I’ve been going a bit stir crazy. The weather has been perfect for hiking or kayaking, but with this lingering cough I just haven’t wanted to risk getting sick again. Laura was busy writing an exam, so sister Glynda and I decided to head out and find something to photograph.
For this ramble we repeated a trek that I had made with Duckhunter back last year. Our route took us north of Clemson and into some of the old communities of Pickens County.
From Greenville we drove to Easley, then followed 93 to Liberty, then on to Norris. From Norris we headed north to our first stop at the mill village of Cateechee. Glynda had never visited this part of the state, so it was new territory for her. We circled through the mill village and looked at the ruins of the mill, then drove around to the old Cateechee School.
I had my Nikon D7000, and I let Glynda borrow the D50. Several of these shots are hers.
From Cateechee we drove down to Lay Bridge, which crosses Twelve Mile Creek. We took some photos of the river, now cleared of dams and free-flowing, and of the old bridge.
We eventually made our way over to Lawrence Bridge Road and found the turn-off toward Issaqueena Dam. There were several others out fishing and enjoying the day. We walked down to the dam, and looked out over the lake. Today the lake seemed like it would be a perfect place for kayaking – peaceful, and free from the motor boats that inhabit the rest of Lake Hartwell.
I spotted a large writing spider with an incredible web. While I watched, he/she caught another insect and proceeded to wrap it in webbing.
We grabbed a quick lunch in Clemson, then headed back out. We drove through the mill village of Newry, but didn’t stop to take photos or explore. From there we continued on around the banks of Lake Keowee until we reached the Old Pickens Presbyterian Church.
I knew that they opened the church Sunday afternoons, and I was hoping that we were there in time. As it turns out, we were too early. The church opens at 2:30. Glynda and I wandered around the church cemetery taking photos. I have to admit – I’ve never seen a unicorn on a headstone before.
Ever since learning about the stonemasons of Charleston, I’ve started looking for their signature work when I stop at these old cemeteries. Even this far away from Charleston I found examples of their work. There was one slab for an infant’s grave and one obelisk monument bearing W. T. White’s signature.
There was another infant grave that was signed by “Leavell and White”, obviously another offshoot of the family business.
I showed Glynda the area where they had moved the graves from the areas inundated by Lakes Keowee and Jocassee. There was one very sad area that had five markers, all with “Robertson Baby” on them. The family must have been hit hard by illness or some other disaster.
We had thought we would kill enough time to make it until the church opened. However, both Glynda and I were starting to feel rundown. I had to settle for one shot of the interior taken through the church window.
We made our way back across Pickens County and on to home. It was a brief outing, but it felt good to be rambling once again.
I suppose you’ve been to St Paul Episcopal in Pendleton? Nice old church, and historic ? graveyard. I attended a service there a few years ago, and it was cool hearing the old pipe organ and the choir in that acoustic setting. Beautiful sound inside.
I’ve only visited the outside once, and that was with you. I would like to see the interior sometime.
Welcome back. Also thanks for giving me a few more sites in the Pickens-Oconee area to check out during this cool season.
Speaking of Pendleton. That’s a fantastic place to walk and photograph. Plenty of historic and interesting buildings over there.