What makes me smile? My grandson, Coleman makes me smile. Spending time in any one of our Warm Places makes me smile. Spending time out in nature, especially with Coleman, makes me smile and feeling all warm inside. Coleman loves to spend time by the Catawba River. There are several different areas by the Catawba River we enjoy spending time at. This week we enjoyed spending time on a warm sunny afternoon at Riverside Park and Greenway. It makes me smile when I am able to watch Coleman having a Funtastic time playing by the Catawba River. On this day he was having a fabulous time playing in the sand along the banks of the South Fork Catawba River at Riverside Park and Greenway.
Here are a spattering of photos depicting some of what makes me Smile and Warm Inside in one of our Warm places.
The Misadventures to our Adventures began on Late Sunday morning, 2023 June 25th. Deciding not to use to much of my daughter’s gas (No car of my own), I chose to take my grandson to the South Fork Trail and Blueway Access to do some hiking. However, when we arrived, we encountered the Danger Trail Closed signs preventing us from hiking the South Fork Trail.
Upon seeing the Danger Trail Closed signs, we climb back into the car, and I search for where to go next to try to accomplish our hike for the day. I looked up the Carolina Thread Trail and it was closed for the day as well. The next stop on our Misadventure to Adventures was the McDonald Field at the Pharr Family YMCA. There didn’t appear to be a trail that we could hike at that location just a short Fit-Trail. Therefore, we decided to get back in the car and figure out where to try next.
Pharr Family YMCA(c)Deb L. Waters
After a short drive Coleman and I arrive at our fourth destination of the day, The South Fork River Park. This location looked more promising. So once again we climb out of the car, load ourselves with our backpacks (mine with camera equipment, his with snacks) and proceed to locate the trailhead. We found the trailhead with no problems and proceeded to hike on the natural surface trail which was approximately 1.25-mile loop trail and also included 800 feet of river frontage. The day was hot and humid; however, I believe Coleman enjoyed his time hiking by the riverfront.
Coleman enjoyed hiking by the river. He probably would have liked it better if I had allowed him to get in the river, but we were not prepared for that adventure. Even though this was a wonderful adventure, our day was not over yet.
On our way back to the car, Coleman heard some noise and thought we should investigate what was making the bleat or baaing sound. Located just across the road from the parking lot was a farm with several goats. I was not sure at first how close to allow Coleman to get to the goats. Turns out the farmer was out in the yard and heard Coleman approaching the gated area. The farmer was friendly and gave permission for him to pet the goats. He liked that idea but was a little shy about doing so.
This turned out to be a pleasant day even though it started out with a few mishaps. Once back in the car, the afternoon was still bright and calling for more adventure. I drove us to another park for more hiking and adventure. I will leave those tells for another day.
Fire ants 🐜 on Euphorbia rigida Common Name(s): Gopher Spurge Rigid Spurge Upright Myrtle SpurgeEastern Carpenter Bee 🐝 on Rudbeckia hirta, commonly called Black-eyed SusanBombus pensylvanicus, the American bumblebee, on Cosmos sulphureus , also known as sulfur cosmos and yellow cosmos. The differential grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis) is a species of grasshopper belonging to the genus Melanoplus. Leptoglossus oppositus a species of leaf-footed bug on a picnic table
Barn at Greenway Stables Entrance Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina Gazebo at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens Belmont, North Carolina Fort Mill Dam Fort Mill, South Carolina Old School in Watauga County, North Carolina [This is an old school my maternal grandfather & ancestors attended.]Elizabeth Freese Elementary School San Diego, California [This is the elementary school I attended from Kindergarten through sixth grade.]2912 E Street House San Diego, California [This is the home where I often visited my maternal grandparents]
This Artistic Door is located inside Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens building This one is located along the Garden pathway.As we walk along we encounter even more artistic doors A lovely painting. Each Artistic Door is accompanied by a card listing the artist.
Trees & Human Shadows on the TrailReflections & Shadows in & Along the Creek Shadows on Land & Reflections in the WaterShadows: Coleman & Alona combined shadow Shadows of Trees
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 