Charlotte, North Carolina – Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography

2025 Thursday Doors: 04 December

Caterpillar 349F Excavator

Last week we visited the CLT Airport Overlook in Charlotte, North Carolina. While watching for Airplanes to take off or come in for a landing, Coleman noticed an Excavator and went over to the fence to take a closer look at it working in the construction area just a short distance from the playground area.

The CAT 349F Excavator is built with a powerful, 49-ton hydraulic excavator known for heavy-duty digging and earthmoving tasks. Its features a CAT C13 ACERT engine with advanced hydraulic systems for efficiency and precision.

*Coleman*
*watching the*
*CAT 349 Excavator*
*at Work.*

The CAT 349F has a spacious and ergonomic cab which is designed to be quiet and comfortable. It features air suspension seats and intuitive controls to reduce operator fatigue during long shifts.

Dan’s Thursday Doors-2025.12.04

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Construction site by Charlotte-Douglas International Airport Overlook; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 November #Shadows #27

CLT Overlook Playground

*Charlotte-Douglas International*
*Airport Overlook with Coleman*

Becky’s November #Squares #27

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Fusion

Location: Charlotte-Douglas International Airport Overlook; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Happy Thanksgiving! Have a fantastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Monday Window: 26 May — NASCAR #3 Windows

Kitty by a Window – 2
— AI creation by PR

Thinking about the Coca-Cola 600 today as I work on my blog; I am remembering a time when I took my granddaughter, Alona to Carowinds. She was fascinated to see Dale Earnhardt’s #3 NASCAR race car on display in front of the then “Intimidator” hypercoaster (now called “Thunder Striker”).

*Alona*
*Dale Earnhardt’s #3*
*Race Car*

The iconic “Intimidator” coaster ride at Carowinds opened with great fanfare in 2010. Carowinds had a long standing contract enabling them to license the name “Intimidator” through Dale Earnhardt Inc..

Carowinds “Intimidator” hypercoaster was renamed Thunder Striker after the licensing contract with Dale Earnhardt Inc. expired in December of 2023. The “Intimidator” carried its name for over a decade. The name “Intimidator” was the nickname for NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt.

Monday Window

Camera: Apple iPhone X

Location: The Intimidator; Carowinds; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Numbers Game #60 — 181

February 10, 2025

Judy Dykstra-Brown hosts The Numbers Game challenge each week. This week is Game #60 and the number is 181.

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 that include that number and post a link to your blog in my 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.This prompt will repeat each Monday with a new number. If you want to play along, please put a link to your blog in comments below. Here are my contributions to the album.

This week I am choosing to use a theme of Playground focusing on the CLT Airport Overlook playground in Charlotte, North Carolina. Coleman enjoyed playing in CLT Charlotte Douglas International) Airport Overlook’s Playground. He kept zipping to and fro checking out all the various playground equipment and all the unique places to Pull Up a Seat.

Judy’s Numbers Game #60-181

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2025-Week 6

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: CLT Airport Overlook Playground; CLT Airport Overlook; Charlotte Douglas International Airport; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Enjoy your day. Have a fabulous week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Cell Pic Sunday: 02.09

US Air Flight

1016 Memorial

The U.S. Air Flight 1016 Memorial honors the people who died on board the flight from Columbia, S.C. to Charlotte on July 2, 1994. The Memorial includes a plaque in memory of those who died or were injured and those who helped rescue efforts. The Memorial is located in a section of the CLT (Charlotte Douglas International) Airport Overlook in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The U.S. Air Flight 1016 crashed in Charlotte 30 1/2 years ago. During that horrific crash in 1994 thirty-seven (37) of the fifty-seven (57) people on board died. The people in Charlotte and the surrounding areas have not forgotten.

On July 2, 1994, the flight encountered heavy thunderstorms and microburst-induced windshear while attempting to land, and crashed into heavy trees and a private residence near the airport. The crash and ensuing Fire caused 37 fatalities and seriously injured 20 people.

The New CLT Airport Overlook Memorial was designed to represent Morse Code for CAE (Columbia) and CLT, the origin and destination airports for the flight. It includes a plaque in memory of those who died or were injured and those who helped rescue efforts.

This past Tuesday Coleman, my daughter Trisha, and I paid a visit to the CLT Airport Overlook to allow Coleman to play in the Overlook’s new playground. While there we also visited the U.S. Air Flight 1016 Memorial. The reverse side of the pillar about U.S. Air Flight 1016 lists the names of the thirty-seven (37) people who died in the crash.

John’s Cell Pic Sunday

Camera: Apple iPhone 16Pro Max

Location: CLT Airport Overlook; Charlotte Douglas International Airport; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Silent Sunday: February 9

*Coleman on a*
*mock airplane in the*
*CLT Airport Overlook Playground*

Silent Sunday

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: CLT Airport Overlook Playground; Charlotte Douglas International Airport; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a marvelous day. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Bloganuary Daily Prompt – January 24 (Posting on 02/09)

Name an attraction or town close to home that you still haven’t got around to visiting.

U. S. National Whitewater Center

The U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina has the largest the world’s largest manmade whitewater river and has outdoor activities all year long. Besides the Whitewater River area, the Center also has 1,300 acres of protected woodlands along the Catawba River. No matter your preference, the Whitewater Center offers a wide range of recreational opportunities to intrigue your interest for a
fantabulous experience in the great outdoors.

I have not done many water sports since my younger more limber and flexible days of my youth. What does perk my interests in visiting the U.S. National Whitewater Center are the forty (40) miles of trails designed for mountain biking and trail racing. You don’t have to ride a mountain bike or race on the trails to enjoy them. The 40+ miles of trails are a great opportunity for hikers as well. The trails are shared by hikers, runners, and bikers at all times.

The trails are natural surface and wind across the 1,300 acre woods of the Center. The trails run along the Catawba River and through hardwood and pine forests. The use of the trails are free not requiring an access pass, however, the Whitewater Center does charge $12 for a day parking pass and $40 for an annual parking pass.

I think Coleman and I would enjoy hikers some of the various trails at the Whitewater Center given the opportunity for warmer weather, costs and transportation to and from the Center.

For more information about the U.S. National Whitewater Center and what it has to offer click here .

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

F-4 Phantom II on Display at CLT Overlook

Retired U.S. Military Fighter Jet

CLT Airport Overlook

The F-4 Phantom II was built by the McDonnell Douglas Corporation ( McDonnell Aircraft Corporation). It was a supersonic, all-weather, twin-engine, two seat fighter-bomber and interceptor jet. It was originally designed for the U.S. Navy in 1953.

The F-4 Phantom II was the most produced American fighter jet. It had become a symbol of the Cold War. It was a formidable aircraft which played a pivotal role in military aviation from the 1960s into the 1990s.

The F-4 was designed around an all-missile armament system with the expectation that air combat would take place at a distance. Its combination of speed, range, and versatility made it a key player in air combat and ground support, leaving a lasting legacy in military history.

The F-4 Phantom II was retired from service in the United States Navy in the 1980’s. The F-4 Phantom II was also retired from the Royal Air Force in 1992. The last active duty F-4 Phantom II was launched from an aircraft in 1986. The last carrier landing of an F-4 Phantom II was in 1986. The last F-4 Phantom target drones were retired in 2004.

Pictured here is one of the F-4 Phantom II retired U.S. military fighter jet which is on display at the CLT (Charlotte Douglas International) Airport Overlook. With this exhibit one can learn about the Carolinas’ aviation history and the types of planes that fly in and out of CLT.

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: CLT Airport Overlook; Charlotte Douglas International Airport; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. I encourage you if you’re ever in the Charlotte area to visit the Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook. The views our amazing and children of all ages will love it. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Which Way Challenge (CWWC): February Week 1 — Any Which Way with Paved Pathways or Sidewalks

Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge (CWWC), I’m so glad you are enjoying this challenge. For this week I have chosen the theme of (CWWC): Any Which Way with Paved Pathways or Sidewalks. Remember to be sure your Which Ways are clearly defined. Remember signs are always welcome in your Which Ways.

Here are my Which Ways for this week:

*Sidewalks around the*
*CLT Airport Overlook’s Playground*

Paved Runway Strip (Pathway)
at CLT Airport Overlook

*USAir Flight 1016 memorial*
*at CLT Airport Overlook*
*(Paved Sidewalks)*

On Tuesday my daughter had a day off of work and decided to give Coleman a surprise. After he got off the school bus in the afternoon, she drove us to the Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) Airport Overlook.

In 2024 the CLT Airport Overlook underwent a major overhaul. This overhaul project cost a whopping $8 million. This is the fifth overlook for the Charlotte Douglas International Airport since 1937.

This New CLT Airport Overlook has two (2) age-specific playgrounds with shaded areas. Of course, being at the airport, the playgrounds have an airport theme including runway, a cargo transport vehicle, and a mini air traffic control tower.

The CLT Overlook also has a covered space with ten (10) covered picnic tables plus uncovered picnic tables and benches with LED lighting for pedestrian and parking areas. There are a couple of other features which I will discuss in an upcoming future post.

Which Way Challenge (CWWC)

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) Airport Overlook also; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a funtastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’al very much.

2025 Wordless Wednesday: February 5th

*Coleman and my daughter, Trisha Watching Airplanes taking off and landing at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook*.

Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Spatial Setting

Location: Airport Overlook; Charlotte Douglas International Airport; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 GeometricJanuary #7: 01.07

Airport Geometrics

*Charlotte-Douglas International Airport*

My daughter snapped this photo while at the airport the day after New Year’s Day. It seems like a Geometric Field of wondrous shapes and objects.

Becky’s GeometricJanuary

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Plus

Location: Charlotte-Douglas International Airport; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

Good Bless. Take time to be Grateful. Appreciate your Blessings. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Coleman’s Fascination with Watching “Flychines” Fly

Coleman has been fascinated with “Flychines” (better known as Airplanes) since he was about two (2) years old. He loves to watch “Flychines” fly through the skies. He enjoys watching them takeoff and land whenever possible. Yesterday he had a terrific view and ability to observe “Flychines” flying into Charlotte-Douglas International Airport while his mom was working at the airport.,

https://videopress.com/v/ZbdkZ7te?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

Airplanes ✈️ Flying into
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport

The video was created through Google Photos Highlight Video creator. In watching this video you’ll be able to see what Coleman was seeing and possibly understand his fascination with “Flychines.” Be sure to look closely, if you do you might just notice the windows on the Airplanes.

Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge – Fascination

Debbie’s Six Word Saturday

Ludwig’s Monday Window

Monday Window

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Charlotte-Douglas International Airport; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Words for Thought #25

Beautiful Sunset
Charlotte, North Carolina

Think About It Tuesday

God Bless. Thank you for visiting. Have a wonderful week and enjoy the Outdoors. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.

Camera: Minolta XG-7 35 mm

Location: Huntersville Oaks; Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.

Wordless Wednesday: 11.22

***Painting***
***located at the***
***Billy Graham Library***

Hugh’s Wordless Wednesday

Location: Billy Graham Library; 4330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA 28217-1001

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all.

Mid-Week Monochrome Challenge #126_Camp Snoopy

Camp Snoopy is a Peanuts-themed area for children at several Cedar Fair amusement parks. Camp Snoopy was first introduced at Knott’s Berry Farm in 1983. This was the first amusement park with a section dedicated to children under 12 years old.

On March 20, 2018 Carowinds opened its gates to its youngest guests as the stars. Carowinds has transformed its kids’ area into the new Camp Snoopy.

Camp Snoopy has a variety of attractions. In addition to the kid-sized rides, there are shows featuring the characters from Peanuts, and the Camp Depot, where you can shop and dine.

***Snoopy***
***and my granddaughter,***
***Alona***

These photos were taken on August 1, 2018 when I took my granddaughter to Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina about a half hour from where we lived. This was the year Carowinds introduced the Pre-K pass. The Pre-K pass allows children between the ages of three to five to visit the park for free with an accompanying paid adult.

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Bren’s Mid-Week Monochrome

Caterpillar 349F Excavator

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CLT Overlook Playground

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