3ZBs/W_yIxQc4qAI/AAAAAAAAX6I/AjOT5yqfbwk4t5oXIF0s_ja7TMqy-WPDQCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09109.jpg" /></a></div>Misty Falls, on a tributary of Oil Camp Creek, was the first waterfall I visited. I approached by bushwacking up the right hand side of the creek (creek left). Once the right hand side became too steep, I switched over the the opposite side (creek right), continuing up a small worn path.<br /><br />Misty Falls was certainly flowing well today, but it's hard to get a good view from a distance, especially this time of year. Near the base, I got down low and managed to get this shot that mostly captures this waterfall, but from an extreme angle:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6C-xcJsJMQ/W_yJaOVCMPI/AAAAAAAAX6Q/yTwmNIfebIwxDszsRQPYafF9lupnZu5zwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09216.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6C-xcJsJMQ/W_yJaOVCMPI/AAAAAAAAX6Q/yTwmNIfebIwxDszsRQPYafF9lupnZu5zwCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09216.jpg" /></a></div>I also took some detail shots of the waterfall:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv0nsJpkGA0/W_yJhB40pMI/AAAAAAAAX6U/j7HVPdS3eicHWDPgnJvZT1neB2a9cQUxgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09122.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv0nsJpkGA0/W_yJhB40pMI/AAAAAAAAX6U/j7HVPdS3eicHWDPgnJvZT1neB2a9cQUxgCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09122.jpg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLkGzFYYph8/W_yJqb8afHI/AAAAAAAAX6Y/KoDsM4jkO_A_zgU3BMDbTbqfEkJt5d4JACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09267.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLkGzFYYph8/W_yJqb8afHI/AAAAAAAAX6Y/KoDsM4jkO_A_zgU3BMDbTbqfEkJt5d4JACKgBGAs/s500/DSC09267.jpg" /></a></div>I took a bad video with my cell phone of the waterfall:<br /><div><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pPrlaOqp0qE" width="560"></iframe></div>As I made my way back down to the old logging road, I spotted a barrel with axe marks that must have been used for making moonshine. I moved closer for a photo:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PkFYjd4TVXE/W_yLpZLwL0I/AAAAAAAAX6k/qUhuQIgyvBsvxdjSoXjdmseyniiKxrfYwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09345.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PkFYjd4TVXE/W_yLpZLwL0I/AAAAAAAAX6k/qUhuQIgyvBsvxdjSoXjdmseyniiKxrfYwCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09345.jpg" /></a></div>Evans Falls, on Oil Camp Creek, is a short distance away from Misty Falls right by the old logging road. Between the two waterfalls, I found someone constructed a lean-to:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQKqhvwvCvM/W_yL3imTkcI/AAAAAAAAX6o/O5v1nug6C4QxseX_MqQ3DC2C4thoeqwdgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09381.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQKqhvwvCvM/W_yL3imTkcI/AAAAAAAAX6o/O5v1nug6C4QxseX_MqQ3DC2C4thoeqwdgCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09381.jpg" /></a></div>Evans Falls was is a fine looking waterfall, unfortunately obscured a bit by rhododendrons:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-22DvIK9L77s/W_yOt433ukI/AAAAAAAAX60/ZQ65kRS8Dp4qOe_s-5BqNFsYQHmGWp1ogCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09386.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-22DvIK9L77s/W_yOt433ukI/AAAAAAAAX60/ZQ65kRS8Dp4qOe_s-5BqNFsYQHmGWp1ogCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09386.jpg" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dtCVIkwvvc/W_yO0yhT0FI/AAAAAAAAX64/eQBjqQx_WIwAdFYnSf0GMIxxT_RsVLhYACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09421.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dtCVIkwvvc/W_yO0yhT0FI/AAAAAAAAX64/eQBjqQx_WIwAdFYnSf0GMIxxT_RsVLhYACKgBGAs/s500/DSC09421.jpg" /></a></div>Since videos tend to do waterfalls more justice, I try to remember to take a video at each waterfall. Here's my cell phone video of Evans Falls:<br /><div><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iRxBI3mph8M" width="560"></iframe></div>As I followed the old logging road, that becames harder to track in this part, I found the moonshine mashbox and a near buried barrel, both I had seen every other time I've come this way:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QV9H6jTOqcQ/W_yPGW0YMiI/AAAAAAAAX7A/FxbA68kWfaw0mT922qSeb1XuAtGVUMYyQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09462.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QV9H6jTOqcQ/W_yPGW0YMiI/AAAAAAAAX7A/FxbA68kWfaw0mT922qSeb1XuAtGVUMYyQCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09462.jpg" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iE6LeS9SE3g/W_yPhZ5g7KI/AAAAAAAAX7I/IiJhn48kAQcTzGUcH6T8k656GPAyrcIhACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09466.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iE6LeS9SE3g/W_yPhZ5g7KI/AAAAAAAAX7I/IiJhn48kAQcTzGUcH6T8k656GPAyrcIhACKgBGAs/s500/DSC09466.jpg" /></a></div>The old logging road peters out where there's happens to be a place to cross over to the other side. This turned out to be the most challenging part of the hike. The wet soil was muddy and unstable, and trying to maneuver along the steep slope without the soil giving way proved frustrating. I decided the safer and easier way was to stick to a wide enough rock ledge by the creek.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv2n1Z-H5Q0/W_yP8Sa_jlI/AAAAAAAAX7U/AM19hvoX7_UrCOb39GY962DBJ1oSm5lRACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09473.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1033" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv2n1Z-H5Q0/W_yP8Sa_jlI/AAAAAAAAX7U/AM19hvoX7_UrCOb39GY962DBJ1oSm5lRACKgBGAs/s500/DSC09473.jpg" /></a></div>I took vertical photos from several different perspectives:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zISCiC84gxw/W_yQXviN0lI/AAAAAAAAX7c/5N9BREs4slkjAn7p-koQweyCQ3Zv52iaACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09489.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1046" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zISCiC84gxw/W_yQXviN0lI/AAAAAAAAX7c/5N9BREs4slkjAn7p-koQweyCQ3Zv52iaACKgBGAs/s500/DSC09489.jpg" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wGz9G9DGU0/W_yUK27PhFI/AAAAAAAAX7o/D_rQcFvkGJYJICN9vzZzF6DlMUWv5emiQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09492.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1077" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wGz9G9DGU0/W_yUK27PhFI/AAAAAAAAX7o/D_rQcFvkGJYJICN9vzZzF6DlMUWv5emiQCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09492.jpg" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBzSfuMVNPI/W_yUWZKDcbI/AAAAAAAAX7s/TWpDCQMJCr83kBr9eonGKIbfMMS8NMv0QCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09503.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="956" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBzSfuMVNPI/W_yUWZKDcbI/AAAAAAAAX7s/TWpDCQMJCr83kBr9eonGKIbfMMS8NMv0QCKgBGAs/s500/DSC09503.jpg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNEJ46HPg7g/W_yUf6rWx2I/AAAAAAAAX7w/dHmhtiHvTNMdKPqVDbj8zqwJU-cCIECkACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09503.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="956" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNEJ46HPg7g/W_yUf6rWx2I/AAAAAAAAX7w/dHmhtiHvTNMdKPqVDbj8zqwJU-cCIECkACKgBGAs/s500/DSC09503.jpg" /></a></div>And one closeup of the lower section:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3_-gAVgPQTI/W_yU904Wm9I/AAAAAAAAX74/QTHWFVpXZwAQTtKd35a_1RsgIE7FGxIxACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC09506.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3_-gAVgPQTI/W_yU904Wm9I/AAAAAAAAX74/QTHWFVpXZwAQTtKd35a_1RsgIE7FGxIxACKgBGAs/s500/DSC09506.jpg" /></a></div>Mashbox Falls looks even better in motion:<br /><div class="photo-div"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6CAJRWt0BDQ" width="560"></iframe></div>I tried taking a strenuous shortcut back out, but the soil was too muddy and unstable on the steep slope to make this a shortcut worth taking. I turned around and went back the way I came.<br />My GPS recording was a bit jumpy this trip due to the terrain, but it does approximately mark the path the old roads:<br /><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300px" src="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/misty-falls-evans-falls-and-mashbox-falls-sept-201_248772?scaleControl=true&miniMap=false&scrollWheelZoom=true&zoomControl=true&allowEdit=false&moreControl=true&searchControl=null&tilelayersControl=null&embedControl=null&datalayersControl=true&onLoadPanel=undefined&captionBar=false#15/35.10007/-82.60895" width="500px"></iframe><br /><a href="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/misty-falls-evans-falls-and-mashbox-falls-sept-201_248772"><small>See full screen</small></a></div><br />I've uploaded my trip photos to <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/4jnB3N6e7HvSrKqg9">an album</a> on Google Photos for your viewing displeasure.<br /><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-84187267429223390082018-08-28T17:19:00.001-04:002019-03-26T20:52:14.491-04:00Exploring the Blue Wall Preserve<div class="centered-photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GRsmKc9pNi0/XC5X36XmLII/AAAAAAAAX_s/KLR9xkpntBgGj7U0XBa7jvnz7S9Z97mcQCLcBGAs/s1600/43540484934_0bfa71e082_z.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GRsmKc9pNi0/XC5X36XmLII/AAAAAAAAX_s/KLR9xkpntBgGj7U0XBa7jvnz7S9Z97mcQCLcBGAs/s1600/43540484934_0bfa71e082_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />Last Friday featured mild temperatures and low humidity, a perfect day during August to visit the <a href="https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/southcarolina/placesweprotect/blue-wall-preserve.xml">Blue Wall Preserve</a>. The <a href="https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/southcarolina/placesweprotect/blue-wall-preserve.xml">Blue Wall Preserve</a> is a 575 acre nature preserve owned and managed by <a href="https://www.nature.org/">The Nature Conservancy</a> located in northeast Greenville County off Pennell Road a few miles west of Lake Lanier. The preserve, acquired in 1997, also serves as an access point to the <a href="https://palmettoconservation.org/passage/blue-wall-passage/">Blue Wall Passage of the Palmetto Trail</a>, a trail through the preserve up to Vaughn's Gap <a href="http://www.goupstate.com/news/20051110/hiking-the-blue-wall">that opened in 1999</a>.<br /><br />The parking area for the preserve is on Pennell Road at approximately <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/35%C2%B011'04.4%22N+82%C2%B014'53.8%22W/@35.1845571,-82.2488132,223m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8859d85490e33961:0x9e191c0a52e950a7!2sPennell+Rd,+South+Carolina+29356!3b1!8m2!3d35.1828819!4d-82.2569711!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d35.1845557!4d-82.2482664">35.184556, -82.248266</a>. I found I had the place all to myself:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHmHjyJKTg0/XC5hEaJDlUI/AAAAAAAAX_4/r9b9MRn9_5oskrRiNOq-On7IeP-GQ3hVwCLcBGAs/s1600/43539911184_fbffc5eaf1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="500" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHmHjyJKTg0/XC5hEaJDlUI/AAAAAAAAX_4/r9b9MRn9_5oskrRiNOq-On7IeP-GQ3hVwCLcBGAs/s1600/43539911184_fbffc5eaf1.jpg" /></a></div>I walked around the bright yellow gate down the old road:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3firj7Hl44A/XC5i4X_7hQI/AAAAAAAAYAE/bGLYO7AuYjoH6A1AIKrw0Arp7sTOcnSWgCLcBGAs/s1600/43539922154_aef76a6205.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3firj7Hl44A/XC5i4X_7hQI/AAAAAAAAYAE/bGLYO7AuYjoH6A1AIKrw0Arp7sTOcnSWgCLcBGAs/s1600/43539922154_aef76a6205.jpg" data-original-width="500" data-original-height="332" /></a></div>The pavement ends near the bridge crossing over Vaughn Creek:<br /><div class="photo-div"> <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44256541121/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Pennell Road - 1"><img alt="Pennell Road - 1" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1899/44256541121_00e4e8354f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>The bridge could definitely use some work. Be careful:<br /><div class="photo-div"> <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30390325068/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Bridge erosion"><img alt="Bridge erosion" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1897/30390325068_969b423035.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>The road beyond the bridge is gravel and dirt:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43539964234/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Pennell road - 2"><img alt="Pennell road - 2" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1872/43539964234_b77b5a0854.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>A lovely sign sits near of another gate.<br /><div class="photo-div"> <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30390380028/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Blue Wall Preserve road - 1"><img alt="Blue Wall Preserve road - 1" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1877/30390380028_23b3a7a035.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>One side was obscured by high weeds, and the other side was backlit. I did my best with the digital tools I possess to bring up the shadows and tame the highlights without making the sign look fake HDR-ish, and then crop out the stonework obscured by weeds:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30390365948/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Blue Wall Preserve signs - 2"><img alt="Blue Wall Preserve signs - 2" height="282" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1896/30390365948_cdde68b91f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Walking down the road toward the first lake, I spotted a concrete post with the letters "MV" embossed and a blue reflector on top.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44208625462/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Master Valve Post - 1"><img alt="Master Valve Post - 1" height="400" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1888/44208625462_cbff5fdcce.jpg" width="224" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This was the first of several more concrete posts like this I'd spot later on. I had no idea what it could mean.<br /><br />As I approached the first small reservoir, I could see a side road heading left and an information board:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43540041704/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Intersection with side road"><img alt="Intersection with side road" height="186" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1850/43540041704_fdac72386c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The board provides information about mountains seen by the shore of small reservoir:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30390431788/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Blue Wall Preserve signs - 4"><img alt="Blue Wall Preserve signs - 4" height="281" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1845/30390431788_52a40b4cbb.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The view is fantastic! I made this panorama from several photos and pasted together later:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/29321423087/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Bailey Ridge, Hogback Mountain, Vaughn's Gap, and Rocky Spur - 1"><img alt="Bailey Ridge, Hogback Mountain, Vaughn's Gap, and Rocky Spur - 1" height="121" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1881/29321423087_37a8efcb16.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This reservoir appears to be gradually filling in. I didn't see any trail markers (I found one later on ton a tree that had fallen), so I headed left to look at what remained of a dock:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42449571240/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Dock ruins - 2"><img alt="Dock ruins - 2" height="418" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1844/42449571240_16892744da.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I followed the road until I came across an obvious path by a creek where I could see the top of an undocumented (as far as I know) waterfall:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44208699892/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Undocumented Blue Wall Reserve waterfall - 01"><img alt="Undocumented Blue Wall Reserve waterfall - 01" height="330" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1845/44208699892_bd7a8d945f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I followed the obvious path to see if would get me to the base. The path got me close, but I had to find my own way the short distance down to the base. Unfortunately, the lighting was such I didn't end up with a usable photo of the whole waterfall, but I did get at least one photo of the right and left sides:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44256770561/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Undocumented Blue Wall Reserve waterfall - 04"><img alt="Undocumented Blue Wall Reserve waterfall - 04" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1895/44256770561_05682c27c6.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44208721642/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Undocumented Blue Wall Reserve waterfall - 03"><img alt="Undocumented Blue Wall Reserve waterfall - 03" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1896/44208721642_5023788d78.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Among the deadfall was a machine I could not identify, but one of my Facebook friends (thanks Tyler!) identified this as a newspaper vending machine:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44256760211/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Mysterious machine - 2"><img alt="Mysterious machine - 2" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1851/44256760211_9569b5b69e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>After getting a surprise mud bath up to my knees after stepping into what I thought was solid ground...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44208798352/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="After the surprise mud bath"><img alt="After the surprise mud bath" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1900/44208798352_d75309b7d3.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I made it back to the road. That photo above is the most popular photo in my trip album on Flickr and it's not even close. Interesting.<br /><br />The road actually continues down by a building that stood when the place was a retreat for the Spartanburg Cement company and the land owned by CEO <a href="https://knowitall.org/video/j-roy-pennell-legacy-leadership">J. Roy Pennell Sr.</a>, but I didn't head that way. Instead, I went back to the main road down the second reservoir. On the way, I spotted some flagged tape attached to tree branches. Maybe an better trail to the waterfall's base is under construction?<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43351658995/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Flagged trail"><img alt="Flagged trail" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1882/43351658995_fc4e90ceb6.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>I sure hope so. That waterfall is more interesting and has better water flow than the other known one I'll visit later on.<br /><br />I made it to the second reservoir, which had no good views, and once again turned left. So far I had found five concrete posts stamped with the letters "MV" and I still had no idea what it could mean. Near the fifth post I spotted I found this water right of way marker, and then it became clear:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43351724295/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Water line right of way"><img alt="Water line right of way" height="320" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1860/43351724295_b5fb277153.jpg" width="179" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Those posts marked the location of a water line and "MV" probably stood for "Master Valve". That would also explain the blue reflector on top of the post:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43351743425/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Master Valve Post - 5"><img alt="Master Valve Post - 5" height="320" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1847/43351743425_653f7b0701.jpg" width="179" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Later, I found <a href="https://forums.geocaching.com/GC/index.php?/topic/272421-blue-monument-stamped-mv/">a link</a> to someone asking a similar question and the answer confirmed my thinking.<br /><br />I found what was likely one end of the loop trail, where a documented waterfall can be found. I made a right turn:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44256965471/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Intersection with waterfall loop trail"><img alt="Intersection with waterfall loop trail" height="192" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1869/44256965471_d5192f0ed8.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I soon found myself near the reservoir again. As I walked by in one part of the trail, I heard something dash away. I found I had accidentally scared a rabbit!<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44256974921/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Suprised rabbit"><img alt="Suprised rabbit" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1868/44256974921_9468972132.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>Further down the path I came to a short spur trail leading to the waterfall.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43351771295/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Blue Wall Falls - 01"><img alt="Blue Wall Falls - 01" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1853/43351771295_fd9b7c3e75.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>There wasn't enough water flow to make the waterfall photogenic, but I did get one decent photo:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44208937152/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Blue Wall Falls - 06"><img alt="Blue Wall Falls - 06" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1855/44208937152_82ea62f5d1.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Back on the waterfall loop trail, I crossed over a foot bridge:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43540338524/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Foot bridge"><img alt="Foot bridge" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1862/43540338524_9d77d6e785.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>A few minutes later I found myself at the intersection of the Palmetto Trail: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30390794698/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Intersection of Palmetto Trail and waterfall loop trail"><img alt="Intersection of Palmetto Trail and waterfall loop trail" height="151" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1845/30390794698_58a5ecac47.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>On the way back to the parking area, I spotted a sign on a fallen tree I missed the first time through:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30390801548/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Fallen sign"><img alt="Fallen sign" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1872/30390801548_56ff7af1e6.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>On the way back, I noticed the Blue Wall Preserve sign that was backlit on the more weed free side on way in, is now somewhat frontlit.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43540484934/in/album-72157700270711614/" title="Blue Wall Preserve signs - 05"><img alt="Blue Wall Preserve signs - 05" height="281" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1886/43540484934_0bfa71e082.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Near the parking area on the way back, I was greeted by two hostile, unleashed dogs. Their owners were at least considerate enough to restrain them so I could pass by, but it left me wondering why they weren't leashed to begin with. Sigh. I have also encountered the similar issues with unleashed and unruly dogs at Yellow Branch Falls earlier this year but I didn't write anything about it.<br /><br />I'd like to possibly come back sometime this fall or winter and hike the Blue Wall Passage up to Vaughn's Gap to see the views, or at the very least get some exercise(!). I've also seen photos of <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/nikon_d90_d40_users_group_/discuss/72157632172635842/">a rusting, portable saw mill</a> I'd very much like to visit in person.<br /><br />The Palmetto Conservation's <a href="https://palmettoconservation.org/passage/blue-wall-passage/">page about the Blue Wall Passage of the Palmetto Trail</a> has a handy trail maps in PDF format for your viewing or printing pleasure.<br /><br />For the most part, I had an enjoyable visit.<br /><br />I've shared my trip photos to <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157700270711614">an album on Flickr</a>, or you're welcome to go through them below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157700270711614" title="Blue Wall Preserve - August 2018"><img alt="Blue Wall Preserve - August 2018" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1884/29321283597_8fffe193de.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-35322309123026087422018-08-13T19:10:00.001-04:002019-03-26T20:52:32.263-04:00On Top of Table Rock Mountain<div class="centered-photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43100153735/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Table Rock Reservoir"><img alt="Table Rock Reservoir" height="360" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/935/43100153735_a501073fc8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I had planned on visiting the top of Table Rock Mountain this fall when it was cooler and less humid, but when I found out <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Anderson-Activities-Meetup/">a Meetup.com group</a> was <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Anderson-Activities-Meetup/events/253120628/">planning on going up there this past Sunday</a>, and since I was available, I made plans to attend the meetup. Three of us (out of seven at one time) ended up going, Helen (the organizer), Victor, and myself (duh!).<br /><br />The hike was scheduled to start at 8:30am, which is too early for this night owl, but I made it up to the Nature Center right on time. The three of us waited until 8:45am for any others that might show up, and when they didn't we began the journey.<br /><br />Table Rock Trail is 3.6 miles long, blazed red, very strenuous at times, and its uphill almost all the way up to the trail's end at the Table Rock Reservoir overlook. For a more detailed description of the hike itself, you will want to read <a href="http://internetbrothers.org/2011/03/24/table-rock-trail-table-rock-state-park-south-carolina/">this more detailed trip report blog post</a> by Jeff Clark (read it after you finish reading this one, of course).<br /><br />I didn't take any photos on the way up so I didn't fall behind. I did take a few photos at Halfway Shelter (about 1.5 miles up the trail), built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and damaged by Hurricane Irma, yet somehow not destroyed by the fire of 2016. We got here about 10am:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44006111631/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Halfway Shelter - 01"><img alt="Halfway Shelter - 01" height="425" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1773/44006111631_b8893af7cd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>An overlook a few feet away was occupied by some younger people. One of which lost his phone down the rock face. Ouch!<br /><br />About 11am, we made it the overlook known as Governor's Rock at about 2800 feet elevation.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43964372542/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="At Governor's Rock"><img alt="At Governor's Rock" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/936/43964372542_f4d0ae51e2.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>But not until a steep climb up some slippery steps chiseled out of the rock (photos taken on the way back down):<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44006285561/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Path back to the Nature Center - 08"><img alt="Path back to the Nature Center - 08" height="500" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1815/44006285561_2b3a399f35.jpg" width="333" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30137561278/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Path back to the Nature Center - 09"><img alt="Path back to the Nature Center - 09" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/939/30137561278_9ab80863f7.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The Governor's Rock overlook was plenty worthy of a panorama (I suggest clicking through for the bigger size):<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30137425208/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Governor's Rock view - 1"><img alt="Governor's Rock view - 1" height="138" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1817/30137425208_a793102f59.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>We took a bit of a break before moving on:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44006148531/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Governor's Rock view - 3"><img alt="Governor's Rock view - 3" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1800/44006148531_1d80732233.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The next place where we stopped and took photos was at a sign just below the summit. We arrived here about 11:25am:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43964378252/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Near Table Rock Summit"><img alt="Near Table Rock Summit" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1818/43964378252_42796ee5e9.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>We continued on the the Table Rock Reservoir overlook, arriving about 11:45am.<br /><br />We could hear and see Slicking Falls on Slicking Creek, on the City of Greenville's Watershed land. My zoom lens wasn't zoomy enough to get a good photo, but at least I got one:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44006164431/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Slicking Falls"><img alt="Slicking Falls" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/942/44006164431_56c5a9d0b2.jpg" width="264" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The overlook commands an excellent view of the Table Rock Reservoir, at least if you're willing to risk getting out far enough on the rock face to risk a fall:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43100153735/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Table Rock Reservoir"><img alt="Table Rock Reservoir" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/935/43100153735_a501073fc8.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This was, of course, another excellent opportunity to take a panorama. This one is features the mountain known as "The Stool":<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43100160995/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="The Stool"><img alt="The Stool" height="174" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1778/43100160995_f68eb9fd6a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>We rested here and ate our lunch. A perfect excuse to take another panorama:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42197003840/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Eating lunch"><img alt="Eating lunch" height="147" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1775/42197003840_6233387350.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>People came up, took their pictures, and left to go back down while we rested:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30151959098/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Visitor taking a photo - v2"><img alt="Visitor taking a photo - v2" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1812/30151959098_6025757383.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>Of course, we had to take our own:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/29075780727/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="At Table Rock Reservoir overlook"><img alt="At Table Rock Reservoir overlook" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1791/29075780727_f2cfba445f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>About 12:20, we started heading back down.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42197021750/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Path back to the Nature Center - 02"><img alt="Path back to the Nature Center - 02" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/941/42197021750_a0a6392d61.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>We stopped at a nearby overlook where I took one more panorama from up here. I didn't notice until later the mountains didn't quite stitch together correctly on one spot. Oh well!<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43100251775/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="View from overlook"><img alt="View from overlook" height="164" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1779/43100251775_bbda653f87.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>As we descended, we would run into a few groups of hikers:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42197076720/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Path back to the Nature Center - 07"><img alt="Path back to the Nature Center - 07" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1780/42197076720_b5f35a2be9.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The many steps were much easier to take when going downhill.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43287601044/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Path back to the Nature Center - 11"><img alt="Path back to the Nature Center - 11" height="400" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1778/43287601044_0e1b0b9c9f.jpg" width="265" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Coming up, parts of the trail were muddy. On the way down, those muddy parts were also slippery.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44006321981/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Path back to the Nature Center - 15"><img alt="Path back to the Nature Center - 15" height="333" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1835/44006321981_b84a2143dd.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Coming up and back down, I also noticed evidence of the 2016 fires:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44006330251/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Burned wood"><img alt="Burned wood" height="400" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1793/44006330251_9af2e523e3.jpg" width="265" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Eventually, one of my knees starting bothering me so I had to slow way down. But then it stopped bothering me so I could move faster again. I knew I couldn't possibly catch up so I didn't rush.<br /><br />I was tempted to go down to the base of this waterfall hidden by the tree from view, but by the time I got here I was too exhausted and sweaty to care. Next time.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/29069008177/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Green Creek - 2"><img alt="Green Creek - 2" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1835/29069008177_a9716f0c7f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>When we passed by Carrick Creek Falls on the way up, nobody was around. Now the pool at the base was filled with children playing around and behind the waterfall, with parents keeping watch.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/44012990751/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Carrick Creek Falls - 1"><img alt="Carrick Creek Falls - 1" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/928/44012990751_a407b1a7a4.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I managed to get one good photo of the waterfall. Look closely and you'll see see two children behind the waterfall on the right side.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30137660258/in/album-72157696950496032/" title="Carrick Creek Falls - 3"><img alt="Carrick Creek Falls - 3" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1818/30137660258_cd21b060eb.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>I met up back up with Helen at the Nature Center a few minutes later and we walked back to the parking area. Both Helen and Victor are both good people. I hope I can hike either one or both of them again sometime.<br /><br />I've <a href="http://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/table-rock-trail-august-2018_240188">shared my track to uMap</a>. For your viewing displeasure, I've plotted a graph of the elevation plotted against time.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTpCJEPegFc/W3IF-jXdJOI/AAAAAAAAR7Q/cGbvYF90wLIU9DHI5Xt-7kl9O9HBCkG5ACLcBGAs/s1600/elevation%2Bdistance.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="1470" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTpCJEPegFc/W3IF-jXdJOI/AAAAAAAAR7Q/cGbvYF90wLIU9DHI5Xt-7kl9O9HBCkG5ACLcBGAs/s640/elevation%2Bdistance.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The graph is brutal, and there's no way to make it look easy, which is fine since it wasn't anyway.I went through all four water bottles I brought along and helped myself to a half bottle of Gatorade I brought along in a cooler back in my car.<br /><br />I've uploaded my photos to <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/sets/72157696950496032/">an album on Flickr</a> where my panoramas are best viewed. Or you can click through them below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157696950496032" title="The View from Table Rock Mountain - August 2018"><img alt="The View from Table Rock Mountain - August 2018" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1773/44006111631_b8893af7cd.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The views were wonderful, but getting there was brutal. It will be a while before I attempt this trip again. I hope to hike with a Meetup group again sometime. Meetups are difficult to go to when they're mostly scheduled on weekends when I'm mostly not available, but maybe I'll get lucky again sometime.<br /><br /><br /><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-16604446233724627392018-08-13T15:52:00.001-04:002019-03-26T20:52:46.662-04:00The "See Rock City" Ramble<div class="centered-photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43004022565/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Rock City Barn - 05"><img alt="Rock City Barn - 05" height="426" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1811/43004022565_9c82e94fce_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>When it comes to choosing where to go on my outings, I usually end up choosing the last thing that caught my interest before making a decision. And this time is no different. I happened to come across the website for <a href="http://www.seerockcity.com/">Rock City Gardens</a>, an attraction located on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga Tennessee. The page that interested me most was the one for their <a href="http://www.seerockcity.com/about/barns-map/">map of Rock City barns</a>, barns much like the ones I remember seeing while traveling during summer vacations when I was little. Their map showed a barn located a few miles south of Abbeville. Earlier last week I found the time to visit this barn, and a few others old buildings along the way and back.<br /><br />My route took me down U.S. 25 to Hodges, down S.C. 185 and S.C. 203 to Abbeville, then S.C. 72 and S.C. 28 to the Bethel community where the Rock City Barn is located.<br /><br />I'll briefly as possible describe the stops I made along the way and back.<br /><h4>Southern Greenville County</h4>About a mile south of Moonville at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B042'13.1%22N+82%C2%B023'37.8%22W/@34.7036341,-82.3943842,224m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1saugusta+road+ruritan+club,+sc!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.7036333!4d-82.3938369">7788 Augusta Road on U.S. 25</a> is the Augusta Road Ruritan Club.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42099169060/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Augusta Road Ruritan Club - 03"><img alt="Augusta Road Ruritan Club - 03" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1817/42099169060_1341fc133a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Aside from their regular meetings and their other public services, the Augusta Road Ruritan Club also hosts a farmers market.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28971359427/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Augusta Road Ruritan Club - 07"><img alt="Augusta Road Ruritan Club - 07" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/862/28971359427_a4a414df24.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28971375157/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Augusta Road Ruritan Club - 08"><img alt="Augusta Road Ruritan Club - 08" height="202" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1835/28971375157_f081373c44.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The brick building at the end of the driveway was originally a school.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30038774928/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Augusta Road Ruritan Club - 01"><img alt="Augusta Road Ruritan Club - 01" height="250" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1771/30038774928_28d176f57a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The building was originally known as Pepper School from 1914 to 1953, when the school closed due to school consolidation. A historical marker stands nearby on a brick base:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43859506582/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Pepper School Historical Marker - 2"><img alt="Pepper School Historical Marker - 2" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/932/43859506582_289379a188.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43189657334/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Augusta Road Ruritan Club - 09"><img alt="Augusta Road Ruritan Club - 09" height="219" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/937/43189657334_3ed7e6279c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>In June 1964, the Augusta Road Ruritan Club bought the property from the School District of Greenville County, and has remained here since.<br /><div><br /></div>On <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B030'37.9%22N+82%C2%B018'20.0%22W/@34.510518,-82.3061018,179m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.5105177!4d-82.3055519">the south side of the intersection of U.S. 25 and U.S. 76</a> I spotted an overgrown old service station with older "analog" style gas pumps. I had to check it out!<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43908625921/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="25 Quick Stop - 04"><img alt="25 Quick Stop - 04" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/855/43908625921_d9c5eb9b46.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I checked out the gas pumps to see what their last sale was and at what price per gallon.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43859661792/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="25 Quick Stop - 12b"><img alt="25 Quick Stop - 12b" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/933/43859661792_f9b8836709.jpg" width="331" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30039061018/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="25 Quick Stop - 13"><img alt="25 Quick Stop - 13" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1819/30039061018_d20f12cb34.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>On a busy highway like U.S. 25, I'm surprised some company hasn't been remodeled and reopened this place.<br /><h4>Princeton</h4>Princeton is a small community just south of the Greenville County-Laurens County border.<br /><br />A <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B030'03.6%22N+82%C2%B017'26.6%22W/@34.501007,-82.2912692,212m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88581c6e49bc76cf:0xfdd99f2d2c738d8e!2sPrinceton,+SC+29654!3b1!8m2!3d34.4970603!4d-82.287062!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.5010073!4d-82.2907224">few hundred feet inside the Greenville County line</a> is the Royal Inn, until recently named the Princeton Inn. Old single story hotels like this have been gradually disappearing, so when I spot one I try to grab at least one photo.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28971626467/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Royal Inn"><img alt="Royal Inn" height="125" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1834/28971626467_7a53b875df.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Off the appropriately named Gin Mill Road (in Laurens County) is an old cotton gin, currently or recently the home of Gin Feed and Seed:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43189843794/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Princeton community cotton gin - 1b"><img alt="Princeton community cotton gin - 1b" height="200" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/942/43189843794_d4eb9ce487.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Princeton Lodge #129 is located at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B029'54.1%22N+82%C2%B017'14.8%22W/@34.498372,-82.2879932,212m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88581c6f6c732abb:0x8d876f24cb84aab6!2s13145+US-25,+Honea+Path,+SC+29654!3b1!8m2!3d34.4986064!4d-82.2872133!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4983718!4d-82.2874456">13145 Hwy 25</a>.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43003655985/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Princeton lodge - 2"><img alt="Princeton lodge - 2" height="222" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/852/43003655985_dfe624c114.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This was originally Princeton School, built in 1925. I unfortunately didn't get a photo of the dedication, but fortunately my friend Tom Taylor <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomconnections/15402726839/">did in one of his earlier visits</a>:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomconnections/15402726839/in/photolist-pHu3UC-pKDJGE-pt614R" title="Princeton School-002"><img alt="Princeton School-002" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3935/15402726839_6a193b0782.jpg" width="296" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I always try to compare how school buildings look now with their old school insurance photographs, if available.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28971640807/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Princeton lodge - 1"><img alt="Princeton lodge - 1" height="281" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1839/28971640807_77a05c793c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This <a href="http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/schools/S112113000002661000/pages/S11211301371.htm">photo of the old Princeton School</a> from the South Carolina School Insurance archives shows the chimneys have been removed, and the front windows altered:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJCMYb7T9xQ/W28EDCov_ZI/AAAAAAAAR6I/5JYV2jfJiw4JDoFZCn4_iglTdWyp2Vf_gCLcBGAs/s1600/S11211301371.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="500" height="217" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJCMYb7T9xQ/W28EDCov_ZI/AAAAAAAAR6I/5JYV2jfJiw4JDoFZCn4_iglTdWyp2Vf_gCLcBGAs/s400/S11211301371.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Across the street is an old country store that appears to be used just for storage.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28971631227/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Princeton old country store"><img alt="Princeton old country store" height="268" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1832/28971631227_327cfdcf63.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><h4>Brewerton</h4>Brewerton School is located <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B026'07.3%22N+82%C2%B014'38.6%22W/@34.435348,-82.2445942,213m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m23!1m16!4m15!1m6!1m2!1s0x885802c8e4ee3447:0x41cd9e0c6e9b75d!2sBrewerton,+South+Carolina+29692!2m2!1d-82.2401171!2d34.4306734!1m6!1m2!1s0x88581d2c2cca4939:0x3af84a282b706f68!2sHarmony+United+Methodist+Church,+36+State+Rd+S-30-80,+Ware+Shoals,+SC+29692!2m2!1d-82.2513182!2d34.444275!3e0!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4353483!4d-82.2440473">off U.S. 25 in the Brewerton community</a>.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30039657968/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Brewerton School - 02"><img alt="Brewerton School - 02" height="250" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/859/30039657968_112da4e0de.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30039648508/in/photolist-pt95BR-MLv6Ko-pKzovZ-29PM3qd-28NAG7o-MLv3Wh-ouAb4j-dPwY6q-owhpdi-8kYxR5-znhTzp-ow2Geo-BQLAjh-BrRJng-owqef8-B3XuMF-L9awRt-BY4wQS-BrRrDr-ow2VpS-C1nDdH-B3XE6F-Byf1bb-ByeWcj-BQM17s-B3Xu96-B3XtD8-BQLX7E-BrRzye-B3XmDX-BY4uyC-C1n76x-BT5BFg-ovhbAb" title="Brewerton School - 01"><img alt="Brewerton School - 01" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/942/30039648508_464914d0d0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The school was recently renovated. The changes to this school seem to mirror the changes made to the Princeton School.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4j9Sns1cxk/W3G781yoAhI/AAAAAAAAR64/0lrdcGDQilcXfIkoUSmxyufV_Wm8wsoGQCLcBGAs/s1600/S11211301376.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="500" height="230" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4j9Sns1cxk/W3G781yoAhI/AAAAAAAAR64/0lrdcGDQilcXfIkoUSmxyufV_Wm8wsoGQCLcBGAs/s400/S11211301376.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The chimneys have been removed, and the windows reduced and replaced with smaller ones. An air conditioner has been added (good!).<br /><br /><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B026'47.1%22N+82%C2%B015'02.7%22W/@34.446406,-82.2513872,253m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m23!1m16!4m15!1m6!1m2!1s0x885802c8e4ee3447:0x41cd9e0c6e9b75d!2sBrewerton,+South+Carolina+29692!2m2!1d-82.2401171!2d34.4306734!1m6!1m2!1s0x88581d2c2cca4939:0x3af84a282b706f68!2sHarmony+United+Methodist+Church,+36+State+Rd+S-30-80,+Ware+Shoals,+SC+29692!2m2!1d-82.2513182!2d34.444275!3e0!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4464064!4d-82.2507363">Near Harmony Baptist Church</a> is a beautiful aging red country store that looks to be in decent shape considering.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42099976570/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Brewerton country store - 1"><img alt="Brewerton country store - 1" height="281" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1775/42099976570_d26a312a2e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28972134337/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Brewerton country store - 2"><img alt="Brewerton country store - 2" height="319" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1773/28972134337_f8a63c3e5a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><h4>Hodges</h4>I <a href="http://marksphototravels.blogspot.com/2012/04/down-and-around-shoals-junction.html">first visited old Hodges School</a> <a href="http://randomconnections.com/searching-for-shoals-junction/">with Tom Taylor</a> in April 2012. The school back then looked like the windows had just been replaced. The school looks almost exactly the same now, except 5 years older:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42099516380/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Hodges School - 2b"><img alt="Hodges School - 2b" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/861/42099516380_c27681098d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42099525950/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Hodges School - 3"><img alt="Hodges School - 3" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1811/42099525950_f1ee15c3e1.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Comparing the building now with the school insurance photo, the shorter replacement windows is the one major difference:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQDnCn1wfDg/W3G1rJzT-qI/AAAAAAAAR6s/wAsa5O8yKHcK2K-wMalrtmSKnZqc0MDMQCLcBGAs/s1600/S11211300995.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="500" height="241" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQDnCn1wfDg/W3G1rJzT-qI/AAAAAAAAR6s/wAsa5O8yKHcK2K-wMalrtmSKnZqc0MDMQCLcBGAs/s400/S11211300995.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Jackson Station, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/4023+US-25,+Hodges,+SC+29653/@34.2805527,-82.2374507,249m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x8858003109f9b4a3:0x518fed4ce49cbc7e!2sHodges,+SC+29653!3b1!8m2!3d34.2876186!4d-82.2442889!3m4!1s0x8858006b4a700b03:0x36bc7dd444d47598!8m2!3d34.2805527!4d-82.2368104">at the southern end of Hodges</a>, was once a train depot in town and later a famous blues bar. It was out of business during my 2012 visit, and it's still out of business during this visit. However, in 2016 a new owner bought the place and <a href="http://www.indexjournal.com/lifestyles/accent/jackson-station-s-new-owner-seeks-to-bring-back-blues/article_92681f04-1bab-11e7-8db8-93665d82ac32.html">hopes to reopen the Station and make it great again</a>.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43860121672/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Jackson Station - 01b"><img alt="Jackson Station - 01b" height="172" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1836/43860121672_51159161ee.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30039576158/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Jackson Station - 03"><img alt="Jackson Station - 03" height="230" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1831/30039576158_9513249488.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Harvley's Service Station is just down the road in sight of Jackson Station. It's no longer a service station, but is now a bar. <a href="http://www.indexjournal.com/lifestyles/accent/jackson-station-s-new-owner-seeks-to-bring-back-blues/article_92681f04-1bab-11e7-8db8-93665d82ac32.html">According to the owner</a>, Otis Harvley, when he retires the bar will likely close:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30039596318/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Harvley's - 01"><img alt="Harvley's - 01" height="281" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1799/30039596318_01801549d7.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I don't drink, but I do find the fading signs interesting:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43004101365/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Harvley's - 02"><img alt="Harvley's - 02" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/859/43004101365_d0578cf8d3.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Especially this weathered sign for a beer brand that's long gone out of favor: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43004111355/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Harvley's - 04"><img alt="Harvley's - 04" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/852/43004111355_78f01c7f66.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><br /><h4>Abbeville</h4>I stopped by the Frank Pursley Railroad Park in Abbeville, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Abbeville,+SC+29620/@34.1789859,-82.3824116,143m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x88f7e45fa27d50e1:0x1ed232f5014c5c0d!8m2!3d34.1781719!4d-82.3790147">located on the grounds</a> of the <a href="http://abbevillecountyhistoricalsociety.org/">Abbeville County Historical Society</a>. Memorial bricks honor those who made contributions to the rail industry in the Abbeville community.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43189984104/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Frank Pursley Railroad Park memorial bricks - 1"><img alt="Frank Pursley Railroad Park memorial bricks - 1" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/930/43189984104_a227678544.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I tried standing on the bench to get all the bricks in the shot, but the bench was unsteady and my lens wasn't quite wide enough to capture all the names.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43859857372/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Frank Pursley Railroad Park memorial bricks - 2"><img alt="Frank Pursley Railroad Park memorial bricks - 2" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1814/43859857372_140587eed2.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The feature attraction is Seaboard caboose #5759, dedicated here in 2014. The caboose was in service from 1963 for Seaboard Coast Line Railroad (later CSX) until 1997. As <a href="http://abbevillecountyhistoricalsociety.org/caboose-no-5759/">detailed by the Abbeville County Historical Society</a>, the caboose underwent a restoration before being moved to the railroad park.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43859827122/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Seaboard 5739 caboose - 01b"><img alt="Seaboard 5739 caboose - 01b" height="271" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/858/43859827122_94617caaea.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30039229498/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Seaboard 5739 caboose - 03"><img alt="Seaboard 5739 caboose - 03" height="250" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/942/30039229498_028efcf4a4.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>A short distance away is the McGowan-Barksdale-Bundy house. At the time, I thought it was a nice looking Queen Anne style house, but now I know it's home to the historical society.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/30039311858/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="McGowan-Barksdale-Bundy House"><img alt="McGowan-Barksdale-Bundy House" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/933/30039311858_5af3d356d7.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Near the caboose I found <a href="http://abbevillecountyhistoricalsociety.org/mcgowan-barksdale-bundy-house/">what turned out to be</a> three servants cabins associated with this house:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43003859675/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Servant cabins - 01"><img alt="Servant cabins - 01" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/862/43003859675_9cd43fbdba.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43003866325/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Servant cabins - 02"><img alt="Servant cabins - 02" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1817/43003866325_8ff50a30dd.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This cabin is undergoing some maintenance: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43190112054/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Servant cabins - 03"><img alt="Servant cabins - 03" height="498" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1818/43190112054_78fcdb81af.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Then it was on to my main objective: the sole remaining known Rock City Barn remaining in South Carolina:<br /><h4>Rock City Barn in Bethel</h4>A ditch runs along the highway, making parking off the roadside with a ditch not a viable option. I ended up parking here at this small church, named Stone of Bethel Holiness Church, just around the corner down Parsons Mountain Road.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43909053751/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Stone of Bethel Holiness Church - 1"><img alt="Stone of Bethel Holiness Church - 1" height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/932/43909053751_61bed3b27d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>A nice lady passing by informed the church is looking for a pastor. Should one of my readers be a pastor and looking for a church to lead, you might consider getting in touch with the congregation.<br /><br />I walked by the side of S.C. 28 <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B007'17.4%22N+82%C2%B022'56.0%22W/@34.1215041,-82.3827742,167m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88f7fac9e37caf11:0x183b5fd885a75d0f!2sBethel,+SC+29620!3b1!8m2!3d34.1173401!4d-82.382349!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.1215028!4d-82.3822272">a short distance to the barn</a>, staying as far off the road as I could. Unfortunately, this barn looks like it will collapse in a few years if nothing is done to prevent it.<br /><br />Seeing three rusting old cars was an unexpected surprise.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43190264894/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Rock City Barn - 01b"><img alt="Rock City Barn - 01b" height="250" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1831/43190264894_38eac8eaed.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Walking along the grass just off the road I could see the advertisement for Rock City come into view.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43190273694/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Rock City Barn - 02"><img alt="Rock City Barn - 02" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/931/43190273694_e5f3ee3706.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>What was to become <a href="http://www.seerockcity.com/">Rock City Gardens</a> was created by Frieda Carter in the 1920s and further developed by her husband Garnet Carter in the early 1930s. Rock City Gardens began operating in May 1932, after some of Garnet Carter's other business ventures fell through due to the Great Depression.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43004010285/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Rock City Barn - 04"><img alt="Rock City Barn - 04" height="250" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1837/43004010285_ddfcdc31ce.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>In 1935, the business was struggling, so <a href="http://www.chattanoogan.com/2008/2/9/121710/Garnet-Carter-Was-First-Rate-Salesman.aspx">Garnet Carter</a> came up with an idea that turned Rock City into a huge success. Carter hired a young painter named <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/21/us/clark-byers-89-painter-of-ads-on-barn-roofs-across-the-east.html">Clark Byers</a> to tour the country and offer to paint barns in exchange for painting an advertisement for Rock City on the barn. Exactly what words the advertisement used depended on the size and shape of the barn, but it always involved the words "See Rock City".<br /><br />I used the filters in Luminar 2018 to maximize the legibility of the lettering. In case you can't read the lettering, the advertisement says, "SEE 7 STATES from ROCK CITY Near Chattanooga Tenn.".<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43004022565/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Rock City Barn - 05"><img alt="Rock City Barn - 05" height="333" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1811/43004022565_9c82e94fce.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43926431611/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Rock City Barn - 05 (B&W)"><img alt="Rock City Barn - 05 (B&W)" height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/933/43926431611_8d32c79b05.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Clark Byers retired from painting Rock City barns in 1969. In 1992, the Logansport Pharos-Tribune printed this Associated Press article where he was interviewed about his experiences painting barns:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8bTsnYZV_i0/W3HaVVFiwuI/AAAAAAAAR7E/6-qkuqOH7MIuanyLpgaJpseb9RWEIc-TgCLcBGAs/s1600/rock%2Bcity.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1235" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8bTsnYZV_i0/W3HaVVFiwuI/AAAAAAAAR7E/6-qkuqOH7MIuanyLpgaJpseb9RWEIc-TgCLcBGAs/s640/rock%2Bcity.jpg" width="587" /></a></div>Clark Byers died in 2004 at the age of 89.<br /><br />I went a bit further down the road to get one last photo before turning around:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43860068122/in/album-72157698310243301/" title="Rock City Barn - 08"><img alt="Rock City Barn - 08" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/936/43860068122_6e58345995.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><h4>Wrapup</h4>I enjoyed seeing this old barn and getting a photo of a significant piece of American advertising history before it's gone forever. I also finally had the opportunity to visit certain places that had been on my visit list for quite some time.<br /><br />If you wish, you can go through <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157698310243301">my trip album</a> on Flickr or go through them below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157698310243301" title="The 'See Rock City' Ramble - August 2018"><img alt="The 'See Rock City' Ramble - August 2018" height="250" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1771/30038774928_28d176f57a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-17245072610902925562018-07-10T17:39:00.001-04:002019-03-26T20:53:04.905-04:00Fourth of July visit to Frey Creek Falls and Taylors Mill<div class="centered-photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43156073212/in/album-72157698230258644/" title="Frey Creek Falls - 02"><img alt="Frey Creek Falls - 02" height="425" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1810/43156073212_79cafe1d7c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Sometimes an adventure in the warm, humid outdoors is preferable to staying inside in the comfortable yet confining indoors. Such an occasion was the Fourth of July holiday when frequent clouds made for a potentially tolerable day outdoors. I decided to visit two places close by: Frey Creek Falls near Wellford in Spartanburg County, and the Taylors Mill in Taylors, Greenville County.<br /><h4>Frey Creek Falls</h4>I'm aware of only two waterfalls in Spartanburg County. <a href="http://www.alleneasler.com/horseshoe.html">Horseshoe Falls</a> is a 10 foot waterfall on Cedar Falls Creek in the <a href="https://southcarolinaparks.com/musgrove-mill">Musgrove Mill State Historic Site</a> near Clinton, South Carolina. I visited this waterfall many years ago and remember finding the waterfall uninteresting. Frey Creek Falls is wider, more interesting waterfall on Frey Creek between Wellford and Spartanburg on Falling Creek Road near a Norfolk Southern Railroad trestle. As of the time of posting, Frey Creek Falls is clearly visible from this satellite view:<br /><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d976.2346371133941!2d-82.04504217076077!3d34.94559509807195!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x0!2zMzTCsDU2JzQ0LjEiTiA4MsKwMDInNDAuMiJX!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1530976486928" style="border: 0;" width="500"></iframe></div>Frey Creek Falls is located on land used as a park and recreation area by the Falling Creek Homeowners Association. I didn't see any "No Tresspassing" signs so I went ahead and parked at a wide pull off area. This pull off area is long enough to allow one or possibly two cars to park safely.<br /><br />I got my backpack and headed down this short trail leading toward the waterfall:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43156037582/in/album-72157698230258644/" title="Path to Frey Creek Falls - 1"><img alt="Path to Frey Creek Falls - 1" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/838/43156037582_42fb4022d4.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43205726051/in/album-72157698230258644/" title="Path to Frey Creek Falls - 2"><img alt="Path to Frey Creek Falls - 2" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1829/43205726051_6fe69ba55b.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Even from the side, this small waterfall looks quite beautiful.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/29334021188/in/album-72157698230258644/" title="Frey Creek Falls - 01"><img alt="Frey Creek Falls - 01" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1828/29334021188_0f5d43e91f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>Clouds would cover the sun for a few minutes at a time, a few sprinkes would fall, then the sun would come back out. While the sun was covered I had time to take photos with a slow shutter. I didn't bring a tripod, so I took many photos then selected the ones that came out the least soft.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43156079802/in/album-72157698230258644/" title="Frey Creek Falls - 03"><img alt="Frey Creek Falls - 03" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1790/43156079802_f17c0628b3.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/29334051518/in/album-72157698230258644/" title="Frey Creek Falls - 04"><img alt="Frey Creek Falls - 04" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1823/29334051518_8e613384b1.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28336447257/in/album-72157698230258644/" title="Frey Creek Falls - 07"><img alt="Frey Creek Falls - 07" height="200" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/841/28336447257_71d3cf656d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28336444387/in/album-72157698230258644/" title="Frey Creek Falls - 06"><img alt="Frey Creek Falls - 06" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1785/28336444387_fc49b0d0ff.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>On the opposite side of Frey Creek, I noticed some rusty ruins which, of course, I had to investigate:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41395605730/in/album-72157698230258644/" title="Frey Mill ruins - 01"><img alt="Frey Mill ruins - 01" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/836/41395605730_2d1a01c003.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I took a closer look, and also found the ruins of stone walls, well covered in vegetation:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42487056054/in/album-72157698230258644/" title="Frey Mill ruins - 04"><img alt="Frey Mill ruins - 04" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/847/42487056054_90343e97ca.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41395645340/in/album-72157698230258644/" title="Frey Mill ruins - 07"><img alt="Frey Mill ruins - 07" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/835/41395645340_05cbeab0bd.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>With these ruins so close to water, I figured they were probably ruins of a grist mill. After I got home, I checked some old maps and I found a <a href="http://digital.tcl.sc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/scrm/id/220">1940 South Carolina Department of Transportation map of Spartanburg County</a> showing a grist mill indeed once operated here:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_gG708PwGKM/W0DI1cypsMI/AAAAAAAARs0/6LcwnEVscAYKxVNxAodT-JHiaLABfk0MwCLcBGAs/s1600/1940%2Bspartanburg.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="577" height="250" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_gG708PwGKM/W0DI1cypsMI/AAAAAAAARs0/6LcwnEVscAYKxVNxAodT-JHiaLABfk0MwCLcBGAs/s400/1940%2Bspartanburg.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This would be a great place to check out again during the winter time when the vegetation is gone!<br /><br />All of my photos from my waterfall trip are in the album <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/sets/72157698230258644">Frey Creek Falls - July 2018</a> on Flickr, or you can click through them below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157698230258644" title="Frey Creek Falls - July 2018"><img alt="Frey Creek Falls - July 2018" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/916/29334058048_dcd3a7f303.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><h4>Taylors Mill </h4>I went home for lunch, then a little later I went over to the Taylors Mill, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Taylors+Mill/@34.9192801,-82.2871092,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x88582b9951b4556f:0x5b845febba29503!2sTaylors+Mill!8m2!3d34.9192757!4d-82.2849205!3m4!1s0x88582b9951b4556f:0x5b845febba29503!8m2!3d34.9192757!4d-82.2849205">down Mill Street</a> in Taylors, once known as Southern Bleachery and Print Works during its time as a working textile mill.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43189026092/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="Welcome to the Taylors Mill - 1"><img alt="Welcome to the Taylors Mill - 1" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1823/43189026092_203caeaf28.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Recently I replaced my 11 year old custom built dual core desktop computer with a new system containing 8 CPU cores, 16GB of memory, a solid state drive, and a regular hard disk drive.. On the old desktop, Lightroom was slow at times while I waited for operations to complete. On my new desktop, Lightroom is actually usable now! On the old desktop, I had been making some use of <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/product/computational-photography-applications/image-composite-editor/">Image Composite Editor 2.0</a>, a Microsoft tool for creating panoramas from multiple photographs. I wanted to see if Taylors Mill, with its long buildings, could prove to be a suitable place to experiment with making panoramas.<br /><br />This photo was my most successful of my vertical composites. The building does seem to lean in a bit though:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42334258425/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="Boiler room"><img alt="Boiler room" height="454" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1809/42334258425_08626094e7.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This photo below, on the other hand, was an obvious FAIL (the top level windows are all distorted):<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42334327345/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="Taylors Mill composite stitch fail"><img alt="Taylors Mill composite stitch fail" height="203" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/918/42334327345_05dc1d3bd4.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I did better with this three photo composite of this steel building:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28369318577/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="Pro Pitch Hit 'n Run"><img alt="Pro Pitch Hit 'n Run" height="136" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1829/28369318577_f5f8a1e3eb.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I turned by attention to the lower level windows. One window pane interested me because it reflected my toes back at me.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28369345747/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="Reflective window - 1"><img alt="Reflective window - 1" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/841/28369345747_c4ece1fcea.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This gave me the idea to crouch down and get the rest of me in the picture:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28369350727/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="Reflective window - 2"><img alt="Reflective window - 2" height="500" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1805/28369350727_42a26b64e2.jpg" width="375" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I found Taylors Mill to be busier than I expected on a holiday. The major attraction turned about to be at 13 Stripes where an event with drinks and music was on-going:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43238573151/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="Print Works #3"><img alt="Print Works #3" height="281" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1763/43238573151_2a758c8a9e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Further toward the east end of the mill I made a composite from these two photos of these boarded up windows. I was curious to see how well the large difference would be merged:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42520202134/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="DSC07596"><img alt="DSC07596" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/834/42520202134_0f7837ba82.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28369523407/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="DSC07597"><img alt="DSC07597" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1768/28369523407_235d800f9a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>to make this composite: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28369513017/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="Boarded over window"><img alt="Boarded over window" height="491" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1803/28369513017_049ea04df9.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The roof line is curved not straight, but the curve along the sidewalk curve is actually correct. I took a composite of the receiving area, and cropped out the area massively distorted off the right edge to produce this crop:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41428885510/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="Receiving docks"><img alt="Receiving docks" height="142" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1790/41428885510_891ae69ee7.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>While taking the photos that make up the composite above, I spotted an interesting leftover: a doorway to nowhere!<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41428889170/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="Door to nowhere but down - 1"><img alt="Door to nowhere but down - 1" height="400" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1808/41428889170_cf27084897.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I hope they brick this over someday before somebody inside gets hurt.<br /><br />My next composite was of the old granite light posts that once served as the entrance to the mill. I've been wanting to get a photo of them together in one shot for years (whether it made an interesting photo or not) and this was as good a time as any to indulge myself:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28369828307/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="Mill Street entrance"><img alt="Mill Street entrance" height="153" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1782/28369828307_6e6b27980d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Across the street is an old Amoco service station, currently boarded up. Up close like this, a composite was the only way to capture the whole service station without a wider angle lens.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42334853145/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="Old service station - 2"><img alt="Old service station - 2" height="257" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1823/42334853145_18ecbe2876.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>My last two composites of the day were of the old <a href="http://www.upstateancestry.com/Schools/TaylorHighmainpage.html">Taylors School</a>. The first school building on this property was built in 1916 and completed in time for classes to begin in January 1917. A second building was constructed in 1936 then rebuilt in 1945 after the building caught fire. Starting in 1960, high school students started attending Wade Hampton High School. The school continued as an elementary school until 1981.<br /><br />The <a href="https://www.gpts.edu/">Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary</a> bought currently occupies the school part of the building. <a href="https://www.theacademyofarts.org/">The Academy of the Arts</a> occupies the former auditorium behind the building. Both entities have done a marvelous job turning the crumbling site into welcome additions to the community.<br /><br />Of the composite photos I took this day, the two sets of photos I took of the school below are my favorite. I could have done something about the curved distortion seen around the sidewalk on the composite below, but I chose to leave it alone to show what can be done without tweaking:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42334892455/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary building - 1"><img alt="Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary building - 1" height="127" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1761/42334892455_d74bfd4cd8.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I took the photos for the next composite across the street. This one is looks better to me because I don't notice the distortion in this one:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42334924675/in/album-72157698288546984/" title="Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary building - 2"><img alt="Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary building - 2" height="129" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1766/42334924675_100cf7a6fc.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This trip was more experimental than most of my others. It turned out I spent about four hours walking around the mill, far more time than I expected. Image Composite Editor on my speedy desktop made quick work of stitching my composites together. The software definitely works best though with horizontal compositions from my experience walking around this day.<br /><br />My photos from this visit are in the Flickr album <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/sets/72157698288546984">Taylors Mill - July 2018</a>, or you can go through them below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157698288546984" title="Taylors Mill - July 2018"><img alt="Taylors Mill - July 2018" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1823/43189026092_203caeaf28.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><h4>Wrapup</h4>I had a good time despite the humidity and the occasional sprinkles. I ended up with a few poison ivy rashes (another reason I tend not go out this time year. I'm sensitive in a bad way to that plant!). Fortunately, I remembered to take a shower after getting home that made the poison ivy rashes only very minor nuisance this time.<br /><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-31495624995409854872018-06-26T23:01:00.001-04:002019-03-27T09:34:07.083-04:00The Adventure of Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls<div class="centered-photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42309606714/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Danger sign"><img alt="Danger sign" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/845/42309606714_20edc82329_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Yesterday I headed north to visit the Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls, two impressive waterfalls located on the Whitewater River both located near the North Carolina-South Carolina border. Whitewater River empties into Lake Jocassee a few miles downstream from Lower Whitewater Falls. Ordinarily I avoid hiking in humid weather, but with three days off in a row I found I could not resist the idea of an outdoor adventure. These two waterfalls were definitely worth seeing even in the high humidity.<br /><h4>Lower Whitewater Falls</h4>Lower Whitewater Falls is a 200 foot drop (over 400 feet if the surrounding cascades are included!) on the Whitewater River in northern Oconee County on land owned by Duke Energy for their <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Creek_Hydroelectric_Station">Bad Creek Hydroelectric Station</a>.<br /><br />Lower Whitewater Falls is most easily accessed from the Foothills Trail and Whitewater River Access Area Parking off Bad Creek Road:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42980545192/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Foothills Trail and Whitewater River Access Area Parking - 2"><img alt="Foothills Trail and Whitewater River Access Area Parking - 2" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1762/42980545192_9fc274d304.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Bad Creek Road is off SC 130 near the NC border. The gate was open when I arrived, and stays open until dark. The gate will automatically open when you leave after dark, but not open when you attempt to enter from the highway.<br /><br />Today, being a weekday, the parking lot was mostly empty: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43027506731/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Foothills Trail and Whitewater River Access Area Parking - 1"><img alt="Foothills Trail and Whitewater River Access Area Parking - 1" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1829/43027506731_13ef007b4f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The trailhead for the trail to the waterfall is located on the far end of the parking lot:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42308504874/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Info signs and trail head"><img alt="Info signs and trail head" height="281" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1765/42308504874_6782e26e92.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43027559911/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 01"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 01" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1769/43027559911_9c75e553fa.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This sign gave the distance as 1.7 miles, ...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43027573601/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 02"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 02" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1783/43027573601_ba7f985378.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>... but according to my navigation app the distance was actually about 2.1 miles.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42312684424/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Distance to trailhead screenshot"><img alt="Distance to trailhead screenshot" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/847/42312684424_104324571e.jpg" width="281" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The trail to Lower Whitewater Falls is blazed blue, and unlike the last trip, I had no problem following the trail.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41217264420/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 05"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 05" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1822/41217264420_d10ebba6c2.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41217271410/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 06"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 06" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1822/41217271410_7809af484f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The trail heads north over the Whitewater River, aided by two bridges:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43027717741/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 19"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 19" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/925/43027717741_f6e2926868.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>On the other side, the trail soon joins with the Foothills Trail, white blazed:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/29155582498/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Foothills Trail - 05"><img alt="Foothills Trail - 05" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1829/29155582498_d6e180687b.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The trail to the waterfall splits off from Foothills Trail...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41217487550/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Foothills Trail - 10"><img alt="Foothills Trail - 10" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/913/41217487550_ca29593228.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>before joining up with Musterground Road at an ATV unloading parking area:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42308952984/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 27"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 27" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/924/42308952984_71ac69c677.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/29155689498/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 28"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 28" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/927/29155689498_423204771a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>The trail follows Musterground Road for a short distance before splitting off on its own again: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/29155702218/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 29"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 29" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1821/29155702218_48d47bca60.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43030983431/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 30"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 30" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/918/43030983431_cd49ccc4d9.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43027912721/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 31"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 31" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1769/43027912721_4a265abcc3.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I noticed in this section portions of the trail reused old forest roads. Here's one section where an overgrown forest roads splits off:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42125628015/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Old forest road 2"><img alt="Old forest road 2" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1804/42125628015_caeebf822f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This section probably also runs along what appears to be an old forest road. It's too wide to be anything else.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42977772542/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 34"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 34" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1829/42977772542_aa543db825.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The trail and the old road seperate, but then come back together again later on (or perhaps it's a different old road?):<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43027976911/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 37"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 37" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1787/43027976911_9c9f21a1dd.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/29155757978/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 36"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 36" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1766/29155757978_90125f6272.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28158924207/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 38"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - 38" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1810/28158924207_641bbfa6bf.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>The old forest road split off (again)...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42309113514/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Old forest road 3"><img alt="Old forest road 3" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/924/42309113514_8c5f1f158d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>...and the trail makes a right turn and narrows before heading downward toward the viewing platform:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42309136514/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls viewing platform - 1"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls viewing platform - 1" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1801/42309136514_8326f21d7a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The platform provides an excellent but distant view of the 200 foot waterfall:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42129314485/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls - 01"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls - 01" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/914/42129314485_b3f5e58cda.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42977871642/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls - 03"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls - 03" height="500" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1762/42977871642_8847741b5a.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I took a short (poor) video of the waterfall in action: <br /><div><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sio6qFJdjps?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>On the return, I decided to come back by Musterground Road instead of returning the way I came.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41217704280/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Musterground Road - 01"><img alt="Musterground Road - 01" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/844/41217704280_47ac582830.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Musterground Road passes over the Whitewater River just above the waterfall.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41217730680/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Musterground Road - 03"><img alt="Musterground Road - 03" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1829/41217730680_271cf72cc9.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41217736850/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Whitewater River in SC - 2"><img alt="Whitewater River in SC - 2" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1824/41217736850_fd9ee8a356.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>On the way back, I spotted two obvious unofficial paths that I thought would lead to the river. I took one and ended up about midway down the waterfall.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/29155991368/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Lower Whitewater Falls - panorama"><img alt="Lower Whitewater Falls - panorama" height="122" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/846/29155991368_6e8fdae781.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I stayed by the tree line for my own safety. Slipping in that water would likely have ensured my untimely demise. I had in my mind the unfortunate fate of an 18 year old student at Clemson University, Anna Mimms. <a href="http://www.wyff4.com/article/coroner-identifies-upstate-teen-who-was-swept-away-from-friends-over-400-foot-waterfall/20852704">Back in May 2018 when heavy rains caused flooding</a>, Anna Mimms was hiking with friends along the river above this waterfall. She lost her footing, slipped and fell into the water, and then water flow from the recent heavy rains swept her over the waterfall.<br /><br />I made my way back up the steep slope and back to the road. I saw a young bear crossing the road, but the bear crossed the road so quick I didn't really have a chance to take a good photo. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42978020632/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Young bear"><img alt="Young bear" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1822/42978020632_f2818c0bca.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>By the time I walked down to the curve, the bear had been long gone. I made it back to my car, and moved on back up Bad Creek Road to SC 130 then north to the state border. Upon entering North Carolina, SC 130 becomes NC 281. A short distance north of the border is the Upper Whitewater Falls Access Area. <br /><h4>Upper Whitewater Falls</h4>Upper Whitewater Falls is a 400 foot impressive waterfall a few miles of Lower Whitewater Falls, also on the Whitewater River. The most convenient access to the waterfall is at the Upper Whitewater Falls Access Area. Parking costs $2 per vehicle, and since I was alone my cost was .... $2. I deposited the money and parked.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42978063112/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Upper Whitewater Falls pay station info kiosk"><img alt="Upper Whitewater Falls pay station info kiosk" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1787/42978063112_c9d15f246b.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42978052422/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Upper Whitewater Falls pay station"><img alt="Upper Whitewater Falls pay station" height="500" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1784/42978052422_51760495af.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>After a few minutes walking along a paved half mile trail, I arrived at the upper overlook to Upper Whitewater Falls. Some people were hanging around taking photos, so took my photos on the return and luckily I had this overlook to myself this time:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42309592304/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Upper Whitewater Falls - 04"><img alt="Upper Whitewater Falls - 04" height="500" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1824/42309592304_a8079990f4.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Wooden steps (<a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5188436">154 steps according to the US Forest Service</a>) head down to the lower overlook. The lower overlook was destroyed by a fire in November 2016. The rebuilt overlook <a href="https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2017/06/29/whitewater-falls-set-reopen-after-fire-damage-repair/439308001/">was reopened June 30, 2017</a>. This explains why the decking looked so new, because it was!<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43028236171/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Path to down to lower viewing platform for Upper Whitewater Falls"><img alt="Path to down to lower viewing platform for Upper Whitewater Falls" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1768/43028236171_7543790a2d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I definitely like the view from the bottom better:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43028244061/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Upper Whitewater Falls - 01"><img alt="Upper Whitewater Falls - 01" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/918/43028244061_955acc6d3b.jpg" width="333" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I decided to take the Foothills Trail down to the river.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/29156099718/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Foothills Trail in NC - 01"><img alt="Foothills Trail in NC - 01" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1806/29156099718_24a4e398dd.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The trail in this section is a series of switchbacks down to the river, which also happens to be the border between Jackson and Transylvania Counties. Even without a waterfall, the river is still rather photogenic.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42309490444/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Whitewater River in NC - 03"><img alt="Whitewater River in NC - 03" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1825/42309490444_6f381824e4.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Crossing the river involves climbing up a ladder to a large boulder, then hopping from that boulder over to the bridge over the river.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42126011835/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Foothills Trail in NC - 10"><img alt="Foothills Trail in NC - 10" height="500" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1822/42126011835_81667876e4.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The bridge was my turnaround point. I did stop to take some more photos of the river.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42978243212/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Whitewater River in NC - 06"><img alt="Whitewater River in NC - 06" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1781/42978243212_43cbed4c33.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42978249712/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Whitewater River in NC - 07"><img alt="Whitewater River in NC - 07" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/914/42978249712_389226b56a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Although I did peek over the other side to see where it went.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41218083650/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Foothills Trail in NC - 14"><img alt="Foothills Trail in NC - 14" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/917/41218083650_7e272a25d6.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>As I headed back up toward the viewing decks, I noticed the sky had become cloudy. As I was heading back up the stairs, sporadic sprinkles turned into a downpour. Fortunately, by the time I reached the upper viewing deck the downpour had stopped, at least temporarily. With nobody around competing for space I could now take my photos of Upper Whitewater Falls from the upper viewing deck. I already showed those, so won't repeat them. I also took a short video here too:<br /><div><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YdR4Jqu5uoA?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>As I walked back to the car, I noticed this nice view of Lake Jocassee:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41218126570/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="View of Lake Jocassee"><img alt="View of Lake Jocassee" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1763/41218126570_e98b82097d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I sat in the car a few minutes while the clouds got darker and darker. The clouds looked ominous...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/43028549371/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Thunderstorm clouds - 1"><img alt="Thunderstorm clouds - 1" height="333" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1764/43028549371_b4dfbf87bb.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>then downpour began, and the lightning and thunder became intense.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41218188730/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Thunderstorm in progress - 1"><img alt="Thunderstorm in progress - 1" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1767/41218188730_3421169c65.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41218197220/in/album-72157670543661628/" title="Thunderstorm in progress - 2"><img alt="Thunderstorm in progress - 2" height="333" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1761/41218197220_4ba8f62781.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I had plans to visit two more waterfalls, D.E.W. Falls and John's Jump, located a short distance north on NC 281, but that idea was now out of the question. I turned south instead of north toward home.<br /><h4>Wrapup</h4>The storm certainly added a dramatic ending to a good day on the trail. The downpour continued the whole way home, with only a few brief breaks before the downpour would start right up again.<br /><br />I've uploaded my trip photos from this trip <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157670543661628">to an album on Flickr</a>, or you can go through them below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157670543661628" title="Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls - June 2016"><img alt="Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls - June 2016" height="281" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1765/42308504874_6782e26e92.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-77737754067272390382018-06-22T17:06:00.001-04:002019-03-26T20:53:59.130-04:00Nine Times Two<div class="centered-photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41976159835/in/dateposted/" title="Entering the Nine Times Forest and Preserve - closer"><img alt="Entering the Nine Times Forest and Preserve - closer" height="426" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/899/41976159835_5d96788c60_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The weather around here has turned hot and humid (it is June after all!), but that didn't keep me from exploring two protected properties each on one side of East Preston McDaniel Road (near S.C. 11) in northern Pickens County: Nine Times Preserve and Nine Times Forest.<br /><h4>Nine Times Preserve</h4><a href="https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/southcarolina/placesweprotect/nine-times-preserve.xml#thingsToDo">Nine Times Preserve</a> is a 560 acre nature preserve, located on the south side of East Preston McDaniel Road, owned and operated by <a href="http://nature.org/">The Nature Conservancy</a>. <a href="https://www.upstateforever.org/">Upstate Forever</a> bought property in 2007 from a logging company, then The Nature Conservancy bought the property from Upstate Forever in 2009. During the winter of 2012, The Nature Conservancy built <a href="https://www.sctrails.net/trails/trail/nine-times-preserve">three trails</a>: Cedar Rock Trail, Rocky Bald Loop Trail, and Trillium Trail.<br /><br />I chose to hike the Rocky Bald Loop Trail in part to see the small waterfall along the trail. I parked at the Rocky Bald Parking Area, located <a href="https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/596558668">at approximately 34.90503, -82.80891</a> or about half way <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B057'01.1%22N+82%C2%B048'32.1%22W/@34.9503011,-82.8094602,224m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x885852538fc703b5:0x5985f47775131125!2sE+Preston+McDaniel+Rd,+Pickens,+SC+29671!3b1!8m2!3d34.9490652!4d-82.7725349!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.9503003!4d-82.808913">between Eastatoe Creek Road and Nine Times Road</a>.<br /><br />I read over the informative signs at the trailhead that summarize the history of the park, the trails, and the rules and regulations:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42875731861/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Nine Times Preserve signs - 02"><img alt="Nine Times Preserve signs - 02" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1781/42875731861_0a47e6faf3.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The trail started off relatively flat (for this area) and easy:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41065603170/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 01"><img alt="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 01" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1824/41065603170_22f9384201.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>After a few stream crossings I made it the start of several switchbacks:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28007095387/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 02"><img alt="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 02" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1743/28007095387_d85dab54b5.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42875778951/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 05"><img alt="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 05" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1830/42875778951_95edf7133e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The trail continued a gradual rise until I made it to this low flow waterfall.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42157781884/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Low flow dripping waterfall - 1"><img alt="Low flow dripping waterfall - 1" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1802/42157781884_4fc2c9f9ff.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/29003884518/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Low flow dripping waterfall - 2"><img alt="Low flow dripping waterfall - 2" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/896/29003884518_6f5f01364b.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I turned on to Cedar Rock Trail where the headwaters of this waterfall were located just off the trail.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42157826204/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 06"><img alt="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 06" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1765/42157826204_44e71f718a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I found the headwater seeping of out an area along the slope, but it wasn't anything special. I returned to Rocky Knob Loop Trail.<br /><br />After a sharp turn...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42157837984/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 07"><img alt="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 07" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1759/42157837984_d6a50e8f59.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>...the trail joined up with a much wider old logging road. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42157842814/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 08"><img alt="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 08" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1782/42157842814_1b137a7c95.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42875884671/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 09"><img alt="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 09" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1765/42875884671_4ef3308d19.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The logging road ends at East Preston McDaniel Road while the trail takes a hard right.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42875887971/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 10"><img alt="Rocky Bald Loop Trail - 10" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1802/42875887971_080511d0d7.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I walked along the road back to the parking area.<br /><br />This hike served as a nice warmup for the much more strenuous hike I had planned next across the road in Nine Times Forest.<br /><h4>Nine Times Forest</h4><a href="http://www.naturalandtrust.org/nine-times-forest/">Nine Times Forest</a> is a 1648 acre protected forest area on the north side of East Preston McDaniel Road. <a href="http://www.naturalandtrust.org/">Naturaland Trust</a> optioned the land in 2012, <a href="https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/environment/our-natural-beauty/2014/01/18/nine-times-forest-preserved/4616287/">purchasing the property outright in 2014</a>. The property features three mountains with prominent granite outcroppings: Pink Mountain, Odle Mountain, and Big Rock Mountain. My mission on this trip was to ascend to the summit of Big Rock Mountain, then on to see an interesting rock formation named The Sphinx or Sphinx Rock.<br /><br />Cedar Rock Parking Area, at the <a href="https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/594757806">intersection of East Preston McDaniel Road and Nine Times Road</a> or <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B056'54.9%22N+82%C2%B047'32.1%22W/@34.9485761,-82.7928022,224m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!1m6!3m5!1s0x88585385a56e335d:0x577c507c6d745ed7!2sNine+Times+Preserve!8m2!3d34.9494181!4d-82.8134429!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.9485748!4d-82.7922551">at approximately 34.98475, -82.79255</a>, served as good starting point for this part of the hike. I walked across the road down an old logging road. Off to the left of the logging road, I saw the trailhead for a new trail named the Appalachian Lumber Trail. This trail closely follows an abandoned logging railroad roadbed.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42875935171/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Appalachian Lumber Trail trailhead"><img alt="Appalachian Lumber Trail trailhead" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1821/42875935171_3a5c4678bb.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I saw a notice in the Cedar Rock Parking Area about this new trail.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42157895674/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="New trail sign"><img alt="New trail sign" height="500" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1731/42157895674_9907f233da.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I didn't have time to explore it during this hike, but this one is on my to-do list.<br /><br />The logging road soon entered a more open area with electric transmission lines running overhead.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42875949681/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Nine Times Forest - 03"><img alt="Nine Times Forest - 03" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1810/42875949681_049ed340b2.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41975680785/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Electrical transmission lines"><img alt="Electrical transmission lines" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1763/41975680785_5705e903f6.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I kept following the road until I found a sign for the trail to the summit of Big Rock Mountain, aptly named Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41975691605/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Nine Times Forest - 04"><img alt="Nine Times Forest - 04" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1822/41975691605_242499a7f3.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41065830480/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail - 01"><img alt="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail - 01" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1730/41065830480_bc675ece85.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I followed the sign...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41065843780/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail sign - 02"><img alt="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail sign - 02" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1770/41065843780_0e503f1e4e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>...down the obvious path.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41975737835/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail - 02"><img alt="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail - 02" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/892/41975737835_1cbcefb870.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The open area soon turned into a forested area.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/29004088138/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail - 03"><img alt="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail - 03" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/899/29004088138_9e4c79aab8.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The gradual climb up the mountain became quite strenuous after entering the denser forest. The trail also has no switchbacks, so I had to stop often to rest once I got close to reaching the ridge line. At the ridge line, the trail makes a hard right on to an old logging road.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41975774795/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail - 05"><img alt="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail - 05" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1742/41975774795_fe0243c2c9.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The trail follows the old roadbed along the ridge line until it reaches this sign:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42922198831/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail sign - 03 (crop)"><img alt="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail sign - 03 (crop)" height="500" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1810/42922198831_77bb6c0968.jpg" width="333" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I continued following the signs along the still easy to follow trail.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42158093404/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail sign - 04"><img alt="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail sign - 04" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/883/42158093404_6e833d5d4b.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42827943962/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail sign - 05"><img alt="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail sign - 05" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/900/42827943962_8fb74465f1.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Just beyond this is where the trail enters the rock field for the final ascent to the summit.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42158115384/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail - 06"><img alt="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail - 06" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1752/42158115384_ffa0c8f42e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>While flagged trees did help mark the trail...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41065947510/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail - 07"><img alt="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail - 07" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1728/41065947510_613091e0fa.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>at other times I had to resort to using ground clues to find the way. Along the way I found several rocky ledges that would have offered better views if leaves weren't on the trees.<br /><br />The summit doesn't really offer any scenic views, but I found the large rock formations interesting:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42827961992/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Rock formations - 01"><img alt="Rock formations - 01" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1728/42827961992_4217ac00a3.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This rock formation would almost make a good picnic table:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42158178394/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Big Rock Mountain summit"><img alt="Big Rock Mountain summit" height="333" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1802/42158178394_ca651e9e4f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I took the most direct route to the summit, but another route the winds around the other side the mountain by following an old logging road pointed to by this sign:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/42158169134/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail - 11"><img alt="Big Rock Mountain Summit Trail - 11" height="375" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1759/42158169134_9e6191f79e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28007514667/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Big Rock Mountain Road"><img alt="Big Rock Mountain Road" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1810/28007514667_bf97e4611a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I made my way back down from the summit to where the light blue-green flagged Big Rock Mountian Summit Trail and an orange flagged trail split. I made it down the trail to the other side of the rocky ledge where I believed an interesting rock formation named Sphinx Rock or The Sphinx was located.<br /><br />I missed the start of the unmarked trail during my first pass through, so I had to backtrack and look closer. I finally found the start of the trail here at this narrow split off the orange flagged trail:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28007692087/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Sphinx Rock Trail"><img alt="Sphinx Rock Trail" height="500" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1742/28007692087_913bacf3e1.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The rest of the trail was easy for me to follow. The view from Sphinx Rock was rather nice, so I took some photos I stitched together to form this panorama:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28007569797/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Panorama from Sphinx overlook"><img alt="Panorama from Sphinx overlook" height="199" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1808/28007569797_239bb01bcc.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Sphinx Rock is as interesting as advertised, but to me the rock strongly resembles a certain movie character from a certain Steven Spielberg movie. E.T. phone home?<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28007535517/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Sphinx Rock - 01"><img alt="Sphinx Rock - 01" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1825/28007535517_940c6946bb.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Underneath the rock and in the shade, I took a nice long break from the sun. My cotton shirt was soaked.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41066067030/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Sphinx Rock - 02"><img alt="Sphinx Rock - 02" height="332" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1758/41066067030_ba7efcebe7.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I noticed some holes have been drilled in the rock which I assume had something to do with the rock climbing activities allowed here.<br /><br />I decided it was time to go when I could hear the rumble of thunder off in the distance and see thunderheads forming. I was sorry to leave the shade of my rocky friend behind.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28007663307/in/album-72157696429791341/" title="Sphinx Rock - 05"><img alt="Sphinx Rock - 05" height="447" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1762/28007663307_19b041c64c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Returning back to the car is so much easier when it's mostly downhill! I had considered walking the Appalachian Lumber Trail I saw coming in, but I had run out of water and it was getting late anyway.<br /><h4>Wrapup</h4>The aftermath of those thunderstorms I had seen building made things interesting on the way home. At least two major roads in the Berea area of Greenville were partially flooded, forcing me to detour north toward Travelers Rest then around Greenville.<br /><br />Big Rock Mountain is certainly aptly named. The trail up to Sphinx Rock turned out to be more of a challenge to find than I expected. I've uploaded the hiking part of my GPS track to uMap so others can download the track and use it a guide.<br /><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/nine-times-two-adventure-june-2018_228393?scaleControl=false&miniMap=false&scrollWheelZoom=false&zoomControl=true&allowEdit=false&moreControl=true&searchControl=null&tilelayersControl=null&embedControl=null&datalayersControl=true&onLoadPanel=undefined&captionBar=false#14/34.9527/-82.7999" width="100%"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/nine-times-two-adventure-june-2018_228393">See full screen</a></small><br /><br /></div>All my photos from this trip are <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157696429791341">in an Flickr album</a> or you can go through them below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157696429791341" title="Nine Times Two - June 2018"><img alt="Nine Times Two - June 2018" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/875/42875723141_e2b175b1e8.jpg" width="375" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-51238252729479817952018-04-20T14:05:00.001-04:002019-03-26T20:54:19.621-04:00Exploring Yellow Branch and Rocky Bottom CreekI spent two days this week exploring two different creeks in two different counties in the Upstate of South Carolina. This is a rundown of what I found.<br /><h3>Yellow Branch</h3>A few miles north of Walhalla, almost across the road from <a href="http://markemark4.blogspot.com/2018/04/stumphouse-tunnel-and-isaqueena-falls.html">Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls</a>, is the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/scnfs/recarea/?recid=47137">Yellow Branch Recreation Area</a>, a picnic area and a trailhead for Yellow Branch Falls. Yellow Branch Falls is a beautiful 50 foot waterfall about a mile and a half down a moderate trail and several stream crossings.<br /><br />Yellow Branch has several minor drops before reaching Yellow Branch Falls, and the first one is actually located upstream from the parking area. A trail from the parking area goes right by this waterfall which is officially unnamed but I call it Upper Yellow Branch Falls.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41506627142/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Upper Yellow Branch Falls - 03"><img alt="Upper Yellow Branch Falls - 03" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/924/41506627142_d4b636d31e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I explored the trail a bit, before heading back through the parking area. I couldn't fit the picnic shelter into one frame, so I decided this would be the perfect opportunity to try out some photo stitching software: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41547773721/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Picnic shelter - 2"><img alt="Picnic shelter - 2" height="216" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/842/41547773721_ee50d5c360.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I took another set at the trailhead and thought the stitched together result was good enough to keep: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39739145770/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Yellow Branch Falls Trail - 01"><img alt="Yellow Branch Falls Trail - 01" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/927/39739145770_78507d5d38.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Waterfalls two through four are easily visible from the trail. Some of my efforts at photographing them were more successful than others.<br /><br />Waterfall #2: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/27677737228/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Waterfall #2 on Yellow Branch - 2"><img alt="Waterfall #2 on Yellow Branch - 2" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/914/27677737228_5172b56593.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Waterfall #3: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41547941851/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Waterfall #3 on Yellow Branch - 5"><img alt="Waterfall #3 on Yellow Branch - 5" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/843/41547941851_cd0e4cb0fa.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Waterfall #4: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40836540614/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Waterfall #4 on Yellow Branch - 3"><img alt="Waterfall #4 on Yellow Branch - 3" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/807/40836540614_f912834c15.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40655009715/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Waterfall #4 on Yellow Branch - 2"><img alt="Waterfall #4 on Yellow Branch - 2" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/810/40655009715_119c9c5730.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Instead of following the official trail across the creek... <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40836571264/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Yellow Branch Falls Trail - 07"><img alt="Yellow Branch Falls Trail - 07" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/861/40836571264_83008aaced.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I took the old, abandoned trail to Yellow Branch Falls. Several years ago, the trail to Yellow Branch Falls was rerouted over this creek crossing and took a different path well away from the creek. The old way is no longer maintained...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40836560274/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Abandoned Yellow Branch Waterfall Trail - 01"><img alt="Abandoned Yellow Branch Waterfall Trail - 01" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/844/40836560274_b3b63a2259.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40836565594/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Abandoned Yellow Branch Waterfall Trail - 02"><img alt="Abandoned Yellow Branch Waterfall Trail - 02" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/881/40836565594_cc1c7a008b.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>but it follows Yellow Branch. The trail is still mostly followable, except for a few spots where large trees have fallen and I had to either climb through them or around them.<br /><br />I found two more waterfalls along Yellow Branch before reaching the top of Yellow Branch Falls.<br />I thought the first one was easily the nicer of the two.<br /><br />Waterfall #5: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39739314570/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Waterfall #5 on Yellow Branch - 3"><img alt="Waterfall #5 on Yellow Branch - 3" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/863/39739314570_490f6ab44a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/27677960818/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Waterfall #5 on Yellow Branch - 2"><img alt="Waterfall #5 on Yellow Branch - 2" height="372" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/914/27677960818_b9d6fa942a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Waterfall #6:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41506985272/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Waterfall #6 on Yellow Branch - 2"><img alt="Waterfall #6 on Yellow Branch - 2" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/831/41506985272_7769fc0b34.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I followed the trail, now faint, to the top of the Yellow Branch Falls: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39739337470/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Top of Yellow Branch Falls - 1"><img alt="Top of Yellow Branch Falls - 1" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/890/39739337470_693593cdc2.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I could see several people down at the bottom admiring the waterfall. However, I didn't want to head down to the base just yet. I wanted the sun out of the way, and I also wanted to see Lohr's Falls, located on a creek that feeds into Yellow Branch. There is no trail to Lohr's Falls, so I had to bushwack. The bushwack was relatively easy, but the way I thought would work wasn't. I walked along a goat path back to the creek where I came across a waterfall a few hundred feet down from Lohr's Falls. The sun was perfectly positioned to make taking a good photograph of this waterfall impossible. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39742310330/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Waterfall below Lohr's Falls"><img alt="Waterfall below Lohr's Falls" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/933/39742310330_efe3578b30.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Fortunately, <a href="https://oconeescwaterfalls.com/lohrs-falls/">Lohr's Falls</a> was a better subject, but the flow was a bit low for good results. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41507032042/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Lohr's Falls - 1"><img alt="Lohr's Falls - 1" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/893/41507032042_dda72634d0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I went back to the top of the waterfall, and the sun still wasn't quite out of the way, so I elected to walk back down the old trail to the current trail. I met a few hikers returning from the waterfall. By the time I got to Yellow Branch Falls, I was by myself and the sun was mostly out the way now. These photos of Yellow Branch Falls were easily my best shots of the day. Then again, when the subject is this good looking as this one is, it's hard to go wrong: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41548198291/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Yellow Branch Falls - 02"><img alt="Yellow Branch Falls - 02" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/893/41548198291_b510fe1f73.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41548234621/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Yellow Branch Falls - 05"><img alt="Yellow Branch Falls - 05" height="313" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/941/41548234621_ef50bd8c7e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/27678182858/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Yellow Branch Falls - 06"><img alt="Yellow Branch Falls - 06" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/806/27678182858_364d9c3e1c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41548228941/in/album-72157695803548165/" title="Yellow Branch Falls - 04"><img alt="Yellow Branch Falls - 04" height="314" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/841/41548228941_8a2766ceda.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I took a short video to show the waterfall in action: <br /><div class="photo-div"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lsvDVKOpAYY?rel=0&ecver=1" width="560"></iframe></div>I made a map of my wanderings with points for the waterfalls I visited.<br /><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="300px" src="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/exploring-the-waterfalls-of-yellow-branch-april-20_214261?scaleControl=true&miniMap=false&scrollWheelZoom=true&zoomControl=true&allowEdit=false&moreControl=true&searchControl=null&tilelayersControl=null&embedControl=null&datalayersControl=true&onLoadPanel=undefined&captionBar=false#14/34.8013/-83.1291" width="95%"></iframe><br /><a href="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/exploring-the-waterfalls-of-yellow-branch-april-20_214261"><small>See full screen</small></a><br /><br /></div>These photos are <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/sets/72157695803548165">in an album</a> on Flickr, or you can go through them below: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157695803548165" title="The Waterfalls of Yellow Branch - April 2018"><img alt="The Waterfalls of Yellow Branch - April 2018" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/786/41547708211_2ebd425e2b.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><h3>Rocky Bottom Creek</h3>Rocky Bottom Creek is located in Pickens County near the mountain community of Rocky Bottom. The headwaters are located on the slopes of Sassafrass Mountain, then flow through Rocky Bottom before emptying into Eastatoe Creek in the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve.<br /><br />I tried to reach Rocky Bottom Creek <a href="http://markemark4.blogspot.com/2018/04/spencers-alley-and-what-i-found-there.html">a few weeks ago</a> from Spencers Alley/Hunter Camp Road but I couldn't find a way that time. From my earlier look at a topo map of the area, I knew the area closest to U.S. 178 was the best place to approach, if approaching from the south. One problem was there was a ravine (with a creek at its bottom) passing through by U.S. 178 along the small parking area, making a return up such a steep hill I is something I had knew I no appetite for these days.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41531281522/in/album-72157695133653554/" title="Trash down on side of hill off U.S. 178"><img alt="Trash down on side of hill off U.S. 178" height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/849/41531281522_75511dbcfb.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>In trying to avoid passing by a house on a small plot of private property surrounded by public property, I ended up wasting a lot of time bushwacking through pine trees and rhododendrons before coming across an overgrown logging road. I did come across an interesting find along the way though, an old spring:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40861079084/in/album-72157695133653554/" title="Old spring - 1"><img alt="Old spring - 1" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/831/40861079084_bc60d3716a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The old logging road seemed to end very near the creek. I followed near a trickle of a low flow stream down to near the creek. I crawled down to small ledge through some much to where I could access the creek.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39763992260/in/album-72157695133653554/" title="Ledge where I crossed creek - 1"><img alt="Ledge where I crossed creek - 1" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/889/39763992260_b219d0fa36.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>On the other side of the creek, I noticed a faint creekside trail, and above that I noticed another old logging road. But first, I took some photos of an interesting S shaped cascade:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40861129434/in/album-72157695133653554/" title="S shaped cascade - 3"><img alt="S shaped cascade - 3" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/798/40861129434_b651398e06.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I turned my attention to following he old logging road above. I could hear two waterfalls, one was what I'll call Rocky Bottom Gorge Falls, the other one is Rock Bottom Falls. I could see Rock Bottom Falls, but I didn't try to head down from above since I thought the trail below would get me there. I went back and then down to the creek side trail. Soon I arrived at this fantastic waterfall pouring into a gorge:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40679658815/in/album-72157695133653554/" title="Rocky Bottom Gorge Falls - 1"><img alt="Rocky Bottom Gorge Falls - 1" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/935/40679658815_107391403b.jpg" width="375" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26703765667/in/album-72157695133653554/" title="Rocky Bottom Gorge Falls - 2"><img alt="Rocky Bottom Gorge Falls - 2" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/912/26703765667_ddabf054c4.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The water flows into this gorge:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/27702317788/in/album-72157695133653554/" title="Rocky Bottom Gorge Falls - 3"><img alt="Rocky Bottom Gorge Falls - 3" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/926/27702317788_8953e2dd2c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>My photos don't really do this waterfall and gorge justice, so I took a phone video to show how neat this feature really is:<br /><div class="photo-div"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WZZIZZyDsmo?rel=0&ecver=1" width="560"></iframe></div>I thought I'd proceed on to Rock Bottom Falls, but the trail seemed blocked by a lot of fallen trees, similar to the damage I've seen around Triple Falls a few weeks ago. I thought maybe a path went sharply up, but after a quick look at my watch I decided I had no more time left and began to head back.<br /><br />I expected the trip back to take a long time, but I actually ended up back at the car much quicker than I expected. I began following the same overgrown logging back, but I accidentally skipped the twists and turns of the old logging road for a more direct return this time. At the time I was just taking the path of least resistance. I ended passing near the private house, my track showed I only skirted the edge of the private property line.<br /><br />I've made a map of my wanderings and the marked waterfall I visited, shown below: <br /><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="300px" src="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/exploring-rocky-bottom-creek-april-2018_214797?scaleControl=false&miniMap=false&scrollWheelZoom=true&zoomControl=true&allowEdit=false&moreControl=true&searchControl=null&tilelayersControl=null&embedControl=null&datalayersControl=true&onLoadPanel=undefined&captionBar=false#15/35.04088/-82.80507" width="95%"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/exploring-rocky-bottom-creek-april-2018_214797">See full screen</a></small><br /><br /></div>My Rocky Bottom Creek photos are <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157695133653554">in their own album</a> on Flickr, or you can go through them below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157695133653554" title="Exploring Rocky Bottom Creek - April 2018"><img alt="Exploring Rocky Bottom Creek - April 2018" height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/849/41531281522_75511dbcfb.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-46030450075137717422018-04-06T10:23:00.001-04:002019-03-26T20:54:32.359-04:00Spencers Alley and What I Found There<div class="centered-photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41239795691/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Spencers Alley"><img alt="Spencers Alley" height="425" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/791/41239795691_c2c6ea73df_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Rocky Bottom is a small mountain community nestled in northern Pickens County. I've passed through here many times over the years, and I've wanted to stop to take a few photos, but I've never done so until now. I wanted to try and reach a waterfall on Rocky Bottom Creek, and this was the perfect opportunity to explore a few features in Rocky Bottom I've had on my list for some time now.<br /><br />I parked at Rocky Bottom Independent Baptist Church.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26365941407/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Rocky Bottom Baptist Church - 1"><img alt="Rocky Bottom Baptist Church - 1" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/822/26365941407_bb2dbd1612.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>As the sign shows, the church was established in 1941.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40342733375/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Rocky Bottom Baptist Church sign"><img alt="Rocky Bottom Baptist Church sign" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/889/40342733375_75b42834ee.jpg" width="333" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Then I walked by the side of U.S. 178 down to an old country store, the old Rocky Bottom Store.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40342721575/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Rocky Bottom Store - 2"><img alt="Rocky Bottom Store - 2" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/802/40342721575_123f04a14e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41239331411/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Rocky Bottom Store - 3"><img alt="Rocky Bottom Store - 3" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/807/41239331411_e2f3670776.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The Pickens County Library's Flickr account has this old photo of the store when it was in business:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pcls/13625456445/" title="Rocky Bottom Store"><img alt="Rocky Bottom Store" height="355" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/13625456445_3e372b6334.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>Then I moved my car down to a small parking area off U.S. 178, as far off the road as I safely could, then walked down to Spencers Alley.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41239795691/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Spencers Alley"><img alt="Spencers Alley" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/791/41239795691_c2c6ea73df.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>A few private homes are off this road...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40343202275/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Spencers Alley road - 03"><img alt="Spencers Alley road - 03" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/894/40343202275_79ab23118c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I walked down a gravel road to check out one house in particular located where Rocky Bottom School once stood (all the land surrounding the house is public land). One look and it's clear this house was never a school.<br /><br />I walked back to Spencers Alley. I didn't expect to find anything else around here, yet I did. Off the side of the road, I noticed what I found to be two outhouses. I nicknamed them "Spencers Privies" to go with the road name.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41239872721/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Spencers Privies - 05"><img alt="Spencers Privies - 05" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/874/41239872721_24d0b4f139.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>One door was partially open...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41195832172/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Spencers Privies - 01"><img alt="Spencers Privies - 01" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/891/41195832172_3b6df355d6.jpg" width="333" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>So I peeked in. Fortunately, I didn't startle anybody. And no, I didn't have a seat.. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40525208054/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Spencers Privies - 05"><img alt="Spencers Privies - 05" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/890/40525208054_962eeb15fa.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Spencers Alley, beyond the homes, is rutted in stretches. My car would not have made it through here, but a jeep or a truck most certainly would.<br /><br />Spencers Alley ends at a red gate, but before going beyond I wondered if an overgrown forest road might be beyond the hill to the right.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41195892762/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Spencers Alley road - 05"><img alt="Spencers Alley road - 05" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/792/41195892762_12eefd5286.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />I was seeking an way to Rock Bottom Falls on Rocky Bottom Creek from here. Rock Bottom Falls is located in a gorge, so I knew the descent may end up being to steep from this direction. But I also knew this area was well logged in the past, so there must be plenty of logging roads to follow, and perhaps one will get me close enough.</div><br />I was right about finding overgrown logging roads to follow. I followed this one as far as it would take me:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39450448330/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Overgrown forest road #1 - 1"><img alt="Overgrown forest road #1 - 1" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/887/39450448330_5d42351091.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This old logging road got me to within a few hundred feet, but I knew the road ended when the rhododendrons got so thick. I started to bushwack through the rhododendrons until the descent became too steep for me. I knew from previous experience it would take much more time to climb back out than I wanted and it would take way too much effort also. I turned out and headed back up.<br /><br />Back at the red gate, ...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40363917625/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Spencers Alley road - 07"><img alt="Spencers Alley road - 07" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/810/40363917625_d71b6525d2.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I found this warning sign:<br /><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41195899262/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Spencers Alley road - 06"><img alt="Spencers Alley road - 06" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/804/41195899262_698bb8966f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />My car way back off U.S. 178, so I wasn't too worried about a fine.<br /><br />As you'll see when I show my GPS track below, I found more old logging roads, but none got me closer or offered an easier bushwack down to the creek. but none really got me closer than 500 ft to Rock Bottom Falls. I moved on to my backup target, Triple Falls, on Reedy Cove Creek.<br /><br />At the red gate, Spencers Alley becomes Hunting Camp Road. The hike was easy, except for having to carefully avoid the wild, thorny, blackberry vines that have taken over sections of Hunting Club Roads, and to avoid some fallen trees.<br /><br />The height contours on my map showed the slope near Reedy Cove Creek wasn't anything as extreme as the approaches to Rocky Bottom Creek I had tried. I even found a overgrown logging road that took me close to the Reedy Cove Creek. There I met up with a foot path. I also found this curious long cut:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39429487770/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Possible Appalachian Lumber Company railroad cut"><img alt="Possible Appalachian Lumber Company railroad cut" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/793/39429487770_21e8b77718.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I wonder if the Appalachian Lumber Company, who once had a railroad in the area in the late 1920s, made this cut? Whoever made this cut, it took me close enough to the top of the waterfall to bushwack the rest of the way.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40525360754/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Triple Falls - 01"><img alt="Triple Falls - 01" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/820/40525360754_648a1dffb0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I carefully made my way near to the bottom of the waterfall, however the downed trees made things more difficult and time consuming than I would have liked.<br /><br />Fortunately, some clouds moved over just in time to allow me to take a photo with a slow shutter speed:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41196058392/in/album-72157694531474094/" title="Triple Falls - 04"><img alt="Triple Falls - 04" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/790/41196058392_611855bd7e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>It's unfortunate fallen trees have obscured this beautiful small waterfall . They must have fallen with the past year because <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/alov4waterfalls/permalink/994480790654728/">these 2017 photos</a> by Christopher Cockfield did not have those trees in his shots.<br /><br />I took a short video of the water flow:<br /><div><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VsQHJGM175E?rel=0&ecver=1" width="560"></iframe></div>I was tempting to follow the path up creek to visit more waterfalls I knew were waiting for me, but I had already wasted a lot of time trying to find a way to Rock Bottom Falls from Spencers Alley, so I had to head back.<br /><br />The hike from U.S. 178 to the waterfall, according to my calculations, was about two miles. The hike back, without the time consuming side trips this time, went by rather quickly. However, I did end up with some scratches from having to hike through.all those wild blackberry bushes. I'll have to look into buying a machete.<br /><br />It's too bad this area doesn't appear to get much use or maintenance. From my waterfall loving point of view, Hunting Club Road offers good access to the part of Reedy Cove Creek above Twin Falls that doesn't involve much bushwacking.<br /><br />Now that I know the Spencers Alley approach to Rock Bottom Falls is doomed to failure, next time I'll either try coming more directly in from the same U.S. 178 parking area (might work), or from the south from Twin Falls (will work). I prefer to head back downhill if I can so I'm strongly leaning toward the Twin Falls approach for next time.<br /><br />As promised, here's my GPS record of the hike:<br /><div class="photo-div"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300px" src="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/rocky-bottom-april-2018_210751?scaleControl=false&miniMap=false&scrollWheelZoom=true&zoomControl=true&allowEdit=false&moreControl=true&searchControl=null&tilelayersControl=null&embedControl=null&datalayersControl=true&onLoadPanel=undefined&captionBar=false#13/35.0387/-82.8026" width="90%"></iframe><br /><a href="http://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/rocky-bottom-april-2018_210751"><small>See full screen</small></a></div><br />My trip photos are in <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/sets/72157694531474094">its own album</a> on Flickr, or you can go through them below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157694531474094" title="Exploring Rocky Bottom - April 2018"><img alt="Exploring Rocky Bottom - April 2018" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/790/41196058392_611855bd7e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><br /><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-11693147249314234212018-04-05T09:51:00.001-04:002019-03-26T20:54:44.418-04:00Stumphouse Tunnel and Isaqueena Falls<div class="centered-photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/27360779298/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Stumphouse Tunnel sign - 1"><img alt="Stumphouse Tunnel sign - 1" height="426" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/815/27360779298_fe8b487f73_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>For whatever reason, I've never been to Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls before now. Considering the site features tunnels from a never completed railroad, and a nearby waterfall with a lovers leap type legend, it's a mystery why it took so long for this site to bubble up to the top of my to-visit list. Both sites <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B048'22.9%22N+83%C2%B007'36.1%22W/@34.8063885,-83.1442575,5493m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.8063549!4d-83.1267054">are located off Stumphouse Tunnel Road</a>, itself off S.C. 28, a few miles north of Walhalla.<br /><h4>Introduction</h4>Stumphouse Tunnel was one of three planned tunnels in South Carolina for the <a href="http://www.abandonedrails.com/Blue_Ridge_Railroad_Project">Blue Ridge Railroad</a>, a 195 mile railroad to be built from Anderson, South Carolina, to West Union, South Carolina, to near Clayton, Georgia then north up to Knoxville, Tennessee. The motivation for the project was to provide a more direct route for goods to travel between South Carolina and Tennessee, cutting out the much longer, costlier ways required at the time to avoid the mountains.<br /><br />The Blue Ridge Railroad obtained a charter from South Carolina in 1852, but work on the railroad didn't actually begin until 1854. In South Carolina, the path required three tunnels, named Stumphouse Tunnel (through Stumphouse Mountain), Middle Tunnel, and Saddle Tunnel (through Turnip Top Mountain). In Georgia, two tunnels were required. The first was to be cut was Dick's Creek Tunnel (now Black Diamond Tunnel) through Wall Mountain, the second tunnel was to be cut in Warwoman Valley where Warwoman Dell is today.<br /><br />By 1859, only the part between Anderson, SC to Pendelton, SC to West Union, SC was in service, along with a short line from Anderson to Belton, SC. The South Carolina Legislature decided against subscribing more money in 1859 to the railroad project and work on the railroad wound down, with one exception:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsyldtKEipE/WsVXwTKaKUI/AAAAAAAAReU/3Vb8kD_c8xoV4Hdyq4Uu9eXK8NFxTCImQCLcBGAs/s1600/The_Charlotte_Democrat_Sat__Dec_24__1859_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="1600" height="124" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsyldtKEipE/WsVXwTKaKUI/AAAAAAAAReU/3Vb8kD_c8xoV4Hdyq4Uu9eXK8NFxTCImQCLcBGAs/s400/The_Charlotte_Democrat_Sat__Dec_24__1859_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In 2000, the railroad segment between Walhalla and West Union was abandoned due to lack of customers and traffic.<br /><br />A few proposals were made after the Civil War over the years to finish the project, the last one floated in 1940, but they all came to nothing.<br /><br />The <a href="https://archive.org/details/reportofpresiden185960">1859/1860 Annual Report of President and Directors of the Blue Ridge Railroad Company in South Carolina </a>(whew!) on page 6 serves now as a final update on the railroad's progress:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UGBoweHtIfw/WsVafPj_lpI/AAAAAAAAReg/posCszEMKsQCwvNbd8xIYMTot7wwI3fWwCLcBGAs/s1600/completion%2Btable.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="801" height="158" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UGBoweHtIfw/WsVafPj_lpI/AAAAAAAAReg/posCszEMKsQCwvNbd8xIYMTot7wwI3fWwCLcBGAs/s640/completion%2Btable.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Of the five tunnels started in South Carolina and Georgia, only the Middle Tunnel was excavated all the way though.<br /><br />This snippet from <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/1855_Colton_Map_of_Georgia_-_Geographicus_-_Georgia-colton-1855.jpg">Colton's 1860 map of Georgia</a> shows where the railroad would have gone through South Carolina and Georgia if completed past West Union and put into service:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gP8uxgb7CqE/WsVfKj76USI/AAAAAAAARe4/EsGD_DilAVUhajD-FyOGgvjSfgiKCkgRACLcBGAs/s1600/blue%2Bridge%2Brr%2Bmap.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="541" height="274" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gP8uxgb7CqE/WsVfKj76USI/AAAAAAAARe4/EsGD_DilAVUhajD-FyOGgvjSfgiKCkgRACLcBGAs/s400/blue%2Bridge%2Brr%2Bmap.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Another <a href="https://www.loc.gov/resource/g3871p.rr005560/">map at the Library of Congress</a>, <a href="https://www.loc.gov/resource/g3701p.rr005440/">along with a smaller map</a>, shows the proposed route up into Tennessee:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIN8UDhPGJ4/WsYh3TLiVKI/AAAAAAAARho/chLNpTqvRJ0Mj8YjlMuYHqHovLwlHi8oQCLcBGAs/s1600/raleigh%2Band%2Bseaboard%2Bmap.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="609" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIN8UDhPGJ4/WsYh3TLiVKI/AAAAAAAARho/chLNpTqvRJ0Mj8YjlMuYHqHovLwlHi8oQCLcBGAs/s400/raleigh%2Band%2Bseaboard%2Bmap.JPG" width="381" /></a></div><br />In 1940, Clemson College (now Clemson University) leased Stumphouse Tunnel to experiment with making cheese:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--XtpdRfQd-s/WsVgAWBSeZI/AAAAAAAARfA/ngnwyFgrEP8oVbtMRvnk9tGZdmU4IjecgCLcBGAs/s1600/Pampa_Daily_News_Sun__Jul_21__1940_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--XtpdRfQd-s/WsVgAWBSeZI/AAAAAAAARfA/ngnwyFgrEP8oVbtMRvnk9tGZdmU4IjecgCLcBGAs/s320/Pampa_Daily_News_Sun__Jul_21__1940_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In 1946, Clemson College bought a half interest in the site. Five years later in 1951, Clemson College bought the other half interest to complete ownership of the site.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGTo_60ZFlI/WsVhNNFMotI/AAAAAAAARfM/7QVMH9fZ_jMokGUEsz6-YYoqBrjME9MlQCLcBGAs/s1600/The_Daily_Reporter_Tue__May_29__1951_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="350" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGTo_60ZFlI/WsVhNNFMotI/AAAAAAAARfM/7QVMH9fZ_jMokGUEsz6-YYoqBrjME9MlQCLcBGAs/s640/The_Daily_Reporter_Tue__May_29__1951_.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>Operations resumed in 1953, but ended five years later in 1958 when the cheese manufacturing operation moved over to the campus. The site was leased to the Pendleton Historical District Commission in 1970 and the site became a tourist attraction. The City of Walhalla now owns and manages Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls, and also owns part of the old roadbed (now a trail). The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources owns another part of old railroad roadbed from about Middle Tunnel up to Saddle Tunnel where the old right of way enters private property.<br /><h4>Stumphouse Tunnel</h4>I stopped at the pay station to leave my meager payment, but the directions were either confusing or out of date. The instructions said to detach the hangtag from the pay envelope, but hang on rear view mirror. Except there was no hangtag to detach, and none of the other envelopes I checked had any either. Oh well.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41237395361/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Payment station"><img alt="Payment station" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/812/41237395361_89e85bff22.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I chose a parking spot about halfway between the tunnel and the waterfall, since I'd be visiting both anyway. The walk to the gate was a short one.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/27360793538/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Stumphouse Tunnel sign - 2"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/895/27360793538_d631244bd4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Stumphouse Tunnel sign - 2"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>What I noticed first was this low flow waterfall.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26361961547/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Stumphouse Tunnel waterfall - 1"><img alt="Stumphouse Tunnel waterfall - 1" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/871/26361961547_65b299448e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This one would look beautiful just after a period of rain.<br /><br />Stumphouse Tunnel was the longest planned (at 5863 feet, over a mile!) of the three tunnels in South Carolina. I found an 1857 article in the Edgefield Advertiser about the process of how the blasting related to the air shafts an interesting read:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0B4ABC1Miz8/WsV1BmBPgTI/AAAAAAAARfs/1l1OeJJqxncFZ555arpWqykap0HH00orwCLcBGAs/s1600/Edgefield_Advertiser_Wed__Jun_3__1857_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="457" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0B4ABC1Miz8/WsV1BmBPgTI/AAAAAAAARfs/1l1OeJJqxncFZ555arpWqykap0HH00orwCLcBGAs/s640/Edgefield_Advertiser_Wed__Jun_3__1857_.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>What I noticed when nearing the tunnel was the cool breeze blowing out:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41235360791/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Stumphouse Tunnel - 01"><img alt="Stumphouse Tunnel - 01" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/816/41235360791_802ebd5a94.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Inside the tunnel is cool, drippy, and humid.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26362002827/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Stumphouse Tunnel - 02"><img alt="Stumphouse Tunnel - 02" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/795/26362002827_3fbfafb376.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I eventually reached a locked gate. My camera was out of its element in the dark:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40338653695/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Stumphouse Tunnel - 04"><img alt="Stumphouse Tunnel - 04" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/810/40338653695_1a2874e80b.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>But my cellphone did better with its flash and its better low light lens:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41190758392/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Stumphouse Tunnel - 05"><img alt="Stumphouse Tunnel - 05" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/888/41190758392_6049afdf21.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>In earlier years, you could go much further on, but now it's sealed off to prevent injury from any falling rocks.<br /><br />I turned around and started walking back toward the light.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40520468334/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Stumphouse Tunnel - 04"><img alt="Stumphouse Tunnel - 04" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/873/40520468334_21d47791a8.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I made a terrible video, but I thought it worth posting for the audio of dripping water and the echo-y voices.<br /><div class="photo-div"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bKNjAFY29_Y?rel=0&ecver=1" width="560"></iframe></div>Outside the tunnel is a Southern Railway caboose, or at least it was once. The actual caboose is missing. What happened to the rest of it?<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/27361034978/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Southern Railway caboose without the caboose - 1"><img alt="Southern Railway caboose without the caboose - 1" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/882/27361034978_4a98d4eab5.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The intact caboose is seen here at the <a href="http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/oconee/S10817737002/index.htm">Stumphouse Tunnel Complex section</a> of South Carolina's National Register website:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwzSWBU4naU/WsVvWynWVXI/AAAAAAAARfc/9BB7mo4TvAoky5EwTK_OjVf1Tjny880ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/S1081773700201.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="377" height="371" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwzSWBU4naU/WsVvWynWVXI/AAAAAAAARfc/9BB7mo4TvAoky5EwTK_OjVf1Tjny880ZgCLcBGAs/s400/S1081773700201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h4>Tunnel Hill</h4>While Stumphouse Tunnel was under construction, the workers, mostly Irish, lived on top of the tunnel on Stumphouse Mountain. At Tunnel Hill's peak, 1500 people once lived there. When work was suspended in 1859, the population rapidly dwindled.<br /><br />This <a href="https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84026965/1897-07-14/ed-1/seq-2/">1897 snippet from page 2 of The Intelligencier</a> reported the town:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">...was once a busy town of fifteen hundred people, including five hundred laborers, who worked in and around the tunnel. The town had a hotel, boarding houses, a school, a church (Catholic) and the usual complement of barrooms. There were several stores.</blockquote>I've snipped the most relevant part of the article below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIqIoRM2q7A/WsV4GGET2sI/AAAAAAAARgE/ZIpXu9-RlTMmH7VIVqDV3vddoJ_5sdg2QCLcBGAs/s1600/The_Intelligencer_Wed__Jul_14__1897_v2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="348" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIqIoRM2q7A/WsV4GGET2sI/AAAAAAAARgE/ZIpXu9-RlTMmH7VIVqDV3vddoJ_5sdg2QCLcBGAs/s640/The_Intelligencer_Wed__Jul_14__1897_v2.jpg" width="139" /></a></div>The cemetery is all that's left of Tunnel Town, and is nothing but field stones now. The rest, including the cemtery, was looted the Civil War.<br /><br />Several steep paths to the right of Stumphouse Tunnel lead up the hill before joining to become one path:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40520608844/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Stumphouse Mountain path - 4"><img alt="Stumphouse Mountain path - 4" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/867/40520608844_3c577e56a0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40520626824/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Stumphouse Mountain path - 5"><img alt="Stumphouse Mountain path - 5" height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/877/40520626824_aa12c12202.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I followed the path past the first or four airshafts. A fence surrounded the airshaft.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40520683354/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Stumhouse Tunnel airshaft - 2"><img alt="Stumhouse Tunnel airshaft - 2" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/868/40520683354_5ecf410bc1.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Someone cut a hole in the fence, but I wasn't feeling suicidal today so I kept going. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40520703124/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Stumhouse Tunnel airshaft - 3"><img alt="Stumhouse Tunnel airshaft - 3" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/791/40520703124_e9cb657fa9.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>A foot path leads past a concrete block foundation...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40338932675/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Tunnel Hill cemetery - 01"><img alt="Tunnel Hill cemetery - 01" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/888/40338932675_c4a54f3358.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26362291527/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Tunnel Hill cemetery - 02"><img alt="Tunnel Hill cemetery - 02" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/891/26362291527_1f30c195c7.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I saw several field stones that must mark graves, but no engraved gravestones.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26362303657/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Tunnel Hill cemetery - 03"><img alt="Tunnel Hill cemetery - 03" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/889/26362303657_7cbb854815.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/27361309108/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Tunnel Hill cemetery - 06"><img alt="Tunnel Hill cemetery - 06" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/873/27361309108_64f86727b6.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40520830984/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Tunnel Hill cemetery - 12"><img alt="Tunnel Hill cemetery - 12" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/881/40520830984_20017d7fc9.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I explored a bit more, but I also didn't bother looking for the three other air shafts. No thanks! I headed back down the steep grade...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39425258320/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Stumphouse Mountain path - 10"><img alt="Stumphouse Mountain path - 10" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/785/39425258320_c576667be7.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>to visit Issaqueena Falls<br /><h4>Issaqueena Falls</h4><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39425278350/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Issaqueena Falls ->"><img alt="Issaqueena Falls ->" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/866/39425278350_c15260bff3.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>A walk over two bridges...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41191191602/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Issaqueena Falls trail - 01"><img alt="Issaqueena Falls trail - 01" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/902/41191191602_336f00b183.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40340016495/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Issaqueena Falls trail - 02"><img alt="Issaqueena Falls trail - 02" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/901/40340016495_bf9e21cdbf.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>then down a dirt path to an overlook. The overlook provides a good view of the waterfall, but a steep path leads down to the base where several parents and their children were enjoying themselves.<br /><br />Issaqueena Falls is named after Issaqueena, a Native American maiden (the tribe varies) captured by the Cherokee. As the legend goes, Issaqueena fell in love with a white man (whose name and occupation varies) and left the tribe to be with him. When the Cherokee tribe eventually catches up with her, she either jumps off the waterfall to her death or she just fakes it. This legend is almost a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choose_Your_Own_Adventure">Choose Your Own Adventure t</a>ype story.<br /><br />The beauty of this waterfall is certainly not in question. I took a few different angles from the viewing deck down toward the base. It's too bad the flow was rather low.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26363473257/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Issaqueena Falls - 07"><img alt="Issaqueena Falls - 07" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/865/26363473257_332de58632.jpg" width="375" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26363176297/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Issaqueena Falls - 2"><img alt="Issaqueena Falls - 2" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/871/26363176297_3f22be17f1.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40521787454/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Issaqueena Falls - 4"><img alt="Issaqueena Falls - 4" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/890/40521787454_2882081679.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I took a short video to show off the water flow that also happens to show people frolicking at the base: <br /><div><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hzwNbWE50xY?rel=0&ecver=1" width="560"></iframe></div><h4>Blue Ridge Historical Trail</h4>Near the top of the waterfall is the trail head to the <a href="http://www.blueridgecouncil.org/brcn/resources/site1/General/loganweb/BRRRHT%20pamphlet2017.pdf">Blue Ridge Historical Trail</a>, a trail made by the Boy Scouts that closely follows the roadbed of the Blue Ridge Railroad. The initial part of the trail ascends up to the railroad grade on the mountain.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40340417035/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail - 03"><img alt="Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail - 03" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/893/40340417035_5cae44d8db.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>After that, the trail stays on the old railroad grade, except to detour around the two tunnels along the trail. It seemed like the old roadbed was mostly cuts...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40340440765/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail - 06"><img alt="Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail - 06" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/893/40340440765_4868abbc23.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>with only the occasional fill.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40340464415/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail - 08"><img alt="Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail - 08" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/822/40340464415_91caa8d860.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>An informative sign gives context to the southwest entrance to the Middle Tunnel.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41192421912/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Southwest entrance to Stumphouse Mountain Middle Tunnel - 1"><img alt="Southwest entrance to Stumphouse Mountain Middle Tunnel - 1" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/805/41192421912_5d3a166991.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This tunnel, because it was earthen instead of stone like the other two, was the only one completed to some degree.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41237116241/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Southwest entrance to Stumphouse Mountain Middle Tunnel - 7"><img alt="Southwest entrance to Stumphouse Mountain Middle Tunnel - 7" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/810/41237116241_d1107371b2.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>A bat friendly gate keeps people out while allowing bats to pass through.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40340568505/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Southwest entrance to Stumphouse Mountain Middle Tunnel - 6"><img alt="Southwest entrance to Stumphouse Mountain Middle Tunnel - 6" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/901/40340568505_09ba3673b9.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I passed by two closed red gates along the Middle Tunnel detour to what was once the northeast entrance to Middle Tunnel.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40529787464/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Northeast entrance to Stumphouse Mountain Middle Tunnel - 1"><img alt="Northeast entrance to Stumphouse Mountain Middle Tunnel - 1" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/792/40529787464_3fb69ab424.jpg" width="375" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>According to the sign, this entrance was closed in the 1950s.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/27370425678/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Northeast entrance to Stumphouse Mountain Middle Tunnel - 3"><img alt="Northeast entrance to Stumphouse Mountain Middle Tunnel - 3" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/820/27370425678_531f091509.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Back along the trail, I cross over a pedestrian bridge, ...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41192663142/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail - 24"><img alt="Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail - 24" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/812/41192663142_dbf035b286.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>to approach in a few minutes the third tunnel, Saddle Tunnel.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/27363136948/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Southwest entrance Saddle Tunnel - 02"><img alt="Southwest entrance Saddle Tunnel - 02" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/886/27363136948_83e8ab66bf.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>As the sign explains, little work was done on this tunnel.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41237300061/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Southwest entrance Saddle Tunnel - 01"><img alt="Southwest entrance Saddle Tunnel - 01" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/790/41237300061_60a41ffd51.jpg" width="375" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>And what remains today is submerged in water.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41192736832/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Southwest entrance Saddle Tunnel - 04"><img alt="Southwest entrance Saddle Tunnel - 04" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/881/41192736832_db7662c2c5.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I even took a 360 panorama of the trail's end for no particular reason except that I could. You may have to click though for the best experience:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" data-vr="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/41192728392/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Saddle Tunnel 360"><img alt="Saddle Tunnel 360" height="250" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/870/41192728392_556a7f3894.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>All that's visible now of these worker's efforts are some drill marks.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40522545264/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Southwest entrance Saddle Tunnel - 05"><img alt="Southwest entrance Saddle Tunnel - 05" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/808/40522545264_76120effe0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>When I was finishing up, some what I supposed where maintenance workers showed up in a John Deere car. They stopped for a minute, then left again. I caught up to them a few more times along the way. This would also explain the open gates when I passed by this time through.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26363906957/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail - 26"><img alt="Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail - 26" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/799/26363906957_d345289686.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><h4>Neville School</h4><div>On the way in, I spotted an old school off S.C. 28. My POI map identified this place as Neville School. I just had to stop by for a quick visit on the way back, so I did.</div><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40340817565/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Neville School - 1"><img alt="Neville School - 1" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/895/40340817565_06031a7c0e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This is at least the second Neville School..<br /><br />The school that preceded this one was located where Neville Cemetery is now. According to newspaper archives of the Keowee Courier, this earlier school was also used as a church, and the grounds as cemetery. I cross referenced one person, Joseph Merrill, with <a href="https://www.findagrave.com/">Find A Grave</a>. Find A Grave <a href="https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/54891614/joseph-b.-merrill">listed his burial location</a> as <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1771705962"></span>Neville Cemetery<span id="goog_1771705963"></span></a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B046'22.3%22N+83%C2%B005'49.8%22W/@34.7728572,-83.1059138,3410m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8858ee146d8c9b49:0x980115f1cc137a92!2sCemetery+Rd,+Walhalla,+SC+29691!3b1!8m2!3d34.7722087!4d-83.0969106!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.7728585!4d-83.0971588">off Cemetery Road</a> a short distance away from the later school building.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tjy14Iy6N60/WsWXnhjgjlI/AAAAAAAARgo/mEh8VxTRxhA0rqfxO4xxPvZ7yzxPJ9TnwCLcBGAs/s1600/Keowee_Courier_Wed__Jan_17__1906_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tjy14Iy6N60/WsWXnhjgjlI/AAAAAAAARgo/mEh8VxTRxhA0rqfxO4xxPvZ7yzxPJ9TnwCLcBGAs/s320/Keowee_Courier_Wed__Jan_17__1906_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A 1947 aerial shows a building that may have been the earlier school <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B046'21.0%22N+83%C2%B005'50.3%22W/@34.7726172,-83.0975397,107m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8858ee146d8c9b49:0x980115f1cc137a92!2sCemetery+Rd,+Walhalla,+SC+29691!3b1!8m2!3d34.7722087!4d-83.0969106!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.7724992!4d-83.0973094">at the southern end of Neville Cemetery</a>, but was gone by the 1950s aerial, replaced with graves.<br /><br />The earlier school building was succeeded by the existing one in either 1922 or 1923.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ApAxlJHeJ_o/WsWT4sT5kpI/AAAAAAAARgU/GNXZt1LGQC42mqTpatdc6SFDE3n4lAPOgCLcBGAs/s1600/Keowee_Courier_Wed__Mar_8__1922_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ApAxlJHeJ_o/WsWT4sT5kpI/AAAAAAAARgU/GNXZt1LGQC42mqTpatdc6SFDE3n4lAPOgCLcBGAs/s320/Keowee_Courier_Wed__Mar_8__1922_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The property was purchased in July 1922 according to this deed.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUX7VYFL0xY/WsWUMNyJSfI/AAAAAAAARgY/9znzobR87vE0pb8tqJJ3cvEbdXa3fx21QCLcBGAs/s1600/10-c%2Bpage%2B188.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1052" height="303" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUX7VYFL0xY/WsWUMNyJSfI/AAAAAAAARgY/9znzobR87vE0pb8tqJJ3cvEbdXa3fx21QCLcBGAs/s400/10-c%2Bpage%2B188.png" width="400" /></a></div>Given the time needed to build a new school, the new school building probably wouldn't have been ready before the 1923 term. I found a listing for this school in the <a href="http://digital.tcl.sc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/schldirect/id/3019">1954-1955 School Directory of South Carolina</a>, but not in the 1955-1956 edition. This places the school's likeliest active years from 1923 until 1955. The Neville Community Club has owned the school building since 1970.<br /><h4>White Cut Road</h4>In doing my research for this adventure, I studied this USGS map from 1960 of the area depicting the old Blue Ridge Railroad grade:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fS0Sf0fzKws/WsWa43MDbrI/AAAAAAAARg0/mKUYcxJXJBwmq1WnSxb6awi_sreFEcDFACLcBGAs/s1600/old%2Brailroad%2Bgrade%2Busgs%2B1960.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1300" height="217" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fS0Sf0fzKws/WsWa43MDbrI/AAAAAAAARg0/mKUYcxJXJBwmq1WnSxb6awi_sreFEcDFACLcBGAs/s400/old%2Brailroad%2Bgrade%2Busgs%2B1960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This depiction conforms exactly to the general description found on page 24 of the <a href="https://archive.org/details/reportofpresiden185354">1853/1854 Annual Report of President and Directors of the Blue Ridge Railroad Company in South Carolina</a>:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RHp5Aol-X_M/WsYbLtmtFfI/AAAAAAAARhY/898fHm4QT3Eikf-Cg290XmixznviWYZtgCLcBGAs/s1600/1853%2B1854%2Breport.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="570" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RHp5Aol-X_M/WsYbLtmtFfI/AAAAAAAARhY/898fHm4QT3Eikf-Cg290XmixznviWYZtgCLcBGAs/s400/1853%2B1854%2Breport.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>One area in particular on the USGS map interested me.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDZQtz3aehA/WsWbDikVl0I/AAAAAAAARg4/0vRUKD3kIUwWQtRuPnJ5wl_r7Ssm5XCAwCLcBGAs/s1600/old%2Brailroad%2Bgrade%2Busgs%2B1960%2B-%2Bwhite%2Bcut%2Broad.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDZQtz3aehA/WsWbDikVl0I/AAAAAAAARg4/0vRUKD3kIUwWQtRuPnJ5wl_r7Ssm5XCAwCLcBGAs/s200/old%2Brailroad%2Bgrade%2Busgs%2B1960%2B-%2Bwhite%2Bcut%2Broad.JPG" width="189" /></a></div>The old railroad grade joins up with a road for a short distance! I thought it would be neat to drive over the old roadbed. The road on the map is named White Cut Road, paved part of the way, and dirt and gravel for the rest. The old railroad grade is located on the dirt and gravel part.<br /><br />The old railroad grade, seen here on a private dirt road, joins White Cut Road:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40340837445/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="Dirt road"><img alt="Dirt road" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/794/40340837445_9a7522432e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>White Cut Road curves and follows what was a fill on the old railroad grade. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26363948657/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="White Cut Road - 1"><img alt="White Cut Road - 1" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/871/26363948657_7859953e4f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26363953367/in/album-72157692148012552/" title="White Cut Road - 2"><img alt="White Cut Road - 2" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/809/26363953367_dab018e502.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>White Cut Road soon curves away from the old railroad grade. The old railroad grade is only visible for a very short distance before being disappearing.<br /><h4>Wrapup</h4>I've uploaded to my Google Maps account tracing what I've found of the old Blue Ridge Railroad grade.<br /><div><iframe height="320" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1XSOqf3f1Wx7mVGem3KslV37c6dHwivdG" width="500"></iframe></div>I hope to visit Warwoman Dell someday <a href="http://danwashburn.com/sportinglife/2001/12/06/tracking-history-blue-ridge-railroad-buffs-uncover-mountain-mysteries/">where more remnants of the Blue Ridge Railroad can be found</a>. <a href="https://railga.com/oddend/tunnelbluer.html">According to RailGA.com's section about the Blue Ridge Railroad tunnels</a>, landslides have closed off one end of Warwoman Tunnel at Warwoman Dell and road construction has closed off the other end. Dick's Creek Tunnel (now called Black Diamond Tunnel) was about half finished. The west end of Dick's Creek Tunnel is about 1400 feet long, but is also flooded and on private property. The west end is on public land, but only extends 59 feet and is not easy to reach (if your familiar with bushwacking that is).<br /><br />I've uploaded my photos to <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/sets/72157692148012552">an album</a> on Flickr, or you can go through them below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157692148012552" title="Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls - April 2018"><img alt="Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls - April 2018" height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/815/27360779298_fe8b487f73.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-33563422797919273732018-03-17T13:14:00.001-04:002019-03-26T20:55:15.222-04:00Eva Russel Chandler Heritage Preserve and Beyond<div class="centered-photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26946808288/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve sign - 1"><img alt="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve sign - 1" height="425" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/799/26946808288_bf40186ebc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The <a href="https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ManagedLand/ManagedLand/11">Eva Russel Chandler Heritage Preserve</a> is a heritage preserve located off Persimmon Ridge Road near Cleveland, SC. The heritage preserve is home to certain rare plants, the ruins of a homestead, and a waterfall, but what really brings me here this visit is the prospect of continuing my search for the ruins of moonshine stills.<br /><br />Slickum Creek, also called Persimmon Branch, flows through the preserve down through Wildcat Wayside Park, then into the South Saluda River. I had already <a href="http://markemark4.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-day-searching-for-moonshine-still.html">searched Slickum Creek up to one waterfall short of Heritage Falls</a>, and now I'm back to explore further upstream.<br /><br />I parked out of the way of the red gate:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26961681838/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve - 01"><img alt="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve - 01" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/805/26961681838_2dac5ae559.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>then walked around the gate down the trail part of which was once an old dirt road.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40774704732/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve - 02"><img alt="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve - 02" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/814/40774704732_95e127449b.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I started at the same waterfall where I left off last time.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40774731182/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Moonshine still ruins at waterfall - 1"><img alt="Moonshine still ruins at waterfall - 1" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4778/40774731182_121cf71276.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25945382317/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Moonshine still ruins at waterfall - 5"><img alt="Moonshine still ruins at waterfall - 5" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/796/25945382317_bfc8e36408.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I bushwacked my way up to the base of Heritage Falls where I already knew some ruins were located. I actually found more ruins than I expected. I found this barrel and a still furnace I already knew were here:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39937202545/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Heritage Falls moonshine still ruins - 04"><img alt="Heritage Falls moonshine still ruins - 04" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/803/39937202545_d38db3c150.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>What surprised me though were how many metal bands I found, but finding a good angle to capture them so they'd show up in my photos was hard:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40774799142/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Heritage Falls moonshine still ruins - 11"><img alt="Heritage Falls moonshine still ruins - 11" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4778/40774799142_d818bd1eee.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I was also surprised to find an old galvanized bucket I hadn't heard about:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40774805222/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Heritage Falls moonshine still ruins - 12"><img alt="Heritage Falls moonshine still ruins - 12" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/802/40774805222_ddcee5dba5.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I also found a lonely brick in the same area:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39006719920/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Single brick"><img alt="Single brick" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/784/39006719920_253e2b2c0a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>After satisfying myself I had found every moonshine-related ruins I could find, I made an effort to take photos of Heritage Falls. The waterfall is large, yet unphotogenic with all the vegatation at the base. At the base, the water splits into three even more unphotogenic streams before coming back together again. Going up off the right side (in the woods, not on the slippery rock) of the waterfall then carefully easing out on to a flat part of the bare rock face produced a decent photo.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25945495947/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Heritage Falls - 4"><img alt="Heritage Falls - 4" height="281" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4771/25945495947_e73b0b71b8.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I continued up the right side, but I had to move away from the waterfall to maneuver around a cliff. I spotted a feature I've seen before on a satellite view I thought may have been an old logging road. It was definitely an overgrown path of some kind.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40107695534/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Old path - 1"><img alt="Old path - 1" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/809/40107695534_09776ab6cd.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I followed this old path away from the creek for a while, before turning back and followed the old path (except to detour around a thicket) back to the creek. I crossed over the creek where I met up with a heritage preserve trail. I looked back at the old path:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40774856952/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Old path - 3"><img alt="Old path - 3" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/808/40774856952_f29c009941.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I followed the heritage presrve trail back toward Persimmon Ridge Road. I didn't see any ruins by the creek along the way, but I also didn't expect to find any either.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39921889815/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve - 11"><img alt="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve - 11" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/784/39921889815_b707149f70.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I followed Persimmon Ridge Road toward where Slickum Creek flows underneath the road through a culvert. On the other side of the road near this spot, I walked down a foot path that stays close to an unnamed creek feeding into Slickum Creek.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40107866974/in/dateposted/" title="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve - 13"><img alt="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve - 13" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4788/40107866974_607b10f844.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This foot path starts in the preserve, but soon enters land owned by Naturatrust and is open to hiking. The foot path leads to a dirt road over a earthen dam.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40817184301/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Lake panorama"><img alt="Lake panorama" height="128" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4781/40817184301_d55af5e197.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I turned left on to this dirt road where I ended up at the ruins of a small house.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39007101370/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Persimmon Ridge house ruins - 03"><img alt="Persimmon Ridge house ruins - 03" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4786/39007101370_b2cef5a3c0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40817084541/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Persimmon Ridge house ruins - 11"><img alt="Persimmon Ridge house ruins - 11" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/801/40817084541_d31aaf663a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I explored other connected dirt roads, and I also headed down a another foot path that led toward the other end of the lake. A fallen tree blocked the way, but someone thought of reusing some stairs to make the going a bit easier.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40108180454/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Persimmon Headwaters Tract paths - 04"><img alt="Persimmon Headwaters Tract paths - 04" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/812/40108180454_4472e44f61.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The foot path leads down to a dock, but a clogged drain pipe has caused the water to rise up and over the path.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40108194724/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Persimmon Headwaters Tract paths - 06"><img alt="Persimmon Headwaters Tract paths - 06" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/812/40108194724_04d2c0a8b2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />I wasn't about to attempt this tricky walk on this cold day:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26947440448/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Sunken pier"><img alt="Sunken pier" height="500" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4782/26947440448_1b2f85e51e.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I explored the dirt road over the dam in the other direction where I found nothing but more dirt roads. I headed back down foot path to the dock to explore one of the creeks feeding the lake for still ruins. I was searching along the creek when I came across something rather interesting, this stripped, rusting pickup truck:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25946023837/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Rusty Dodge Pickup Truck - 01"><img alt="Rusty Dodge Pickup Truck - 01" height="281" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/793/25946023837_dacdcae8f2.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I photographed this curiosity from several angles:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26947511308/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Rusty Dodge Pickup Truck - 04"><img alt="Rusty Dodge Pickup Truck - 04" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/804/26947511308_9747a02683.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26947521668/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Rusty Dodge Pickup Truck - 05"><img alt="Rusty Dodge Pickup Truck - 05" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/809/26947521668_14780eacf9.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40775495742/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Rusty Dodge Pickup Truck - 07"><img alt="Rusty Dodge Pickup Truck - 07" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/814/40775495742_f85470f5ce.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I wondered what make of pickup truck this was. Fortunately, the answer was right in front of me:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25961024997/in/photostream/" title="Rusty Dodge Pickup Truck - 08"><img alt="Rusty Dodge Pickup Truck - 08" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/799/25961024997_8e81c16027.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Alrighty then. This was a Dodge pickup truck of some vintage. I also found a tire a short distance away that I would assume once belonged to the truck:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40775507162/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Rusty Dodge Pickup Truck - 09"><img alt="Rusty Dodge Pickup Truck - 09" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/818/40775507162_33c219325f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I resumed my search for ruins. I had no success until I found a bit of a area where the creek bank was rather flat (which raised my suspicions) and then I found what I was looking for:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39007268970/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Creekside still ruins - 1"><img alt="Creekside still ruins - 1" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4781/39007268970_dbd94db55a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>What interested me most about this moonshine barrel were the axe marks. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39007276240/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Creekside still ruins - 2"><img alt="Creekside still ruins - 2" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/791/39007276240_b4bfc09910.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>When law enforcement discovered a moonshine still operation, they would render the equipment unusable. For a still like this one, this often meant it got to meet the business end of an axe.<br /><br />My terrain map and ground truth indicated the terrain ahead would steepen. I decided my chances of finding more were slim on this creek, so I turned around and headed back. I haven't seen the heritage preserve's chimney ruins in a seven years, and it was only a few minutes of the way, so I headed down that trail to get another look.<br /><br />The chimney looks like it's almost ready to collapse. The last seven years since I've been here have not been kind to this poor chimney. Here are my photos taken in 2011:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/6514169739/in/album-72157628425130305/" title="Old homestead chimney"><img alt="Old homestead chimney" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6514169739_873b031763.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/6514172145/in/album-72157628425130305/" title="Chimney - back side"><img alt="Chimney - back side" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6514172145_dc9748b324.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Now mine from 2018 taken this week:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39007290100/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve homestead - 01"><img alt="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve homestead - 01" height="500" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4779/39007290100_755fe9d172.jpg" width="333" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40775543862/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve homestead - 03"><img alt="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve homestead - 03" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/791/40775543862_24fc3d375f.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Next time I come here, this chimney may just be a pile of rubble. This is exactly why I like to take photos of old structures like this. All too soon they will be gone and all that will be left are photographs.<br /><br />After that downer, I made my way back to the parking area where a road maintenance vehicle had just rather loudly passed by.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40108369884/in/album-72157666734373618/" title="Road maintenence"><img alt="Road maintenence" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/791/40108369884_20cfbfa7fc.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The dirt road portion of Persimmon Ridge Road is in fine shape. I had no trouble getting here in my front wheel drive car. I also don't remember any trouble getting here back in 2011 either with a different car.<br /><br />Like I usually do, I've uploaded my trip photos to <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157666734373618">an album</a> on Flickr, or you can also go through them below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157666734373618" title="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve and More - March 2018"><img alt="Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve and More - March 2018" height="332" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/799/26946808288_bf40186ebc.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><br /></div><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-84178978279584673612018-03-15T18:49:00.001-04:002019-03-26T20:56:15.104-04:00A Visit to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail<div class="centered-photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/38989581180/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 14"><img alt="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 14" height="425" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4785/38989581180_9fc85dbe12_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Rail trails, and the abandoned railroads they go over, have long been an interest of mine. Rail trails are easy to walk and easy to bicycle since railroad grades were designed to be as small as possible. The closest rail trail to me and most famous (and well trafficked) in this area is the <a href="https://greenvillerec.com/ghs-swamp-rabbit-trail/">Swamp Rabbit Trail</a>. Encouraged by the popularity of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, other rail trails have since been constructed in the area such as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PickensCountyDoodle/">Doodle Trail</a> in Pickens County, <a href="https://www.sctrails.net/trails/trail/lyman-rail-trail">Lyman Rail Trail</a> in Lyman, the <a href="http://www.cityofspartanburg.org/parks-and-recreation/trails-and-cycling/rail-trail">Mary Black Rail Trail</a> in Spartanburg. I've visited all four of these rail trails before, and enjoyed them all. This time I chose to travel a bigger distance to visit a rail trail in Rutherford County, North Carolina in the process of being upgraded and expanded named the <a href="http://www.rutherfordoutdoor.org/trails/thermal-belt-rail-trail">Thermal Belt Rail Trail</a>.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.rutherfordoutdoor.org/trails/thermal-belt-rail-trail">Thermal Belt Rail Trail</a> is a 7.8 mile rail trail located between Gilkey and Spindale in rural Rutherford County, North Carolina. The trail is currently in the process of being expanded southeast into Forest City to make a new total length of 13.5 miles. The name Thermal Belt Rail Trail is based on the railroad that operated this segment until abandonment in 2001, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_Belt_Railway">Thermal Belt Railway</a>, whose name in turn is based on <a href="https://www.ncpedia.org/isothermal-belt">a feature of the area's climate</a>.<br /><br />The Thermal Belt Rail Trail follows a path built by the <a href="http://www.carolana.com/SC/Transportation/railroads/sc_rrs_charleston_cincinnati_chicago.html">Charleston, Cincinatti, and Chicago Railroad</a>, informally called the Triple C, between 1886 and 1889. That railroad went bankrupt, and after successor railroads also had financial problems the railroad would become part of the Southern Railway, predecessor to today's Norfolk Southern Railway.<br /><br />By 1990, traffic had declined to the point where Norfolk Southern no longer wanted to keep the line in service. A group of shippers formed the Rutherford Railroad Development Corporation to keep the railroad going, and leased the line to a shortline operator that operated the railroad as Thermal Belt Railway.<br /><br />In 2001, the Gilkey to Spindale section was abandoned due to lack of customers and converted in to a rail trail. The Spindale to Forest City section was recently abandoned in 2016, also due to lack of customers. This is the section being converted into an extension of the Thermal Belt Rail Trail to bring the total length up to 13.5 miles.<br /><br />I parked in downtown Spindale where I could see right away how the upgrade was coming along.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26929346368/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 01"><img alt="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 01" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4773/26929346368_4ebd5db499.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The trail <a href="http://www.rutherfordcountync.gov/_fileUploads/files/Press%20Release%20-%20Division%203%20Trail%20Closure%201-26-2018.pdf">was closed from January 31 to February 9, 2018</a> while rails and crossties were removed. I actually had planned to visit the trail on January 31 until I found out about the closure only the day before. Paving is expected to begin in the next month or so. The trail will remain open until construction begins. I wish I could have made it while the rails were still in place, but it couldn't be helped.<br /><br />The surface is no longer suitable for road bikes, but walking is no problem. Crossties are piled up along the side of the trail along its entire length.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40089689884/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 02"><img alt="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 02" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4794/40089689884_d1ba29183d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40089694384/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 03"><img alt="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 03" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4776/40089694384_1f38c59037.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I also found plenty of railroad tie plates and several railroad nails.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40757470772/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 11"><img alt="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 11" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4783/40757470772_866fd11d23.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26929469408/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 06"><img alt="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 06" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4794/26929469408_586e67368c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>In the parking area, I found some rail from a spur leading to a mill.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25927675247/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Abandoned spur to mill - 2"><img alt="Abandoned spur to mill - 2" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4774/25927675247_ac607ceee1.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>On my way out of Spindale toward Ruth, I passed by several old buildings. After I got home, I found out this is the Edwards Brothers building.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/38989433510/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Edwards Brothers building rear - 1"><img alt="Edwards Brothers building rear - 1" height="333" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4785/38989433510_89f8d56bbb.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/38989443920/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Edwards Brothers building rear - 2"><img alt="Edwards Brothers building rear - 2" height="281" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4795/38989443920_4fdfba5076.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Next time, I must make sure to take a photo of the other side of the building.<br /><br />This business was a used car lot a few months ago, but the place is for sale now.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25927705397/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Former used car lot"><img alt="Former used car lot" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4772/25927705397_6052904e36.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This corn mill, formerly Yelton Milling Company, is now known as <a href="http://www.lakesidemills.com/index.htm">Lakeside Mills</a>.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40089755344/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Lakeside Mills - 2"><img alt="Lakeside Mills - 2" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4774/40089755344_d4959f1d68.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25927738627/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Lakeside Mills - 5"><img alt="Lakeside Mills - 5" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4794/25927738627_6126a4a21e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The mill was making plenty of motorized whirring noises doing whatever it needs to do when I walked by. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25927733077/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Lakeside Mills - 4"><img alt="Lakeside Mills - 4" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4775/25927733077_e3cc7fa1d1.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Walking on the trail by Sims Street near the town of Ruth, I noticed this railroad crossing that seems to have become part of the pavement:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40757464762/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Road road crossing sign in road"><img alt="Road road crossing sign in road" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4775/40757464762_12964b059d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>A short distance further on, I spotted this old millstone in somebody's front yard. I wonder which grist mill this millstone came from?<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/38989556740/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Ruth area millstone - 1"><img alt="Ruth area millstone - 1" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4773/38989556740_1b9711935c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Then I passed into the town of Ruth.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40089942914/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Town of Ruth sign - 2"><img alt="Town of Ruth sign - 2" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4775/40089942914_0a4754706b.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I found a flat area by the railroad where I guessed a depot could have been.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39904836935/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 15"><img alt="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 15" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4782/39904836935_88fbea14e8.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>A check of an old aerial does show two buildings here, and I would presume one was the depot.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Update:</b> I found a Sanborn map of Rutherfordton that covers Ruth and shows the locations of the passenger and freight depots where I thought they were:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mZe_Hkwy_lU/Wqvj5YoGBXI/AAAAAAAARac/kJW-LHk-GRMv5LkUphlvFN4YZ1UZt66egCLcBGAs/s1600/ruth%2Bdepots.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="219" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mZe_Hkwy_lU/Wqvj5YoGBXI/AAAAAAAARac/kJW-LHk-GRMv5LkUphlvFN4YZ1UZt66egCLcBGAs/s400/ruth%2Bdepots.JPG" width="134" /></a></div>This poor old railroad signal sits by itself with nothing to do:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26929671688/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Leftover railroad crossing signal"><img alt="Leftover railroad crossing signal" height="500" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4785/26929671688_ebdf540c02.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I turned around at the intersection with U.S. 64. I didn't see much of interest on my map north of here until Gilkey. As I walked back, I kept a lookout at road crossings for leftover rail embedded in the asphalt. I found a few, but not as many as I expected:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/38989680760/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 16"><img alt="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 16" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4773/38989680760_9f0b52f956.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/38989688990/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 17"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4784/38989688990_586c3a5f1d.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 17"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/38989688990/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 17"><img alt="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 17" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4784/38989688990_586c3a5f1d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I walked back to my car, then drove up to Ruth School. I was pleasantly surprised to find it in the process of being renovated. I stayed a far enough away to stay out of the construction zone.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/38989711440/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Ruth School - 1"><img alt="Ruth School - 1" height="281" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4775/38989711440_b6266290f4.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40799657851/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Ruth School - 2"><img alt="Ruth School - 2" height="281" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4772/40799657851_306e9a323b.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Ruth School was built in 1926, and opened to students in 1928. A <a href="http://www.hpo.ncdcr.gov/surveyreports/SchoolsContext_CL-HN-PL-RF_2015.pdf">historical architectural survey report</a> of schools in Rutherford County and other neighboring counties notes two additions made in 1951 and 1960:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The Rutherford County Board of Education expanded the campus over the next decade with the construction of the 1951 kitchen, cafeteria, and four-classroom annex designed by Shelby architect and engineer V. W. Breeze. Mayberry Gymnasium, erected in 1960, was named in honor of principal William V. Mayberry. Ruth Elementary School operated until its 2001 consolidation with Mt. Vernon Elementary Schools at a newly-constructed campus. Deferred maintenance has resulted in extensive water damage in the 1951 annex.</blockquote>The school closed in 2001, but remained as an alternative school until 2003.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40799671501/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Ruth School - 4"><img alt="Ruth School - 4" height="281" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4775/40799671501_8fe2c8dbf8.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The 1951 annex has been torn down due to its poor condition, but the Mayberry Gymnasium remains.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40799679011/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Ruth School - 5"><img alt="Ruth School - 5" height="281" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4795/40799679011_1e3fdeb8dc.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Exactly what is to be done with Ruth School is <a href="http://www.rutherfordcountync.gov/_fileUploads/files/The%20Ruth%20School%20Adpative%20Reuse%20Plan.pdf">currently an open question</a>.<br /><br />Next I made the short trip up to the <a href="http://blueridgeheritagetrail.com/explore-a-trail-of-heritage-treasures/bechtler-mint/">Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park</a> near Gilkey.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26929932608/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park sign"><img alt="Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park sign" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4783/26929932608_ba289e4671.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The park also serves as a northern trailhead for the Thermal Belt Rail Trail.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25928034827/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 17"><img alt="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 17" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4773/25928034827_c26cbeb1fd.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The park has some short loop trails that wind their way around the small park. Along the way, signs provide interesting information about the mint and its owner <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Bechtler">Christoper Bechtler</a>.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26929763158/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park - 02"><img alt="Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park - 02" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4783/26929763158_550d4f735e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25928070947/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park - 04"><img alt="Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park - 04" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4771/25928070947_aa1eda0f7c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Bechtler">Christopher Bechtler</a>, along with members of his family, emigrated to America in 1829. Bechtler would soon settle in Rutherfordton, North Carolina in 1830 as a watchmaker. But it would be gold that made him famous and a part of <a href="http://goldfever.unctv.org/history">the history of gold mining</a> in Western North Carolina.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IVOkZyVHo2o/WqrTGLh2STI/AAAAAAAARZo/R-k-BRpM3q48uBWMfGVyyQjVI-VfGX3zgCLcBGAs/s1600/North_Carolina_Spectator_and_Western_Advertiser_Fri__Oct_1__1830_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="1600" height="369" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IVOkZyVHo2o/WqrTGLh2STI/AAAAAAAARZo/R-k-BRpM3q48uBWMfGVyyQjVI-VfGX3zgCLcBGAs/s400/North_Carolina_Spectator_and_Western_Advertiser_Fri__Oct_1__1830_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In 1831 he began assaying gold, and minting $2.50 and $5 gold coins at his private mint <a href="http://goldfever.unctv.org/bechtler">with equipment made just for the mint</a>.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hz6NOBtU4S8/WqrV9DTPQ-I/AAAAAAAARZ0/WuV_g_2BiXM4nfqsdeiCZYDgUdaoUGzVgCLcBGAs/s1600/North_Carolina_Spectator_and_Western_Advertiser_Sat__Jul_2__1831_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="364" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hz6NOBtU4S8/WqrV9DTPQ-I/AAAAAAAARZ0/WuV_g_2BiXM4nfqsdeiCZYDgUdaoUGzVgCLcBGAs/s1600/North_Carolina_Spectator_and_Western_Advertiser_Sat__Jul_2__1831_.jpg" /></a></div>In 1832, Bechtler began producing $1 gold coins. <a href="http://goldfever.unctv.org/bechtler">Christopher Bechtler</a> continued his gold operation until his death in 1842 (or 1843 depending on the source), and the mint continued operating until ending sometime in the late 1840s or early 1850s (again, depending on the source).<br /><br />The mine entrance is secured by a gate. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25928100097/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park - 08"><img alt="Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park - 08" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4772/25928100097_69af11c97a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The mine is mostly closed up now thanks to the effects of time, but a small hole is still visible.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26929829898/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park - 12"><img alt="Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park - 12" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4788/26929829898_7d7a4e251c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I walked around a bit more, before joining the rail trail one more time. I walked a bit north, then back south toward a mill, passing under a bridge along the way. I could see where a spur once led to the mill.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25928176977/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 22"><img alt="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 22" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4774/25928176977_f418492d5d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40757882992/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 28"><img alt="Thermal Belt Rail Trail - 28" height="333" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4795/40757882992_2b513d7fd8.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Then it was on the Gilkey, and the Gilkey School Community Center, once Gilkey School.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39905105475/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Gilkey School Community Center - 01"><img alt="Gilkey School Community Center - 01" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4773/39905105475_9538694041.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Gilkey School was built in 1923, operating as a school until 1999.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39905121825/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Gilkey School Community Center - 02"><img alt="Gilkey School Community Center - 02" height="333" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4777/39905121825_4b049793fc.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I managed to snap a photo of the inside from one of the door windows. I love the wood floors!<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40757959022/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Gilkey School Community Center - 07"><img alt="Gilkey School Community Center - 07" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4794/40757959022_86a7afca11.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>An annex, built in 1953, contained the heating plant, gymnatorium, and some classrooms.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39905133315/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Gilkey School Community Center - 04"><img alt="Gilkey School Community Center - 04" height="250" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4784/39905133315_c702c3c7da.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>On the same grounds is the Gilkey Community Club, built in 1952 to host school and other events.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26929936978/in/album-72157688775091980/" title="Gilkey Community Clubhouse - 1"><img alt="Gilkey Community Clubhouse - 1" height="281" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4773/26929936978_eddaa4d6eb.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I always like it when old buildings, especially old schools, can find a new use like Gilkey School. I hope the same happens with Ruth School.<br /><br />I thought I might have time to explore the other half of the trail from Spindale to Forest City, but I just didn't have the time. I do plan to come back at some indefinite time in the future to see what the new trail improvements look like, and explore down to Forest City like I wanted this time.<br /><br />My photos from this trip are available in <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157688775091980">an album</a> on Flickr, or you can go through them below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157688775091980" title="Thermal Belt Rail Trail and Other Things - March 2018"><img alt="Thermal Belt Rail Trail and Other Things - March 2018" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4773/26929346368_4ebd5db499.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-26636868373041873012018-02-28T16:18:00.001-05:002019-03-26T20:56:29.062-04:00A Ramble Around Saluda, North Carolina<div class="centered-photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25586046997/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Downtown Saluda"><img alt="Downtown Saluda" height="425" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4623/25586046997_a1d3ae9ef2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I recently got in touch with long time friend Eric Cunningham to see if we might find a day to go exploring. I haven't been on an adventure with him <a href="http://markemark4.blogspot.com/2015/01/spider-tunnel-falls.html">since 2015 when we went to see Spider Tunnel Falls</a>. He suggested we start at <a href="https://bridgehunter.com/nc/henderson/green-river/">High Bridge</a>, what's now a pedestrian-only bridge over the Green River in Henderson County, North Carolina a few miles east of Saluda.<br /><h4>High Bridge and Lake Summit</h4>High Bridge, also known as the Green River Bridge, carried traffic on U.S. 176 between 1927 until 2001, when a new bridge parallel to it opened. High Bridge then became open only to foot traffic. We walked past the barricades onto the bridge.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26585917708/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="High Bridge - 02"><img alt="High Bridge - 02" height="333" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4661/26585917708_3277db95ec.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Plaques on both ends commemorate the construction of the bridge.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40413055222/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="High Bridge - 03"><img alt="High Bridge - 03" height="333" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4709/40413055222_05a70538d0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The Green River was far below, but even from the bridge it's easy to see the river is aptly named.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40456807301/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Green River - 01"><img alt="Green River - 01" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4610/40456807301_392e84d643.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/38646345750/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Green River - 02"><img alt="Green River - 02" height="333" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4667/38646345750_ec449a790f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>At the far end of the bridge on one side is a steep path leading down to a service road down below, and on the other side is a less steep but longer path down to a service road leading to the Lake Summit Dam. Below the service road is a flume pipe carrying water from the dam to the powerhouse further downstream.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40413097912/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Lake Summit flume - 05"><img alt="Lake Summit flume - 05" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4722/40413097912_a41fee9e7b.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39560897445/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Lake Summit flume - 07"><img alt="Lake Summit flume - 07" height="333" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4761/39560897445_b08f3f2cf6.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Along the way I spotted a few water leaks.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39560890075/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Lake Summit flume - 06"><img alt="Lake Summit flume - 06" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4697/39560890075_b96b981588.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39560906975/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Lake Summit flume - 08"><img alt="Lake Summit flume - 08" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4653/39560906975_e1a5e6a4aa.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>Eric brought along two GoPros, one that takes photos and video, and another that takes 360 degree videos. In this photo he's taking a video of Lake Summit Dam:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39560918585/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Eric using a gopro"><img alt="Eric using a gopro" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4673/39560918585_94568e9ef0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>which you can view below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericbc41/26636693398/in/dateposted/" title="Lake Summit dam"><img alt="Lake Summit dam" height="281" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4704/26636693398_00b7e19daf.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Lake Summit Dam was built in 1920-1921 to generate electricity for the Green River Manufacturing Company. The dam, powerhouse, and lake were sold to the predecessor of Duke Energy in 1927.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39560930995/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Lake Summit Dam - 01"><img alt="Lake Summit Dam - 01" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4626/39560930995_6a84268962.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>What interested me was the noticeable stream of water from a leak:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40456963631/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Lake Summit Dam - 03"><img alt="Lake Summit Dam - 03" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4756/40456963631_8816baa92d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>We went back up to High Bridge, then after a quick snack break, we went down this dirt road:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40413205902/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Road toward railroad - 01"><img alt="Road toward railroad - 01" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4609/40413205902_6a4773e046.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>A short distance down this dirt road I took this photo High Bridge from among the rhododendrons.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40413214852/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="High Bridge - 05"><img alt="High Bridge - 05" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4628/40413214852_a20bf8ed21.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Where the dirt road ends at a pile of trash, we scrambled up the hillside to the railroad grade.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25585887707/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Norfolk Southern W line near Lake Summit trestle - 01"><img alt="Norfolk Southern W line near Lake Summit trestle - 01" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4768/25585887707_15a9eed6fd.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Down this direction we found this curious contraption full of creosote:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40413233072/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Mystery machine"><img alt="Mystery machine" height="500" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4628/40413233072_5dcce74d5e.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>hooked up to the track here: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39746729624/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Norfolk Southern W line near Lake Summit trestle - 02"><img alt="Norfolk Southern W line near Lake Summit trestle - 02" height="500" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4664/39746729624_66dc415418.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>We switched directions and ended up here at this view of Lake Summit.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39746748684/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Lake Summit trestle - 01"><img alt="Lake Summit trestle - 01" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4747/39746748684_ba88ac2ceb.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I paddled to this same trestle back in September 2016:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/29461463485/in/album-72157672221410010/" title="Lake Summit railroad - 5"><img alt="Lake Summit railroad - 5" height="281" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/29461463485_88331b921d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><h4>Saluda</h4>A few miles east down U.S. 176 (Spartanburg Highway) from High Bridge is the small <a href="http://www.historicsaluda.org/">historic</a> mountain town of Saluda. The first train reached Saluda, then called Pace's Gap, on July 4, 1878 to much fanfare and celebration. The population quickly swelled, and the town of Saluda <a href="https://www.cityofsaludanc.com/history">incorporated three years later in 1881</a>.<br /><br />I parked at the old Saluda Depot and we walked across the street to the Saluda Grade historic marker. At 5%, or about 600 feet, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saluda_Grade">Saluda Grade</a> was the steepest active mainline railroad grade in the United States from 1878 until 2001 until service was discontinued by Norfolk Southern (although the rails still remain).<br /><br />I took my photos...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39561112515/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Saluda Grade - 03"><img alt="Saluda Grade - 03" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4762/39561112515_e309ff3f34.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>while Eric took his: <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39561100375/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Saluda Grade - 02"><img alt="Saluda Grade - 02" height="500" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4610/39561100375_c24ee07726.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>We went back across the street to visit the Saluda Depot. The Saluda Depot, built in 1903 to replace an earlier one, was located <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/35%C2%B014'11.2%22N+82%C2%B021'09.0%22W/@35.2364541,-82.3530512,224m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8859dc801eb243e1:0x679380289f9ba8d1!2sSaluda,+NC+28773!3b1!8m2!3d35.2362264!4d-82.3492839!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d35.2364535!4d-82.352504">about a quarter mile away from town</a> before being <a href="http://www.saludahistoricdepot.com/history-of-saluda-railroad/">moved into town in 1983</a> and operated as a store from 1985 until 2015. In 2015, when the depot put up for sale, a group of motivated citizens <a href="http://www.blueridgenow.com/news/20150219/residents-looking-to-save-saluda-depot-open-museum">led an effort to buy the depot and turn it into a museum</a>. In 2016, <a href="http://www.historicsaluda.org/?page_id=3356">that effort succeeded</a> and the <a href="http://www.saludahistoricdepot.com/">Saluda Historic Depot and Museum</a> was born.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39561123845/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Saluda Depot - 03"><img alt="Saluda Depot - 03" height="250" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4667/39561123845_213e5b81c8.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25586022227/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Saluda Depot - 05"><img alt="Saluda Depot - 05" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4768/25586022227_18f1fda34c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>We signed the guestbook, and an older fellow greeted us. His knowledge of the Saluda's railroad history and of the depot itself was impressive. I didn't take any photos of the interior, except for this telegraph key.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25586018567/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Telegraph key"><img alt="Telegraph key" height="281" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4674/25586018567_0c9a9c86bd.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I really liked the dioramas of the Saluda Grade, and the dioramas of some of the more infamous crashes that took place.<br /><br />After visiting the depot, we ventured further downtown, <a href="http://www.hpo.ncdcr.gov/nr/PL0012.pdf">whose building are on the National Register</a>, to see some of the other historic buildings<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40457121761/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Thompsons Grocery Market and Grill"><img alt="Thompsons Grocery Market and Grill" height="333" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4701/40457121761_185a2fb25d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26586289958/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="M. A. Pace Company - 2"><img alt="M. A. Pace Company - 2" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4623/26586289958_0ec7fca2f1.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Then we entered Thompson's Store before stopping next door for lunch at Ward's Grill.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40467756731/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Wards Grill"><img alt="Wards Grill" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4626/40467756731_da15f607e5.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>We spent a few minutes in Saldua Memorial Park...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/38646738000/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Saluda Memorial Park - 02"><img alt="Saluda Memorial Park - 02" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4605/38646738000_3fecac2663.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>before heading on to Pearson's Falls.<br /><h4>Pearson's Falls and Glen</h4>The entrance to <a href="https://www.pearsonsfalls.org/">Pearson's Falls and Glen</a> is located <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/35%C2%B013'09.3%22N+82%C2%B019'55.5%22W/@35.2192923,-82.3323496,112m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8859db9841e7f32d:0x227be612a59304b8!2sPearsons+Falls!3b1!8m2!3d35.2151151!4d-82.3359502!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d35.2192613!4d-82.3320867">on Pearson Falls Road</a> a mile or so off U.S. 176. A prominent sign and a gate mark the entrance. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39747197624/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Pearson's Falls entrance sign"><img alt="Pearson's Falls entrance sign" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4610/39747197624_8e311e2bb9.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39747205194/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Pearson's Falls entrance gate"><img alt="Pearson's Falls entrance gate" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4666/39747205194_42a61c17e6.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>A short distance inside is a toll house where we each paid our $5 admission charge.<br /><br />Pearson's Falls was discovered by and named for Charles William Pearson (1841-1915), the railroad engineer who scouted a path for the <a href="http://www.carolana.com/NC/Transportation/railroads/nc_rrs_spartanburg_asheville.html">Spartanburg and Asheville Railroad</a> (later Norfolk Southern) through the Saluda Gap. Charles Pearson bought and owned this land until he died.<br /><br />Pearson's son <a href="https://www.pearsonsfalls.org/history">almost sold the land to a timber company</a>, but chose instead to sell the land to the <a href="https://www.pearsonsfalls.org/tryon-garden-club">Tryon Garden Club</a> in 1931 after a successful fundraiser by the club.<br /><br />After parking, we heading down the path along Colt Creek toward the waterfall.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25586199267/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Pearson's Falls and Glen parking - 02"><img alt="Pearson's Falls and Glen parking - 02" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4651/25586199267_7e8027ea98.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Along the way on the right, we passed by a stone picnic shelter...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40413535842/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Stone picnic shelter - 1"><img alt="Stone picnic shelter - 1" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4667/40413535842_3e6b29688b.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>and the rements of a dam.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39747061134/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Colt Creek dam - 2"><img alt="Colt Creek dam - 2" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4753/39747061134_afe42d0661.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>On the left hand side, we came across a dripping rock waterfall.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26586525068/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Dripping rocks - 03"><img alt="Dripping rocks - 03" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4740/26586525068_e9b36ceaf8.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Eric took a video of the dripping rocks dripping with his GoPro:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericbc41/39621951425/in/dateposted/" title="Dripping Rocks"><img alt="Dripping Rocks" height="281" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4765/39621951425_3eb67459ce.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I had to stop to admire a nice cascade visible from a stone bridge.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26586546728/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Cascade near Pearson's Falls - 1"><img alt="Cascade near Pearson's Falls - 1" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4619/26586546728_6026467111.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39561505395/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Pearson Family Trail - 05"><img alt="Pearson Family Trail - 05" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4755/39561505395_d5ca87e859.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>We reached the waterfall in about 15 minutes or so. We struggled to find a place where the sun wasn't shining right into our cameras. One thing the sun did do to our advantage was light up the spray.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40457469551/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Pearson's Falls - 01"><img alt="Pearson's Falls - 01" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4678/40457469551_83d99d2891.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39561560545/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Pearson's Falls - 05"><img alt="Pearson's Falls - 05" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4649/39561560545_4199135e81.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Eric took a much better video than my cell phone camera did, so I'll present his instead of mine:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericbc41/25648878217/in/dateposted/" title="Pearsons Falls"><img alt="Pearsons Falls" height="281" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4654/25648878217_e87dc46f6a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>If we had waited another thirty minutes or so, the sun would have been out of our way. However, we chose to move on to our last stop, unofficially called One Lane Bridge.<br /><h4>One Lane Bridge</h4>Like Pearson's Falls, One Lane Bridge is located on Pearson Falls Road, but on the dirt road section <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/35%C2%B013'07.3%22N+82%C2%B020'55.6%22W/@35.2188139,-82.3494567,19z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8859db9841e7f32d:0x227be612a59304b8!2sPearsons+Falls!3b1!8m2!3d35.2151151!4d-82.3359502!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d35.218681!4d-82.3487663">near the intersection with Crisscott Road</a>. This bridge has a rather unique, curious, and interesting feature...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39561645305/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="One Lane Bridge - 07"><img alt="One Lane Bridge - 07" height="500" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4674/39561645305_469e3ed3d2.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This bridge is also a tunnel! Below you see the creek exiting from One Lane Bridge:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40457545611/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="One Lane Bridge - 01"><img alt="One Lane Bridge - 01" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4604/40457545611_93dea30d9f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>On the other side, you can see the creek entering One Lane Bridge:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40413773582/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="One Lane Bridge - 05"><img alt="One Lane Bridge - 05" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4652/40413773582_e8c0979970.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>Inside the bridge/tunnel...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25586551837/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="One Lane Bridge - 04"><img alt="One Lane Bridge - 04" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4705/25586551837_f2e39503e8.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I found a grate where you can clearly hear the water running underneath which is what makes this feature a bridge.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40542549321/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="One Lane Bridge - 06"><img alt="One Lane Bridge - 06" height="500" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4719/40542549321_d007ed05da.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>We continued down the road, and found this roadside waterfall within a few feet of someone's deck.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39561697295/in/album-72157693038651804/" title="Pearson Falls Road waterfall - 2"><img alt="Pearson Falls Road waterfall - 2" height="500" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4631/39561697295_bdec53bb4a.jpg" width="333" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I had read <a href="http://buckysride.blogspot.com/2009/04/saluda-north-carolina-saluda-grade-and.html" rel="nofollow">Bucky's Ride post</a> describing his trip on his motorcycle through this area, but somehow I forgot about this waterfall being here.<br /><br />Eric had his responsibilities to get back to, so I dropped him off at his house and went on home. I had a great time and hope to join him again on another adventure sometime.<br /><br />If you'd like to check out the rest of the trip photos, you can go through <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157693038651804">my album on Flickr</a>, or you can go through them below:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157693038651804" title="A Ramble Around Saluda - Feb 2018"><img alt="A Ramble Around Saluda - Feb 2018" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4606/38646309660_fccb0239a3.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Eric has also uploaded his photos and videos from the trip to <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericbc41/albums/72157629554152662">an album on Flickr</a> or you can go through below. <br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericbc41/albums/72157629554152662" title="High Bridge"><img alt="High Bridge" height="332" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/6975345100_7ea0762014.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I'll update with more links when Eric posts his 360 degree videos. Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-16144973012805910992018-02-09T16:43:00.001-05:002019-03-26T20:56:46.765-04:00A Day Searching for Moonshine Still Ruins<div class="centered-photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26287785778/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Moonshine still site #6 - 55 gallon drum"><img alt="Moonshine still site #6 - 55 gallon drum" height="425" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4670/26287785778_69e28fc342_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Over the years of hiking in the mountainous part of South Carolina, I've come across the ruins of old moonshine stills, mainly rusty old sheet metal barrels, or rusty metal bands by themselves. For my second adventure this week, I thought it would be interesting to actively seek out ruins of old moonshine stills and see how many I could find.<br /><br />I selected an area of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area near Wildcat Wayside between US 276 and Persimmon Ridge Road. One, because it's a short drive and two because the area is relatively undisturbed even by hikers.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3n-XsRSyi0/Wn3tJGagKiI/AAAAAAAARLs/ov_Asdo5cBAqWnWoPlHAhOWcTgXwVt0QACLcBGAs/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="506" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3n-XsRSyi0/Wn3tJGagKiI/AAAAAAAARLs/ov_Asdo5cBAqWnWoPlHAhOWcTgXwVt0QACLcBGAs/s400/Capture.JPG" width="299" /></a></div>My plan was to explore up the unnamed creek with Spider Tunnel Falls from U.S. 276, then over to the base of Heritage Falls, then back down Slickum Creek to Wildcat Wayside, then back to U.S. 276.<br /><br />While I wasn't waterfall hunting today, Spider Tunnel Falls is too just good to ignore.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25288677777/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Spider Tunnel Falls - 03"><img alt="Spider Tunnel Falls - 03" height="500" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4705/25288677777_3554abab9d.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Part of this waterfall can be seen from U.S. 276 during the months when trees are leafless. A faint path leading uphill is on the right side of the creek. The left side of the creek is private property.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40127994182/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Path to Spider Tunnel Falls"><img alt="Path to Spider Tunnel Falls" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4749/40127994182_66c491120a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I tried to get a photo down in the slot canyon below, but the water flow was heavy today and my camera lens quickly got spotted with water. I stayed around a while enjoying this fine beauty before finally heading upstream.<br /><br />Upstream a bit, another unnamed creek came in from the right. I followed that creek, but found nothing. However, back on the creek I meant to follow, I found my first moonshine still ruins of the day, this sheet metal drum:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40128033042/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Moonshine still site #1 - 1"><img alt="Moonshine still site #1 - 1" height="281" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4712/40128033042_7b88057a79.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>What am I looking for and why am I following creeks? A <a href="http://www.moonshineheritage.com/blog/5-ways-to-tell-if-that-pile-of-garbage-you-found-in-the-woods-is-a-moonshine-still/">page on Moonshine Heritage</a> explains the clues I look for nicely, but the short version is moonshiners needed cold water for the alcohol distillation process, and cheaper than copper sheet metal drums were used to keep the cost down.<br /><br />Continuing upstream, I found some sheet metal hoops, a sign I had found my second moonshine still ruins of the day.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28380311019/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Moonshine still site #2 - 2"><img alt="Moonshine still site #2 - 2" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4697/28380311019_8bfd843e87.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I also found a U shaped formation of rocks by the creek giving away where the furnace was located:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40128061252/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Moonshine still site #2 - U shape"><img alt="Moonshine still site #2 - U shape" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4748/40128061252_7b40e6395e.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>A short distance upstream, I found an undocumented waterfall:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28380330489/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Unnamed waterfall #2"><img alt="Unnamed waterfall #2" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4702/28380330489_17c8a7a47f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Still continuing upstream, some metal hoops confirmed I had found my third moonshine still ruins of the day:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28380339399/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Moonshine still site #3 - metal band"><img alt="Moonshine still site #3 - metal band" height="500" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4666/28380339399_e1ea23a999.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>At the fourth site, I found Mason jars a short distance away from the creek:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39261904665/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Moonshine still site #4 - Mason jars"><img alt="Moonshine still site #4 - Mason jars" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4709/39261904665_cf72a87918.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I also found one gallon cans:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39261912375/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Moonshine still site #4 - gallon cans"><img alt="Moonshine still site #4 - gallon cans" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4751/39261912375_96148fde7c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I continued on upstream, past where the headwaters for the creek where indicated, until the stream turned west. Finding nothing for some time, I decided to turn east toward Heritage Falls on Slickum Creek. This overgrown and somewhat eroded logging road I met up with assisted me along nicely.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40128112982/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Old logging road - 2"><img alt="Old logging road - 2" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4695/40128112982_4e189da891.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I actually ended up one drop below Heritage Falls, the sixth undocumented and most photogenic waterfall I encountered today:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25288860187/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Unnamed waterfall #6 - 1"><img alt="Unnamed waterfall #6 - 1" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4614/25288860187_6bb4cfa2e1.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The sun was getting low in the sky, so I figured exploring around the base of Heritage Falls could wait until another day. I wasn't disappointed exploring this area though. The base of this waterfall yielded my fifth moonshine ruins of the day:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25288889137/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Moonshine still site #5 - 55 gallon drum"><img alt="Moonshine still site #5 - 55 gallon drum" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4765/25288889137_23949bf884.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This one was more interesting because of the hole in the middle. At first I thought maybe the hole was there because it been pierced, but now I see there must have been a plug there.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25288894077/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Moonshine still site #5 - hole in drum"><img alt="Moonshine still site #5 - hole in drum" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4661/25288894077_15ba7fc9f9.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>As I looked on the east side of the creek, I spotted something I didn't expect to see, a "private property" notice:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25288897877/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Puzzling private property posting"><img alt="Puzzling private property posting" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4656/25288897877_8ac2515b41.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I hadn't expected any part around Slickum Creek to be private property, but a later check of Greenville County GIS does show a small part of Slickum Creek is indeed private property.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o6NURCZJ47Y/Wn4Eq1lbMkI/AAAAAAAARL8/KMn9qrNNwmgwNzl39k81NxbRLbtMTLjVwCLcBGAs/s1600/greenvillegis.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="543" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o6NURCZJ47Y/Wn4Eq1lbMkI/AAAAAAAARL8/KMn9qrNNwmgwNzl39k81NxbRLbtMTLjVwCLcBGAs/s400/greenvillegis.JPG" width="357" /></a></div>I avoided this part as best I could, rejoining Slickum Creek further south where the thorns weren't as thick.<br /><br />I wasn't expecting to find any more moonshine till ruins today, but in an area where Slickum Creek splits into two for a bit I accidentally found a sixth one.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26287785778/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Moonshine still site #6 - 55 gallon drum"><img alt="Moonshine still site #6 - 55 gallon drum" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4670/26287785778_69e28fc342.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>This barrel is much like the other, but it's center plug is more intact.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26287793198/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Moonshine still site #6 - hole in drum"><img alt="Moonshine still site #6 - hole in drum" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4704/26287793198_1d55c646bb.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>A short distance away I noticed some metal hoops and a bucket:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26287790378/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Moonshine still site #6 - metal bands and bucket"><img alt="Moonshine still site #6 - metal bands and bucket" height="281" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4766/26287790378_5dae5b08ca.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25288935377/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Moonshine still site #6 - bucket"><img alt="Moonshine still site #6 - bucket" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4762/25288935377_5e231587b1.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>I made it back to the mostly unvisited western end of Wildcat Wayside. I searched for and found the old pump house and reservoir location built during the CCC days.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39449497224/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Pump house ruins - 1"><img alt="Pump house ruins - 1" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4764/39449497224_e5dba5f7eb.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I noticed some people had built a small campfire in the middle of the old reservoir.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25288969677/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Old campfire pit"><img alt="Old campfire pit" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4755/25288969677_7a9ec20402.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>In my visits to this more obscure western part of Wildcat Wayside, a mossy tiered rock face, I've come across my share of campfire pits, but this has to be best made one I've ever seen here:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26287826338/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Well built campfire pit - 1"><img alt="Well built campfire pit - 1" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4752/26287826338_1df99f6c01.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>As I was stepping down the rock face, I almost had a surprise close encounter with this poisonous timber rattlesnake.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40160833201/in/album-72157663503329127/" title="Sleeping snake"><img alt="Sleeping snake" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4757/40160833201_dc26eca73a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Fortunately, I noticed in time to change course. It's also fortunate the weather is still too cool for this creature to be active. This is actually the first poisonous snake I've seen out on the trail! All the snakes I've seen in on past hikes were those non-venomous black snakes.<br /><br />I followed the trail back toward the more visited part of Wildcat Wayside, then down a trail the heads toward U.S. 276. This trail is almost too well blazed for most of the way, then the blazes end. I followed an old logging road the rest of the way down, past a well camouflaged waterfall and a telephone equipment cabinet.<br /><br />I created a layer in my map of <a href="http://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/south-carolina-historical-pois_18095">South Carolina Historical POIs</a> just for the old moonshine still ruins I've encountered over time.<br /><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="300px" src="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/south-carolina-historical-pois_18095?scaleControl=true&miniMap=false&scrollWheelZoom=true&zoomControl=true&allowEdit=false&moreControl=true&searchControl=null&tilelayersControl=null&embedControl=null&datalayersControl=true&onLoadPanel=none&captionBar=false&datalayers=493519&fullscreenControl=true#12/35.1044/-82.5665" width="90%"></iframe><br /><a href="https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/south-carolina-historical-pois_18095"><small>See full screen</small></a></div><br />I didn't quite have time to visit Heritage Falls, where I know the ruins of a moonshine still exist near the base. I'll visit that one some other day.<br /><br />On the day I found 6 ruins of moonshine stills, 6 undocumented (but mostly unremarkable) waterfalls, 1 undocumented somewhat overgrown logging road, and 1 snake in <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brumation">brumation</a>. Not bad!<br /><br />If you'd like to go through <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157663503329127">my whole album of trip photos</a> on Flickr, you can do so below, or <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157663503329127">visit my album directly</a>.<br /><div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157663503329127" title="A Day Searching for Moonshine Stills - Feb 2018"><img alt="A Day Searching for Moonshine Stills - Feb 2018" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4749/40127994182_66c491120a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323716194742411965.post-66091529612186977082018-02-07T16:20:00.001-05:002019-03-26T20:56:58.843-04:00Merry Falls and Cannon Creek Falls<div class="centered-photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39414436124/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Cannon Creek Falls - 06"><img alt="Cannon Creek Falls - 06" height="425" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4759/39414436124_3be15536be_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Yesterday was a mostly cloudy day, perfect weather for photographing waterfalls. And today is a rainy day, a perfect day for writing about a day photographing waterfalls! I chose two waterfalls that have been high on my to-do list since last year, Merry Falls and second one a few miles away I'm calling Cannon Creek Falls.<br /><h4>Merry Falls</h4>Merry Falls is a beautiful roadside waterfall located just outside of Dupont State Forest in Transylvania County, NC on Cascade Lake Road. The land is currently owned by The Conservation Fund, the same organization that <a href="https://www.conservationfund.org/projects/dupont-state-recreational-forest">helped create Dupont State Forest</a>. The approximate GPS location of Merry Falls is <a href="https://www.google.com/maps?q=35.200537,-82.64368">35.2, -82.643</a>, a few feet beyond a pull off on the southbound side of the road, or about 1.8 miles beyond the intersection of Cascade Lake Road and Station Road.<br /><br />I left my car at the wide pull off near Merry Falls and walked by the side of the dirt road toward the waterfall.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28345309219/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Cascade Lakes Road - 02"><img alt="Cascade Lakes Road - 02" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4654/28345309219_b01e7416fb.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Around the bend in the road ahead, the Eastern Fork Laurel Creek is only a few feet away from the road.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25254126027/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="East Fork Laurel Creek - 01"><img alt="East Fork Laurel Creek - 01" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4608/25254126027_6a54421cb0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>About where the road bends away from the creek...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39226966205/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Cascade Lakes Road - 03"><img alt="Cascade Lakes Road - 03" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4651/39226966205_99c333aa10.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I found a trail by this vandalized tree...<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39226973585/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Carved tree"><img alt="Carved tree" height="500" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4659/39226973585_06c590ca1f.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>that leads down to the base. This is a view part way down the path:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39226991945/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Merry Falls - 04"><img alt="Merry Falls - 04" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4704/39226991945_c43689df91.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>And this is the view from the base:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26252155888/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Merry Falls - 07"><img alt="Merry Falls - 07" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4658/26252155888_07250d5a6f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>The sun, unfortunately in this case, came out from the clouds when I was finishing up, lighting the waterfall up from behind. I took this short video after the sun came out to show how the waterfall flows:<br /><div class="photo-div"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h2Y3zxVykis" width="560"></iframe></div>I headed back up the short trail. Walking back along the road, the top of the waterfall is just visible.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40126342811/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Merry Falls - 09"><img alt="Merry Falls - 09" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4758/40126342811_a8793ebf79.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I continued walked up the road, past where I parked my car, to see if this creek had any more interesting features to offer. It didn't. I did find plenty of rhododendrons though.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40093284242/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="East Fork Laurel Creek rhodendrons"><img alt="East Fork Laurel Creek rhodendrons" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4768/40093284242_5db4467561.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><h4>Cannon Creek Falls</h4>Cannon Creek Falls was my second beautiful waterfall of the day. The parking area is <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20data-flickr-embed=%22true%22%20%20href=%22https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39227034945/in/album-72157693131469635/%22%20title=%22Cannon%20Creek%20Trail%20pulloff%20-%202%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4611/39227034945_0c4e222474.jpg%22%20width=%22500%22%20height=%22332%22%20alt=%22Cannon%20Creek%20Trail%20pulloff%20-%202%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cscript%20async%20src=%22//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js%22%20charset=%22utf-8%22%3E%3C/script%3E">located off a sharp curve</a> on Pilot Mountain Road. I headed back down Cascade Lake Road back to U.S. 276, then over to Pilot Mountain Road, then up to the parking area.<br /><br />A lonely sign marks the trailhead.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/25254257227/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Cannon Creek Trail - 02"><img alt="Cannon Creek Trail - 02" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4749/25254257227_7d284870c3.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39414375124/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Cannon Creek Trail - 03"><img alt="Cannon Creek Trail - 03" height="500" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4678/39414375124_d4d091ff3f.jpg" width="332" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Unlike Merry Falls, I wasn't exactly sure where what I call Cannon Creek Falls is located. I write "what I call" because this waterfall has no name I'm aware of, but I want to call it something for easy reference, and the name fits, so there you go.<br /><br />I knew the waterfall was located somewhere between the trailhead and a bridge ahead over Cannon Creek. I bushwacked my way down through an interesting amount of downed trees, mainly rhododendrons, toward the creek.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28345478189/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Fallen rhodendrons and other trees"><img alt="Fallen rhodendrons and other trees" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4654/28345478189_dcba3a8591.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>I kept going upstream through almost a rhododendron jungle, finding little along the way to interest me, except perhaps this icicle leftover from the cold wave a few weeks ago:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28345488659/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Dripping icicles"><img alt="Dripping icicles" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4747/28345488659_c23718fc6a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>As I began following a bend in the creek, I could hear but not yet see the familiar sound of a waterfall.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39227123095/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Cannon Creek rhodendron jungle"><img alt="Cannon Creek rhodendron jungle" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4621/39227123095_0b1acc1731.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Soon I got close enough to start taking photos, but the rhododendrons couldn't be completely avoided.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39227084805/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Cannon Creek Falls - 01"><img alt="Cannon Creek Falls - 01" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4617/39227084805_0130129cb0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Some angles ended up working better than others. Yet none came out bad either. The clouds really helped me out here.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39414426514/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Cannon Creek Falls - 04"><img alt="Cannon Creek Falls - 04" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4706/39414426514_b63c2982d0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39414430704/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Cannon Creek Falls - 05"><img alt="Cannon Creek Falls - 05" height="333" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4626/39414430704_584ba60831.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/39414436124/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Cannon Creek Falls - 06"><img alt="Cannon Creek Falls - 06" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4759/39414436124_3be15536be.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40126453421/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Cannon Creek Falls - 08"><img alt="Cannon Creek Falls - 08" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4674/40126453421_d2ce93f8a1.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/28345541449/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Cannon Creek Falls -09"><img alt="Cannon Creek Falls -09" height="423" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4742/28345541449_e14408ab6d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>Before I headed back, I took this short video of the water flowing:<br /><div><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/debXG_4jwVU?rel=0&ecver=1" width="560"></iframe></div>I found Cannon Creek Falls at approximately <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20data-flickr-embed=%22true%22%20%20href=%22https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40093459192/in/album-72157693131469635/%22%20title=%22Cannon%20Creek%20Trail%20-%2007%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4648/40093459192_777be09f8d.jpg%22%20width=%22500%22%20height=%22375%22%20alt=%22Cannon%20Creek%20Trail%20-%2007%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cscript%20async%20src=%22//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js%22%20charset=%22utf-8%22%3E%3C/script%3E">35.1728, -82.6643</a> at a sharp bend in the creek. I found the creek not quite where my maps showed it to be. I fixed that in openstreetmap.<br /><br />I made my way up the hill, through more downed rhododendrons,<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40093441312/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Downed rhododendrons"><img alt="Downed rhododendrons" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4701/40093441312_c24e7049c7.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div> up to Cannon Creek Trail. I recorded where the waterfall can be seen from the trail, although you can't see it in my photo.<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/26252334718/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Cannon Creek Trail - 05"><img alt="Cannon Creek Trail - 05" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4721/26252334718_a2f0766ee2.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>If and when I come back in the future, I'd likely leave the trail at this point and head toward the creek.<br /><br />I continued on down the trail, going far enough down the trail to walk over the bridge,<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/40093459192/in/album-72157693131469635/" title="Cannon Creek Trail - 07"><img alt="Cannon Creek Trail - 07" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4648/40093459192_777be09f8d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>and then came back. I didn't want to walk the whole trail, and I didn't have time anyway, but I did want to see if Cannon Creek had any more interesting features upstream from the waterfall. It didn't. I don't know if the rather noticeable stick was placed inside the hole in the bridge deliberately, but I thought it best to leave it there to help keep some unsuspecting person from accidentally injuring themselves.<br /><h4>Wrapup</h4>I ended up taking some good photos on this trip, although some where not as sharp as I would have liked. I've shared all my photos to <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/sets/72157693131469635">an album</a> on Flickr, and you can go through them here:<br /><div class="photo-div"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/markemark4/albums/72157693131469635" title="Merry Falls and Cannon Creek Falls - Feb 2018"><img alt="Merry Falls and Cannon Creek Falls - Feb 2018" height="333" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4719/39414253874_321ab2f254.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612932212126223535noreply@blogger.com