Table Rock

The thunder was following us!



Thursday we drove about 2.5 hours to Pickens, SC and found Table Rock.
Let me preface this by saying, I didn't fully comprehend what we were doing that day. I suppose if I had actually realized that 3-4 miles one way is quite a hike, that I may have mentally prepared myself a little better. Don't worry, I survived and didn't complain too much! And it truly was a beautiful day!

We got some energy at Aunt Sue's. I had a delicious chicken philly sandwich!



Guest book at Aunt Sue's!

We found the park and decided to take the Table Rock Trail (there are a few you can choose from). We happened to choose one of the more difficult ones.

It started off lovely the road was paved, the incline was minimal to zero, and there was a pretty waterfall.


Pick your trail!

We found two big fun rocks to climb on and then it just went downhill from there.


Actually it really went uphill but the difficulty increased immensely! We really did do some rock climbing! The boys were so sweet and kept saying, it can't be much further! We kept wondering how they knew and they had reasons but I think they were just trying to help us have a positive outlook. Mind over matter right? We had to take a few breaks and they help and then 2 minutes later you are huffin' and puffin again. There were quite a few times when I really thought I was content to not finish and simply enjoy what I had so far. It helps when you have a group going though!



We made it to the summit and the beautiful view as actually past the summit. It was gorgeous!!

It took about 2.5 hours to make it up there and we cut that probably half on the time down. I say it's because I knew there was an ending in site. Going up, I had know idea where the end was! We were rewarded with a rather icy cold dip in the waterfall. I climbed behind the waterfall and listened to the rush of the water. I love waterfalls!

We didn't take as much water as we should have but the water fountain at the end of the hike was a glorious thing! Stopped at a gas station for some gatorade and headed home for a pizza dinner. Afterall, we worked off everything from Aunt Sue's ;).

In the midst of all this, when hiking a mountain, you have a lot of thoughts.
Going up the mountain, I had no idea where the end was. We don't know how long this life is but certainly can't quit at the first rock we run into or find. There were SO many times when I thought, I'm content to stop here. God wants to take us so much farther. One of our friends thought about how you find a good view and think its great! If you walk a little further, you realize there was something God had in store that was so much better and beyond what you could imagine. As for stopping and starting, I was reminded how quickly I can get worn out. Running the race is not easy, but it is worth it. And the best part? God offers rest, the whole way if you just trust Him! I also noticed how on the way up, we didn't talk very much because we were so tired. On the way down? Well that was a different story....we were gabbing, laughing, and moving fast! I realize more seasoned friends have a lot of stories to share, have seen the struggles, and are now able to talk, laugh about it, and enjoy the ride. Oh and of course we threw some Miley Cyrus in there, It's all about the climb? well yes, not about how fast you get there? Well I beg to differ that it might be about whats on the other side. The climb is important, how you live your life, but whats waiting on the other side, is vital!