Potlucks, Artists, Hiking and Travel to Texas

After settling in a bit in a new place, which happened pretty quickly this time, I was invited to a potluck organized by the host. There are three apartment rentals on the property not including the permanent resident. The first potluck I attended was quite overwhelming. Something about loud and somewhat obnoxious personalities blended (or not so much) together did not go well with my peaceful energy the first time. I made a delicious cornbread casserole and brought blueberry muffins that the previous host made for me (there were so many of them that I froze 5 for future use). People were talking over each other, loud and a bit rude to one another, which was probably an indicator of a bunch of folks knowing each other well enough to be themselves. While I didn't appreciate their cohesiveness (or lack there of) this time, I did come to the second Sunday potluck two weeks later. This time I was determined to enjoy myself. The crowd was thinner and not as robust in energy which suited me just fine. I enjoyed hearing diverse thoughts about current political environment, women's rights and other pretty serious topics.

I also met a few artists one on one in passing. One of the ladies, Catherine Cross Tsintzos, lived next door for a week. Her specialty was creating art using natural colors and fibers. We talked a bit about her journey, and although I never saw the finished products, I admired the tedious process of making art.

My social experience was not limited to just residents. I joined a Meetup group and went to hike Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve Trail. The hike itself was very nice with a creek at the turnaround point and a waterfall, but I even more enjoyed talking with the locals. We had absolutely different political values, yet I was surprised that they did not interfere with our positive intentions and overall joyful hiking experience together. I've met quite a few kind people around here who I would typically not interact with. On the way back as others lagged behind, a more like-minded person from the group joined me to hike back. We had a great discussion about the challenges of finding an open-minded group of people in this area. Indeed, while I liked the area I could not see myself living here permanently.

When I had free time, I explored local trails by myself as well. Logging Road and Triple Creek Loop was certainly not one of my favorites. Spider webs everywhere you go! I grabbed a large stick to wave in front of me to get rid of at least some of them, but it was no use. I was hot and eventually pretty exhausted. The view by the water was nice, but I was feeling "buggy" and could not fully enjoy it.

Another, much shorter one, was Waldrop Stone Falls. The hike itself is almost perfect - easy access to the waterfall through the forest. There was a smoking couple enjoying the views as well, so I briefly stopped at the waterfall and headed back. I don't understand why people are so inconsiderate that they make others engage in their disgusting habit, albeit not directly. 

I hiked this trail again a few weeks later, this time having the trail to myself I was able to truly enjoy the peaceful waterfall.

Some days I tried to combine a bit of hiking with going to the gym. The closest location was almost 30 minutes away, so I had to find reasons to drive there. Incorporating a hike was exactly what motivated me to go.

Nalley Brown Nature Park was one of those place that I would not typically go to, but since it was in the area of the gym, I explored the trail that looped twice in the small community park. While I can't say this was the most memorable hike, I certainly enjoyed being in the forest walking.

And then there were trails like Rainbow Falls Trail and Pinnacle Mountain Trail... The first one offered an amazing close up view of the waterfall after a pretty strenuous hike uphill, while the second one was a bit longer spreading this elevation gain in just over 4 miles one way with a terrific view of the mountains.

Rainbow Falls

Pinnacle Mountain Trail

As my work trip to Texas came up, I figured out my pet sitter situation and headed to the hot hot south of the country. I've driven through Texas, but have never been there on purpose. From Dallas to San Antonio to Austin, my trip was pretty quick, but I got to enjoy the miserable summer heat of Austin by taking a walk in the early morning when the temperatures were just 80 degrees at 6.30 AM. I don't think I would want to live there, but maybe visit from time to time... I don't know... Texas did not impress me at all.

Raven Rock Loop Trail, Keowee-Toxaway State Park, SC

My first time in South Carolina... Hot and humid, but not as bad as in Durham, so it was a relief already. The closest trail to my new place was Raven Rock Loop Trail, a five mile loop in the forest going along a few waterfalls and partially the lake. 

The trail started out relatively easy with mild loss of elevation. I was pretty narrow, but clear enough to pass through without constantly brushing against vegetation. I did this trail twice so far. The first time I went in the counterclockwise direction on the first loop (there are two converging together for a while, like an extended number "8"). The second time I decided to go clockwise to see the waterfall first. The elevation dropped rapidly as I descended the stairs, but the reward of flowing water was right there as well. After the drop comes the gain in elevation to get back to the same level as the rest of the trail. This is probably the most difference in elevation gain/loss that this trail has.

Small waterfall

The second loop was along the lake and I found no major difference between either direction. The views of the lake were spectacular! Unfortunately, as soon as I would stop moving mosquitos would be hard at work gaining access to any piece of available skin (whether open or not) to get a nice meal. Movement was the solution. With movement though came spider webs. On my second hike, I think I was the first person to hike the trail that day, so I caught most of the spider webs stretching across the trail. Even my long stick would not do the trick effectively. It was quite an annoying experience to be covered in spider webs stuck to arms, face and hair.

I still liked the trail because of its relative challenge for a local trail. I could see myself hiking it often after the summer is over, but I am not giving up on it even now.

New Place in Pickens, SC + Peaceful Retreat

After a longer than expected drive (I have no clue why I thought it was going to be a shorter drive, Google gives a pretty good estimate) Kitty and I have arrived to our new place. The host met us outside and showed the apartment.

Let me begin with the fact that my expectations were below average after the place in Rougemont. I knew this was an apartment with a shared library, but I had no clue about what the layout of the house looked like. I was hoping it had no shared walls, but based on pictures could not truly assess that. Indeed, the walls were only shared with the library. And it was majestic (both the library and the fact that I didn't have to share walls with anyone)!

I chose this place because of its unique listing advertising as a place for artists. I am by no means not an artist. In fact, I don't really understand art well, but it was a RETREAT for artists, so I jumped at a chance to book it. 

The move in was easy. The apartment was relatively clean, and I didn't even have to use my own sheets (which I have in other places except the one in Greensboro). The light was flowing through the room, and the décor was very unique. The place had a great energy, something that I notice almost immediately. My cat was pleased with the set up as well especially when I secured the screens on the windows with some scotch tape. He missed looking outside observing the birds! Compared to the last place, this one immediately appealed to him, so he relaxed by the end of the first day.

Of course, nothing could be ideal. The second night there I saw a gigantic cockroach running along one of the ceiling beams. I quickly deployed my vacuum and caught the bastard. Still, the next few nights I was paranoid and could not sleep well.

The first business day after my arrival, I brought my car in to the Pace & Reeves, a local mechanic who was recommended by my host. The owner was really pleasant and after their own diagnosis asked that I leave the car for further inspection. I took an Uber back to the apartment. He called me back a few hours later telling me that one of the sensor wires were destroyed and that he would need to order a part that would arrive in a few days. In the meantime, my car was ok to be driven, so I asked my host to drive me to the shop to pick it up. As promised, the part arrived and after an hour installation, my car was satisfied and turned off the "check engine" light. The total cost $138. Not bad!

I also started exploring local hiking spots. My first trail was Raven Rock Loop Trail just 12 minutes away from my place. The first time I hiked the trail, it was marvelous. Just over 5 miles with 800 ft elevation gain featuring small waterfalls and a lakeview for the part of the trail. It was very peaceful and pleasant. The second time was a bit different because I think I was the first one that morning to hike there. The spider webs were EVERYWHERE! I could barely walk a few feet without encountering another one sticking to my face, arms and everywhere in between. This was unpleasant, to say the least. I am certainly not giving up on this trail!

On Wednesday, I went to a flea market. It was only 10 minutes from my place, so I decided to check it out, not that I needed to buy anything... It was overwhelmingly huge with lots of locals selling stuff they didn't need, guns (yep, rifles and guns, no background check required!), fruit and vegetables. It was interesting to look through, but just a bit too much. Maybe if I go there with a different state of mind, I might have a different experience. I did buy a watermelon and a melon together with some tomatoes and cucumbers there.

Another trail I explored was Swamp Rabbit, Eagle and Troop 19 Trail loop which was right in the city of Greenville where I went to the following weekend. It was fully paved in a city park. While not overly exciting, the trail was good for exercise. I then stopped to explore Falls Park on the Reedy, right in downtown Greenville. I was genuinely impressed by how well it was designed with water features throughout the park. The downtown itself was probably one of the best ones I have been so far. I ended up getting a sandwich as I walked through the Saturday's farmer's market right in the middle of downtown as they closed the main street for that. I didn't end up buying anything as I got my first order from the local online farmer's market.

I did, however, splurge on a few desserts at Old Europe bakery. A delicious hazelnut napoleon slice and rich double chocolate cake.

Greenville local park

Falls Park

Downtown Greenville

Farmer's market in downtown Greenville

Counter at a bookstore in Greenville

Baked goods at Old Europe bakery

Some baked goods to take home