Devils Fork State Park

This past Easter weekend we decided to go camping with our friends Michell & Kelly. As you know I have been so restless at having the chance to go hiking, camping and paddling! The weather is finally better for more outdoor fun and Eric's ankle is almost at 100%....so we were ready!!

We had plans to go to Devils Fork State Park to camp and paddle on Lake Jocassee for some time. Eric and I both had Friday off so we were planning on heading out Friday morning for the lake. Unfortunately the weather kept changing from good to bad to good and so on. We were pretty much set to just leave on Saturday morning because we did not want to get rained on when we decided to risk it. We packed up the car, loaded the canoe and were at the lake by 1:30.

Once we got to the lake we unloaded the car and got everything situated into the canoe for our paddle to the campsite. I like this Park because the campsite is boat access only so there aren't too many people around. Friday afternoon the lake was completely fogged out. We could barely see the shoreline at some points in the afternoon but we didn't get rained on during the day. Eric and I just hung around the campsite Friday afternoon, walking around and spending some time reading. We didn't get rained on until the middle of the night, but we were in our tent and didn't get wet at all.

On Saturday morning we headed back to the boat launch to meet up with Michelle & Kelly. It was still foggy Saturday morning but was getting warmer throughout the morning. After they got settled at camp we walked around a bit, had lunch and then decided to check out some waterfalls that are on the lake. Unfortunately, we had no idea where we were going and we didn't find the waterfalls. Fortunately, the fog cleared out and it turned into a beautiful day that we didn't care too much. This lake is very beautiful! The water is so clear it almost looks like Caribbean ocean water.

Kelly likes to make goofy faces....it keeps us entertained.

After our paddle we headed back to camp. We spent some time hanging out in our hammocks before getting our fire going to cook dinner. we made hot dogs, corn on the cob, and of course smores. It was a delicious meal!

Sunday morning came and after breakfast we headed out onto the lake again in search of the waterfalls. This time we found it (with the help from another camper on the lake)! These falls were beautiful! Water cascading down from big boulders....it was well worth the paddle! We had lunch at the falls and enjoyed the rushing water before heading back to camp.

Heading back to camp from the falls was a little tough. The wind was picking up, causing some resistance in paddling against the wind. I am pretty sure it took us a little longer on the way back. Once we got back to camp we all jumped in the water....which by the way was very cold....to cool off from our hard paddle.

The cove our campsite was on.

Since the wind was picking up we decided to pack up camp and head back to our cars. When we were ready to head out we noticed that there were whitecaps on the lake. Yikes! This is no fun for paddlers. It seemed to take forever for us to paddle across the lake. Eric and I struggled against the wind the whole time and waves were close to crashing up over the front of our canoe. I don't know how Michelle & Kelly made it in their kayaks. But we made it back safe and sound...maybe a little wet.

All in all it was a great trip! We paddled around 17 miles (a lot more difficult than paddling down river :). We might just have to make it back here before we move!

Raven Cliff Falls

This weekend we had a quick visit from a friend in MN. Eric's best friend from his home town hoped on a plane on Friday to come and see us. We spent Saturday driving up to N. Georgia to go on a hike recommended by our friends Michelle & Kelly. We drove up through Helen and decided to grab lunch there before we hit the trail. (Helen is an experience in its own if you have never been there.)

At about 2:00 we hit the trails ready to go. The hike to the falls is 2.5 miles and is a small steady climb, nothing too difficult. We got to follow the river the whole way and there were many small falls along the way. We took the time to catch up with Gabe and enjoy the nice cool weather....it was perfect for hiking!

Gabe & Eric

Gabe trying to push over a dead tree.... Eric and Gabe are two peas in a pod when it comes to dead trees.

Me & Eric

The cliff at the big falls was amazing. Pictures can not show how big this rock is. The river flows right through the rock.... it was absolutely amazing to see!

Gabe & Eric decided to stick their feet in....it was VERY cold!

Gabe, me & Eric

Eric & Me

Catching up

Well it has been too long since I have blogged. Not a whole lot has been blog worthy so I will catch you up quickly. It seems like the trees around Athens have sprouted leaves overnight and all the things that were blooming no longer are. Last weekend I took some pictures of our house while our azaleas were in full bloom and this weekend they are gone.

 Last weekend I also took some time to walk around the botanical gardens to take some last min. pictures of Spring blooms. The Dogwoods and Tulips are no longer around most places but I was able to snag a few pics of what was remaining at the Gardens. I also spotted a few Geckos while walking around. We have had a lot of these guys around our house this year.

Eric and I are still in limbo as we try and figure out what our next step is in our lives. We are waiting for job opportunities in MN and hoping that something comes soon. We would love to go back to MN when the weather is getting nice there!

We had a visitor this weekend from MN but I will blog about that in a few days. Until then, I hope you had a great weekend!