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 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.
All my photography this week has been done with my Apple iPhone as we have been in transition, moving from one place to another and having to stay at another place in between locations further a week. Therefore, I am choosing a theme of Coleman in the Greenway fur this week.
Dale of The Cosmic Photo Challenge prompt is Freestyle this week.
Since this is freestyle week I decided to let you visit with me on one of the hikes Coleman and I took this past week. This hike was a little bit different in that we had my daughter, Coleman’s mom, along with us. On Tuesday we needed to be out of the home for awhile because a pest control company was going to come in and spray per the Complex management.
Therefore, we decided to go hiking in one of Coleman’s favorite places. The place we chose was Anne Springs Close Greenway about twenty minutes or so from our residence. Mind you now my daughter is not fond of hiking at all. When we arrived, we should them my membership card and proceeded to park. We thought Trisha, my daughter, was just gonna sit and relax near the canteen while Coleman and I hiked. It didn’t exactly go like we had thought. You see, Trisha brought her dog along with on our adventure ( he had to be out of the home as well).
Lake Haigler
Chewbacca, Trisha’s dog, decided he wanted to hike with us, therefore she had to tag along. We walked down to the lake and proceeded along the trail, Lake Haigler Loop, around the lake.
Haigler Loop
Coleman loves to run along the trail. I prefer a slower pace since I normally take many photos along the trail of the various sites we see. Often we observe different angles around the lake, seeing flowers, butterflies, sometimes turtles, bees, and even dragonflies.
Brazilian Vervain (Verbena brasiliensis)
At other times we see amazing reflections in the water.
Reflections in Lake Haigler
I love seeing various creatures feasting on the nectar of wildflowers her at the Greenway.
Black Swallowtail, Eastern Bumblebee, and Delta Flower Scarab Beetle feasting on Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis.
Further down the trail as we hike around the lake I notice what appears to be a shape of a triangle formed with the reflections in the lake.
Triangle formation from the water reflections. Surrounding Tree Reflections plus water shimmering
As we keep going I slow down observing butterflies flittering to and fro. Naturally I stop to snap a photograph. Meanwhile, my daughter’s trying to convince me to stop taking pictures. Guess what? She didn’t convince me, not one single solitary moment.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Pearl Crescent Butterfly
Next on our hike we come across a dragonfly and several turtles along the edge of the lake.
Widow Skimmer Dragonfly Turtles sunbathing on a log
By this time my daughter is tired and wants to get this hike over with. Naturally, Coleman and Chewbacca want to keep going. They’re enjoying the outdoors adventure. Hence, we keep chugging along.
Water Reflections Water Ripples
After awhile we decide to pull up a seat and relax a bit before finishing our hike. But first there’s more to observe as we near the picnic tables along the backside of the lake.
Trisha, Chewbacca, with Coleman leading the way. [He knows the trails better than most adults]. Ngaro Wīwi Priocnemis monachus delighting on Angelica genuflexa
Finally to a spot to snack relax near the water’s edge.
I hope you enjoyed trekking along with us on our hike around Lake Haigler. God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all.
The widow skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) is one of the group of dragonflies known as king skimmers. This species is found commonly in muddy substrates, or still bodies of waters such as ponds, lakes, streams, and creeks. They are predators that prey on other insects such as mosquitoes. They catch their prey using their legs and use their fangs to bring prey into their mouth.
This is my first time participating in XingfuMama’s Pull Up a Seat Photo Challenge. I hope y’all will enjoy my entries.
Seating outside the Gibson HouseSeating by the Farm Animals Picnic SEATING by Lake Haigler Seating with a Beautiful ViewColeman chose a Log for HIS SEATING place
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
The Anne Springs Close Greenway has a Hiking Challenge one can choose to participate in or not. I participated in the challenge earning mu Trail Passport certificate a year and a half ago in December of 2020. My grandson, Coleman, has been hiking the trails at the Anne Springs Close Greenway (ASCG) since March of 2021 when he was only a year and a half (1 1/2). A person earns the Passport Challenge certificate by completing all twenty-six (26) trails consisting of thirty-six miles (36) within and around the Greenway. There is a Trail Passport booklet that one can pick up at most any of the five (5) entrances to the Greenway. After completing a trail, initial and date verifying that you completed that trail. All the trails are listed in the passport. After completing all the trails, turn your initialed passport into the Greenway Gateway to receive your certificate.
Coleman exploring the Nature Center area prior to starting our hike.
While you are out on the trails, be respectful and remember the Leave No TracePrinciples.
Plan Ahead and prepare.
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors.
These are very important guidelines everyone should follow no matter which Greenway trail, State or National Park trail, or even a local trail you choose venture onto to for an awesome hike. My grandson being only 2 1/2 doesn’t understand all the rules yet. I constantly remind him to leave what is in the park in the park, what is on the ground must stay on the ground. He usually will pick up leaves, rocks, or sticks off the ground and I remind him to put them down that they have to stay in the Greenway.
On Sunday when Coleman and I went to the Greenway, we hiked 5 trails:
North Steele Creek Trail – This trail follows a portion of Steele Creek and connects two sections of Blue Star.
Blue Star Trail – Blue Star is the longest trail on the Greenway (7.8) miles. This trail is dividing into 5 sections, and it connects to nearly every trail on the Greenway. It follows portions of the Historic Nation Ford Road. [We hike 2 sections on this day.]
Muscadine Trail – This trail connects with Blue Star and Trestle Trail and Wagon Loop, Wild Azalea and Hickory trails. This trail is accessible from either the Lake Haigler Entrance or the Adventure Road Entrance.
Wild Azalea Trail – The main point of interest along this trail is Lake Haigler. This trail is accessible to hikers via either the Wagon Loop or the Haigler Loop. This trail connects with Wagon Loop, Muscadine Trail and Haigler Loop. One may use Billy’s Walk as a short cut between Wild Azalea and Muscadine to be able to view the Lake Haigler Spillway.
Haigler Loop – This is a very popular trail for most visitors. It loops around Lake Haigler, the largest scenic lake on the Greenway. It connects to Blue Star, Wild Azalea, Hickory and Timberline Trails and Wagon Loop.
We began our hike on North Steele Creek Trail and continued onto the Blue Star Trail. The Blue Star Trail led us to the Railroad Trestle. Coleman loves trains and was a little disappointed when a train did not pass overhead once we arrived at the Trestle. He has seen other Railroad Trestles, but this was the first time seeing the Trestle at the Greenway. Whenever he sees a trestle, he will say choo choo. He does not say train yet, but he says choo choo anytime he sees or hears a train.
The Blue Star Trail runs along one side of the Railroad Trestle and Muscadine runs along the other side. Upon leaving the Railroad Trestle area, we started on another section of the Blue Star Trail, across a swinging bridge on then ventured onto Muscadine to head back towards the Lake Haigler Entrance and the Canteen. On the Muscadine side of the Railroad Trestle, Coleman found an opportunity to get close to (and even in) the water. Being a hot and humid day, I did not object to him getting in the water. We skittered off of Muscadine and onto Wild Azalea which led us to Lake Haigler. Once down by the lake, we wondered over to the kayak launch area to obtain some information about renting a kayak on another day. I wanted to know if they had life jackets to fit Coleman. They assured me they did and informed me of the costs and for the length of time which you can rent a kayak. Coleman’s birthday is coming up later this month, so I will try to make it possible for him to go out on the lake in a kayak close to his birthday. He wanted to go out right then and there, but I let him know he’ll need to wait until another day. That we will try to kayak for his birthday.
Leaving the kayak launch area, he chose to hike part of the Haigler Loop before returning to the Rush Pavilion and the Canteen. Once at the canteen we refilled our bottles with ice and water. By this time, we had run out of drink from the 3 bottles we had on the trail with us and were in much need of replenishing our fluid intake. It was so good to just sit and relax for a couple of minutes before heading home.
God Bless. Stay Safe. Enjoy Nature. Thank you! And always remember I appreciate y’all.
Sunday was a sunshiny day It a a blistering 96° in the Piedmont area of South Carolina. My grandson and I visited the Lake Haigler Entrance of the Anne Springs Close Greenway for our morning adventure of hiking and enjoying nature.
Anne Springs Close Greenway
As we walk/hike the trails we observe nature and the beautiful plants and flowers we see as we stroll along. There are plenty of plants and flowers in the Greenway, you just need to slow down and “stop and smell the roses.”
Plants and Flowers
From the entrance we walked down past the Rush Pavilion to the Nature Center and placed a book in the Little Yellow Lending Library. From there we hiked down to the Swinging Bridge and strolled over the the North Steele Creek trail. The was the first time hiking this trail with my grandson, Coleman.
The North Steele Creek trail winds around the left side of a creek. It is 1.5 miles in length and connects to the Blue Star trail. We hiked the North Steele Creek trail, the proceeded onto the Blue Star trail. The entire Blue Star trail is 7.5 miles long. We only hiked the portion of Blue Star which led us to the Railroad Trestle. My grandson loves trains. Unfortunately, however, no trains passed along the trestle while we were there.
Flowers near the Railroad Trestle
After a short break resting on a bench just passed the trestle, ( much needed for replenishing our fluids and a snack for Coleman), we continue on Blue Star crossing another swinging bridge and onto the Muscadine trail. The Muscadine trail portion we were on leads back towards Lake Haigler and the canteen. The whole Muscadine trail is 3.5 miles long. We hiked Muscadine until we approached the Wild Azalea trail. The Wild Azalea trail is 1.5 miles in length.
Coleman showing the way to go
The Wild Azalea trail led us to the Lake Haigler Loop and to the kayak launch area. My grandson has now decided he wants to go out in a kayak one weekend ( the kayaks are only rented out on weekends.)
This was a long and tiring 6.6 mile hike ( at least for me.) After seeing the kayaks, my grandson got a burst of energy. Instead of going straight back to the Rush Pavilion from the kayak launch, he decided to stroll along a portion of the Lake Haigler Loop which passes by Lake Haigler. He loves the water, looking at it, playing near it, or if he can get away with it, playing in the water.
Once back at the Rush Pavilion canteen we had our bottles filled with ice and then filled them with water. We sat inside (his choice) to enjoy the color air and relax before heading home.
Flowers along the path to the parking lot. Anne Springs Close Greenway
God Bless. Have a safe and fun-filled fourth. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Today, Saturday June 4, 2022, is National Trails Day. National Trails Day is recognized to be the first Saturday in June. The day recognizes all the wonderfully incredible benefits the federal, state, and local trails provide for our recreation and exposure to God’s beautiful nature. In the United States, events are held nationwide to help and promote awareness for the numerous varieties of services the trail systems offer. The day encourages people from all walks of life to discover their local trails, become active concerning trail issues, and share their excitement for the outdoors.
Anne Springs Close Greenway Lake Haigler
On National Trails Day many people think first and foremost of hiking, however, trails offer so much more than just hiking. The trails provide access to various waterways for canoeing, kayaking, and paddling trips. Trails are also fantastic places which Birders may find excellent opportunities for birdwatching. It is also a great opportunity for those seeking to test their abilities to observe and study geolocation and enjoy geocaching. The trails are also used by cyclists and horseback riders. No matter which activity you choose, each activity pursued creates an opportunity to spend time in the vast outdoors and generate an excellent cardiovascular workout. Trail lengths vary per trail, most of the time I hike with my two-year-old grandson, so I tend to hike between 1.5 – 2.5 miles one way. When he is not with me, I might hike between 5-8 miles in a day.
National Trails Day Anne Springs Close Greenway 1,000 Mile Challenge
Besides the tremendous opportunities trails provide us, On National Trails Day take the time to thank the many volunteers, land agencies, trail developers, park employees, and rangers for all they do in helping develop and maintaining the trails.
National Trails Day is sponsored by The American Hiking Society. Take the opportunity to visit your local trails. It is a great opportunity to bring a friend along for some great fellowship. Try something new, you just might be glad you did. Go to a Greenway, national, state, or local park and discover new trails or activities. Be sure to show your appreciation to those that make all the trails systems possible. Always Remember to Leave No Trace, if your pack it in, pack it out. #NationalTrailsDay.
On this National Trails Day I chose to go to my local greenway, Anne Springs Close Greenway, to hike and participate in their 1,000 Mile Challenge. Anne Springs Close Greenway is located in Fort Mill, South Carolina. It has 36 miles within 26 trails that one can choose to hike, mountain bike, or adventure on horseback. This year the Greenway presented a challenge to all its members and the surrounding communities, to log a combined total of 1,000 or more miles of activities for #NationalTrailsDay. Those miles also include those who chose to do their activities on the water using a canoe or kayak.
Anne Springs Close Greenway 1,000 Mile Challenge
The last word I received (around 4pm); the Greenway logged over 1,365 miles across the Greenway and still more miles we to be logged in before end of day. Great job for #NationalTrailsDay!
God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all. Visit your local trails. Get outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Thank you, Debbie Zinsky Kiggans, for organizing and leading hikes today for #NationalTrailsDay and all year long.
Photos and collages are mine (c)2022@DebbieLWaters. The Photo of the 1,000 Mile Challenge I borrowed from the Anne Springs Close Greenway’s Facebook page.
This is Love the Greenway month for the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Today, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time at the Greenway with my grandson, Coleman. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, with no rain in sight. It was truly a blessing to get ourselves outdoors to enjoy nature and do a little bit of hiking.
Coleman — my hiking buddy
Anne Springs Close Greenway has 2,100 acres to enjoy and explore. It is a natural preserve that offers activities such as hiking, horseback riding, biking, picnics, and much more. They have 36 miles of hiking trails that can be used for hiking, biking, and /or horseback riding.
The Greenway also has a 28-acre lake. Lake Haigler has a fishing dock for those who like to fish. If you wish to fish at the lake, you must possess a South Carolina fishing license. The lake has beautiful views to enjoy, Geese swim freely upon the lake and occasionally come out of the water to greet you. You can observe turtles sunning on logs, or you can rent a kayak for an adventure of your own on the lake.
The top ten things to do at the Greenway for an enjoyable day with friends, family, or by yourself are as follows:
Eat at the Greenway Canteen – The canteen features a seasonal menu and offers local beer and wine for your dining pleasure. One can dine indoors or outdoors in the covered patio area. The canteen is located at the Lake Haigler entrance. The food is excellent, and I highly recommend it.
Live Music and Events (Seasonal) – Every Friday and Saturday evenings from 6-9 pm feature Sunset Sessions with live music on the Greenway lawn. Bring a lawn chair or bring a blanket and sit on the grass and relax and enjoy listening to a variety of live music. The Greenway holds special events like the Blue Star Blitz and Earth Day Celebrations. A fun time can be had by one and all.
Yoga – Yoga is offered two to three days a week. The workouts are taken place at the Amphitheater. Sessions are $12 for non-members, and 50% off for members.
Hiking – 36 miles of hiking trails ensure you will not get bored hiking at the Greenway. The trails range from beginner to intermediate and there are various points of interest to see as you hike. There are a few swinging bridges along the trails. The most popular Swinging Bridge is located at the Lake Haigler Entrance. The Loop around the lake is the most popular trail for hikers and is easily maneuvered by the young and old alike. My two-year-old grandson manages it quite nicely.
Mountain Biking – There are mountain bike trails for every level of bikers. You can bike on your own, take a beginner clinic, or have a private lesson. Just grab your bike, come on down and get to riding the trails. All the mountain bike trails begin at the Adventure Road Entrance. To ride your bike on the trails you must be a member of the Greenway or pay a minimal fee at the trailhead kiosk.
Mary Warner Mack Dog Park – This park in the Greenway features 12 acres of enclosed natural space for dogs of all sizes to play and socialize. It is located at the Adventure Road Entrance and is open seven days a week. At this time, it is open to Greenway members only. Amenities include a Dog-washing station, Hydration stations, and a mile-long off the leash trail.
Kayaking & Paddle Boarding – Located at the Lake Haigler Entrance. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available on weekends beginning in June. The cost is $15 dollars (Prices subject to change) for non-members and 50% off for members. If you own your own kayak or paddleboard, you are more than welcome to bring it on down and spend some quality time on the lake. Please only non-motorized are allowed.
Fishing – Offered exclusively for Greenway members.
Horseback Riding – The Greenway offers equestrian summer camps, group riding lessons, guided trail rides, and lead line rides. We took my two-year-old grandson on a lead line ride just before he turned two. He thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to do it again.
History – Nations Ford Road, and The Graham Cabin both hold significant historical ties to the area. When you come to visit you can learn more about their history.
Our afternoon hiking in the Greenway took place at the Lake Haigler Entrance. We started our hike by the canteen and proceeded walking down to Lake Haigler. It was a beautiful sun shiny day. We walked part way around the lake, past the kayaks, and over to the spillway, traversing the Billy Walk and Wagon Loop trails. We took a short jaunt on Muscadine Trail and back to Wagon Loop and Billy Walk. Then we hiked over to the Swinging Bridge where my grandson ran back and forth across the bridge. The swinging didn’t faze him at all this trip. The first time he walked on it he was scared, but that was a year ago.
God Bless. Get outdoors. Stop by the Anne Springs Close Greenway if you get to the Fort Mill, South Carolina area. If you, do you won’t be sorry. You’ll have a fantastic time. Thank You for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 