This last Sunday and Monday a small group of us did an overnight camping trip on Lake Jocassee, SC. The highs where in the sixty’s, and a low of 36F. The fall colors were an enjoyable sweet for the eyes. We had a cloudless sky on Sunday. We paddled up to where the foothills trail crosses the Toxaway river and the new bridge. After setting up camp and gathering dead wood we had a fine campfire that evening, talking and laughing as we sat near the warm flickering flames. A solo hiker on the foothills trail joined us in camp.
Monday we had mist on the water when we left camp, and some clouds building as the day progressed. The wind picked up and the 2.2 mile lake crossing was a fun paddle over and occasionally over the bow of short period choppy waves. The main pool in the wind can become very rough and challenging in high winds. We took a side trip over to Laurel Falls which was framed in fall color and blue skies. Rusty while checking out a small cove heard noises in the leaves up the hillside. He spotted a very healthy Black Bear which ran off when it spotted him. Sadly in route on Sunday, several miles from the lake, I passed a young cub dead in the road on Hwy 133. I have been told there is estimated to be about 3,000 bears in Oconee County. The round trip paddle was roughly 19 miles.
Yes do let us know when you would like to paddle there. It is an excellent place. Hated I missed y’all on the Edisto paddle, but we were in FL for my Dad’s 96th birthday, and family reunion. We stayed near Wekiwa Springs State Park and paddled some on the Wekiva River. Our 2.5 year old granddaughter and 2 great nephews really enjoyed seeing the gators. I was forbidden to take photos of the fabulous string bikinis!!
For those that haven’t been there here are a few photos.
