Happy 4th of July!

We spent the 4th in Oconee County hunting waterfalls and visiting other historic sites along the way!
 
First stop was Station Cove Falls. We hiked in about a mile, let the kids both get super wet(NOT the plan!) when we reached the falls and then hiked the mile back out! WHEW! That was a lot of hiking for a 4-year-old and a lot of carrying for Daddy since C didn't do much walking on his own! S and C both loved the hike in and jumping on the rocks and into the creek, but the hike out was not one of my favorite parts of the day.

Second stop was Oconee Station, where we sat in the air conditioned car and ate lunch and then went to check out the living re-enactment that was happening.  We listened to some history, explored all the buildings and made our exit before C decided to pocket anyone's re-enactment tools:)

Third stop was Isaqueena Falls.  This waterfall is one both M and I went to while at Clemson.  It is one you can drive up and see without hiking.  Much more our style at this point in our lives:)  Although you can go to the observation point and see the falls from a distance, S wanted to hike down the steep rocks to get to the bottom.  Yes, it is possible to do this and I've done it myself.  There were plenty of people doing it.  But, not a great idea for a 4-year-old.  We decided that we wouldn't attempt that today!  We played around the bridge, looked at all the motorcycles and S wanted to pose for some pictures on the rocks(she really does love getting her picture taken now!)!

Fourth, and last, stop was Stump House Tunnel.  This is an old train tunnel through the mountains that was never completed.  It is so cool!  You can walk into it a little ways but it is dark and you definitely want to have a flashlight with you(good think M keeps one in his truck!).  It is a bit creepy and I get claustrophobic and was ready to get out when we did - but I couldn't let the kids know!  They loved exploring the tunnel and there was an old train car there too that the kids were able to play on and run around.  A kids playground!

It was a good day as a family and we all came home completely exhausted and were in bed before 9pm!!!