Cruising the Lakes of Upper South Carolina

July 7^th Through July 9^th, 2000

We went to stay with Bob’s mother at Lake Keowee on the afternoon of the 7^th and got in some “tube time” behind her Pontoon

Chris is ready to go !

After a good night’s rest we’re off on the morning of July 8^th on a rented Pontoon to the upper reaches of Lake Jocassee on the North Carolina – South Carolina line.

Here we boat into the mountains to a land of deserted shorelines and white sand beaches.

One of our first stops was Laurel Creek Falls. Here we unload the inflatable canoe we brought and sent Tom off to explore the “grotto” where the Falls meet the Lake.

Soon we begin our ascent of the rocks to get a different perspective.

Simon, Robin, Bob and Brandi stop for a pose.

Bethanne and Brandi are rewarded for the climb by the view at the top of the falls

Chris and Brandi soon are exploring with the boat beneath the Falls.

On we go across the lake with Chris at the helm…

Soon we are in North Carolina again on the Horsepasture River. With Brandi on point we head up the steep walled gorge, flooded by the Lake in 1975, seeking the River.

After a few miles we go as far as we can, to the Foothills Trail Bridge

The Horsepasture Bridge on Jocassee Lake

View up river, from the bridge

Here on the Foothills Trail, on the steps leading off into the wilderness we snap a group shot of the merry sailors…

Moving downstream we find a deserted lagoon and tie up for lunch.

Ruffin’ it at the lagoon for lunch.

Simon explores the beach at the lagoon. Late summer low water makes the Jocassee shoreline a special place on a hot summers day.

Brandi and Chris set off on an exploration of their own …

Chris and Tom above Lagoon

Tom enjoys a quick ride across the lake

Chris begins the swim across the lagoon

Chris “Captain of his Ship!”

We make a few more stops after lunch, this one on Bear Creek at the Toxaway River

A great place for a swim, and still on the NC part of Lake Jocassee.

The local fish seem to agree …

Our final stop of the day is at the “Wall”, a 400 foot deep section of the lake next to a flooded quarry wall. This popular spot for scuba ends our sunny day on Jocassee!

Robin and Bethanne