Throughout the month of July we have seen many Red Squares to pique our interests and delight us uplifting our spirits. Keep Calm you still have a few hours yet to join in and share your Red Squares.
Keep Calm Sign at Señor Frog’s in Cozumel, Mexico
I know myself and others have shared Red flowers in honor and in memory of Cee Neuner. What a beautiful way it has been to remember Cee in Becky’s #SimplyRedchallenge.
Call a friend and have some fun. Squaring may be almost over for now, but alas Becky will host another Square Challenge again before you know it. The time will pass quickly, however you can still join in on this one for a few hours more.
Pay Phone in Stone Mountain State Park Roaring Gap, North Carolina
Stop and enjoy a beautiful Red Sunrise …
Andrew Jackson State Park Lancaster, South Carolina
Red Sunrise
And Raise your flags proudly over the land …
United States of America Flag, North Carolina Flag & Gastonia Flag Warlick Family YMCA Gastonia, NC
Thank you Becky for hosting the Squares Challenge and challenging us with this month’s #SimplyRedtheme.
Located on the property of Anne Springs Close Greenway is the Garrison-Webb Grist Mill. The Garrison-Webb Grist Mill was established in 1780 and operated for approximately one hundred (100) years.
Garrison-Webb Grist Mill Sign
The mill was located along the banks of Steele Creek by Isaac Garrison and Theodoric Webb, who bought the land from Thomas Spratt. The mill was located near the first of four sanctuaries of Unity Presbyterian Church, a log structure built in 1788. This small collection of homes and other structures was named “Little York.”
The Garrison-Webb Grist Mill
In 1830, it was decided to name the town Fort Mill referencing the Indian Fort near the Catawba River and the mill, referring to the Garrison-Webb Grist Mill along Steele Creek.
The Rear of the Garrison-Webb Grist Mill
After extensive research archaeological evidence of the gristmill was found in the northwest section of the Anne Springs Close Greenway. Over the 100 years the mill was operational its ownership passed through to several owners, including John Springs and William E. White. The original mill burned down in 1889, and it is unclear if it was ever rebuilt.
The Spinning Water Wheel of the Grist Mill
In 2008, the Anne Springs Close Greenway began efforts to recreate the mill in its original setting. The mill was designed to have a moving water wheel, but the wheel was not attached to any gears and was never intended to actually grind grain. The Greenway was mainly intended as a learning opportunity and to honor the history of the industry in the region.
Visitors to the Anne Springs Close Greenway may visit the Garrison-Webb Grist Mill by hiking the Blue Star Trail beginning at the Blue Star Entrance to the Greenway. Once on the Blue Star Trail you’ll cross foot bridges and Steele Street (a paved public road) and continue down a hill to the mill, which was constructed in 1780.
Location: Garrison-Webb Grist Mill; Blue Star Trail; Blue Star Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic week. Get Outdoors and enjoy Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Domtar Forest Porch is located adjacent to the Greenway Gateway (often referred to as the canteen) and alongside the historic Nation Ford Road. It is surrounded by a canopy of trees which provides much needed shade and sometimes a cool breeze for a bit of rest and relaxation to bone weary hikers to enjoy.
Whether you come to the Greenway to hike, attend a concert, or just enjoy the beautiful outdoors, you might like to grab some grub at the Gateway Canteen and Pull Up a Seat in one of many Domtar Forest Porch sitting selections.
On Friday Coleman, his mom (Trisha) and I delighted in quenching our thirst with some iced cold water from the Gateway Canteen sipping them within the Domtar Forest Porch.
The Domtar Forest Porch serves as a gorgeous outdoor site for events nestled in nature. From wedding ceremonies, receptions and parties to picnics and retreats, this venue is perfect for gathering and enjoying the natural surroundings.
The Anne Springs Close Greenway hosts the Rooted Rhythm Concert Series every Thursday evening from the beginning of May through July. The Live Concerts provide a variety of musical artists and genres for guests to the Greenway to enjoy in the beautiful outdoors. There is a small charge for non-Members plus a small parking fee. Greenway members are free, however, if you’re parking at the Lake Haigler entrance you’ll still be charged the parking fee to help with the extra costs for the extra parking lot aides.
Domtar Forest Porch Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Coleman’s special day adventures began with a short hike through the🌲trees 🌲…
Coleman’s 6th Birthday Adventure
Next up on his special day adventures were a little bit of splash Funtime in the Greenway’s Spillway … but first he needed to cross the swinging bridge …
Greenway’s Swinging Bridge
Now to see his Splashtime Funtime …
Coleman’s Funtime 💦 Splashing 💦 in the Spillway
The water level of the Greenway’s Spillway was really super low, however, that did not prevent Coleman from cooling off and having a Splashing good time on his Special Day Adventure.
Location: Lake Haigler Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic weekend. Get Outdoors and Enjoy some Adventures. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Hope y’all have had a fantastic week so far. It’s Friday already and time for another Which Way Challenge. This week we are looking at(CWWC): Any which way with lines. This Challenge of Any Which Way with Lines will run for two (2) weeks. Remember your Which Ways should be clearly discernible. Signs are always welcome in your Which Way post. The photos can be ones you’ve taken recently or from your archives. Let’s all have fun!
Here are my Which Ways for this week’s challenge …
Walking alongside the South Fork Catawba River we gaze over the river and notice the lines of the trench leading to the river and in the tree on the riverbank.
Lines towards River and in the Tree
We progress further on our adventure by crossing the Goat Island Bridge which is filled with an abundance of horizontal and vertical lines.
Coleman standing on the Goat Island Bridge waiting for me to catch up.
As we move along the Disc Golf Trail the lines in the disc golf catcher can be readily seen. Looking up ahead is the fence line with both vertical and horizontal boards.
Coleman on the Disc Golf Trail
Moving on, time to permit a bit of playtime for Coleman. Notice the black lines formed by the playground equipment.
Coleman on top of a climbing apparatus in the Goat Island Playground.
The weather being hot and humid, we are reading to head towards home. Guess what? The sidewalk and parking lot are all filled with (yes, that’s right) lines.
Coleman behind the Lines
For enhanced/enlarged viewing click on each image.
Thank you to all who have supported and contributed to the Which Way Challenge this past week or at any time. Be sure to check out other Which Ways by clicking on the links below.
Location: Cramerton Fire Department; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Smile. You are loved. Take Care. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Taking a hike through the woods surrounded by encompassing trees is one of the most invigorating and inspiring activities one could experience and one I truly love to undertake as often and as long as I am able to do so.
I find peace and tranquility while I am hiking through the woods. It is a fascinating opportunity to admire and explore all the beauty nature has to offer. It is a time to renew the(my) mind, relax one’s(my) body, and recharge the(my) spirit within you(me).
“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”
All the ins and outs, the twists and turns of a trail remind me that my path in life is not always (or necessarily) meant to be a straight pathway on life’s journey. Only God knows what pathway I should be on and whether I venture off the path or not, God is always there to guide me through life’s trials and triumphs.
“It is a surprising and memorable, as well as valuable experience, to be lost in the woods any time.”
Whenever I go into the woods I seek to obtain peace and tranquility. The woods are an escape from daily routines and aggravation. The calmness I feel amongst the trees is overwhelming and enhances a sense of calming relaxation, reflection, and revitalization.
“In Every Walk With Nature One Receives Far More Than He Seeks.”
This adventure into the woods was a solo (Coleman was on 11 months at the time) outing I took to get away from the stress and tension within my environment. I ventured onto the trails in Kings Mountain State Park for some time in the woods communing with God and nature.
I hiked along the Lake Crawford Trail twisting and turning along the natural path enjoying the beautiful views along the way. I especially liked viewing the spillway cascading downstream and the amazing views looking out over Lake Crawford.
Click on each image for enhanced enlarged viewing.
Location: Lake Crawford Trail; Kings Mountain State Park; Blacksburg, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy nature’s beauty. Thankful for the freedom to be outside and in the woods. 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 and Altura UV & CPL filter attachments
Location: South Fork Catawba River; Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy all of Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Northern Cardinal is the official state bird of North Carolina. It was designated as such in 1943 by the North Carolina General Assembly. The bright red colour of the males feathers, black face mask and their distinctive crests make them easy to spot. The females are a duller reddish-brown with similar facial markings.
Cardinals display at The Schiele Museum of Natural History
The Northern Cardinals (also referred to as Cardinals or Redbirds) do not migrate and have adapted effortlessly to both suburban and city environments. They are the most abundant and cherished songbirds in North America.
Male Northern Cardinal
Cardinals are believed to be beneficial by providing services for the environment, such as keeping farms and gardens free of harmful plants and insects.
Cardinals are seedeaters that also eat insects, larvae, sap, and many types of fruit. They enjoy feasting on berries (even dried berries, cranberries, and raisins) sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, peanuts and cracked corn.
They have strong beaks adapted for cracking seeds. They eat seeds from a variety of sources, including weeds, grasses, and trees. Sunflower seeds, in particular, are a favorite.
Cardinals also consume a variety of wild fruits and berries, such as dogwood, wild grape, blackberry, raspberry, sumac, and cherries. They get important nutrients and sugars from these. Interestingly, the red pigments in the male cardinal’s plumage come from carotenoids found in the fruits they eat.
Northern Cardinal on our Wire
Cardinals thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, residential areas, and even parks. They are known for their loud, clear whistles and are territorial, often seen defending their space, even against their own reflection.
Hey you, I see you checking out my Feathers.
We often see Cardinals in our neighbourhood perching on wires, in trees, and checking out our bird feeder. Sometimes the wind will sway the feeder to and fro and seed will fall onto the porch railing or undeveloped planter box. This particular female Cardinal is enjoying a snack of sunflower seeds spilled onto the porch railing. Isn’t she just sitting prettily posing for me to capture her portrait?
What ya doing to me? This is not enough for my lunch. Ya gotta do better than this.
My high school mascot was Cardinals … these are recent renderings of the Cardinal for the Hoover High (San Diego) Class of 1974.
God Bless. Enjoy your week. Take time to commune with nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Carolina Thread Trail; South Fork River Trail; River Link Greenway; Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Capture Nature’s Beauty. 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 and Altura UV & CPL filter attachments.
Location: South Fork Catawba River; Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic weekend and week ahead. Get Outdoors. Stay Cool. Stay Strong. 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-S18-55mm lens
Location: The Garden in The Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Missing Cee. Stop and admire the Flowers. Capture their Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Forage King Bale Wagons/Retrievers are used for efficiently moving and stacking hay bales. At the Greenway Stables Entrance where a vast number of horses are stabled and pasteurized a huge amount of hay is needed to feed the horses.
The Greenway grows its own feed for the horses and other farm animals living in the Greenway. The Bale Wagon/Retriever helps the staff to load and unload hay at various locations in the Greenway. They minimize manual handling of bales, saving time and labor.
Hope y’all have had a fantastic week so far. It’s Friday already and time for another Which Way Challenge. This week we are looking at(CWWC): Any Which Way (Your Choice)They can be any type of Road, Pathway or trail you travel as you take a walk/hike. Remember your Which Ways should be clearly discernible. Signs are always welcome in your Which Way post. The photos can be ones you’ve taken recently or from your archives. Let’s all have fun!
Here are my Which Ways for this week’s challenge … our trail as we hiked to visit the horses at the Greenway …
Hiking down the dirt and gravel pathway past the hay bales and the cows in the pasture we reach one of several horse stables … we visit with all the horses in the stables before turning back towards the parking area.
The trail pathway is long, we did not go all the way on the trail as the recent thunderstorms created significant puddles and muddy areas. Remember signs are always welcome like this Privately Owned Horses … Do Not Pet or Feed sign.
There are a few more stable areas along the hike back as well as practice riding and jumping corrals.
Hiking along the trail with Coleman we pass by this barn where horses are tended to by loving caring Greenway Stables staff. Here you see the view we see from the trail.
Anne Springs Close Greenway Barn Greenway Stables Entrance
Below is a closer look at one of the barn doors.
Barn Quilt & Barn Door
And lastly, let’s get an enhanced view of the Red, White, and Blue Barn Quilt for one of two Squares for Becky’s #SimplyRED!
Red, White, and Blue Barn Quilt
Now for a child’s Barn “built” by Coleman. This Little Tike Barn & Farm set once belonged to his Uncle John who is pictured in yesterday’s #SimplyRED!
Cameras: 1-3) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF75-300mm lens; 4) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Locations: 1-3) Greenway Stables Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina; 4) Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, 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.
Location: South Fork Catawba River; Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy all of Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Crape Myrtle’s were introduced into the United States in the early 19th century. It gained popularity in the southern United States due to their ability to thrive in our warm climate.
Lagerstroemia indica
Crape Myrtle’s are referred to as the Flower of the South. It typically blooms from July to September when other types of plants are ceasing to bloom.
Aka Common Crape Myrtle Crape Flower, Crepe Myrtle, Indian Crape Myrtle, & Lilac of the South
The species epithet references its native origin in India. The common name is derived from the crepe paper-like petals and the bark and foliage features that are similar to the myrtle plant.
Dan Antion from No Facilities blog host’s Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge. This week he is continuing with his Perspective Challenges. This week is from a perspective of Up Close. This week I am combining CFFC with the Numbers Game using the Theme of Up Close.
Here are my Up Close photos I’ve pulled together for this week’s challenges.
Brown Bear Riverbanks ZooRiverbanks Zoo & Aquarium Columbia, SCCrotalus unicolor Aruba Island RattlesnakeColeman 2021 Lake Wylie, SCGalápagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis niger)Plains Zebra (Equus quagga)Sea Lion underwater ASCG HorseSea Lion underwaterPisgah Inn (me) Blue Ridge Parkway OctopusColeman visiting Greenway Horses 2021Koala Brachiosaurus at Carowinds ASCG HorseZinnia elegansAmerican beechZinnia peruvianaRocky Shoals Spider Lilies Landsford Canal State Park Feral Cat ZinniaColeman 2021Coleman 2025ASCG HorseEastern tiger swallowtailRudbeckia fulgidaColeman 2021Ebony jewelwing Calopteryx maculataLineberger ParkCarowinds
To play along, go to your photos file folder 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.
Hello Everyone! Welcome to my World. My name is Wish. I am an American Angus and Holstein crossbreed, born on February 18, 2020 at Anne Springs Close Greenway.
I lost my mom, Annabelle in September 2020 making me an orphan needing the help of humans to survive. Thanks to the staff at AnneSprings Close Greenway I grew up with human friends and horses in the Greenway’s Dairy Barn pastures.
Being a tenderhearted cow, I helped raise and nurture Billy. He was also orphaned and bottle fed by the Greenway staff.
In April of 2024 I was moved to the Crandall Bowles Children’s Farm at the Greenway’s Stables and Farm Entrance. I have made new friends both four-legged and human. My best friend is Clarabelle, a black and white Holstein cow.
I am really excited and waiting patiently to see y’all at Anne Springs Close Greenway’s Crandall Bowles Children’s Farm.
The Caladium bicolor(AkaHeart of Jesus) is typically grown as a houseplant for its large, heart or lance-shaped leaves with striking green, white, pink, and red blotching. [These Plants were planted in large landscape planters in and around Centennial Center in Downtown Cramerton.] It is alright to plant it outside in USDAHardiness Zone 10 as an ornamental.
The Caladium bicolor, called the Heart of Jesus, is named such as a nod to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a symbol of divine love in Christian tradition. The plant’s heart-shaped leaves echo the symbol of the Sacred Heart, making it a living embodiment of this spiritual icon.
Caladium x hortulanum (fancy-leaved caladium)
Caution: Caladium bicolor contains calcium oxalate crystals, making all parts of the plant poisonous to humans, livestock, and pets. If its sap comes in contact with the skin it may cause skin irritation. Ingestion of this plant may cause burning and swelling of the lips, mouth, and tongue, as well as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Be aware that if your pet consumes caladium your pet may exhibit vomiting. Other symptoms a pet may exhibit are drooling, pawing at mouth or face, and decreased appetite.
Caladium bicolor (Heart of Jesus) is pretty to look at, but it is extremely toxic if chewed or swallowed.
On Sunday, Coleman and I took a detour on our walk home from church. We stopped by the local Goat Island Park and Greenway to get a short hike in and permit him to play for a little while before heading back home.
A Stop at the Goat Island Playground
Instead of just using the main camera on my iPhone, I decided to use the fusion camera to do a bit of black and white photography.
The Calmness of the South Fork Catawba River
On Early Sunday afternoons we experience the Silent peaceful serenity surrounding the River and Trails.
Coleman sensing silent reflections in the South Fork Catawba River
While crossing the bridge over the river one can see the small white church we attended. All is calm and quiet as almost everyone has gone home.
Cramerton Independent Presbyterian Church as seen from the Goat Island Bridge
I have not been to the ocean in years, but we venture to lakes and rivers which are nearby. Here’s a look 👀 at our “Seasides”.
Myrtle Beach SeasideRankin LakeAndrew Jackson State Park Lake w/AlonaAndrew Jackson State Park Lake w/ColemanColeman by the South Fork Catawba River Riverside Park and Greenway
The Benches here are located within the Helix/R Pocket Park which is installed along the greenway off of Riverside Drive, near Downtown Cramerton. [This Pocket Park is just down our long block and across the road from where we live.]
Coleman’s seating choices on Benches at Helix/R Pocket Park
The Helix/R is a 20-foot tall abstract sculpture created by John Rietta, Soulptor. It was dedicated in Cramerton on Thursday, June 26 along the Carolina Thread Trail on Cramer Mountain Road. It is located in a brand new Pocket Park named the Richard Atkinson Plaza in honour of Cramerton’s Mayor Pro-Tem.
During the dedication The Carolina Thread Trail and the Town of Cramerton, North Carolina cut the ribbon on the Helix/R sculpture officially opening the small Pocket Park to the public.
Location: Horse Stables Greenway Stables Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Get Outdoors. Take a Hike. Visit a Farm. Enjoy all of God’s Beautiful Creations. 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 and Altura CPL & Star filter attachments.
Location: Riverside Park and Greenway; Old Town; Riverside Community; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy the Outdoors. Y’all are amazing and loved. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Hope y’all have had a fantastic week so far. It’s Friday already and time for another Which Way Challenge. This week we are looking at(CWWC): Any Dirt roads or dirt pathways or trails [Bonus if RED is included]. They can be any type of Dirt Road, Dirt Pathway or trail you travel as you take a walk/hike. Remember your Which Ways should be clearly discernible. Since the month is #SimplyRED for Becky’s Squares, I’ll be checking to see if y’all have any RED in your Which Ways. The photos can be ones you’ve taken recently or from your archives. Let’s all have fun!
Here are my Which Ways for this week’s challenge …
Coleman wearing RED on the dirt trails. Notice the RED on the Trail Signs.
Coleman wearing a RED South Carolina Gamecocks shirt while hiking on the North Steele Creek Trail
Coleman running back and forth on the Blue Star Swinging Bridge wearing a RED Shirt
Coleman and Trail Signs with RED
RED Jacket, RED backpack, RED on Trail Signs, RED Horse Blanket, and a RED car at Anne Springs Close Greenway
Coleman wearing a RED shirt in ASCG
Quite a number of my collages have RED in Squares so I figure this counts as Double as also included in #SimplyRED-Becky’s Squares
Location: Greenway Stables; Greenway Stables Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Enjoy the rest of your week and have a marvelous weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
One of my favourite places to visit for hiking and camping is Andrew Jackson State Park (AJSP) in Lancaster, South Carolina. It is considered a small State Park when compared to some others, however, it is beautiful, inviting, picturesque, and a wonderful peaceful environment to relax and explore nature.
When you arrive in the upper parking lot one of the first things you’ll do if you are planning to camp is to check in at the Office to confirm your reservation and your campsite is ready for you.
AJSP Office & Museum
Later, after you settle into your campsite or if you’re visiting for just the day you’ll want to be sure and check out the Museum and the School. They both are filled with historical relics and information about President Andrew Jackson and his history within the Carolinas.
One Room School House Lancaster, SC
The Meeting House (Aka the Community Building or Chapel) is styled after the churches or “kirks” of the Scotch-Irish in the late 18th-century. It is ideal for groups of up to 60 people and includes a kitchenette.
Chapel/Meeting House
Besides the history and historical artifacts located within the Museum and School, the AJSP has an historical garden. The Park holds two living history programs
#SimplyRED Coleman hanging out at the Playground Canada Geese at AJSP LakePanoramic View of AJSP Lake & Fishing PierAndrew Jackson State Park
Visiting Andrew Jackson State Park is a family friendly experience waiting to happen. Be sure to visit during the Andrew Jackson Birthday Celebration in March and/or the Life of the Waxhaws Lantern Tour in November.
Camera: Apple iPhones X, XR, 11 Pro Max, 13 Pro, & 14 Pro Max
Location: Andrew Jackson State Park (AJSP); Lancaster, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy the Outdoors. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura CPL & 6-Star filter attachments.
Location: Riverside Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take a Hike. Enjoy Nature. Admire the Beauty all around. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Hope y’all have had a fantastic week so far. It’s Friday already and time for another Which Way Challenge. This week we are looking atAny Which Ways with Any Type of Sign(s). They can be street signs, trail signs, or any type of sign you see in your Which Ways as you meander around your pathway or roadway.
Trail Signs at Carolina Thread Trail; Daniel Stowe Conservancy …
Signs on Side of Trail at Anne Springs Close Greenway …
For enhanced/enlarged viewing click on each image.
Thank you to all who have supported and contributed to the Which Way Challenge this past week or at any time. Be sure to check out other Which Ways by clicking on the links below.
Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; Canon EOD Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens.
Location: As Stated Above
God Bless. Take a hike. Enjoy a stroll through nature’s beautiful pathways and parks. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Summer for me used to be about Church Camp, Family Vacation, Beach Volleyball, Waterskiing with friends, however, times change … Life changes with the times.
Now Summer is all about Coleman (actually all my days are with Coleman), hiking in the woods, attending Downtown Concerts, watching Coleman playing with water in his Turtle, running thru the sprays of water from a hose trying to keep cool 😎.
Summer …
Water 💦 Play
Coleman in his Turtle
Fireworks
Cramerton Fireworks
Hiking & Sand Funtime
Coleman hiking through the woods to the Big Sand Area for Sand Playtime
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura ND & 8-Star filter attachments.
Location: Seen from Centennial Center; Fired from Goat Island Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Enjoy your week. Thankful for our Freedoms. Thankful for all of y’all. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura ND & 8-Star filter attachments.
Location: The Centennial Center; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Happy Independence Weekend (for those in America)! Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Good day! I trust everyone has had a wonderful week so far. Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). The theme isAny animal in your which way. Let’s see the amazing Which Ways y’all can come up with to display Animals in your Pathways, Sidewalks, Trails, Roads, or in any Which Way You Choose. Here are my entries …
Dogs on Trails or Pathways:
Turtles on & Seen from the Trail:
Bugs Encountered on Trails:
For enhanced/enlarged viewing click on each image.
Thank you to all who have supported and contributed to the Which Way Challenge this past week or at any time. Be sure to check out other Which Ways by clicking on the links below.
Cameras: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV & CPL filter attachments.
Locations: 1-9) Rocky Branch Trail; 10 & 12) Goat Island Park and Greenway; 11) The Trailhead Store, Belmont; 13-15) Seventh Street; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful weekend. Get Outdoors and enjoy nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week Terri has chosen a theme of Sunday Stills: Capturing the #Sun in Public Parklands in the Great Outdoors aiming to celebrate the summer and winter solstices which occurred on the 20th of this month.
Sunrise Sunset reminds me of an old song sung by Perry Como entitled Sunrise Sunset. [My dad loved to listen to Perry Como on 45 rpm records, of which I now own].
“Sunrise sunset, sunrise, sunset Swiftly flow the days Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers Blossoming even as they gaze Sunrise sunset, sunrise, sunset Swiftly fly the years One season following another Laden with happiness and tears”
The Sunrises and Sunsets flow from day to day and throughout the Years. One season following another, where does all the time go? Days, Years, and Seasons swiftly fly by filled with happiness and tears Like Sunrise Sunset.
Here are a few Sunrises and Sunsets from throughout the years …
2017
Sunset Pisgah Inn Pisgah National Forest Canton, North Carolina
2019
Sunset Andrew Jackson State Park Lancaster, SC
2020
Sunrise From a Caribbean Cruise Ship in the Gulf of Mexico (now called Gulf of America)Sunset From the 49 in Charlotte, North Carolina
2022
Sunset Seven Oaks Preserve Trail Belmont, North Carolina
2025
Sunrise Cramerton, North Carolina
For enhanced viewing click on each image to enlarge.
God Bless. May your week be filled with love, and Happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Plestiodon fasciatus, also known as the American Five-lined Skink, is a species of lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to North America. It is one of the most common lizards in the eastern U.S. and one of the six native species of lizards in Canada.
Calling it the American five-lined skink to distinguishes it from the African skink Trachylepis quinquetaeniata (otherwise known as five-lined mabuya).
They are small to medium in size, growing to approximately 12.5 to 21.5 centimetres (4.9 to 8.5 in) total length (including tail). The young American Five-lined skinks are dark brown to black with five distinct white to yellow stripes (this one’s are yellowish) running along the body and a bright blue tail. The blue color fades to light blue with age, and the stripes also may slowly disappear.
The range of the American Five-lined skink extends in the north to southern Ontario, Michigan and eastern New York. The western border is in Minnesota, Missouri and eastern Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas.
P. fasciatus is inclined to be most abundant on the coastal plain in the southeastern United States and along the Gulf Coast.
The American Five-lined skink is a ground-dwelling animal. It prefers moist, hardwood areas with a permanent water source such as rivers or streams, as well as sites to bask in the sun. [The church this skink visited sits along the South Fork Catawba River, so it didn’t have to wander to far to meander inside.]
The common five-lined skink’s diet consists primarily of a variety of arthropods, particularly spiders, crickets, beetles and other insects. However, they have been reported to also eat newborn mice, frogs, and other lizards. [Tiny frogs, beetles, spiders, and other insects are easily found along the banks of the South Fork Catawba River, easy feasts for skinks].
The Trailhead Store in The Village at Stowe is a cozy coffee shop nestled amidst the beautiful nature which is preserved through the Daniel Stowe Conservancy. The Trailhead Store specializes in brewing Jade and Elise Coffee. [I am not a coffee drinker so I cannot personally comment on the quality of those particular types of coffees, however, the coffee served here is highly recommended by many guests who have visited.]
The Trailhead Store Facing the Parking Lot
The Trailhead Store serves more than merely coffee. It offers a delightful array of refreshments, snacks, and provisions on top of coffee to fuel your outdoor escapades. It offers a wide assortment of fresh to-go meals, including sandwiches, wraps, salads, parfaits, vegan options and desserts, ensuring you stay energized throughout your outdoor activities.
Screened-In Porch
Guests may quench their thirst on their varied selections of coffee, tea, beer, and wine to delight your palate and enjoyment for both on-site and your to-go adventures.
Coleman at the Main Door to The Trailhead Store
The Trailhead Store offers a wide variety of seating options both in the screened-in patio and outside spread across the vast lawn where you may enjoy beautiful vulgar nature.
Grandma, you coming? Hurry up.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee run, a bite to eat, or just wanting a place to relax in a tranquil environment to study, read, write, or simply enjoy the beautiful outdoors surrounding the Store; it is a fantastic to place to stop by for a visit and even stay for awhile. Highly recommend stopping in and treating yourself, or someone else to some of their delectable food and beverages.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV & CPL filter attachments.
Location: The Trailhead Store; The Village at Stowe; Daniel Stowe Conservancy; Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful weekend. Take time to get out and enjoy nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) is a species of New World sparrow, a passerine bird in the family Passerellidae. It is widespread, fairly tame, and common across most of its North American range.
Aka The Chipping Sparrow
This bird is a partial migrant with northerly populations flying southwards in the fall to overwinter in Mexico and the southern United States, and flying northward again in spring.
It molts twice a year. In its breeding plumage it has orangish-rust upper parts, gray head and underparts and a distinctive reddish cap. In non-breeding plumage, the cap is brown and the facial markings are less distinct. The song is a trill and the bird has a piercing flight call that can be heard while it is migrating at night.
They mostly forage on the ground for seeds and other food items, as well as clambering on plants and trees, feeding on buds and small arthropods. Here in the East, they breed mainly in woodland, farmland, parks, and gardens. [We saw this Chipping sparrow as we left The Farmhouse on the way to The Trailhead Store.] Breeding starts in late April and May and the nest is often built in a tree.
The chipping sparrow feeds on seeds year-round, although insects form most of the diet in the breeding season. Spiders are sometimes taken. Throughout the year, chipping sparrows forage on the ground in covered areas,often near the edges of fields.
The Chipping Sparrow although common in the area is not normally observed by the Stowe Birding Club which track and monitor the birds using their bird houses strategically placed around the Stowe property. [This one Coleman spotted first a short distance from where we were walking. He loves to watch the birds and tries to keep a squirrel out of our bird feeder at home.]
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV & CPL filter attachments.
Location: The Village at Stowe; Daniel Stowe Conservancy; Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Looking up or looking down you might spot a bird fascinating enough to watch. Maybe even capture their likeness with your camera. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Last week we visited The Village at Stowe which comprises The Farmhouse Garden Center, Dog Park, Ponds (Big & Little), and also Trailhead access. After visiting The Farmhouse and The Trailhead Store we ventured out to the trails surrounding the Big Pond and Dog Park areas. We hiked the whole surrounding area of the Big Pond which estimated at only .35 miles, but with all our twists and turns and side jaunts it seemed much longer. After a short rest in one of the many seating selections outside The Trailhead Store, we continued hiking on the Carolina Thread Trail which if we had completed the entire trail would have been over 2.5 additional miles. [More on our Carolina Thread Trail (CTT) hike later].
This images depict the Big Pond from just about every angle as we hiked around it.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV & CPL filter attachments.
Location: The Big Pond; The Village at Stowe; Daniel Stowe Conservancy; Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a great rest of your week. Take a walk. Admire the beauty in nature all around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The Trailhead Store is a recent addition to Daniel Stowe Conservancy having just opened last year with The Farmhouse Garden Center opening in May of 2025. The Farmhouse Garden Center opening brought awareness to The Trailhead Store. [I was not aware of its existence until I read about the opening of The Farmhouse Garden Center and the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens name change to Daniel Stowe Conservancy].
The Trailhead Store is a cozy coffee shop nestled amidst the beauty of nature in The Village at Stowe. The Store is owned and operated by Daniel Stowe Conservancy. There is no admission fee for The Trailhead Store, The Farmhouse Garden Center opening, or the eight plus miles of trails on and connected to Stowe Property.
Although Coleman and I did not purchase anything in The Trailhead Store, we did look around to check out what it had to offer as well as the wide variety of seating options available to guests. The Trailhead Store’s outdoor seating consists of several rustic wood chairs and benches scattered around the lawn with magnificent charming views of the Pond Loop Trails located a short distance away.
There are so many choices for people to choose to Pull Up a Seat and relax (and naturally Coleman had to investigate them all) that I’ve elected to make this a two part post series (may be three if I add the seating at The Farmhouse Garden Center).
Here is my first edition to Benches, Chairs, and Other seating — Coleman’s Choices …
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV and CPL filter attachments.
Location: The Trailhead Store; Daniel Stowe Conservancy; Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have an adventurous week. Enjoy the Outdoors. Thank you for Visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 