Eureka Moment

Eureka Moment
Originally uploaded by toadshade

This is when Bill discovered the elusive Bells on Cane Creek. It just says it all! Think Edmund Hillary and Neil Armstrong.

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Oconnee Bells on Cane Creek

Oconnee Bells on Cane Creek
Originally uploaded by toadshade

These are the rare Oconnee Bells that bloom around the equinox in only a few counties of SC, NC and Georgia. Bill and I have been hiking buddies for over 20 years and we always make a point of making this pilgrimage every Spring. The 14th was a little early but we decided to go in spite of the 100% chance of rain (which proved to be deadly accurate). Our mission was to find another access to the Bells (besides Devil's Fork Campground) that you didn't have to walk 15 miles on the Foothills Trail to find. It turned out to be a resounding success!! Using Bill's expert mapping and navigation skills and a road that led right to the trailhead, we discovered the elusive flower in about a quarter of a a mile on Cane Creek. It was still early and only a few were blooming but enough to take a few pictures. Also growing there were Toadshade (from whence my email namesake came) Trillium, tons of beautiful red Partridgeberries and Halberd-leaved Violets. It excited us enough for a return visit in a couple of weeks when it's, hopefully, not raining and we can really explore the area when more flora are in bloom.

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The Oreo Heiffers

The Oreo Heiffers
Originally uploaded by toadshade

On the way to the SC Escarpment, Bill and I came across a small herd of the rare Oreo Heiffers. These are an experiment designed by Animal Husbandry experts at Clemson University. They are a cross between Jersey Holsteins and Macadamia Nuts, two protein based life forms, (and one secret ingredient) to produce a meat that tastes more like chicken or pork fritters. The final taste test has yet to come but I, for one, can't wait!

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The Blooming Jessamine

Well I didn't have to run 12 miles in the rain and rupture my Soleus muscle to see this one. It was exactly 2 feet out my front door!! Fred, an excellent gardener, has this vine growing on the divider between our apartments and it has taken bloom with the warmer weather we've had for the last few days. Just thought I'd show the finished product!

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3 Rivers Greenaway

Thought I'd try out my leg on a fairly flat hike along the Congaree River on the 3 Rivers Greenaway Trail. Lots of people, dogs, bikes, joggers and walkers on this beautiful late Winter day. The high was around 80 and the wind was a little blustery at times. I walked about 2 miles and my leg felt fine. The river was up and people (mainly college kids) were playing on the rocks. The late Winter wildflowers were, of course, Vetch and Medick, along with Violets, Chickweed, Yellow Corydalis, Veronica, Dandelions and the beautiful Bloodroot (pictured above) that you always depend upon this time of the year. It's so called because a break in the plants, especially the roots, reveals a reddish sap. Was used as a dye and a herbal remedy by the Cherokees. Great day to walk and be alive. Everyone's got Spring fever!

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So Early in the Spring

Or late Winter for that matter. One of the rewards of jogging is getting to know your routes and neighborhood quite well. I passed these Yellow Jessamines on the rainy run on Saturday when I ruptured my soleus muscle. It was beginning to bloom and is one of the earliest blooming wildflowers in the state and a sure sign Spring is on the way. The 28 degrees temps for the last few nights zapped most of the open blossoms but these are just getting ready to blossom. It's the State Flower for South Carolina and all parts are extremely poisonous. So don't eat it or you'll end up doing the State Dance, the Shag, right before you wretch your guts out! In a week or so it will the brightest harbinger of Spring in the woods along with the Red Maple blossoms.

If you think this is exciting; in a few days the Cow Vetch and Black Medick will be blooming!!

toadshade

Injury Update and Different Goals

I ran 5 flat miles today in 47:13 at 9:27 per mile. The leg didn't hurt during the day but I could feel the dull pain all the way and it got worse toward the end. Much more mileage and I would be right back at the start with this injury. I feel I'm going to have to take about 10 days off for this to heal and maybe set my racing goals at a 10k in Camden at the end of April and a 12k in Orangeburg the next weekend. I really feel good physically and have lost about 8 pounds. The break won't hurt my training except for the marathon and will give me a chance to really tune up with more speed work. In the past I would have tried some way to run through this and do the marathon. But I'm not into running masochism anymore and I really don't have too much respect for runners who are. I want to be running in my 70's if I make it there, and I can't risk compounding an injury and do more serious damage just to say "I did it!" I've done 23 marathons and have nothing to prove. I like running, I like the experience of it and the peace of mind it gives me. I was into running for years before I did my first marathon. And I like the races, it's fun just to be in the crowd get caught up in the thrill of the event. All of the money goes to good causes and there's usually good food and fellowship at the end. And, more importantly, it's a good way to renew the joy of running.

Oh, and I almost forgot! I had the distinct displeasure of running into Psychodog Number 1! He was in the same yards running wild again but, this time, he barked and came out to the road but didn't go into full tilt slavering psycho mode. He must be getting used to me. It's good to know that I'm becoming more acceptable to the psychotic elements on this side of Columbia.

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