This blog is for my insights on life, the Bible, hiking adventures with my grandson and whatever is important to me
Author: Deb L Waters
I am an avid reader. I read mostly Amish fiction but also read other novels. I enjoy romance, mystery, and Christian devotionals. I enjoy hiking in the outdoors, especially in Greenways and State or National Parks. I love my grandson. He is my favorite subject, so I'll post about him and his antics.
U.S. Monument Kings Mountain National Military Park Blacksburg, South Carolina
The U.S. Monument in Kings Mountain National Military Park stands on the highest point in the park. It resides on Battleground Ridge in the northeastern part of the park’s and its highest point. It stands in line with the Centennial Monument (which you can learn more about by clicking here.
The U.S. Monument was constructed of white granite from the Mount Airy quarry in North Carolina. It towers eighty-three (83) feet high above Battleground Ridge and rests on a two-stepped marble base (16’ x 3” squared).
The obelisk’s interior is hollow and the white marble bricks are contrasted against black mortar. The diagonals of the obelisk approximately correspond to the four (4) cardinals of the compass. On each side of the Monument are bronze tablets that dedicate the Monument to the patriot victory at Kings Mountain. The bronzetablets discuss the significance of the battle, list the American and British commanders, and list the Americans killed in battle.
The U.S. Monument in Kings Mountain National Military Park was dedicated in 1909. Interestingly, the decision to erect an obelisk at Kings Mountain National Military Park reflects the cultural fascination with Ancient Egypt during the nineteenth century. Since the time of Ancient Egypt, the obelisk has been seen as a symbol of reverence, dominance, and patriarchy.
Each year on October 7th, the Park honours those who fought at Kings Mountain by holding a wreath laying ceremony at the U.S. Monument with a program held in the amphitheater at 3:00 pm, the time in which the battle began.
Click on image to enlarge. The featured photo shows the full length of the U.S. Monument in Kings Mountain National Military Park.
Cameras: Main image-Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment; Featured image-Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Location: U.S. Monument; Battleground Ridge; Kings Mountain National Military Park; Blacksburg, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Capture the beauty all around you. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Neighbours Trampoline; From our Backyard; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. May the Lord God bring a ray of Sunshine into your lives and Sonshine into your souls. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. Enjoy Nature. Get Outdoors. Have a fabulous week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
One, Two, Three Ducks running away from Coleman. Now that we live next door to chickens and ducks 🦆, Colemanhas a penchant for pursuing and chasing our neighbours chickens and ducks.
One never knows when Coleman will #PullUpaSeat or where he will #PullUpaSeat or what he’ll choose to #PullUpaSeat upon. It could be a chair, an outdoor fire pit, a Little Tyke Big Rig, or possibly a trampoline. Whenever he feels like Pulling Up a Seat, you can be one hundred per cent confident he’ll find something, somewhere to Pull Up a Seat.
This Friday (yesterday) was no exception. Here are Coleman’s choices …
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). This week I have chosen for thetheme – Any Which Way with Spring or Autumn Which Ways (Will Run for Two (2) Weeks [03.27-04.03.2026]) for this week’s theme. The Which Way can be any Dirt trail, road, pathway, sidewalk as long as the Which Way is clearly discernible. As always signs are always welcome.
For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
Here are my entries …
I’m starting off with a Springtime hike at Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. We entered Crowders Mountain State Park from the Boulders Access Point. After parking and gathering our backpacks with our water and snacks we checkered out the trail map.
We decided to hike the Ridgeline Trail. The Ridgeline Trail connects three parks, namely Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain State Park, and Kings Mountain National Military Park. The total length of the trail if you hike to all three is 15.1 miles with an elevation gain of 2,411 feet. The Crowders Mountain State Park section of the Ridgeline Trail is 6.2 miles long.
Coleman and I only hiked the Crowders Mountain State Park section of the Ridgeline Trail and then hiked back to the Boulders Access Point parking area.
Ridgeline Trail Boulders Access Point Crowders Mountain State Park Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Now that we’ve seen one of our Springtime hikes, let’s take a look at a variety of Spring Florals seen while hiking on various hiking trails.
Spring Florals on Trails
Click on each image to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
God Bless. Enjoy a stroll in the vast outdoors. Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Note: The theme for the next will be a continuation of CWWC: Any Which Way with Spring or Autumn Which Ways ( Will Run for Two (2)Weeks [03.27-04.03.2026]
Coleman and I have been visiting various churches in our area. According to Google the church at 2700 Crescent Lane in Gastonia, North Carolina is named Second Baptist Church. Google AI describes the church as “a community cornerstone that blends traditional and modern architecture to provide a welcoming atmosphere for its congregation.”
Welcome Pentecostal Church “The Great I Am”
We decided since it was in walking distance that we would visit and see if it would possibly be a church we would like to attend. Lo and behold, when we approached the church it did not seem to be as advertised or as stated by Google.
Iglesia Pentecostés “El Gran Yo Soy,”
The building no longer served as a place for worship by Second Baptist Church. The church is now called Iglesia Pentecostés “El Gran Yo Soy,” a Spanish Pentecostal Church.
Pentecostal Church “The Great I AM.”
Discovering that it was a Spanish speaking church I asked Coleman if he wanted to go back home. He said, “No, he wanted to go inside and attend the service.” So, we went inside. We arrived at 11am, the time when most of the churches in the area begin their services. Turns out Iglesia Pentecostés “El Gran Yo Soy,” doesn’t begin their services until 12 pm. The church is open before then for anyone to come inside and pray.
Iglesia Pentecostés “El Gran Yo Soy,”
Guess what. Coleman and I approached the front door and were graciously welcomed to go inside and worship with them. So we did, we went inside and took a seat near the back (not sure if we’d manage to stay for the whole service.) We were greeted (in English) by several people making us feel welcome.
Turns out waiting an hour for a service to begin isn’t that easy especially for an energetic six year old (let alone his grandma). Not everyone who went up from to front to pray prayed quietly as this gentleman was doing. After a while Coleman decided he had to use the restroom so we walked out to the foyer to locate one. He then informed me he didn’t understand the words they were singing or speaking. He understands a little Spanish but a a slower pace than what was being used. Because of that he decided he’d rather go back home than stay for the rest of the time.
Brian from Bushboys Worldis this week’s host for the Monochrome Madness challenge. He is challenging us to depictblack and white images of what we see when we look upon Roofs/(rooftops).
Well, what do you know, there are lots of different kinds of things that you can see on Roofs if only you Look Up.
Here are a few examples of what I have seen on Roofs when I have chosen to Look Up …
Including … Cats
Cats 🐈 on Rooftops (no one said it had to be a building roof) Lancaster, South Carolina
… Gardens
Coleman checking out the Schiele Museum’s Rooftop Garden
These two Images are of the Garden on top of the Roof at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina. On one of our many visits Coleman wanted to go up in the elevator to see what it would lead. So, we went. They grow many succulents in their Rooftop Garden.
… Birds of all kinds
Birds love Perching on Roofs
… Raindrops and Vents
On the Roof of a portion of Captain’s Quarters Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
… Men on Rooftop
Roofers on Rooftop Repairing a Roof
… And now for a Goat
Goat on Roof (Hey, it’s a building roof) Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
God Bless. Look Up. Be Observant. Amazing and beautiful things to see all around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Judy from Life Lessons blog hosts a weekly photo challenge called The Numbers Game.This week’s number is 239. Her instructions for playing along are listed below …
To play along, go to your photos file and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find under that number and include a link to your blog in Judy’s Numbers Game blog of the day. If instead of numbers, you have changed the identifiers of all your photos into words, pick a word or words to use instead, and show us a variety of photos that contain that word in the title.
Here are my contributions …
Please click on photos to enlarge.
From the Crazy Sister Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Live life to the fullest. Make lasting memories. Take Care. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
First I’m going to take y’all way back to 1974. We’ll be visiting the historic Queen Mary docked in Long Beach, California. (Dan, you didn’t say it had to be moving.) My family and I toured the Queen Mary the summer after my high school graduation. (Yep, that gives you a clue to how long I’ve been around.)
These are views from aboard the Queen Mary taken with my dad’s Minolta XG-7 35mm camera …
Aboard the Historic Queen Mary Long Beach, California
The next Views are from the Enchantment of the Seas Caribbean Cruise Ship taken with an Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max during a cruise in February of 2020.
Aboard the Enchantment of the Seas Caribbean Cruise Ship Gulf of Mexico (now Gulf of America)
Please click on photos to enlarge.
Hope you enjoyed our views from Ships on Water. Looking forward to seeing y’all’s.
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Scott Memorial Baptist Church Taken in February 14, 1976 San Diego, California
This image was brought up in my memories. It was taken at my friend’s wedding at the church we grew up in many years ago. Her and her husband have now been married for Fifty (50) years. Quite remarkable in this day and age. The church holds many memories for me, but the memories that are precious to me are the friendships that we made, the places we camped, the fellowships at Mission Beach & Mission Bay playing Volleyball. Those friendships have stood the test of time.
Location: Tunnel Trail; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Enjoy the Great Outdoors. Take a walk/hike in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
A couple of Sundays ago Coleman and I went searching for a new church within walking distance to attend. This particular Sunday we attended a local church called Unity Baptist Church.
It was not as I expected or imagined it would be. The building actually had two (2) sanctuaries. The first one we walked into is primarily attended by white folks of all ages. I noticed the majority of seniors sat in the back of the church. After sitting in the church for a few minutes I could guesstimate why they chose to sit near the back.
The music worship team had a band that played along with them. The volume was so deafening it made me cringe and cover my ears which due to the extreme loudness did absolutely nothing. They did have a children’s church that Coleman attended and it wasn’t too bad.
However, I couldn’t stand the extreme loud volume of the music or the speaker volume. The church is large inside with very few people in attendance. Playing music with the volume on the sound systems so ear piercing is not an excellent way to bring in people to a worship service. After a few minutes, I couldn’t take it any longer so I walked out.
Unity Baptist Church
The top two (2) pictures are of the sanctuary on the right of the church’s property. The “white” church with the loud music. The bottom two (2) pictures are of the sanctuary on the left. The sanctuary on the left had a nice beat to their music from what I heard from the outside. I approached the building and was invited inside.
Now mind you I didn’t really know what I was walking into. The music had a good rhythm and tempo, but there was one minor problem. The songs were not sung in English. I understood some of the words, but had to use translation on my phone to know the English words to the songs. It turned out the language being spoken and sung was Haitian.
Did I feel like I stood out in a “black” Haitian church? Not really (even though I was the only “white” person there). I was welcomed, greeted by those around me and I could feel the love of Jesus emanating from everyone inside the sanctuary.
Location: Unity Baptist Church/Haitian brothers and sisters; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. May the Lord God bring a ray of Sunshine into your lives and Sonshine into your souls. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. Enjoy Nature. Get Outdoors. Have a fabulous week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Who laid the lone egg 🥚 in our backyard? Was it one of the Black hens? … one of the the Brown hens? … or a white or yellow hen? We may never know. Our neighbours chickens tend to “jump” the fence and visit our backyard everyday. Should I cook it? Eat it? Maybe I will or maybe I won’t.
Location: Our Backyard; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Spread some love and kindness to those around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens
Location: The Rooftop Garden; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). This week I have chosen for the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026: Any Which Way with Paved Roads, Pathways or Sidewalks for this week’s theme. The Which Way can be any paved road, pathway sidewalk as long as the Which Way is clearly discernible. As always signs are always welcome. For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
It’s great to get outdoors and enjoy a stroll. It doesn’t matter whether you stroll through your neighbourhood, a park, the beach, or whether you stroll via your car, bicycle, motorcycle, or on foot. It is refreshing to enjoy the warmth of the sun, the wonders of nature, or the calmness a stroll can bring.
Here are some images of areas we have explored strolling about here and there …
Strolling to T. Jeffers Center Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Evening in the Neighborhood Taking A Stroll waiting for momT. Jeffers Center & Park Gastonia, NCT. Jeffers Center Gastonia, NCOh look, an Amazon Van Strolling down the road. Taking a Stroll through Kings Mountain A Stroll around the Parking lot. Kings Mountain National Military Park Myrtle Beach, SCStrolling through our Which Ways
Click on each image to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
God Bless. Enjoy a stroll in the vast outdoors. Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Note: The theme for the next Two Weeks will be CWWC: Any Which Way with Spring or Autumn Which Ways ( Will Run for Two (2)Weeks [03.27-04.03.2026]
We recently moved into a different house (on 2027.03.01) and already had to inform our landlady of a plumbing leak with the kitchen sink. It was leaking from the spray hose, the pipe joints under the sink, & the sink basket on the right side was rusted so terribly bad that it was leaking from it as well.
Our Landlady called a guy she knew of that lived done the street, however, that particular guy didn’t show up the next day after the initial meeting with landlady. We informed her that he didn’t show up to repair the leak. She calls back a couple days later informing us a different person would be coming out to “repair” the leak.
Rear Doors of a Brothers Plumbing Vehicle
Lo and behold, what we thought was going to be a simple “repair” of a kitchen faucet/sink leak turned out to become a huge problem with more issues than we ever expected or imagined. (Don’t worry, I’m getting to the Brothers Plumber in just a little bit.)
Turned out the piping was cracked, the previous sealant wasn’t applied or was improperly applied to the joints for the pipes. The “sink basket, basket strainer, strainer, etc. were all rusted, corroded, and the “plumber” (2nd person called) couldn’t get the sink basket strainer assembly off without removing the entire sink and pipes.
Are you understanding my meaning by saying it turned out not to be a simple “repair?) When this person tried to turn off the water valve under the kitchen sink it broke, so therefore, he called a “plumber” from BrothersAir (Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing). Guess what? The man fromBrothers didn’t do any better than the 2nd person. Oh, he replaced the water shut off valve alright, but he wasn’t much assistance when the entire sink was replaced. Now, let me back up a minute. The 2nd man went to Lowe’s and purchased a whole new sink, faucet and kitchen drain assembly with basket strainer and returned and installed it before the 3rd man (the Brothers Plumber) arrived. He stopped working on the repair after he broke the water shut off valve until the Brothers Plumber replaced the valve.
Side view of Brothers Van & doors.
When all the “new” pipes, sink, faucet, and entire drain assembly were attached, do you think that was the end of our problems? Yeah, you’re right it was not. Part of the pipes and connecting joint connectors were put on crooked and not fastened properly together which then meant we STILL had a leakage problem. Not only that, but then the 2nd person & the Brothers Plumber discovered a leak with the water meter (of course it was on the side for the property & not the city to fix.
Now you’re probably wondering what else could go wrong. With all these problems, the 2nd person was in communication with our landlady and her being frustrated (remind you a “simple” repair turned in a major repair) gave my daughter and ear full as if we were the source and cause for the leak the major issues with the repair after.
Now onto the next day. The 2nd man returned with yet another Plumber (4th man). You keeping all this straight? Kinda like the old saying “How many electricians does it take to change a light bulb?” except it’s “How many Plumbers does it take to repair a leak?” Well, with the addition of the 4th Plumber the pipes have been straightened, the joints (hopefully) properly sealed, and (hopefully) no more leak. [Note: the 3rd Plumber (the Brothers Plumber) charged the 2nd man $500 to replace the water supply (shutoff) valve & that’s about all he did other than help discover the leak at the water meter.
The 4th Plumber corrected the mistakes made by the other “Plumbers”, flushed out the drain/sewage system informing us the “Flushable” wipes are NOT really flushable or biodegradable as some brands claim. Turns out that Flushable wipes do not have consistent standards or regulations of the products. This 4th Plumber will return tomorrow (aka today, Thursday). He said he will double check that the sealant has properly sealed the pipes and no additional sealant needed (but if needed he’ll add additional). He said also that he will repair the leak at the water meter.
By my count it has taken Four Plumbers to repair a a leak with the kitchen sink. It has also cost a tremendous amount more dollars than it should have cost. The 2nd Plumber says he’ll take care of our first water bill (the water is still leaking at the meter (hopefully not after tomorrow.)
How could we be source of this problem when we’ve barely been in the house? Beyond our comprehension currently.
Do you think we would recommend this particular BrothersAirto anyone for any kind of service or repair? I absolutely think not.
Location: Our Residence; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take Care. Stay Warm (We’re back to freezing low temperatures). Be Grateful. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: The Garden in the Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Admire the Flowers and the beauty found in nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Dan from No Facilities hosts the Fun Foto Challenge at and this week he is asking for our Views from a Car. I have chosen to take you on an adventure of Looking Forward while Venturing backwards in time to Past Views from a Windshield.
Let’s begin with the Current 2026 …
The View to the Carolina Speedway Gastonia, North Carolina
2025 View in Charlotte, North Carolina …
Driving through downtown Charlotte
Now to the Past Views from a Car …
2017 …
Beautiful Views while driving the Blue Ridge Parkway (NC) (taken from the passenger seat).
2012 …
Views In Ohio’s Amish Country
Now to Traverse even Further Back in Time …
1979 …
Views while crossing San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge in California, USA
1973 …
Fixing to stop at a Texas Toll Booth
1963 …
Approaching the Toll Booth, The Dallas/Fort Worth Turnpike in Texas.
Nowadays you don’t need to stop, due to the digital age they just capture your license plate & send you a bill.
God Bless. Take an adventure. See some beautiful sights. Capture the Memories. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Veterans Wall Glencairn Garden Rock Hill, South Carolina
Veterans Memorial Wall … Army … Navy … Air Force … Coast Guard … Marines … POW/MIA
Veterans Wall Glencairn Garden Rock Hill, South Carolina
The Glencairn Veterans Wall honors the men and women who served in the military. The City of Rock Hill, South Carolina holds an annual event as a Tribute to Veterans. The annual event is organized y the City of Rock Hill and the York County Veterans Advisory Council.
In Jacksonville’s Lejeune Memorial Gardens …
Beirut Memorial Wall Lejeune Memorial Gardens Jacksonville, North Carolina
Lejeune Memorial Gardens are located not far from Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in Jacksonville, North Carolina. My eldest son and I visited the Memorial Gardens when I drove to visit him and my other son who was stationed at Camp Lejeune back in 2017.
Vietnam Memorial Wall Lejeune Memorial Gardens Jacksonville, North Carolina
Lejeune Memorial Gardens is a five (5) acre park which honors military service. The Gardens feature several memorials which include the Beirut Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Montford Point Marine Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial Beam, and the Corpsmen Memorial. We walked along the many walking trails as we were captivated be the various memorials. The memorials were tributes to significant events in United States history. To find out more about the Memorials and the Lejeune Memorial Gardens click here.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7(2000D) with Canon EF-S55/250 mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: Carolina Speedway; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Let God direct your life’s speed and journey. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Bill J. Motes, of Newport, North Carolina converted a Mazda Wankel Rotary Engine to use in a Coot amphibian aircraft in which he received recognition by the experimental aircraft community. Bill was satisfied with the engine’s performance, however, due to his developing crippling arthritis he was unable to fly his Coot aircraft for any extended period.
Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp Aircraft engine …
Twin Wasp Aircraft engine North Carolina Transportation Museum
The Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp Engine is an American air-cooled radial aircraft engine with 14 cylinders aligned in two banks of seven. The design for the Pratt & Whitney engine dates back to 1929, however, production didn’t begin until 1932.
An Interesting Note: The Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp Engine was used in eighty-nine (89) different types of commercial and military aircraft including B-24s, C-47s and the Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat, until it was phased out by Grumman.
Both of these Engines were engine’s Coleman and I saw during our visit to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in 2021.
Location: North Carolina Transportation Museum; Spencer, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have an adventure. Visit a museum. Take Care. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Sidewalk in Front; City of David; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. May the Lord God bring a ray of Sunshine into your lives and Sonshine into your souls. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Neighbour’s Trampoline; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Spread some love and kindness to those around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). This week I have chosen for the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) 2026: Any Which Way on a Nature Trail (Dirt or Paved) for this week’s theme. The Which Way can be any dirt or paved path, sidewalk, trail, or road as long as the Which Way is clearly discernible. As always signs are always welcome. For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
Coleman and I haven’t journeyed very far like some of y’all have, however, we do enjoy our adventurous journeys to Greenways, State Parks, and nearby National Parks. This past weekend we journeyed to Kings Mountain National Military Park for the sole purpose of hiking the Battlefield Trail.
The Battlefield Trail is a mere 1.5 miles long, but it seems a lot further when you’re hiking up hill on the trail, winding around the mountain, back and forth twisting this way and that way through the woods, hiking up and down continuously seems like you’re hiking forever.
The Battlefield Trail contains several story boards telling about the impact the Revolutionary War had on the Kings Mountain area and the Carolinas. It has monuments in various locations along the trail which have significant historical relevance to the Revolutionary War and the Soldiers who fought against the British. It is a semi-paved trail in natural surroundings.
After arriving at Kings Mountain National Military Park, Coleman and I checked out the museum prior to hitting the trail for our adventurous journey. Once we left the Museum/Visitor Center, we had to decide which way we wanted to go to begin our hike.
Do we go to the left or right?
We read the sign which indicated which way the Battlefield Trail was located. Therefore, we followed the signs directions and began hiking to the left. We ran across various signs along the way … some that instructed us on what not to do, some that told about a specific area, and a few that informed about park regulations or gave us hiking suggestions.
Battlefield Trail
Hiking along we see stone monuments dedicated to fallen soldiers, orange cones alerting us to dangerous areas, and Coleman discovers interesting places to Pull Up a Seat.
Sacred to the memoryof … Coleman Pulls Up a Seat on a logShoot Tree to TreeColeman Pulls Up a Seat on a Bench One of many Story BoardsBattlefield Trail
Hiking further up (and I mean uphill)along the trail we spot more monuments with information indicating their significance in history.
In Honor of the Three Known African-American Patriots…Coleman approaches the largest and tallest monument Coleman Pulls Up a Seat on a Monument This is a different monument Coleman is investigating In Honor of Lieutenant Colonel James Hawthorne …Coleman takes a break Pulling up a Seat on the TrailTo the Memory of Col. Patrick Ferguson …American Vanquished Battlefield Trail Directional SignThe end
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
Dan Antion hosts theThursday Doorschallenge every Thursday. All you need to do to participate is post a picture(s) of a door(s) and leave a link to your post on his current post.
For this week I am posting images of Doors in and around the Kings Mountain National Military Park Visitor Center & Museum.
First, we begin at the entrance to the Visitor Center …
Entrance Doors to the Visitor Center and Museum
Now let’s look at a couple of doors inside the Museum.
Not sure what this door, that Coleman found, was used for. However, He opened it up to check it out anyway.
Emergency Exit Only
And lastly, let’s check out to see what door(s) Coleman found outside near a trail.
Location: Kings Mountain National Military Park; Blacksburg, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a great rest of your week and a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
First signs of Spring are slowly sprouting up out of the old dry branches of the hydrangea bush in front of the house. It’s odd to see old and new life together, but it’s also wonderful and beautiful. It reminds me that God has made me a new creation …
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
“And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’And then he said to me, ‘Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.’”
God said it, and I believe it. He makes everything new, even the plants, flowers, … when He said everything, He meant absolutely everything is made new.
Location: Home Garden; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. May you be blessed with new adventures, new friendships, and an abundance of happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Coleman and I had the opportunity to hike Battlefield Trail (more on that later) on Saturday, March 7th. The day started out gloomy and overcast with the possibility of rain. Luckily the rain held off until we were back home. It ended up being around 76°F and humid. Not too bad for hiking weather except my glasses kept fogging up making it hard to see.
Below are the windows we saw as we were approaching the backside of the VisitorCenter upon completing the 1.5 mile Battlefield Trail.
Windows on the Backside of the Visitor Center
Kings Mountain National Military Park Visitor Center and Museum
National Park Service Visitor Center Kings Mountain National Military Park & Museum
Camera: 1-2) Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment; 3) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Location: Kings Mountain National Military Park; Blacksburg, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a fantastic week. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Our neighbours have several breeds of chickens in their backyard. They don’t always stay in his yard, sometimes they come a visiting. He has two or three Rhode Island Reds like this one and they tend to fly short distances until they are able to “jump” over the wire fence. When they do they are more than likely going to be caught by Coleman.
Our Neighbours Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red is a popular, hardy American chicken breed (a friend in Texas as some as well). They are known to be excellent producers of large brown eggs (approximately 6-7 eggs per week). Even though most individual chicken owners raise them for their eggs, they are also an excellent source of high-quality meat. It is said that the Rhode Island Red Roosters could be aggressive and not ideal for small children or neighbours. (I think our neighbours Rhode Island Reds must be hens, since hens are more friendly and they haven’t pecked Coleman yet.)
God Bless. Keep your eyes open for interesting photography opportunities. They maybe lurking about in the least likely places. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Coleman playing Hide-N-Seek … Behind the Monument Peek-a-Boo Coleman On This Site President Hoover Addressed An Audience of 75,000 At The Celebration Of The Sesqui Centennial Of The Battle Of Kings Mountain October 7, 1930
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: The Battlefield Trail; Kings Mountain National Military Park; Blacksburg, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic week. Take a hike and enjoy nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Cramerton Drugstore Landscape; Cramerton, North Carolina. USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Our new neighbours have chickens in their backyard. Sometimes they fly over the fence and wander around our backyard. While visiting with the neighbours, Coleman chased the chickens in between jumping on their trampoline. As you can see after several tries, Coleman caught one of the chickens. This one is a Silkie chicken; they are known for their fluffy, silk-like plumage. They are flightless, but they sure can run when being chased by a little boy.
Location: Neighbours Backyard; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take Care. Be Peaceful, Mindful, and Kind. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
We visited a new playground for Coleman … The T. Jeffers Center in Gastonia 1 mile away (3 minutes by car or 21 minutes walking) away from our new home.
T. Jeffers Center & Park
He ran around from here, there, and yonder so quickly it was hard to keep visual tracking of his whereabouts.
Playground at T. Jeffers Center & Park
Where in the Playground is Coleman? Can you spot him? If so, let me know where you see him.
Location: The T. Jeffers Center and Park; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take time to enjoy a few adventures. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). This week I have chosen Any Which Way (Your Choice) for this week’s theme. The Which Way can be any path, sidewalk, trail, or road as long as the Which Way is clearly discernible. As always signs are always welcome. For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
Here are my entries …
Entering the Carolina Speedway …
Carolina Speedway SignThe long line to entering the parking area. Walking to the Seating area at the TrackWalking to the Seating area at the TrackCee’s Which Way Challenge Any Which Way (Your Choice)
In between the regular Monster Truck Wars competitions the event held a Power Wheels Truck race featuring the littlest and youngest “Monster Truck” drivers. These images are from the Power Wheels Truck race.
Enthusiastic young driverMini Grave Digger Truck & driver Slowly approaching starting lineLining up & waving to crowd (Trio of Power Wheels)Roaring and rolling They are off … One, Two, Three … (not final order)Nearing the finish lineThursday Trios & CWWC
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
Dan Antion from No Facilities, the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC)has chosen to start a new series of related themes dealing with Tools and Equipment. This is the fourth week of the new series for Cee’s Fun FotoChallenge with Inventions which has a feature of Tools and Equipment.
Here are my entries …
Ridgid RB40 Jobsite Toolbox seen along the Rocky Branch TrailDewalt DWE7491RS – Job Site Table Saw w/ Rolling Stand, 10″, CompactStorage of Fire Extinguishers & other equipment Construction Equipment hard at work by The Schiele Museum Construction Equipment at Anne Springs Close Greenway CATERPILLAR 349F Crawler ExcavatorsVancer CWX20 HI-RAIL EXCAVATORCee’s Fun Foto Challenge Tools and Equipment
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Make some funtastic memories. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Monday was Coleman’s first day at his new school, Edward D. Sadler Jr Elementary. The school is named after Dr. Edward DeWitt Sadler, Jr. (1947–2018). He served as the first African-American Superintendent of Gaston County schools. He believed ‘All Children Can Learn.’
The school’s mascot is the Gators. The school celebrates diversity through their international teachers, who share their cultures and languages with students.
Coleman’s new school
This year the entire school is reading ‘The One and Only Ivan’ by Katherine Applegate. The school is encouraging families to read and discuss the book together as a family. The students will also discuss in their classrooms at school. Sadler Elementary encourages students to dream big, work hard, and celebrate what makes them unique.
After only a couple of days of Coleman being at the new school, we can already see an improvement in his attitude towards school, the encouragement from his teachers, and his confidence for learning has increased.
Location: Edward D. Sadler Jr. Elementary School; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a great rest of your week and a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Inside Chick-Fil-A; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Stop and smell the Flowers. Bring a Ray of Sunshine’s Beauty inside. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
On Saturday, we went to the Carolina Speedway to watch the Monster Truck Wars, America’s Wildest Monster Truck Show. Coleman didn’t know he was going until we arrived at the dirt track that he was going to be able to see the Monster trucks live and in person instead of on the television. (He loves Monster trucks and Dinosaurs, so this was a big win for him.)
Preston Collins (Shark Attack Driver) and Coleman
After the show Coleman was able to meet a couple of the Monster Truck drivers; including Preston Collins, the driver for Shark Attack. Preston Collins, 24 years old, is a monster truck driver out of Liberty City, Texas. He has driven several monster trucks which include:
His Monster Truck driving career began in January of 2023. He currently co-drives Shark Attack with Kayley Engstrom. They share full duties of driving Shark Attack regular version. Shark Attack is a custom Shark monster truck owned by Michael Harper.
Now that you’ve seen Preston Collins and Coleman and found out a little bit about him, let’s show you some of his actions while driving Shark Attack.
Shark Attack driven by Preston Collins Monster Truck Wars Gastonia, North Carolina February 28, 2026
You may have noticed all the smoke coming out of Shark Attack, he was allowed to show off his freestyle skills before the final face-off. Shark Attack was loosing momentum and engine power. By the end of his run his engine blew and he was not able to continue to compete in the final round of the competition. (Coleman thoroughly enjoyed watching all the monster trucks, but was enthralled with Shark Attacks actions, jumps, and spin-wheeling.)
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: Carolina Speedway; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Enjoy the thrill. Get Outdoors and have some adventures. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Brian from Bushboys Worldhosts a monthly challenge called Last On the Card. His rules are simple to follow if you’re interested in participating.
Here are The rules: 1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 30th or whenever your last photo was taken. 2. No editing – who cares if it is out of focus, not framed as you would like or the subject matter didn’t cooperate. 3. You don’t have to have any explanations, just the photo will do 4. Create a Pingback to this post or link in the comments 5. Use the tags The Last Photo and #LastOnTheCard
Here are my contributions …
From my Canon EOS T7 (2000D):
T-Rex Driver Monster Jam 2026 Carolina Speedway
From my Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max:
Coleman not to thrilled to meet his Grand Uncle Larry (aka my brother) at CLT Airport
God Bless. Enjoy your Winter/Summer days. Stay safe. Have a funtastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
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