Visit from Gwen - September 18 - 22, 2017

Bob's sister, Gwen, had moved from Florida to Ohio last year.  This is the first time she has been able to visit us since we moved to South Carolina.  She drove the ten plus hours in one day both coming here and when she left on Friday...brave woman!  We had a very pleasant week's visit with her.

Naturally, we had to show Gwen Chau Ram Park, one of the many wonders of Oconee County.

Irma had uprooted this tree, taking down one of the signs that had been cemented into the ground...

...and actually cracked one of the cement picnic tables and benches.

The trail at the end of the suspension bridge was closed, as were several other areas due trees felled during the storm.

Luckily, this tree had another "leg" to stand on to brace against the wind.

 After a day of "junkin' " and pizza at Peppino's in Seneca on Wednesday,  we went to Issaqueena Falls, another of the county's beautiful parks.

The storm must have cleared out some branches and leaves because the falls were a little more visible than just a month ago when we brought Carol and Nelson here.

 Behind the yellow tape was more evidence of the storm's damage, a downed power or telephone line...we didn't want to get too close to confirm which.

Of course, our next stop had to be up the hill to Stump Tunnel.  Gwen and I went in as far as we dared before the ground water got too deep. 

 

We then went into Walhalla and had lunch at the Steak House Cafeteria, one of the places brother Joe saw listed in a book on southern rides and eateries.  The restaurant is noted for its fried chicken, not steak.  Steak is the surname of the original owner of the place.

Before Gwen hit the road again on Friday, we made sure she was fortified with a hearty breakfast at the Townville Café.  Hope you come back soon,  Gwen!