Month: May 2022

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3 Reasons to Visit Caesars Head, S.C.

Photo by Debra Roinestad, Caesars Head Overlook (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Thirsty for some adventure? Then take the higher ground! Get your thrills quenched at Caesars Head State Park. Caesars Head is a mountain within Caesars Head State Park in northern Greenville County, South Carolina. The Summit has an elevation of 3,215 feet. The trail is well maintained and about 14 miles from Greenville S.C. 

Video: Caesars Head Overlook by Fradella Hikes

Caesars Head got its name because there are a series of steep steps that lead down a narrow passageway between two massive rocks.

Photo by Kurt Roinestad (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Photo by Kurt Roinestad (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Many have said that it is called Caesar’s head because the rocks resemble the profile of Julius Caesar. I agree…lol. 😅

Photo by Ilona Frey, Julius Caesar (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Here are 3 Reasons to Visit Caesars Head at Caesars Head State Park

Photo by Debra Roinestad, Caesars Head Overlook (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Easy Hiking 

Photo by Jon Flobrant

This is the perfect place for beginners and families. You can stop by the overlook to get fantastic views. Then if you are up for the challenge, there are moderate to strenuous hikes. The mountain bridge wilderness links to Caesars Head and Jones Gap State Parks.

Bird Watching

Photo by Richard Lee (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

From September through November thousands of migrating raptors soar upwards and hang around the rocky outcrop to conserve their energy as they migrate to their winter ranges.

Gifts, Gifts, Gifts!

Photo by Caley Dimmock (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Due to the large volume of visitors arriving daily, the Visitors’ Center makes sure they have a very large stock of items for sale. So, before or after your hike, visit their lovely gift shop. They have jewelry, coffee mugs, books, hiking equipment, and T-shirts. They sell fun items for dogs too.

So, consider adding this exciting destination to the top of your list when visiting South Carolina.

They are open Monday-Friday, 9 am – 6 pm

Warm Wishes,
Debra Roinestad 🌿

Debra Roinestad (c) The Comfy Cabin

Address: 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635

Information:

➡️ South Carolina State Parks
https://southcarolinaparks.com/caesars-head

➡️ Map
https://mapcarta.com/21491718

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3 Fun Facts about Bears 

The black bears are back in town! Well, not exactly…Ummm…they are back visiting us at our cabin. The cute mother bear and her 2 yearlings are back from last year. She is scanning the area looking for food as she is teaching her babies how to be independent and showing them survival skills. To read more about their visit from the previous post click here.

Photo: Jack Charles (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Black Bears Visiting the Cabin May 2022

(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Here are 3 Fun Facts about Bears

 Extremely High Intelligence
Bears have been known to be one of the most intelligent land animals in North America. They have the largest and most complex brains compared to other land mammals. They rely on their memory for survival from where they last saw food 2 years ago. So, they will keep returning to the same place year after year. Some bears have surprised scientists during observation, they found that bears can use tools, count, and solve problems. 

Photo: Pete Nuij (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Strong Sense of Smell
Black bears’ sense of smell is about seven times greater than bloodhounds. According to experts, bears have been thought to have the keenest sense of smell in the animal kingdom. A black bear’s sense of smell is up to 18 and 20 miles away.
Read more about it here .

Photo: Yann Allegre (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Fast Runners
Bears can move fast and run to an incredible speed up to 40 mph. Their average speed is about 30-35 mph. They may look fat but they are all muscle. Read more here.

Photo: Pete Nuij (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Warm Regards,
Debra Roinestad 🌿

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8 Rocks Found in the Woods of South Carolina

Rock, paper, scissors? Of course, I always choose rocks! There is a beauty within every single rock that can be found during a long walk in the woods. And for all the rock hounds in the house… here are the 8 precious rocks that can be found in the woods of SC. Plus, many other gemstones are waiting to be discovered.

Photo: LilArtsy (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Clear Crystal Quartz

Photo: Benjamin Lehman, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Clear Crystal Quartz is known for brining the body back to balance. It is a crystal that amplify energy and is very restorative. Crystal quartz is a chemical compound consisting of one part silicon and two parts oxygen. It is silicon dioxide (SiO2). It is the most abundant crystal found at Earth’s surface, and its unique properties make it one of the most useful natural substances.

Photo: Jene Yeo, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Citrine

Photo: Benjamin Lehman, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Citrine is associated with positivity and positive optimism. Citrine is a transparent variety of quartz, a member of the silicates family. Citrine comes in variety of colors from yellow, yellowish brown, and smoky gray-brown.

Photo: Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Smoky Quartz

Photo: Esther Verdu, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Smoky quartz are minerals that frequently contain inclusions of gas (carbon dioxide), liquid (often both water and carbon dioxide), or solids (rutile). In the 12th century in China, smoky quartz flat panes were used as sunglasses. Smoky quartz is used as an amplifier of positive energy, and a talisman for energy protection.

Photo: Esther Verdu, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Milky Quartz

Photo: Who-Is-Denilo, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Milky quartz is any crystal quartz or cluster that is white in color, and translucent to opaque. This crystal is commonly known as the “phantom quartz” because inside the crystal has a ghostly appearance…it is a crystal within a crystal. Milky quartz is a chemical compound consisting of one part silicon and two parts oxygen… it is silicon dioxide (SiO2). Many have considered this stone to be known as a symbol of purity, along with the age of innocence.

Photo: Debra Roinestad, Combination: Milky Quartz & Clear Crystal with Smoky Quartz,
(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Mica

Photo: Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Mica has industrial uses such as electrical engineering, glass working, lamp shades, and cosmetics like highlighters. Mica is an aluminum mineral called phyllosilicate. Mica has been used as an amulet for protection and bringing positive energy back into your life.

Amethyst

Photo: Jen Theodore (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Amethyst is a semiprecious quartz variant with a distinctive purple color. Both North Carolina and South Carolina are hotspots for amethyst due to the soil’s high content of crystal and iron. When amethysts is heated treated, it becomes yellow like its cousin citrine. In ancient Greece, amethysts was used as drinking vessels. Amethyst is known to be a healing crystal to help alleviate stress.

Photo: Ilze Lucero, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Aquamarine

(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Aquamarine aids in calming the mind and helps with self-expression. Aquamarine is the mineral Beryl, a Beryllium Aluminum Silicate with the chemical formula Be3Al2(Si16O18).
In ancient times, sailors carried aquamarine with them to the sea, believing it would prevent them from drowning. Aquamarine is a popular stone for engagement rings. Overall, aquamarine is associated with tranquility and universal harmony. It’s connected to life in all its vitality and hope.

Henderson Gneiss

Photo: Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

I fondly call this rock, the ‘zebra rock’ because the striation looks like a zebra. 🦓 🙂
Genesis is a metamorphic rock that can easily be identified by its alternating layers of minerals known as gneissic banding. It is formed by high temperature and high-pressure metamorphic processes acting on formations composed of igneous or sedimentary rocks. Some genesis contains larger crystals such as, quartz, feldspar, mica, chlorite, and other clay minerals. Genesis has been used for beautiful floor tiles, facing stone, stair treads, window sills, countertops, and cemetery monuments.

“These gems have life in them: their color speak, say what words fail of.”
-George Eliot

Photo: Susan Wilkinson, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

What makes rocks so mystical?

Throughout history, many have used rocks and crystals for healing purposes.

It has helped restore comfort during stress and calmness during times of grief. I have found much comfort in my rock collection. 

Here is an article from Healthline on Healing Crystals 101 

https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/guide-to-healing-crystals#science

And finally, this is my rock and gemstone collection. 🥰

🌟 May all the rocks be a stepping stone toward the right direction in your life. 🌟

Debra Roinestad

With Gratitude,
Debra Roinestad 🍃

Resources 

➡️ Diamond Hill Gemstone Mine 

The Crystal Collector, Dig Your Own Amethyst Smoky Quartz Crystals | Diamond Hill Mine South Carolina

➡️ Diamond Hill Gemstone Mine Website

click here: https://diamondhillmine.com/

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What To Do When Visiting Hagood Mill Historic Site, SC

Hagood Mill Historic Site, (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Looking for a fun place to explore? Family-friendly…check! Easy hiking…check! Fun and relaxing events…check! Then Hagood Mill Historic Site is the place for you.

Hagood Mill is a water-powered gristmill from 1845 built by James Hagood. The mill is still functioning to this day! Just simply watching the beautiful waterwheel rotating gently can be calming, washing the stress away.

(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Antique Gears from the Hagood Mill, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

On Saturday once a month grits, corn meal, and flour products are made. I purchased the grits and have to admit that it’s extremely delicious. So be sure to purchase a bag of corn grits at the Hagood Mill Mercantile when you stop on by. 😀👍

Corn Grits from the Hagood Mill Mercantile, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Here is a link to all the upcoming events

https://www.hagoodmillhistoricsite.com/upcoming-events

Last month, I was at the ECSIT first Pow Wow event. It is a lovely celebration of American Indian culture in which people from diverse indigenous nations gather for the purpose of dancing, singing, and honoring their ancestors.

ECSIT first Pow Wow Event, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
ECSIT first Pow Wow Event,
(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
A very kind dancer let me take a picture with him.
(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Hagood Mill Heritage Pavilion,
(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Refrigerator Man

Refrigerator Man magnet from the Hagood Mill Mercantile,
(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

And last but not least refrigerator man. Yes, you read that right…refrigerator man.
He is one of the many petroglyph images discovered in 2003 at the Hagood Creek by Michael Bramlett. He was named refrigerator man because of his large blocky body. There is a museum within the area where you can enjoy a narrated light show and see the actual large boulder. The museum also has a section of Native American artifacts as well. A must visit!

Petroglyphs, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Petroglyph at Hagood Mill Historical Site

Hope you stop on by and visit this wonderful historical site.

Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Much Love,
Debra Roinestad 🍃

Address: 138 Hagood Mill Rd. Pickens, SC 29671

➡️ website: https://www.hagoodmillhistoricsite.com/

➡️ Map https://mapcarta.com/W312496718