Looking through my photos I ran across a bench from one of our hiking adventures I don’t think I’ve shared before, so I thought I would share it today.
As stated in my Monochrome Madness post, Coleman and I saw several horse owners at Anne Springs Close Greenway taking advantage of a beautiful afternoon to enjoy riding their horses on the trails.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: Dogwood Trail; Greenway Stables Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Enjoy your weekend. Spend time Outdoors and admire Nature’s beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
American Beautyberry is a woody deciduous, perennial shrub native to the southeastern United States including the Carolinas.
Clusters of small flowers bloom on the late spring and early summer. However, what you are seeing here are clusters of vibrant purple berries in the Carolinas that peak in late summer through autumn (August to November). The vibrant berries often persist into early winter providing significant food for birds and wildlife, making it a quintessential fall shrub for the region. The colors vary; most common is the vivid purple, though white and pink varieties exist.
American Beautyberry
The American Beautyberry offers many ecological services. How might you ask does it work? Its seeds and berries provide an important food source for a tremendous amount of songbirds of America. Some of those include American robin, brown thrasher, northern bobwhite, purple finch and eastern towhee. It is also a nectar source for butterflies and has fragrant foliage.
What I found interesting is that the American Beautyberry has been used by farmers successfully since at least the early 20th century to repel biting bugs from mules and horses by rubbing it on their coats and under harnesses. Why did I found this information so fascinating? The location of this particular American Beautyberry shrub is located near the horse stables at Anne Springs Close Greenway.
While visiting the horses on an outing to the Greenway, it seemed like this particular horse was posing for us showing us every possible angle.
Watching us walking up
The horse was tethered to the railing across from the Historic Tack Shed waiting patiently for its rider to return.
Checking us out; Giving us a Frontal Headshot
Almost all the horses stabled at the Greenway are privately owned and cared for by their owners. If asked a lot of the owners will allow you to gently pet the horse.
Turns so we can capture the Right Side
I found it fascinating how the horse would first turn one way and then another as if showing off all of its beautiful features.
Location: By the Historic Tack Shed waiting; Greenway Farm and Stables Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a terrific week. Enjoy the outdoors. Admire Nature’s beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Gibson House; Greenway Stables 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.
When hiking at Anne Springs Close Greenway there are occasions when you come to an intersection of sorts where more than two trails cross paths. Here Paradise Loop, Tunnel Trail, and Blue Star Trails connect. If you are Red not familiar with the trails, you might want to pick up a trail map at the entrance to the Greenway to help guide you along the trails as you hike. At this three-way crossing, you may continue on the trail (such as Paradise Trail) you are already hiking on or, if desired, you may switch to one of the other trails for further exploration and hiking.
Adventure Road Entrance Paradise Loop, Tunnel Trail, Blue Star Trail Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Looking at the photo you may wonder where the third hiker is located. It is simple really, behind the camera of course.
1. When you look out of your kitchen window, what do you see?
When I look out the kitchen window I see a vast expanse of overcast skies verging into partly cloudy with the sun trying to peek through and not succeeding lately. Overlookingthe first impressions on the horizon I trees the trees across the road stirring to and fro giving strength to the winds crossing through our area.
2. When was the last time you used public transport?
The last time I used public transportation was the day before Thanksgiving. Since then it has been raining and cold most days and Coleman and I haven’t featured out to the bus stop. Having just ( more or less) gotten over a bacterial virus I haven’t wanted to stand out in the cold or rain to wait for a bus.
3. Do you prefer cut flowers or a potted plant?
I prefer plants I can plant in the ground around the house and garden to potted or cut flowers, but I would not turn down cut flowers if they were given out of love.
4. Do you believe in Karma?
Yes, I believe in Karma. There is always a cause and effect to everything we say and do. It is wise to think before saying or doing anything. Think about how what I do today would affect future aspects of my life.
“7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction;whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:7-9 NIV )New International Version)
We reap what we sow. If we sow love, kindness, and compassion we in turn we receive the same in return. If we sow hate, gossip, bitterness, or any negative energy they will also be shown to us.
I have not seen any snow recently or in the past year, so I am going to let y’all see some of the WHITE which I have seen along the various trails that Coleman and I have hiked in 2023.
First up is a hike with the Anne Springs Close Greenway Hiking Club where some of the hikers are wearing white. Everybody was not ready for the photo; I like to catch people unaware when I can. you may also notice the white in the Archers Loop sign and the white clouds in the sky. It was a beautiful, picturesque day.
Archers Loop Adventure Road Anne Springs Close Greenway Hiking Club Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
Next up is the white Riverwalk Bridge as seen from the Piedmont Medical Center Trail that we have hiked with the hiking club and on our own. Coleman loves to hike along the Catawba River whenever we get the opportunity.
Riverwalk Bridge over the Catawba River Riverwalk Trailhead Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA
Below is capturing a hike we were able to do with Coleman’s mom and sister. It is near one of the locations his mom works at sometimes. Here we are on the Baxter Village Trail, a part of the Carolina Thread Trail System.
Baxter Village Trail Carolina Thread Trail Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA Baxter Village Trail Carolina Thread Trail Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
This next trail is one Coleman and I hiked on our own. I parked at the Boulder Access Parking lot, and we found the entrance to the trail. We hiked approximately two and a half miles before we turned around and headed back to the car. The trail goes on for miles crossing from North Carolina into South Carolina. We were not prepared to go that distance on this hike.
Boulders Overlook Boulder Access Area Crowders Mountain State Park Kings Mountain, North Carolina, USA
For another hike we stopped at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to hike and enjoy the many marvelous flowers grown there. This is the covered walkway leading into the gardens. Notice the vines growing around the white pillars and Coleman trying to balance on the brick edging along the walkway.
Coleman at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Belmont, North Carolina, USA
Lastly, I know you cannot see the trail, but I wanted to leave you with a beautiful white flower of Queen Anne’s Lace to enjoy.
Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucas carota) Lake Haigler Entrance Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for tagging along with us as we remembered our amazing hikes. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Our first stop here was actually our last time of Coleman’s Friday Adventures. The Gastonia Municipal Airport showing the runway and some airplanes.
At Gastonia Municipal Airport Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
Next up was our first stop of the day; the Lake Haigler Entrance to the Anne Springs Close Greenway for a hike around the lake. It is always a great day when we can spend time in nature at the Greenway. There are always amazingly beautiful views and is filled with tremendous fun.
Fishing Pier Lake Haigler Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA A Gaggle of Geese Lined up in a row by the Horse Hitching Post Lake Haigler Entrance Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA Springmaid Trail Race Signs & Coleman point the Way Haigler Loop Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA Panorama of the Kayak Pier Lake Haigler Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
Photo Credit: (c)2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lensand iPhone 14 Pro Max
Locations: 1) Gastonia Municipal Airport; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA 2) Lake Haigler Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens.
Video: Created in Google Photos App.
Location: Lake Haigler Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA.
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. Hope you enjoyed the video of Coleman having a fun time in the Greenway. I appreciate y’all very much.
Our first stop, always, when we arrive at the Greenway is to make a track to the restrooms. When we get hiking it could be an hour or more before we reach one again, therefore we want to be prepared.
The Ramp to the Gibson House porch and restrooms.
Next we gaze out upon the pond to the right of the Gibson House. Horses are often in view as are various birds at times. The beauty of the reflections in the lake are always amazing to see. The walkway around the pond is new and still under construction.
The Pond Horse Road Entrance Anne Springs Close Greenway
After that short period, we venture towards one of several hiking trails. On this particular day we chose to hike the Dogwood Trail. Coleman is leading the way. In case you were wondering, he usually always leads the way as we hike along the trails.
Coleman leading the way to the Dogwood Trail
On this day and almost any day in the Fall, the trails are covered with leaves 🍁🍃🍁 of varying shades. Coleman pauses to wait for me to catch up. He goes a but fast for my pace.
Coleman standing on Dogwood Trail
Hiking Trail signs are posted at regular intervals along the Trail. This is one of the many signs hikers will encounter as they hike along the trail. It designates directions for you to decide which way you’d prefer to hike. It informs you of which trail you are hiking so you do not get lost or sidetracked from your desired route. If you scan the QR code, it will bring up an online map and other pertinent information about the trail.
When Coleman and I were near completion of our hike his mom met us along the trail. The first picture is of Coleman Pulling Up a Seat near his mom in front of the horse stables. The next two pictures of him choosing to Pull Up a Seat along the Dogwood Trail which we were hiking. For Coleman it does not better whether or not he has a chair, a log, or just decides to Pull Up a Seat upon the ground. He will Pull Up a Seat whenever and wherever he pleases.
Coleman and I hiked at Anne Springs Close Greenway on Friday. When we were there, we noticed a tremendous amount of construction work going on. They are making improvements to the Farm area, adding a Childrens Farm area, and adding additional animals to the Farm. Some of these improvements include adding buildings, bathrooms, and educational shelter areas with a wooden walkway to be able to observe the farm animals more effectively. Given the construction work is ongoing and is not estimated to be completed until approximately April 2024, the windows for these buildings are still under construction.
The new improvements will really enhance the Farm and Children’s Farm areas in the Greenway. I know my grandson; Coleman is super excited to be able to pet the animals and be able to better watch and pet them up close and personal. If you’re ever in the area I would encourage you to drop by the Greenway for a visit.
While hiking at the Anne Springs Close Greenway, we stopped by to visit with the horses. I took plenty of photos during our hike, most of the horses we’re approachable and really do not mind the many visitors to the Greenway looking at them or petting them. Then sometimes you see a horse that really wants to get a Close-Up view of you or let you get an extremely Close-Up view of him.
Is this Close Enough? Okay, I’ll Cooperate. Is this Better?
I decided to go ahead and do a part two to my CWWC – Any Which Way with People Challenge post. These photos are all taken at Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The hikers you see pictured here are all members of the Anne Springs Close Greenway Hiking Club. Coleman and I participate in hikes with the hiking club whenever feasible. When it is not possible to join the hiking club for a hike Coleman and I go to the Greenway or various other hiking trails to hike. (Just an FYI, Coleman has been hiking the Greenway trails since he was approximately one and a half years old (1 1/2).
Coleman Fort Mill Dam Fort Mill, South Carolina North Carolina Transportation Museum
From 2022
Coleman overlooking Lake Haigler from the Kayak DockRipples in the Water 💦Coleman Fishing Pier Andrew Jackson State Park Lancaster, South Carolina
From 2023:
Coleman Avon Creek Greenway Gastonia, North Carolina Coleman Green Trail Warlick YMCA Gastonia, North Carolina Trisha (Coleman’s Mom) Playscape Schiele Museum Gastonia, North Carolina Coleman & his Shades Warlick YMCA Gastonia, North Carolina Coleman Playscape Schiele Museum Gastonia, North Carolina
Disc golf, formerly known as frisbee golf, is a flying disc sport in which players throw a disc at a target; it is played using rules similar to golf.
Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill recently installed a Disc Golf Course which can be accessed through their Adventure Road Entrance. The first “hole” is just off the first parking lot.
Hole 1 141 ft Par 3Hole 1 Basket
The sport is usually played on a course with 9 or 18 holes (baskets). Players complete a hole by throwing a disc from a tee pad or area toward a target, known as a basket, throwing again from where the previous throw landed, until the basket is reached.
Hole Information Disc PadColeman climbing to Basket 2“Hole” Basket 2 with Coleman
The Greenway’s Disc Golf Course consists of 9 “holes” which wind around through the woods near Lake Crandall. Coleman and I didn’t bring a disc with ( discs are not provided ). I’m not sure that he’s ready to land a disc in the baskets yet. He still needs to learn how to throw one first.
Hole 3 126 ft. Par 3Coleman hiking to next BasketBasket 3Coleman at Basket/Hole 3
Usually, the number of throws a player uses to reach each basket is tallied (often in relation to par), and players seek to complete each hole in the lowest number of total throws. Par is the number of strokes an expert player is expected to make for a given hole or a group of holes (usually 9 or 18).
Have you ever played Disc/Frisbee Golf? I actually have never played Disc Golf even though in my youth I has thrown a Frisbee a time or two. Maybe one day I’ll give it a try. I’m sure the Disc Golf Course at the Greenway will get much use given time. It was only I stay couple of months ago so people need time to become aware of its existence.
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.
Outdoors at Anne Springs Close Greenway Coleman’s “playground “ in the woods at Anne Springs Close Greenway Coleman Hanging onto the Swinging Bridge at Anne Springs Close Greenway Coleman playing in the Spillway at Anne Springs Close Greenway Coleman playing in the Catawba River along the Piedmont Medical Center Trail Riverwalk Catawba River TrailheadThrowback Outdoors Photo taken on Lake Fort Smith in Mountainburg, AR
This week’s selections come from the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina. These were taken when I took my grandson, Coleman to visit the horses he so enjoys visiting. Most of the horses were in or near the stables. You can see in slide three, the horses do love to run around in the pasture.
All of the butterfly 🦋 photos I’ve captured so far were all taken within the grounds of Anne Springs Close Greenway. First photos are of Eastern Tiger Swallowtails shot with an iPhone 13 Pro.
Male tiger swallowtails are bright yellow with black tiger stripes on the tops of their wings. You can sometimes find groups of male swallowtail butterflies gathered on the ground around mud puddles or other damp spots. This is a behavior called puddling. The butterflies are sucking minerals and other substances out of the damp ground. (This behavior can be seen quite often at the spillway at Anne Springs Close Greenway.)
Eastern tiger swallowtail
Other butterflies found within Anne Springs Close Greenway:
Asterocampa celtis, the hackberry emperor, is a North American butterfly that belongs to the brushfooted butterfly family, Nymphalidae. It gets its name from the hackberry tree. [Camera: iPhone 11 Pro Max]Red-spotted Purple – Limenitis arthemis Limenitis is a genus of brush-footed butterflies, commonly called the admirals. [Camera: iPhone 11 Pro Max]
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 