Woodlands and Water: Distance and Grit
Field Notes II.XXI: Day 2 of a backpacking and photography thru hike of the 76 mile Foothills Trail in South Carolina
Welcome to Field Notes!
This is part II of a five part series about thru hiking the Foothills Trail in South Carolina in early May, 2024. Start reading from the beginning here-
Click the image below if you’re interested in exploring the route in Gaia GPS. Note that Gaia lists the distance as just under 72 miles, while the official signs on the trail list it at 76 miles. With the short side trips I took and the back and forth for filming along the way, I’m claiming 76!
As of August 2025 I have turned this series into a zine. Or, more accurately, a book in magazine format. You can continue reading this series as a paid supporter of Field Notes or purchase the printed version here-
Woodlands and Water: A Foothills Trail Thru Hike
Steam rises from the cup in my hand. The aroma of coffee fills the darkness, well before sunrise. The Chattooga River, here wide and flat, utters the low roar of constantly moving water. My eyes grow accustomed to the lack of light as I keep my headlamp off to save battery. On the far shore of the river a branch rhythmically bobs in the dark waters. I sip and watch.
Aches pulled me out of sleep too early. I tossed on my sleeping pad and tried to go back under. It didn’t last long. At 4:45 am I was awake. So, I retrieved my food bag suspended from a limb a safe height above any bears. It was undisturbed. Now, I enjoy the morning coffee ritual.