There are bound to be some bad days on the trail.
But it's like they say "Don't quit on a bad day"
Trail Journal
October 15th 2020
Bearcamp to Toxaway Creek
11.1 miles
I woke up exhausted. After taking what felt like an eternity to get packed up. I struggled to hoist my pack off the bench. Isn't this stupid thing supposed to get a little lighter?
I knew from other hiker’s pictures there was supposed to be a half way sign somewhere. If the quick math I did in my head was right it shouldn't be far. I was looking forward to taking a long break when I got there. It might even cheer me up a little… I never saw it. I just drudged on and on through spider webs and thorny brush waiting for something that was probably MILES behind me.
I swear the steps at Horsepasture bridge multiplied. For every one I took, three more were added to the top. This trail was out to get me.
I saw my first person of the day. Another thru-hiker.
"Beautiful day isn't it?" He said galloping down the trail.
Is this guy blind? The sky is covered in clouds, not a ray of sunshine and he says it's beautiful?
When you start getting mad at strangers for seeing the silver lining, it's WAAAAY passed time for a break.
I reached the boundary of Gorges State Park and tossed my pack down, intent on curling up in a ball and lying there for the rest of my natural life. And I probably would have if I hadn’t noticed the sign: "Table Rock State Park: 33.8 miles" The clouds parted and sun came out. Okay, not really. They had slowly burned off throughout the day. But realizing I had over half the miles behind me opened my eyes to it. It was just the morale boost I needed to get to Toxaway Creek.
Over the Summer, I discovered the perfect camp spot overlooking the lake. I can't tell you how relieved I was to find no one staying there. I probably could have made it over Heartbreak Ridge to the next camp, but I'm glad I didn't have to. I needed to rest in a place I loved, more than I needed to cover extra miles. After setting up camp, I started my search for that "trail magic lighter" I prayed so hard for. Cue Marc to the rescue (again). He let me borrow his to make dinner.
About 20 minutes later he came back by my camp.
"You can keep the lighter. I have another. Besides there’s no way those matches are going to last you." I must have said thank you a million times. Funny how such a little thing, can make a world of difference.
I am convinced Lake Jocassee is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I remember the first time I ever saw it. I could not believe a place this incredible actually existed. I fell deeper in love with it when I found out how much rich history is tied to it. Supposedly buildings from the valley community, like the lodge, are still at the bottom of the lake! (www.jocassee.com/jocassee_history) But it goes back even further to the American Indians. The Jocassee legend has all the making of a good story. Romance. Tragedy. Kind of like the Romeo and Juliet of the Foothills. Different sources include or omit certain details, but the gist of it is this…
“Jocassee was a beautiful Cherokee girl who fell in love with a boy from an enemy tribe, the Eastatoees, known as the Green Birds, who lived on the other side of the river that separated them. Legend says she found the boy, named Nagoochee, injured in the woods and healed him of his injuries. While she took care of him, they fell in love. Later, however, Jocassee's brother killed Nagoochee in battle and brought his head to her. Legend says she walked into the river in shock, but did not sink or drown. Instead, she walked on the water to meet his ghost.”
Around 10:30 p.m. I was woken up by a blinding light on the side of my tent. I sat straight up and fumbled around for my bear spray.
"JUST PASSING THROUGH!" a man called.
Confused doesn't even begin to cover it. After the light and footsteps had faded, I did a quick patrol around the site (spray in hand) to be 100% sure. I settled back into my tent, and checked the time. Who is crazy enough to take on Heartbreak Ridge this time of night?