Trail magic

Today was one of those days where it all came together. We have been asking about, researching and fretting about the Great Falls area. It involves 4 dams and two sections of river that are closed to the public. The water is diverted here from the original course over the falls which includes class 2-4 rapids but has been run dry for hydroelectric power generation. 

Anyway, we left fishing creek lake and portaged down hwy 21, boats on carts, Raeleen at the back slowing cars and 18 wheelers with life jacket and paddles in the air. 

We dropped back into the water in a beautiful great falls lake. Almost untouched but for some fishing trails. Came up at 2nd Baptist church where we were permitted to refill water and spoke to a local guy about options. 

We decided to beat the pavement around dam 2 & 3 by walking through the town of Great Falls. We walked right through the old center street where we enjoyed the heck out of some diner food and southern style cheese cake at Ida Claire Cheese cake. That hit the spot. 

Dr. Don Pruitt, geologist and member of the group trying to reopen the great falls area if the Catawba river.  

We walked on after a lunch. As we were coming up a big hill trying to figure out how to drop our boats 20 feet through the woods back to the river a car drove up with a woman that lived near the baptist church and had seen us earlier told us an easier way on up the hill to access the river. There we came across Joe working on his car who sent us right through his back yard, barking dogs and all to a beautiful landing just below the dam. 

We dropped into Stumpy lake, one of the best kept secrets. Stunning and peaceful. As we prepared to leave this lake for our final portage of the day a swim seemed to be just the thing. While we were swimming, Robert and his son drove up with fishing kayaks and offered us a ride to the other side of the dam. This was one heck of a long UP hill followed by DOWN hill trek. This saved us some major effort especially after an already long day. 

Robert to the rescue. Equipped with kayak trailer. 

We paddled on and are camping at the north end if the Wateree lake. 

The day has been fun, exciting, gorgeous and renewing. Magic all over the place. 

Milage totals. Day 11/trip 201!