” I appreciated participating in the “21 Hikes in 10 Months Challenge”. I am not in peak physical condition nor am I the most avid of hikers, but I was grateful to have the challenge to nudge me to explore more of the Palmetto Trail and indeed more of this state that has been my lifelong home. My hikes were not long in length by the standards of many and I admit to grumbling about “getting my hikes in this month” on a few occasions (especially in July and August!). I had hiked on some of the passages in the past and will definitely make plans to explore additional ones in the future.”
Discovering the Palmetto Trail at any age:
“COVID required a “change of plans”. As the isolation of 2020 continued into 2021 our group of Camden seniors was looking for an appropriate, legal, healthy outlet for our pent up energy. The 21 Hike Challenge happened at just the right time!
Our group of 5 – average age 75- committed to the challenge and haven’t once regretted our decision. Well, maybe once, but nothing serious. Knowing that we were not serious enough hikers (not to mention our average age) to complete the 350+ miles, we are very proud of our approximately 100 miles of shuffling and limping along! Our feet touched 18 different passages on 22 hikes. Some passages were were repeats but on different parts. On occasion we used two cars, one at each end of the hike. Others we did a “walk in, walk out”. Getting lost was common, but with the help of Avenza maps which we discovered how to use out of necessity, we lived to tell the tales.
Some of our adventures included overnight(s) in the upstate at great B&Bs and hotels to save driving multiple times to trails in the same geographical area. We, of course, made time for great food AND drink at upscale and downscale restaurants all over the state and were welcomed even in our hiking attire at all of them!
Rain, mud, heat, humidity – none stopped us – may have humbled us a little. We have stronger bonds, are in better shape and more deeply appreciate each other’s philosophies as we were able to explore together and enjoy the awesome state of SC.”
~Ken’s Harem
Participants Who Completed the 21 Hike Challenge:
Lucy Youngblood
Melissa Stovall
TL Staub
Sheryll Smith
Cynthia Robinson
Colette Reamer
Neil Reamer
Nicole Putnam
Anthony Putnam
Mary Jo Place
Kenneth Place
Kathy China
Jeanne Bridges
Joanne Johnson
Jan Howell
Vanessa Hill
Rachel Grooms
Peggy Gettys
Joette Gdovin
David Gdovin
Dave Gdovin
Gloria Eller
Wanda Dixon
Brittany Clark
Roy O’Grady
Cathy Moss
Katie Miller
Dail Mengelkoch
Robbie DeFreese
Dan DeFreese
Dadryia Littlejohn
Terry Littlejohn
Alston Lippert
Michael Landau
Liene Kukainis
Mark Brewton
Cara Brewton
Andy Ash
Nicole Ash
