Never Grow Bored

Hidden Gems lay all around us!  You never know what's around that corner or threw those trees until you make the turn or go look. I recently received a trail map from another member of a Carolina hiking group on social media after an inquiry.  I had been to Ceaser's Head State Park several times and hiked some of the most difficult trails the park has to offer.  Raven Cliff Falls by Dismal Trail Loop to name the most strenuous.  Also, the very popular sites of Bald Rock and the Ceaser's Head Lookout are almost always packed with tourists and "casual" explorers.  I wasn't sure what to make of this newly passed along map and I only saw one photo of the final falls which "seemed" to be a large and tall waterfall, but pictures can be most deceiving. Gus and I were game!  Having hiked most upstate trails in SC already and hitting some of our favorite spots this particular Spring, we were searching for a change anyways.  We charged up the camera gear, down...

Don't you feel like good surprises are bonuses provided at the most unexpected times?  I recently had this experience on trail checking out some waterfalls in Sumter National Forest. Gus and I set out on a clear blue sky day to hunt down Miuka Falls (also referred to as Cheohee Falls) and check out Secret Falls too.  Looking at AllTrails site, the directions generated by other users were unclear, terrible photos and pictures and even worse trail recordings.  We needed to get outside after all the recent rains we were having for two reasons:  the "Cabin Fever" had set in and the Falls should be full! We packed up and headed down the road.  Upon arriving to the designated parking area off the side of the road, we started on a small slightly overgrown trail taking us into a closed for the winter campground, then finally to the Winding Stairs Trail.  This was supposed to be a down and back 6.9 mile hike, however several people had apparently made a...

There comes a point in things we do even though we enjoy them, we find ourselves getting a bit jaded and passive.  I don't know about you, but I personally almost get dismissive too (which is a really bad habit).  When I look back at this, I get disappointed in myself for allowing me to get this way.  However, these things happen is such small little unnoticeable steps, that by the time we are away from where we started, we didn't even realize how far deviated we've gone.  I'm sure you can relate. This happened to me most recently with hiking and waterfall chasing at the beautiful Long Creek Falls in Oconee State Park, South Carolina just a bit past Clemson. Gus and I had just completed a great challenging hike watching the leaves change at Table Rock State Park and we were pretty much counting the hiking season as "done".  However, for some reason I kept coming back to Long Creek Falls on my AllTrails "Favorites" app.  The hike didn't s...

Sometimes when we expect great things, we become disappointed.  In other instances where we expect less and presume nothing, we are rejoiced in our findings.  I believe that we as humans at times get in the way of our own happiness.  We worry, get nervous, feel pressured, race against a 24hr clock, and put high expectations on ourselves and our results.  We are always chasing the next goal, the next finishing line, only to reset the goal even further.  Its only human nature.  Its great to motivate and goal set, but at times it can quickly become overwhelming. Recently it has been a practice of mine when I feel pressure from "life" getting too much, I try to make myself stop and get outside.  I quickly scroll through new trails on my app to see what is close, trail distances, vertical feet, etc.  I have tried to approach these adventures with a clear mind and heart while letting the path unfold in front of me.   Lee Falls was a hi...

Sometimes in my exploring I run into hyped up spots that are lack luster.  Adversely, I also find some places that fly under the radar to be amazing.  Brasstown Waterfalls is definitely the later. The day I visited Brasstown Falls in August 2018, we had three waterfall adventures total; Riley Moore, Kings Falls & Brasstown.  Brasstown was the second stop and probably the most impressive of the trio.  Gus and I had set out that morning to get some exercise, take in some nature, as well as possibly get some good footage for a waterfall series set of videos I have been making.   On a side note, I have been very fortunate that Oconee State Park has reached out several times to utilize some of my videos and photographs for their own social media sites and even their Fall Brochure Guide.  We have another conversation approaching and I'm optimistic to a possible project.  This excites me, as a former video production major in college (I switc...

I must admit that I was perfectly content in my own little Blue Ridge Mountain waterfall filled world when I booked a trip back to Montana to catch up with someone who is special to me and to get in a possible hike.  Let me preface this quick blog with a STRONG recommendation.  If you have never been to Montana, you need to go!  If you feel jaded, lost, hopeless, disconnected or anxious;  you need to go to Montana.  If you are having trouble or lack of faith in whomever you believe in (or don't);  you need to go to Montana.  Get the point?!  😜 I have lived in several beautiful places and I will always cherish my 3 years in untouched Montana!  From an explorer or hiker perspective, Montana is one you long for.  There aren't many people, therefor there aren't many tourists.  Its expensive to get to by air or train, so folks typically pass on it and head to Colorado or Utah because of ease of accessibility.  These reasons all...

When I first moved to Greenville, South Carolina from Montana, I was concerned about the amount of hikes and outdoors I would be able to absorb and explore on a regular basis.  A friend had suggested that I check out Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap State Park.  He boasted that it housed great views accompanied with a nice little 3.5 mile hike. I think whats most important about this instance was that I was in a bit of a funk.  We ALL get in a bit of a down cycle sometimes.  I have always been fortunate to at least recognize these times within myself & actively up-shift to try and pull myself out.  However, like many of us, I was pretty far down at this point and my little attempts to get myself course corrected were failing.  When this hike was suggested, I almost shrugged it off as if it would be a waste of my time.  Reluctantly, I forced myself to go figuring at least it would be good exercise and a nice 3.5 mile walk through the woods. I was pl...