My Adventures: 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.