1 00:00:06,900 --> 00:00:22,566 [theme music] 2 00:00:34,000 --> 00:00:34,800 Susan Collier:>> Our 3 00:00:34,800 --> 00:00:35,700 destination...Oconee State Park 4 00:00:35,700 --> 00:00:36,933 in the foothills of 5 00:00:36,933 --> 00:00:38,033 the Blue Ridge Mountains 6 00:00:38,033 --> 00:00:39,433 and a little South Carolina 7 00:00:39,433 --> 00:00:40,833 history at Keowee-Toxaway 8 00:00:40,833 --> 00:00:42,766 State Natural Area. 9 00:00:44,333 --> 00:00:48,233 [theme music] 10 00:00:49,933 --> 00:00:50,666 Susan:>> Hi, I'm here 11 00:00:50,666 --> 00:00:51,700 at Oconee State Park. 12 00:00:51,700 --> 00:00:52,666 I'm joined by Park Manager 13 00:00:52,666 --> 00:00:53,633 Andy Davis. 14 00:00:53,633 --> 00:00:55,300 Andy, we're at the waterwheel, 15 00:00:55,300 --> 00:00:56,700 and this site is actually 16 00:00:56,700 --> 00:00:58,133 a replication of what was built 17 00:00:58,133 --> 00:00:59,100 by the Civilian Conservation 18 00:00:59,100 --> 00:01:00,500 Corps. 19 00:01:00,500 --> 00:01:01,466 Andy Davis:>> That's correct. 20 00:01:01,466 --> 00:01:02,966 The wheel itself is the original 21 00:01:02,966 --> 00:01:04,400 wheel that supplied water 22 00:01:04,400 --> 00:01:07,833 for the CCC camp in 1935. 23 00:01:07,833 --> 00:01:09,900 The original rockwork is still 24 00:01:09,900 --> 00:01:11,900 on the Old Waterwheel Trail. 25 00:01:11,900 --> 00:01:13,733 It's a unique place to visit. 26 00:01:13,733 --> 00:01:14,633 Susan:>> It's someplace 27 00:01:14,633 --> 00:01:15,566 that we can hike down to 28 00:01:15,566 --> 00:01:16,500 and take a look at. 29 00:01:16,500 --> 00:01:17,300 Andy:>> Oh, yes. 30 00:01:17,300 --> 00:01:19,866 Susan:>> Okay. 31 00:01:19,866 --> 00:01:21,666 You have a lot of structures 32 00:01:21,666 --> 00:01:22,966 here at Oconee that were built 33 00:01:22,966 --> 00:01:24,800 by the Civilian Conservation 34 00:01:24,800 --> 00:01:27,100 Corps, don't you? 35 00:01:27,100 --> 00:01:27,966 Andy:>> Correct. 36 00:01:27,966 --> 00:01:29,566 We've got 19 cabins, 37 00:01:29,566 --> 00:01:32,033 the bathhouse, the offices. 38 00:01:32,033 --> 00:01:32,966 Most of the buildings here 39 00:01:32,966 --> 00:01:34,933 were built by the CCC. 40 00:01:34,933 --> 00:01:36,433 Susan:>> What time frame 41 00:01:36,433 --> 00:01:38,266 was that that they were here? 42 00:01:38,266 --> 00:01:39,900 Andy:>> The park was started 43 00:01:39,900 --> 00:01:42,233 in 1935. 44 00:01:42,233 --> 00:01:43,566 These young men during 45 00:01:43,566 --> 00:01:45,033 the Depression were given 46 00:01:45,033 --> 00:01:46,300 the opportunity to come work 47 00:01:46,300 --> 00:01:47,966 here in Franklin Roosevelt's 48 00:01:47,966 --> 00:01:50,566 Tree Army. 49 00:01:50,566 --> 00:01:52,533 They were paid $25 a month. 50 00:01:52,533 --> 00:01:54,333 They got to keep $5 a month 51 00:01:54,333 --> 00:01:56,100 to spend, and the rest was 52 00:01:56,100 --> 00:01:58,433 sent back home to their family. 53 00:01:58,433 --> 00:01:59,433 Susan:>> Wow...that's not 54 00:01:59,433 --> 00:02:00,633 a lot of money, especially 55 00:02:00,633 --> 00:02:02,833 for as hard as they worked. 56 00:02:02,833 --> 00:02:03,733 Andy:>> But at the prices 57 00:02:03,733 --> 00:02:05,466 back then, it wasn't too bad. 58 00:02:05,466 --> 00:02:06,466 Susan:>> It wasn't too bad? 59 00:02:06,466 --> 00:02:07,466 Andy:>> Especially when you got 60 00:02:07,466 --> 00:02:09,666 a roof and three meals a day. 61 00:02:09,666 --> 00:02:10,600 Susan:>> That's for sure. 62 00:02:10,600 --> 00:02:12,466 That whole time frame was 63 00:02:12,466 --> 00:02:13,700 significant in South Carolina's 64 00:02:13,700 --> 00:02:15,333 history of state parks 65 00:02:15,333 --> 00:02:17,066 and in our national parks too, 66 00:02:17,066 --> 00:02:18,333 but it really played a role 67 00:02:18,333 --> 00:02:19,400 in establishing the state park 68 00:02:19,400 --> 00:02:20,666 system here, didn't it? 69 00:02:20,666 --> 00:02:22,133 Andy:>> Most definitely. 70 00:02:22,133 --> 00:02:23,433 That's the reason we're here 71 00:02:23,433 --> 00:02:24,733 today, because of what they did 72 00:02:24,733 --> 00:02:27,133 back in the 1930s. 73 00:02:27,133 --> 00:02:29,033 It gave us our foundation 74 00:02:29,033 --> 00:02:30,800 for the state parks. 75 00:02:30,800 --> 00:02:31,933 Susan:>> If you come and visit 76 00:02:31,933 --> 00:02:33,500 Oconee State Park or any 77 00:02:33,500 --> 00:02:34,800 of the parks in South Carolina 78 00:02:34,800 --> 00:02:35,766 that may have been built 79 00:02:35,766 --> 00:02:36,666 by the CCC, or nationally, 80 00:02:36,666 --> 00:02:37,633 there's an emblem that you'll 81 00:02:37,633 --> 00:02:38,833 see on the buildings, 82 00:02:38,833 --> 00:02:39,800 so we know that was built by 83 00:02:39,800 --> 00:02:41,433 the Civilian Conservation Corps. 84 00:02:41,433 --> 00:02:42,566 Andy:>> Correct. 85 00:02:42,566 --> 00:02:43,566 There's a yellow emblem 86 00:02:43,566 --> 00:02:44,766 that would be on each one, 87 00:02:44,766 --> 00:02:46,100 and it signifies that this 88 00:02:46,100 --> 00:02:48,766 was a CCC-built building. 89 00:02:48,766 --> 00:02:49,833 Susan:>> That was some 90 00:02:49,833 --> 00:02:50,766 pretty hard work that they did 91 00:02:50,766 --> 00:02:51,633 here in these parks. 92 00:02:51,633 --> 00:02:53,066 My understanding is that 93 00:02:53,066 --> 00:02:54,533 everything that they built was 94 00:02:54,533 --> 00:02:55,866 with minimal amounts of tools 95 00:02:55,866 --> 00:02:58,466 and was done with materials 96 00:02:58,466 --> 00:02:59,866 they could find on the parks. 97 00:02:59,866 --> 00:03:01,266 Andy:>> Correct, 98 00:03:01,266 --> 00:03:03,366 or within the area anyway. 99 00:03:03,366 --> 00:03:04,800 The rockwork...most of the rock 100 00:03:04,800 --> 00:03:07,500 came from the Stumphouse Tunnel. 101 00:03:07,500 --> 00:03:08,800 Most of the wood came from 102 00:03:08,800 --> 00:03:11,800 the American chestnut tree, 103 00:03:11,800 --> 00:03:13,333 which had begun to die out 104 00:03:13,333 --> 00:03:15,933 during the turn of the century. 105 00:03:15,933 --> 00:03:17,533 That was a good resource 106 00:03:17,533 --> 00:03:19,300 for them to use. 107 00:03:19,300 --> 00:03:20,300 Susan:>> A great opportunity 108 00:03:20,300 --> 00:03:21,433 here to see some really neat 109 00:03:21,433 --> 00:03:22,833 old structures built by them. 110 00:03:22,833 --> 00:03:23,800 You mentioned the cabins 111 00:03:23,800 --> 00:03:24,900 were built by them. 112 00:03:24,900 --> 00:03:25,833 We can rent those cabins 113 00:03:25,833 --> 00:03:27,466 and stay here today, can't we? 114 00:03:27,466 --> 00:03:28,666 Andy:>> That's correct. 115 00:03:28,666 --> 00:03:29,833 We've got 19 of them. 116 00:03:29,833 --> 00:03:31,100 They've got all the amenities. 117 00:03:31,100 --> 00:03:31,933 They've got central 118 00:03:31,933 --> 00:03:32,900 air and heat. 119 00:03:32,900 --> 00:03:33,666 All of them have 120 00:03:33,666 --> 00:03:34,600 a screened-in porch. 121 00:03:34,600 --> 00:03:35,900 They've got fireplaces, 122 00:03:35,900 --> 00:03:37,200 everything you need. 123 00:03:37,200 --> 00:03:38,300 Susan:>> If you don't stay 124 00:03:38,300 --> 00:03:39,366 in one of the cabins, you can 125 00:03:39,366 --> 00:03:40,700 still come and spend the night 126 00:03:40,700 --> 00:03:41,966 or a week or a weekend 127 00:03:41,966 --> 00:03:43,733 here at a campground. 128 00:03:43,733 --> 00:03:45,066 Andy:>> We've got 140 RV sites 129 00:03:45,066 --> 00:03:47,100 with water and electrical 130 00:03:47,100 --> 00:03:48,933 hook-ups, and then there's 131 00:03:48,933 --> 00:03:50,100 15 primitive sites that you 132 00:03:50,100 --> 00:03:52,366 have to tote your gear in. 133 00:03:52,366 --> 00:03:54,133 They're a little more secluded. 134 00:03:54,133 --> 00:03:55,666 Susan:>> Accommodations 135 00:03:55,666 --> 00:03:56,900 no matter what your taste 136 00:03:56,900 --> 00:03:58,966 is for getting out. 137 00:03:58,966 --> 00:03:59,866 You can get away 138 00:03:59,866 --> 00:04:01,000 from it all here. 139 00:04:01,000 --> 00:04:02,533 When you are here, you've also 140 00:04:02,533 --> 00:04:04,133 got some great hiking trails. 141 00:04:04,133 --> 00:04:04,933 Andy:>> There are several 142 00:04:04,933 --> 00:04:06,600 hiking trails within the park. 143 00:04:06,600 --> 00:04:08,233 Some are easy, and some are 144 00:04:08,233 --> 00:04:09,966 moderate, and one or two are 145 00:04:09,966 --> 00:04:12,333 a little difficult. 146 00:04:12,333 --> 00:04:13,600 Susan:>> What are you going 147 00:04:13,600 --> 00:04:15,166 to see if we take off and do-- 148 00:04:15,166 --> 00:04:16,133 let's do one that's a little bit 149 00:04:16,133 --> 00:04:17,400 more moderate or easy here. 150 00:04:17,400 --> 00:04:19,633 What do we see? 151 00:04:19,633 --> 00:04:20,466 Andy:>> The easiest trail 152 00:04:20,466 --> 00:04:21,400 we've got, it goes around 153 00:04:21,400 --> 00:04:22,800 our swimming lake here. 154 00:04:22,800 --> 00:04:23,966 Around that you'll see 155 00:04:23,966 --> 00:04:24,966 the cabins are lined 156 00:04:24,966 --> 00:04:26,600 along the edge, as well as 157 00:04:26,600 --> 00:04:28,200 there's some beaver habitat 158 00:04:28,200 --> 00:04:30,600 in the upper end and a couple 159 00:04:30,600 --> 00:04:33,233 of footbridges to go across. 160 00:04:33,233 --> 00:04:34,666 Susan:>> That would be nice. 161 00:04:34,666 --> 00:04:35,733 Is there anything special 162 00:04:35,733 --> 00:04:37,033 to see if you get away 163 00:04:37,033 --> 00:04:38,766 from the park proper area 164 00:04:38,766 --> 00:04:40,800 and get out into the wilderness? 165 00:04:40,800 --> 00:04:42,033 Andy:>> There's several vistas 166 00:04:42,033 --> 00:04:44,400 that you would see on the trails 167 00:04:44,400 --> 00:04:45,533 that originate from here. 168 00:04:45,533 --> 00:04:46,966 Oconee County also has 169 00:04:46,966 --> 00:04:48,666 the most waterfalls of any 170 00:04:48,666 --> 00:04:53,166 county in South Carolina. 171 00:04:53,166 --> 00:04:54,666 Susan:>> Also, Foothills Trail 172 00:04:54,666 --> 00:04:57,566 originates here. 173 00:04:57,566 --> 00:04:58,566 Andy:>> Correct. 174 00:04:58,566 --> 00:04:59,766 The Foothills Trail starts here 175 00:04:59,766 --> 00:05:01,566 and goes to Table Rock. 176 00:05:01,566 --> 00:05:03,166 You'll need a good week, 177 00:05:03,166 --> 00:05:04,266 week and a half 178 00:05:04,266 --> 00:05:05,700 to make that trail. 179 00:05:05,700 --> 00:05:06,933 Susan:>> It takes some time, 180 00:05:06,933 --> 00:05:08,066 but I'm sure it's well worth it 181 00:05:08,066 --> 00:05:09,266 to take that trip. 182 00:05:09,266 --> 00:05:10,500 Andy:>> Oh, yes, it's beautiful. 183 00:05:10,500 --> 00:05:11,800 Susan:>> Here at Oconee State, 184 00:05:11,800 --> 00:05:13,200 you have some great 185 00:05:13,200 --> 00:05:14,333 accommodations and a lot 186 00:05:14,333 --> 00:05:16,000 of other activities here. 187 00:05:17,766 --> 00:05:20,666 [theme music] 188 00:05:31,633 --> 00:05:32,366 Susan:>> We're here at the 189 00:05:32,366 --> 00:05:33,766 Walhalla State Fish Hatchery, 190 00:05:33,766 --> 00:05:34,700 which is really close 191 00:05:34,700 --> 00:05:35,633 to Oconee State Park. 192 00:05:35,633 --> 00:05:36,733 We can't talk about all of 193 00:05:36,733 --> 00:05:38,100 the activities at Oconee State 194 00:05:38,100 --> 00:05:39,400 Park without talking about 195 00:05:39,400 --> 00:05:40,766 the fly-fishing you can do. 196 00:05:40,766 --> 00:05:42,900 Andy:>> That's correct. 197 00:05:42,900 --> 00:05:44,666 We're at the fish hatchery, 198 00:05:44,666 --> 00:05:46,266 and they are responsible for 199 00:05:46,266 --> 00:05:47,700 stocking the streams and rivers 200 00:05:47,700 --> 00:05:49,800 in this area, and they stock 201 00:05:49,800 --> 00:05:51,666 the park lake from usually about 202 00:05:51,666 --> 00:05:55,400 mid-October until mid-March, 203 00:05:55,400 --> 00:05:56,666 while the water temperatures 204 00:05:56,666 --> 00:05:59,266 are in the proper range. 205 00:05:59,266 --> 00:06:00,333 Susan:>> When they stock 206 00:06:00,333 --> 00:06:01,466 the rivers and lakes, it also 207 00:06:01,466 --> 00:06:02,633 helps to maintain the biology 208 00:06:02,633 --> 00:06:03,766 of the stream and increases 209 00:06:03,766 --> 00:06:05,200 the trout population. 210 00:06:05,200 --> 00:06:06,300 It provides some pretty good 211 00:06:06,300 --> 00:06:07,566 fly-fishing, and that's one 212 00:06:07,566 --> 00:06:08,733 of the activities Oconee 213 00:06:08,733 --> 00:06:10,566 is known for. 214 00:06:10,566 --> 00:06:11,900 Andy:>> That's correct. 215 00:06:11,900 --> 00:06:14,666 The hatchery here, 216 00:06:14,666 --> 00:06:16,666 they do a tremendous job. 217 00:06:16,666 --> 00:06:19,333 They're also doing it 218 00:06:19,333 --> 00:06:23,733 by helicopter--stocking. 219 00:06:24,300 --> 00:06:28,633 [helicopter rotors whirring] 220 00:06:29,566 --> 00:06:32,066 [water sloshes] 221 00:06:33,300 --> 00:06:45,900 [helicopter rotors whirring] 222 00:07:15,200 --> 00:07:21,600 [water babbling] 223 00:07:22,433 --> 00:07:23,300 Susan:>> I'm here 224 00:07:23,300 --> 00:07:24,100 along the East Fork 225 00:07:24,100 --> 00:07:25,200 of the Chattooga River. 226 00:07:25,200 --> 00:07:26,300 I'm joined by Dennis Duncan, 227 00:07:26,300 --> 00:07:27,500 better known as Dink. 228 00:07:27,500 --> 00:07:28,833 Dink, we were watching you 229 00:07:28,833 --> 00:07:30,133 do some fly-fishing earlier. 230 00:07:30,133 --> 00:07:31,733 While it looks like a lot 231 00:07:31,733 --> 00:07:33,500 of fun, it also looks like it's 232 00:07:33,500 --> 00:07:35,800 a pretty difficult thing to do. 233 00:07:35,800 --> 00:07:36,733 Dennis "Dink" Duncan:>> 234 00:07:36,733 --> 00:07:37,933 Not really. 235 00:07:37,933 --> 00:07:39,200 You get the right rod, 236 00:07:39,200 --> 00:07:41,133 which in my opinion, 237 00:07:41,133 --> 00:07:43,033 to fish a stream, would be 238 00:07:43,033 --> 00:07:44,433 a 3- to a 5-weight rod 239 00:07:44,433 --> 00:07:46,900 with a line to match it. 240 00:07:46,900 --> 00:07:48,166 You're throwing the weight 241 00:07:48,166 --> 00:07:50,333 of the line as opposed 242 00:07:50,333 --> 00:07:51,333 to throwing the weight 243 00:07:51,333 --> 00:07:53,533 of a lure in bass fishing, 244 00:07:53,533 --> 00:07:55,800 like with a spinning outfit 245 00:07:55,800 --> 00:07:57,666 or casting reels. 246 00:07:57,666 --> 00:07:58,800 You're actually throwing the 247 00:07:58,800 --> 00:08:01,333 weight of the line, the fly rod, 248 00:08:01,333 --> 00:08:02,933 and you just come back to the 249 00:08:02,933 --> 00:08:04,533 one o'clock position instead 250 00:08:04,533 --> 00:08:05,566 of going all the way back 251 00:08:05,566 --> 00:08:06,500 and watching your line pile up 252 00:08:06,500 --> 00:08:07,733 in front of you. 253 00:08:07,733 --> 00:08:09,433 You work your line out just 254 00:08:09,433 --> 00:08:11,000 from a one o'clock position 255 00:08:11,000 --> 00:08:12,666 till you're out the distance 256 00:08:12,666 --> 00:08:14,033 you want to be, 257 00:08:14,033 --> 00:08:15,133 whatever the case may be. 258 00:08:15,133 --> 00:08:16,566 In a small river like this, 259 00:08:16,566 --> 00:08:17,866 you'll never have out 260 00:08:17,866 --> 00:08:19,266 very much line at all. 261 00:08:19,266 --> 00:08:21,533 You can gain control. 262 00:08:21,533 --> 00:08:22,533 The best way to do it is 263 00:08:22,533 --> 00:08:23,333 practice in your front yard 264 00:08:23,333 --> 00:08:24,633 when you get you a rod 265 00:08:24,633 --> 00:08:25,766 before you ever start out 266 00:08:25,766 --> 00:08:27,066 and put a fly on the end of it. 267 00:08:27,066 --> 00:08:28,466 Susan:>> When we talk about 268 00:08:28,466 --> 00:08:29,700 fly-fishing, a lot of times 269 00:08:29,700 --> 00:08:31,366 we think about it in a stream 270 00:08:31,366 --> 00:08:32,700 or in rivers, but you can also 271 00:08:32,700 --> 00:08:34,433 go fly-fishing in the lakes. 272 00:08:34,433 --> 00:08:35,300 Dink:>> That's right. 273 00:08:35,300 --> 00:08:36,333 Susan:>> Will that be 274 00:08:36,333 --> 00:08:37,633 a different kind of a pole 275 00:08:37,633 --> 00:08:38,733 that you would use in a lake? 276 00:08:38,733 --> 00:08:39,900 Dink:>> It would. 277 00:08:39,900 --> 00:08:41,366 You could use this, but not like 278 00:08:41,366 --> 00:08:43,766 you would with an 8-weight rod. 279 00:08:43,766 --> 00:08:45,133 You need a bigger rod, 280 00:08:45,133 --> 00:08:46,533 because there's a good chance 281 00:08:46,533 --> 00:08:47,700 you may catch a bass. 282 00:08:47,700 --> 00:08:49,000 You're fishing for larger fish 283 00:08:49,000 --> 00:08:50,166 most of the time 284 00:08:50,166 --> 00:08:51,966 when you fish in a lake. 285 00:08:51,966 --> 00:08:54,100 I would say an 8-weight rod, 286 00:08:54,100 --> 00:08:56,933 8½ to 8 foot--well, 8-weight rod 287 00:08:56,933 --> 00:08:59,533 with a matching line again. 288 00:08:59,533 --> 00:09:01,833 You can throw more line out 289 00:09:01,833 --> 00:09:03,233 probably with that than you can 290 00:09:03,233 --> 00:09:05,800 a small 4-weight like this one. 291 00:09:05,800 --> 00:09:07,366 Susan:>> There's pretty good 292 00:09:07,366 --> 00:09:08,533 fishing up here. 293 00:09:08,533 --> 00:09:09,566 We were just talking about the 294 00:09:09,566 --> 00:09:10,533 fish hatchery and everything. 295 00:09:10,533 --> 00:09:11,433 You've got some pretty good 296 00:09:11,433 --> 00:09:12,933 trout fishing up here. 297 00:09:12,933 --> 00:09:13,966 If you're somebody like me 298 00:09:13,966 --> 00:09:15,200 who's never gone fly-fishing, 299 00:09:15,200 --> 00:09:16,533 could I come here and try 300 00:09:16,533 --> 00:09:19,566 fly-fishing on my own? 301 00:09:19,566 --> 00:09:20,466 Is there something I'd need 302 00:09:20,466 --> 00:09:21,666 to know before I came? 303 00:09:21,666 --> 00:09:22,866 Dink:>> Well, it would be best 304 00:09:22,866 --> 00:09:24,133 if you could get some 305 00:09:24,133 --> 00:09:25,733 of the locals that do fly-fish 306 00:09:25,733 --> 00:09:27,133 to go with you. 307 00:09:27,133 --> 00:09:28,300 Somebody in Trout Unlimited-- 308 00:09:28,300 --> 00:09:29,700 they come from all over 309 00:09:29,700 --> 00:09:31,500 the state to fish here. 310 00:09:31,500 --> 00:09:33,633 You can always find somebody. 311 00:09:33,633 --> 00:09:35,100 People will be helpful to you. 312 00:09:35,100 --> 00:09:37,366 If you arrived here by yourself, 313 00:09:37,366 --> 00:09:38,733 I'm sure you could get 314 00:09:38,733 --> 00:09:40,200 all the help you needed from 315 00:09:40,200 --> 00:09:42,366 anybody already here fishing. 316 00:09:42,366 --> 00:09:44,433 There'd be some bait fishermen 317 00:09:44,433 --> 00:09:46,033 here, but it's rare that you 318 00:09:46,033 --> 00:09:47,400 would come here and find that 319 00:09:47,400 --> 00:09:49,866 there wasn't fly-fishermen too. 320 00:09:49,866 --> 00:09:51,200 Susan:>> What is it that makes 321 00:09:51,200 --> 00:09:53,966 fly-fishing so appealing? 322 00:09:53,966 --> 00:09:54,933 We're seeing more and more 323 00:09:54,933 --> 00:09:56,166 interest in fly-fishing. 324 00:09:56,166 --> 00:09:57,866 What is so appealing about it? 325 00:09:57,866 --> 00:09:59,200 Dink:>> To tie your own flies, 326 00:09:59,200 --> 00:10:01,466 fool the fish into taking it, 327 00:10:01,466 --> 00:10:03,900 and managing to catch a fish... 328 00:10:03,900 --> 00:10:06,500 there's satisfaction in that. 329 00:10:06,500 --> 00:10:09,000 It's really something. 330 00:10:09,000 --> 00:10:10,300 Susan:>> You make all 331 00:10:10,300 --> 00:10:11,500 of your own flies. 332 00:10:11,500 --> 00:10:12,900 Dink:>> I make it a point-- 333 00:10:12,900 --> 00:10:14,500 I don't say this boastfully, 334 00:10:14,500 --> 00:10:16,666 but if I don't tie it, 335 00:10:16,666 --> 00:10:18,133 I don't fish with it. 336 00:10:18,133 --> 00:10:20,166 I've had people give me flies, 337 00:10:20,166 --> 00:10:21,833 which I put in a collection. 338 00:10:21,833 --> 00:10:24,300 It makes me feel so good to tie 339 00:10:24,300 --> 00:10:26,533 a fly that I catch a fish on, 340 00:10:26,533 --> 00:10:28,300 that I just vowed I was 341 00:10:28,300 --> 00:10:29,400 going to--the same thing 342 00:10:29,400 --> 00:10:30,500 with bass fishing. 343 00:10:30,500 --> 00:10:31,566 With my other fly rod, I'll do 344 00:10:31,566 --> 00:10:32,833 the same thing with that. 345 00:10:32,833 --> 00:10:34,066 Susan:>> What would you say 346 00:10:34,066 --> 00:10:35,366 to somebody that was watching 347 00:10:35,366 --> 00:10:36,600 this, and was saying, Wow, 348 00:10:36,600 --> 00:10:38,166 I'd like to go try fly-fishing? 349 00:10:38,166 --> 00:10:39,400 Dink:>> Give it a try. 350 00:10:39,400 --> 00:10:41,266 I think you'll like it. 351 00:10:42,166 --> 00:10:43,100 [theme music] 352 00:11:01,200 --> 00:11:02,033 Susan:>> We're at the swimming 353 00:11:02,033 --> 00:11:03,133 area at Oconee State Park. 354 00:11:03,133 --> 00:11:04,166 Andy, we were talking about 355 00:11:04,166 --> 00:11:06,166 all the activities at Oconee. 356 00:11:06,166 --> 00:11:07,500 The lake and the swimming 357 00:11:07,500 --> 00:11:08,466 is one of those big draws 358 00:11:08,466 --> 00:11:09,533 in the summertime. 359 00:11:09,533 --> 00:11:10,566 Andy Davis:>> Very popular 360 00:11:10,566 --> 00:11:11,800 in the summer. 361 00:11:11,800 --> 00:11:12,800 Cabins and camping... 362 00:11:12,800 --> 00:11:13,700 they love it. 363 00:11:13,700 --> 00:11:14,966 There are not many natural areas 364 00:11:14,966 --> 00:11:17,166 in the local area that have 365 00:11:17,166 --> 00:11:19,033 a protected swimming area 366 00:11:19,033 --> 00:11:20,566 with lifeguards on duty. 367 00:11:20,566 --> 00:11:21,766 Susan:>> One other thing, too, 368 00:11:21,766 --> 00:11:23,366 is we've got some pedal boats 369 00:11:23,366 --> 00:11:25,000 behind us. 370 00:11:25,000 --> 00:11:26,133 Andy:>> Pedal boats, johnboats, 371 00:11:26,133 --> 00:11:28,366 canoes, kayaks... 372 00:11:28,366 --> 00:11:30,366 it's all available for rental 373 00:11:30,366 --> 00:11:31,666 here at the park. 374 00:11:31,666 --> 00:11:32,766 Susan:>> A great opportunity 375 00:11:32,766 --> 00:11:33,900 to get out here and learn how 376 00:11:33,900 --> 00:11:35,133 to do some canoeing and kayaking 377 00:11:35,133 --> 00:11:36,366 if you've never done it before. 378 00:11:36,366 --> 00:11:37,566 Andy:>> Right, we've got 379 00:11:37,566 --> 00:11:39,033 a seasonal naturalist that's on 380 00:11:39,033 --> 00:11:41,233 during the summertime. 381 00:11:41,233 --> 00:11:42,700 Some of the courses that he has 382 00:11:42,700 --> 00:11:44,700 will be kayaking. 383 00:11:44,700 --> 00:11:45,833 Susan:>> That's great! 384 00:11:45,833 --> 00:11:46,800 You can get out here and learn 385 00:11:46,800 --> 00:11:47,866 how to do some of that. 386 00:11:47,866 --> 00:11:48,933 Andy:>> Yeah...especially 387 00:11:48,933 --> 00:11:50,200 before you go to the river! 388 00:11:50,200 --> 00:11:51,400 Susan:>> It would probably be 389 00:11:51,400 --> 00:11:52,500 a good idea to do it here before 390 00:11:52,500 --> 00:11:53,633 you hit one of those rivers. 391 00:11:53,633 --> 00:11:54,900 Andy:>> Definitely. 392 00:11:54,900 --> 00:11:56,166 Susan:>> Talking about some of 393 00:11:56,166 --> 00:11:57,166 the activities out here on 394 00:11:57,166 --> 00:11:58,133 this lake, I've got to guess 395 00:11:58,133 --> 00:11:58,933 that one of the others 396 00:11:58,933 --> 00:12:00,200 is probably fishing. 397 00:12:00,200 --> 00:12:01,666 Andy:>> Good fishing at times. 398 00:12:01,666 --> 00:12:04,566 There's bass, bream, catfish. 399 00:12:04,566 --> 00:12:06,800 One man caught a 25-pound 400 00:12:06,800 --> 00:12:08,466 catfish on September 1st 401 00:12:08,466 --> 00:12:10,000 this year. 402 00:12:10,000 --> 00:12:11,166 Susan:>> I guess he probably 403 00:12:11,166 --> 00:12:12,500 was pretty pleased with that. 404 00:12:12,500 --> 00:12:14,600 Andy:>> Very excited! 405 00:12:14,600 --> 00:12:15,766 The state fish hatchery 406 00:12:15,766 --> 00:12:17,266 also stocks the lake with trout 407 00:12:17,266 --> 00:12:20,966 during the fall and the winter. 408 00:12:20,966 --> 00:12:22,000 Susan:>> That's great. 409 00:12:22,000 --> 00:12:23,233 Get out here and do some trout 410 00:12:23,233 --> 00:12:24,633 fishing or maybe get lucky 411 00:12:24,633 --> 00:12:26,066 and catch one of those catfish 412 00:12:26,066 --> 00:12:27,100 that's that size. 413 00:12:27,100 --> 00:12:28,633 Andy:>> Oh, yeah, definitely. 414 00:12:28,633 --> 00:12:29,766 Susan:>> Talking about all 415 00:12:29,766 --> 00:12:31,166 the activities here, I had 416 00:12:31,166 --> 00:12:32,200 the opportunity--you and I 417 00:12:32,200 --> 00:12:33,333 went out a little bit earlier, 418 00:12:33,333 --> 00:12:34,533 and you were showing me 419 00:12:34,533 --> 00:12:35,566 how to do some archery. 420 00:12:35,566 --> 00:12:36,466 That's something I've never 421 00:12:36,466 --> 00:12:37,400 done, and you guys have 422 00:12:37,400 --> 00:12:38,400 an archery range here. 423 00:12:38,400 --> 00:12:39,400 Andy:>> Got an archery course. 424 00:12:39,400 --> 00:12:40,700 There's 18 targets on it. 425 00:12:40,700 --> 00:12:42,066 It is free to the public, 426 00:12:42,066 --> 00:12:43,166 and the only thing we ask 427 00:12:43,166 --> 00:12:44,266 is just follow a few simple 428 00:12:44,266 --> 00:12:45,366 rules posted at the range. 429 00:12:45,366 --> 00:12:46,533 Susan:>> It was a lot of fun 430 00:12:46,533 --> 00:12:47,766 out there trying that. 431 00:12:47,766 --> 00:12:48,900 Andy:>> Yeah. 432 00:12:48,900 --> 00:12:50,033 Susan:>> Another thing that 433 00:12:50,033 --> 00:12:51,266 you've got here at the park 434 00:12:51,266 --> 00:12:52,700 that isn't available at all 435 00:12:52,700 --> 00:12:54,000 state parks--it's unique 436 00:12:54,000 --> 00:12:55,066 to a few in the state-- 437 00:12:55,066 --> 00:12:56,433 and that's your carpet golf. 438 00:12:56,433 --> 00:12:57,700 Andy:>> Do have a carpet golf. 439 00:12:57,700 --> 00:12:59,366 It's not probably as elaborate 440 00:12:59,366 --> 00:13:01,566 as those at Myrtle Beach, 441 00:13:01,566 --> 00:13:03,100 but it's good family activity. 442 00:13:03,100 --> 00:13:04,033 Susan:>> You can get out 443 00:13:04,033 --> 00:13:05,800 and test your putting skills 444 00:13:05,800 --> 00:13:06,600 and kind of have some 445 00:13:06,600 --> 00:13:08,400 competition amongst the family. 446 00:13:08,400 --> 00:13:10,300 You also have a building here 447 00:13:10,300 --> 00:13:12,333 that's used a lot, 448 00:13:12,333 --> 00:13:14,133 and that's The Barn. 449 00:13:14,133 --> 00:13:15,766 Andy:>> The Barn is a basketball 450 00:13:15,766 --> 00:13:18,666 court-sized building. 451 00:13:18,666 --> 00:13:21,600 We have a local group of kids 452 00:13:21,600 --> 00:13:23,333 that come in once a week 453 00:13:23,333 --> 00:13:25,700 and shoot a few baskets 454 00:13:25,700 --> 00:13:27,033 and have square dances every 455 00:13:27,033 --> 00:13:29,000 Friday night during summertime. 456 00:13:29,000 --> 00:13:30,500 Susan:>> Oh, wow, 457 00:13:30,500 --> 00:13:31,666 square dancing...I bet that 458 00:13:31,666 --> 00:13:32,933 draws a lot of people out. 459 00:13:32,933 --> 00:13:33,866 Andy:>> It does. 460 00:13:33,866 --> 00:13:35,200 It's an activity that's been 461 00:13:35,200 --> 00:13:36,433 going on since 1942. 462 00:13:36,433 --> 00:13:37,900 It started off in what's now 463 00:13:37,900 --> 00:13:40,866 the office complex. 464 00:13:40,866 --> 00:13:41,900 Susan:>> So that's a tradition 465 00:13:41,900 --> 00:13:43,766 here at Oconee State Park? 466 00:13:43,766 --> 00:13:45,400 Andy:>> Very much so. 467 00:13:45,400 --> 00:13:46,400 Susan:>> That's really neat! 468 00:13:46,400 --> 00:13:47,933 Come out here to maybe do some 469 00:13:47,933 --> 00:13:49,633 square dancing or enjoy 470 00:13:49,633 --> 00:13:51,066 some of the other activities. 471 00:13:51,066 --> 00:13:52,233 If you want to just come relax, 472 00:13:52,233 --> 00:13:53,900 some of the structures that 473 00:13:53,900 --> 00:13:55,200 were built by the CCC that we 474 00:13:55,200 --> 00:13:56,400 haven't mentioned yet-- 475 00:13:56,400 --> 00:13:57,800 some picnic shelters out here. 476 00:13:57,800 --> 00:13:59,133 Andy:>> We've got four picnic 477 00:13:59,133 --> 00:14:01,033 shelters available for rental. 478 00:14:01,033 --> 00:14:02,733 They're first-come, first-served 479 00:14:02,733 --> 00:14:04,333 if they aren't reserved. 480 00:14:04,333 --> 00:14:06,600 Three are CCC structures. 481 00:14:06,600 --> 00:14:08,200 One of them is a log shelter 482 00:14:08,200 --> 00:14:10,600 built from American chestnut, 483 00:14:10,600 --> 00:14:12,233 which was a use of a resource 484 00:14:12,233 --> 00:14:14,566 that they had. 485 00:14:14,566 --> 00:14:15,666 Susan:>> Another great 486 00:14:15,666 --> 00:14:16,633 opportunity to see 487 00:14:16,633 --> 00:14:17,733 some of their structures 488 00:14:17,733 --> 00:14:18,900 and enjoy using some of those 489 00:14:18,900 --> 00:14:20,900 that are still in use at Oconee. 490 00:14:20,900 --> 00:14:22,566 When you come up to Oconee 491 00:14:22,566 --> 00:14:24,300 State Park and if you go 492 00:14:24,300 --> 00:14:26,100 to the office, the first thing 493 00:14:26,100 --> 00:14:28,166 you're going to see is a statue, 494 00:14:28,166 --> 00:14:30,166 a recent acquisition at the park 495 00:14:30,166 --> 00:14:31,566 that's a dedication to the CCC. 496 00:14:31,566 --> 00:14:33,633 Andy:>> It's a bronze statue 497 00:14:33,633 --> 00:14:34,866 that was dedicated 498 00:14:34,866 --> 00:14:36,900 on September 16th this year. 499 00:14:36,900 --> 00:14:38,700 It's just kind of a thank you 500 00:14:38,700 --> 00:14:41,500 and a commemorative to those 501 00:14:41,500 --> 00:14:43,600 that worked not only here 502 00:14:43,600 --> 00:14:45,933 at Oconee, but in the state 503 00:14:45,933 --> 00:14:48,266 as CCC workers. 504 00:14:48,266 --> 00:14:49,833 Susan:>> It's a beautiful 505 00:14:49,833 --> 00:14:51,166 statue. 506 00:14:51,166 --> 00:14:52,533 If you go beyond the statue 507 00:14:52,533 --> 00:14:54,633 and go into the office there, 508 00:14:54,633 --> 00:14:56,900 you guys have a small museum. 509 00:14:56,900 --> 00:14:57,866 Andy:>> Right, 510 00:14:57,866 --> 00:14:58,866 there's a museum. 511 00:14:58,866 --> 00:15:00,166 One of the things we're proud of 512 00:15:00,166 --> 00:15:02,133 is a bamboo fishing rod that 513 00:15:02,133 --> 00:15:05,500 belonged to Teddy Roosevelt. 514 00:15:05,500 --> 00:15:07,766 Then we've got 515 00:15:07,766 --> 00:15:09,633 a Maytag washing machine. 516 00:15:09,633 --> 00:15:11,566 It's a wooden washing machine 517 00:15:11,566 --> 00:15:13,566 that still works. 518 00:15:13,566 --> 00:15:14,700 Susan:>> Wow! 519 00:15:14,700 --> 00:15:16,066 That's pretty impressive! 520 00:15:16,066 --> 00:15:17,200 Andy:>> Yeah. 521 00:15:17,200 --> 00:15:18,300 Susan:>> You've also got 522 00:15:18,300 --> 00:15:19,833 some tools that were used by 523 00:15:19,833 --> 00:15:21,233 the Civilian Conservation Corps. 524 00:15:21,233 --> 00:15:22,300 Andy:>> Right. 525 00:15:22,300 --> 00:15:23,533 We've got a good collection 526 00:15:23,533 --> 00:15:25,033 of tools that were used. 527 00:15:25,033 --> 00:15:26,433 It shows you just what they had 528 00:15:26,433 --> 00:15:28,666 to deal with as far as trying 529 00:15:28,666 --> 00:15:31,100 to get these hand-hewn timbers 530 00:15:31,100 --> 00:15:32,700 done and all. 531 00:15:32,700 --> 00:15:33,833 Susan:>> It's a great 532 00:15:33,833 --> 00:15:35,300 opportunity to step back in time 533 00:15:35,300 --> 00:15:37,166 and see a lot of different 534 00:15:37,166 --> 00:15:39,100 things from another era. 535 00:15:39,100 --> 00:15:40,233 Andy:>> Right. 536 00:15:40,233 --> 00:15:41,333 Susan:>> Oconee State Park, 537 00:15:41,333 --> 00:15:42,566 it's a wonderful place 538 00:15:42,566 --> 00:15:43,666 to visit in South Carolina... 539 00:15:43,666 --> 00:15:45,000 a little bit of history 540 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:46,400 and pleasure with all of 541 00:15:46,400 --> 00:15:47,700 the Civilian Conservation Corps 542 00:15:47,700 --> 00:15:48,900 structures that are here, 543 00:15:48,900 --> 00:15:50,366 lots of wonderful activities. 544 00:15:50,366 --> 00:15:51,766 Be sure and put Oconee State 545 00:15:51,766 --> 00:15:53,800 Park on your list of places 546 00:15:53,800 --> 00:15:56,266 to see in South Carolina. 547 00:15:57,033 --> 00:15:58,400 [theme music] 548 00:15:59,133 --> 00:16:00,200 Susan:>> If you'd like to visit 549 00:16:00,200 --> 00:16:01,533 Oconee State Park, it's located 550 00:16:01,533 --> 00:16:03,200 12 miles northwest of Walhalla 551 00:16:03,200 --> 00:16:06,533 off S.C. 28 onto S.C. 107. 552 00:16:06,533 --> 00:16:08,933 For more information about 553 00:16:08,933 --> 00:16:17,433 the park, call 1-864-638-5353. 554 00:16:17,433 --> 00:16:18,433 Special events at Oconee 555 00:16:18,433 --> 00:16:19,833 State Park include a special 556 00:16:19,833 --> 00:16:20,800 4th of July Celebration