26.6-Mile Mega Marathon Hike

My Fellow Hikers: THIS HIKE INTENDED ONLY FOR THE ATHLETICALLY FIT EARLY START TIME: 7:45am The Columbia Hiking and Adventure Club has many Hiking events, some are short, like the Dam Walk. Some are more difficult, like the Hour of Power. Some are regular long distance Hikes like you would normally expect on any given Saturday, like say 8-12 miles. We even have extreme Hikes such as the "Super-Sixteen". However, two-times per year we hold a Hiking Event of unparalleled length and difficulty. If you are a top-notch textbook specimen athlete, then I invite you to attend the 26.6-Mile Mega-Marathon Hike. We will be walking on our very own passage of the Palmetto trail, the Enoree Passage. Come with us if you dare, on an epic journey of a lifetime. Walk 26.6-Miles of trail. This is an honor and a privilege bestowed upon few other groups anywhere in South Carolina. http://www.bbc.co.uk/nottingham/content/images/2005/11/04/wildlife_racoons_stonebridge_farm_mark_epton_ravenshead_470x336.jpg This is a One-Way Hike, not a loop. I've done this Hike two times, and I can tell you this, it is AWESOME. If you crave adventure, then you need to join us on this hike which features a mega-trek through the wooded splendor of the Midland's premier forest, the Sumter National Forest, Enoree District. Meet us at 7:45am at the Home Depot on Harbison Boulevard. We're gathering in the area which is at the upper end of the parking lot, and adjacent to the Applebee's Restaurant. If you need directions, or have additional questions, send an e-mail to me. From this meeting place we will all pile in to our rented 15-passenger van and leave promptly at 8:00am for the drive to the trail head in the Sumter National Forest located approximately 50 miles from Columbia near the city of Whitmire, SC. http://www.ucs.louisiana.edu/~jlb4892/monsterBUCK.jpg This hike is something very special, it follows along our very own portion of the Palmetto Trail. Our hike covers a 26.6-mile One Way Adventure Hike on our recently adopted passage of the Palmetto Trail, the Enoree Passage. The elevation change is minimal, but we will see a wide diversity of terrain and many distinct ecosystems. The path meanders along pine covered sand hills then descends into towering hardwood stands along the creek bottoms before rising back up again. http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGS/Shared/StaticFiles/animals/images/primary/wild-turkey.jpg We'll walk at a moderate comfortable pace. Along the way we will take several short rests as well as a leisurely mid-day lunch break. The earth is often damp in the forest so bring a small tarp or ground sheet to sit on at lunchtime. Come along and experience the wonder of remote wilderness hiking located only one hour from our bustling metropolitan community. Wear your boots for this one. Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water. http://sciway3.net/outdoors/photos/park-brickhouse-photo-01.jpeg After the return trip to the parking area in Columbia, we will as usual, partake in the liquid refreshments offered at Applebee's. http://www.ics.uci.edu/~eppstein/pix/uhfall/SunsetTurbulent-m.jpg Please note: Daylight is a precious commodity, therefor our schedule must be followed closely. Departure time is promptly at 8:00am so arrive a little before that. http://www.citylimosf.com/images/flt_15paxvan.gif Check this out! I'm renting the Party Van again to make the transportation shuttle much easier, so everyone needs to chip-in a crisp $20.00 to make it work. Payable to me via the Pay Pal button. http://www.arcytech.org/java/money/images/20_bill.jpg Hike Leader: John Drive Distance: 50 miles each way. Hike Distance: 26.6-Miles One Way. Elevation Change: Moderate Difficulty Rating: Strenuous due to length. All those completing this hike will be inducted into The Marathon Hikers Be a part of something big. This Hike is on OUR VERY OWN portion of the Palmetto Trail. RSVP now! For further information: Contact Me Call 513-0144 Thank you, John