Sheryl White
It’s not unusual to see an occasional small float plane flying over Jocassee as pilots hone their skills, landing and taking off again, but Tuesday was different. Two firefighting planes (possibly Fire Boss Water Scoopers; see link below) made multiple trips throughout the day, carrying ~ 800 gallons of water each trip to help suppress the Table Rock Complex fire. We waved and cheered them on as they lifted off and flew over us; so incredibly grateful to see them. On Wednesday, we had 3 boats of Walhalla High School students here, learning about the lake and the Jocassee Gorges. Several of them couldn’t resist the chance to take a cold therapy plunge into the Thompson River & Wright Creek Falls. In addition to the gorge experience, they watched loons and winter birds & were introduced to several tree species, some in flower (beeches) and some forming seeds (red maples). They even gained a deeper appreciation for these ancient mountains that surround us, as they climbed and sat on top of old saprolitic rock, looking out at this incredible place we call home. Brooks and Zach were out all week doing Winter/Spring Loon research with the loon folks. Brooks will share all that with you next week. It’s been a productive week. ~ Sheryl White, JLT guide