Cane Creek, March 9, 2017

This hike is in Pickens County off Cleo Chapman to the end of Mill Creek Road.  Parking very limited as it is at a dead end road with houses near the trail head.  The trail wonders mostly along Cane Creek and is not marked very well making for a difficult navigation.  We only had a few wrong turns but always made our way back to the creek bed.  There were many areas where the Oconee Bells and other wild flowers were visible.  Some of the trail follows an old railroad bed and passes along a rock sluice.  With an added on mile to Mill Creek in the other direction upon our return, this hike made for a 5.5 mile hike.  There were so many trees down that it made for a moderate hike with all the ups and overs we had to encounter.  Thanks to Carol, for her navigation skills on the return, for if it hadn't been for her this hike would have been much longer. 

Sluice

Cane Creek Falls

Balancing on an old railroad rail

 Many, Many of these we encountered.

Even though it was about 45degrees this am when we started, it quickly warmed up to 72.  There were twenty five today including two new hikers.  

Devil's Fork FRIDAY Hike March 3, 2017

I did not hike my normal Thursday hike this week due to an appointment.  But since the Friday Hikers were doing the same hike, I jumped on the opportunity to hike and to meet some new folks.  This hike is in two sections.....a 1 mile hike on the Nature Trail and then a 2 miler or so on the Bear Cove trail.  Both hikes are in the State Park.  NOTE:  the fee for parking is now $5.  My SC pass had just expired and I'll glad I had a small stash of ones in my backpack.  The Friday Hikers tend to do small hikes and move at a casual pace - it was a nice change.  I did take a fall within the first 1/2 mile.  I was a bit embarrassed, since this was my first time with this group.  Just a scraped knee and a role over the embankment.  LOL

Oconee Bells in Bloom (early)

As it turned out, I knew two hikers....Arlene and Ron (Buttercup Boat)

Both these hikers are pretty regulars from The Blue Ridge Ramblers Group.  I call Ron that name because of his boat on lake Hartwell.  He also teaches the safety boat course's at the DNR.  Arlene's husband could not make the hike today.  Overall, it was a great, beautiful but windy day.  By the end of both hikes and my walk from one parking lot to the other, my Fitbit registered 5.6 miles.

Our view mid way on the Bear Cove Trail.