Seniors across Kershaw County are invited to join the 22 Hike Challenge on the Palmetto Trail. These folks from Camden did just that as shown by this selfie taken by Cathy with (from left) Wanda, Peggy, Ken and Mary Jo. The challenge, as was the one in 2021 (the 22 Hike Challenge, of course), is sponsored by Palmetto Conservation.

According to Palmetto Trail contact Dawn Catalano, of Palmett Conservation, COVID “required a change of plans” as the isolation of 2020 continued into 2021.

“Our group of Camden seniors was looking an appropriate, legal, healthy outlet fo rour pent up energy. The 21 Hike Challenge happened at just the right time,” Catalano said. The group averages five people with an average age of 75, and are committed to the challenge and say they haven’t regretted that decision. “Well, maybe once,” Catalano admitted, 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.”

There were some overnight stays in the upstate at B&Bs and hotels to save driving multiple times to trails in the same geographical area.

“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,” she said.

The 22 Hike Challenge is a way to encourage everyone to get out the trail and explore. To join, visit palmettoconservation.org/events/palmetto-trail-challenge/.