Palmetto Trail Day 4

Blue Ridge Electric CO-OP Passage (Jocassee Gorge)

12.6 miles
Deer
Tough day with two climbs up to and over Horse Mountain.  Woke up to my second day of sun while in SC. I wore all my wet clothes to bed last night besides socks.  By morning my body heat dried them all out. The tent was dry, so easy to pack up.  Put on my wet socks and shoes, which suck but happens.  I have learned from prior hikes that both of these will dry out while hiking.

The Passage I came in on yesterday hit this passage a quarter of the way in. So in order to complete it, I need to make my way to the highway. Then backtrack back to where I am towards Table Rock State Park.  The initial climb is not bad and a nice drop to the highway. But climbing back up 1000 feet was tiring.

The trail is nice, so far every section of the trail has been fun. Add in a bright sunny day with blue sky makes it even better. The trail eventually comes out through a nice large rock area. I find a spot on these boulders for lunch and just soak in the warmth. There is plenty of water sources on the trail.

Today is the first time I run into deer or any large wildlife since I started. Thought I was about done when I saw some buildings but it ended up being a house.  It wasn’t soon after I came up to Table Rock State Park. Once I arrived at the pavilion at the trailhead I made my way to the Nature Center for my ride.  I dropped off a box for resupply and will get some laundry done and a shower.

Hiking today I spent alot of time thinking about all the stress I had yesterday. I walked a full day and didn’t freeze to death.  I was able to warm up during the night based on the warmer temperatures here in SC.  It’s good knowing that I passed these challenges.