6/10/08 Foothills Trail, Thompson River, SC/NC

HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Greta Driggers, Pam Euliss, Phil Evans, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Deena Johns, Linda Johnson, Bob Magee, Wanda Miller, Wayne Miller, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Pom Sinnock, Bob Thompson, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Carole Wintle.

TRAIL INFO. – A very nice hike on the Foothills Trail. Trail conditions were mostly good with a couple of fallen trees across the trail. This hike has some serious hills but also some flat sections. The hot weather made it more difficult than normal. Hiking distance approximately 7 miles round trip.

Directions: From Seneca SC, take Scenic Highway 11 past Tamassee, to Salem, SC continue to the intersection SC 11 and SC 130. Turn left onto 130 and drive approx. 10 miles and look for the Bad Creek Project on the right. Drive up to the gate and it will open automatically. Drive down this road for a half mile or so and you will see a sign for the Foothills Trail access. Turn left and proceed about a quarter mile to the parking lot.

Another great day for a hike! Mostly fair and hot as blazes! Temperatures ranged from the upper 70’s to the low 90’s F.

WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Rosebud Orchid, Hawkweed, Hairy Skullcap, Mountain Laurel, Carolina Rhododendrun, Rosebay Rhododendrun, Lycopodium, Sweet Azalea, Rattlesnakeweed, Tall Bluet, Common Milkweed, Pipsissawa, Galax, Yellow Star Grass, Blue Star Grass,Mountain Hydrangea, Wild Ginger, Yellowroot, White Sweet Violet, Racemed Milkwort, St. Andrew’s Cross and Daisy Fleabane.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Tufted Titmouse, Raven, Robin, Carolina Wren, Towhee, Crow, Oven Bird, Nuthatch, Red Eyed Vireo, Mourning Dove, Summer Tananger, Pileated Woodpecker, Black Throated Blue Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Blue Jay, Black & White Warbler, Red Start, Cat Bird, Pine Warbler, Cardinal, Black Throated Green Warbler, Peewee. OTHER FAUNA: Southern Water Snake