This week John from Journeys with Johnbois hosting the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge. He has come up with the “Looking Back” theme of Autumn. With mainly the Northern Hemisphere being in the Autumnal Season and the Leaves are changing colours, it seems appropriate that we show off our Fall/Autumn colours. I am linking up with Dawn’s Festival of Leaves, which I feel is definitely appropriate due to the Autumn Colours of Leaves being displayed. You can find out more about Dawn’s Festival of Leaves challenge here.
There are many ways the term Hanging could be interpreted, such as Hanging around (with friends) Hanging Upside down (like a “monkey”), Hanging In (Being persistent, carrying on under difficult circumstances), or perhaps used as in the expression How’s it Hanging. These types of Hanging are totally different and distinct from Debbie’s example of Curtains Hanging or any other object Hanging.
I’m going to show you some “Hanging” examples of “Like Mother … Like Son.”
Coleman’s Mom’sversion of Hanging …
Trisha, my daughter/Coleman’s Mom Hanging Upside Down on a Tree. (2009)
Trisha Hanging around in a Tree. (2023)
Coleman’s version of Hanging …
Black & White of Coleman Hanging on a Metal Railing (2025)
God Bless. Have a funtastic time Hanging around this week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Can you guess whose status will be changing? You might ask what kind of status … let me tell you. There will be a status change in our family. Why? Whose status is changing? Coleman’s status is changing hurt by. How is Coleman’s status changing in our family? Can you guess?
These are the reasons Coleman and I were waiting in the Waiting Room.
A Baby Sister
We had to wait for the right time, so Coleman could see the images of his Baby Sister.
Profile of Head
It was difficult for them to get a really good shot of her head. She was facing downward.
You may have figured out Coleman’s status change in the family by the images. If not, Coleman is excited to become a Big Brother.
Dan from No Facilities hosts Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge each week beginning on Mondays with a new theme each week. Dan is doing an excellent job since taking over the challenge and is keeping it fresh and alive continuing Cee’s legacy. This week Dan has chosen the theme of Subjects Framed by Nature. He has given examples of doors, windows, bridges, and more that subjects can be used to be framed.
Here are my entries …
Lake Haigler Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, SCLake Trail Crowders Mountain State Park Kings Mountain, NCSeven Oaks Nature Preserve Belmont, NCLake Haigler Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, SCSeven Oaks Preserve Trail Belmont, NCRocky Branch Trail Cramerton, NCPrairie Trail Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, SCGreen Trail Warlick Family YMCA Gastonia, NC
In the afternoons Coleman enjoys being outdoors and often Pulls Up a Seat on our Home’s Porch railing which would scare his mom half to death if she was at Home. Luckily for him when he chooses to Pull Up a Seat like in the images below his mom is at work and NOT at Home. This week’s post is also being linked with Debbie’s Six Word Saturday and One Word Sunday Challenges.
Coleman’s Pull Up a Seat Selection of the Afternoon
Quiet Moments can be found in many different and wonderful ways and places. It does not matter where you are, there can always be times for quiet moments.
In the featured image Coleman enjoying some quiet moments communicating in his own way with a horse.
“Let a horse whisper in your ear and breathe on your heart. You will never regret it.”
live-love-lope.tumblr.com
Quiet Stillness Brings Peace and Calmness to the Soul like the peace and calmness felt when by a river.
South Fork Catawba River
“In the stillness of quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair.”
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Spend time communing with nature. Find some time for Quiet Moments through out your week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. May your life be filled with love and joy. Have a marvellous week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
I had planned a different post for this week’s Thursday Doors, but then I realized this Thursday is 09.11. I therefore, decided to delay that post until next week and chose instead to Remember our Fallen Heroes from that fateful day on 09.11.2001.
I will never forget that horribly tragically devastating day of loss when 2,977 innocent lives were taken at the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and on Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Remembering the 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, 8 paramedics, and thousands of civilians, each one someone’s parent, sibling, friend, or child.
I Remember the Lives Lost.
I Remember the Sacrifices Made.
I Remember the Heroes Who Answered the Call.
I Will Never Forget.
North 321
Volunteer
Fire Department
I am thankful for our Firefighters, Police Officers, Paramedics, and the many Volunteers that serve to keep our communities safe. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to serve. Thank you for the kindness you demonstrate to everyone, especially the kindness shown to my grandson by several firefighters and police officers.
These were taken at North 321 Volunteer Fire Department in Lincolnton, North Carolina.
North 321 Vol. Fire Dept.
Coleman being shown the ins and outs of the Fire Engine
Coleman allowed to sit inside the Brush 100
Coleman delighted to see the inner workings of the Fire Department Vehicle
Location: Greenway Horse Stables; Greenway Stables Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. May you have a Stable of Love, Friendship, and Joy. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Greenway Stables; Greenway Farm & Stables Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South 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.
Brian from Bushboys World hosts a monthly challenge called Last On the Card. His rules are simple to follow if you’re interested in participating.
Here are The rules: 1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 31st July or whenever your last photo was taken. 2. No editing – who cares if it is out of focus, not framed as you would like or the subject matter didn’t cooperate. 3. You don’t have to have any explanations, just the photo will do 4. Create a Pingback to this post or link in the comments 5. Use the tags The Last Photo and #LastOnTheCard
The Cramerton Police Department operates many different types of vehicles to maintain order in the Cramerton area. Besides Police cars, SUV’s and a Police boat; it also operates a Polaris Government and Defense vehicle which delivers performance and reliability for mission-driven demands regardless of what the need or terrain might be.
The Polaris off-road defense vehicle helps our Cramerton Police Department to protect our town and its residents safe. It is fully equipped with sirens, emergency lighting, and a PA system. The Polaris Police Off-Road vehicle is able to go places where a regular police cruiser wouldn’t be able to and is an excellent addition to our Police Department, especially in a town surrounded by the South Fork Catawba River and several Greenways out trails.
Cramerton Police Officer Demonstrates the Cramerton’s Police Polaris Off-Road Law Enforcement Vehicle prior to the Town Concert
The Police and the Polaris Police vehicle presence was highly visible out our Town Concert last weekend. The Policeman was kind enough to give some young curious Concert attendees a demonstration of the Polaris Police Off-Road vehicle and even allowed them to sit in the vehicle while he demonstrated all the vehicles amazing features. For his kindness I am eternally grateful. (If you look closely, Coleman is seated in the driver’s side of the vehicle.)
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV filter attachment.
Location: Centennial Center; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a fantastic weekend. Hope to see y’all on Friday for the Which Way Challenge. This week the Which Ways will be CWWC: Which ways on a cloudy or stormy day. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The selections I chose were all taken at a recent town concert from early evening to mid-evening in Cramerton, North Carolina. The Town held a Back to School Kids Show and Concert. I discussed the Kids Show in my Six Word Saturday post you can check out by clicking here.For this CFFC post I’m mainly sharing scenes from the Evening’s Concert featuring the Caleb Davis Band.
Pre-Concert Centennial CenterKAOS Kids Appearing on Stage Kazoobie Kids Show Middle School Honourees Cramerton Mayor Honours Middle Schoolers Cramerton Mayor Honours Middle SchoolersCaleb Davis BandCaleb Davis BandCaleb Davis BandColeman with Neighbours Cramerton Concert 6pm —
The Caleb Davis with the Caleb Davis Band has an impressive musical background and training. According to his Facebook profile Caleb plays a wide range of musical genres and toured as a sideman with numerous Country, Gospel, and R&B acts. Around 2009 he formed the Caleb Davis Band with his long-time friend Justin Morehead. They have been working to form their own signature sound and groove.
Coleman and I only managed to stay for the beginning portion of the Concert featuring the Caleb Davis Band. Even though their background information states that they play a wide range of genres, the music we heard the band playing lean more towards the heavy metal genre style of music. That style of music is definitely not what I consider my favourite genre of music. It was so loud and blaring Coleman was covering his ears, it was extremely difficult to listen. After leaving the concert, the volume was so loud we could still hear it from our house several blocks away. Their musical style may be fine for some who like that type of music, however, we will not be listening to it again.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV filter attachment.
Location: Centennial Center; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Enjoy the rest of your week. Hope to see y’all on Friday with the Which Way Challenge (CWWC). We will be discovering Which ways on a cloudy or stormy day for this Friday’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC). Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). This week I have chosen Any Which Way with Shadows and/or silhouettesfor this week’s theme. Shadows can be on any path, sidewalk, trail, or road as long as the Which Way is clearly discernible. For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
Here are my entries …
Coleman’s Shadows/Silhouettes
Coleman
Taken at Goat Island Park and Greenway at the end of the Riverlink Greenway Trail located in Cramerton, North Carolina.
Coleman’s arm over his Shadow/Silhouette
Trees and their Leaves Shadows
Coleman hiking down to the Spillway amongst many Shadows
The above Shadows were captured at the Lake Haigler Entrance of the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
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: 1-2) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV & CPL filter attachments; 3-7) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Locations: As Stated Above
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy a hike/walk in Nature. Admire Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Look all around, there’s Brown everywhere you look out in nature. From the ground, to boardwalks, and even to the varying kinds of animals which roam around in the woods, in farms, and even in many greenways. Here are a few examples of Brown I have discovered.
Tree & Pinecones at ASCGBoardwalk at AJSPBench in the Sand at Riverside Park & Greenway Single Leaf on a limb at Goat Island Park & Greenway Single Leaf on a limb at Goat Island Park & GreenwayNorthern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) aka Bobwhite quailAnolis carolinensisASCG HorsesGiraffes at the Greenville ZooColeman on a log surrounded by Brown leaves
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Explore Nature. Capture its Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Judy from Life Lessons blog hosts a weekly photo challenge called The Numbers Game. This week’s number is 206. Her instructions for playing along are listed below …
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 Judy’s 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.
Good Day! This being an off week for Monochrome Madness I am doing my own thing, not following with Sand patterns or fence posts like Leanne or Brian. Hope you will not tire of seeing my grandson, Coleman.
Today I am continuing the Coleman’s adventures in the Greenway from his birthday adventures. After cooling off in the Spillway, it was drying off time which (for Coleman) meant playtime in Schroering Forest Playground.
The Schroering Forest Playground is nestled amongst trees a short distance from the Domtar Forest Porch (featured here) where we relaxed sipping cool refreshing water.
Climbing Structure for ages 5 and Up
The climbing structure is Coleman’s favourite area to play in the Schroering Forest Playground. He has always loved to climb and is not afraid to climb anything (even though, I think his mom is sceptical). She’s probably worried he’ll fall, however, I’m not worried he climbs anything and everything anytime anywhere.
The Schroering Forest Playground was constructed in the Lake Haigler Entrance to Anne Springs Close Greenway in 2024. The intention of this unique playground is to reteach children how to play in the woods.
A mom (aka Coleman’s mom) watching her son enjoying the Playground.
The playscape and structures are specially crafted to help activate sensory skills, foster creativity and problem-solving through free play, reduce stress, increase physical activity, develop confidence in the outdoors, improve cognitive abilities and facilitate outdoor learning. Key features of the Schroering Forest Playground include a central climbing structure for older children and a corresponding structure for younger guests.
Coleman
I’ve been taking Coleman to play in the woods and interact with nature since he could walk. He prefers being outdoors and in the woods over being in the house any day. He enjoys hiking all the trails in Anne Springs Close Greenway and if he can combine hiking with playing all the better as far as he is concerned.
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.
Judy from Life lessons hosts The Numbers Game . She has chosen the number 204 for this week’s #82” Numbers Game challenge. 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 repeats each Monday with a new number. If you want to play along, please put a link to your blog post here.
Here are my contributions to the album.
Germany Faires/Coltharp Cabin#SimplyRedNornal, Dalline, & Eddie WatersAlonaAlona & ColemanAtlantic Ocean Alex Marina Murrells Inlet, South CarolinaAmerican PekinDiscovery Center Creation Museum Abilene, TexasHylotelephium cauticolaAnne Springs Close Greenway Coleman McDowell Nature Preserve New Braunfels Railroad Museum Greenville ZooThe Schiele Museum of Natural History
Location: Centennial Center; Downtown Cramerton; Cramerton, North 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.
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.
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
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.
Location: School Playground; Gardner Park Elementary; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Keep Squaring. Think Red for your Which Ways on Friday. 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
Location: Cramerton Historical Society Museum; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Take time to Remember and Be Grateful for our Freedoms. Happy Independence Weekend America! Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Continuing with Coleman’s Choices of Pulling Up a Seat at the Daniel Stowe Conservancy, we uncover a variety of seating arrangements Coleman selected to Pull Up a Seat. This week’s Coleman’s Choices are within the Gazebo at The Trailhead Store on the grounds of The Village at Stowe.
Coleman’s Bench Pull Up a Seat Choices within the Gazebo
Click on each image for enhanced enlarged viewing.
Stay tuned next week for the continuing saga of Coleman’s choices of Benches, Chairs, and Other seating Part Four-The Farmhouse Seating Choices.
This week I have chosen to combine Dan’s CFFCwith Judy’s Numbers Game. After all Judy gives the option (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.) Dan’s theme this week is View from Below—High Angle combining some of his chosen photos with my CWWC—Any animal in your which way.
My entries for Dan’s Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge are a hodgepodge of photos shot from below (looking up) from various places and years.
Canada Goose flying over the South Fork Catawba RiverLancaster, South Carolina Over the Fort Mill Dam Fort Mill, South Carolina Coleman on top of a Cairn Cramerton, NCColeman on top of a Cairn Cramerton, NCColeman on top of a Cairn Cramerton, NCAmerican Airlines Airplane Over Charlotte, NCAmerican Airlines Airplane Over Charlotte, NCAmerican Airlines Airplane Over Charlotte, NCAmerican Airlines Airplane Over Charlotte, NCColeman up a tree Cramerton, NCColeman walking on a low tree branchColeman up a tree Cramerton, NCLooking up at a construction site from the CTTUnderside of a Bridge Goat Island Park & Greenway Coleman on a Swinging Bridge at ASCGRailroad Trestle Piedmont Medical Center Trail Rock Hill, SCRailway Trestle ASCG Fort Mill, SCAlona on top of a tunnel Baxter Village Trail, Tega Cay, SCAlona & Coleman on top of a tunnel Baxter Village Trail, Tega Cay, SCAlona on top of a tunnel Baxter Village Trail, Tega Cay, SCLooking up through the Trees Belmont, NCUnderside of Gazebo Roof Belmont, NCCee’s Fun Foto Challenge Dan Antion Perspective-View from Below Judy’s Numbers Game Cee’s Which Way Challenge
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. 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). This week I have decided to combine the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) with the Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC).The theme is Any animal in your which way Viewed from Above (CFFC). Let’s see the amazing Which Ways y’all can come up with to display Animals in your Which Way as Seen (Viewed) from Above.,
As you are walking/hiking along throughout your day it is amazing all the many different animals you might encounter on your journey if only you look down occasionally. There are so many incredibly interesting animals that you could possibly find along your path that I have elected to run this theme for two weeks.
We spotted this Northern Cardinal when we first departed from our home to begin our adventure …
Northern Cardinal
We walked down the road towards Goat Island Park and Greenway where we started hiking along Riverlink Greenway. After hiking merely a short distance along the trail, Coleman spotted several Cricket frogshopping and jumping. Their jumping style is unique due to the fact that they perform a series of jumps and “belly flops” as they move across the water or land (as we observed).
Acris crepitans Cricket frog
Further down the trail Coleman spotted this little creature, a nymph Threecornered alfalfa hopper. For Coleman he had get closer and look up on the fence railing to get a better view, while I zoomed in looking down upon the little green nymph.
As we kept moving forward Coleman noticed this small Land Snail crawling across the trail …
Zonitoides arboreus aka Quick Gloss Snail a species of small air-breathing land snail
On this hiking adventure we observed a wide variety of animals; small ones, medium sized ones, and a wee bit bigger ones. This next one seemed to have seen better days. As this Worm might be great as fishing bait on a previous day, he would not catch much with his lack of viability on this day.
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.
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 Debbie had us Looking Up, it was fun to see everyone’s take on Looking Up. This week’s theme is Looking Down. There are many different and interesting things available to see all around us if we only Look and observe what’s all around us.
Coleman and I paid a visit to the expanded and upgraded Daniel Stowe Conservancy, formerly known as The Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. Looking all around the trails surrounding The Trailhead Store at the Conservancy there were some interesting views which we Looked Down upon.
…. Such as the Pond down and slightly to the right of The Trailhead Store.
Looking Down upon the Reflections in the Pond
…. Or this little Pond with a waterfall surrounded by rocks a short distance away from the Dog Park.
Coleman looking down over the Pond
Moving along further down the trail we spot an interesting painting on the pathway with a Trail crossing sign nearby.
Looking Down upon the painted pathway before crossing the road.
And lastly for today, I’m Looking Down upon Coleman looking down at something on a bench.
Coleman Looking Down on the Bench while I’m Looking Down the small incline at him.
Cameras: 1 & 5-6) Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV & CPL filter attachments; 2-4) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Location: The Trailhead Store; Carolina Thread Trail; Daniel Stowe Conservancy; Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Discover Nature’s amazing beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
There are times Coleman and I run across traffic as we walk to our destination or Trailhead. On Saturday we had to walk along a few different roads (some with sidewalks and some without sidewalks) to reach our intended destination to begin our hike for the day.
Here are my entries for this week’s challenge … from our walk …
Bicycles/Bicyclists:
Bicyclists on the Road
Cars, SUV’s, and Trucks:
Vehicles on the Road
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.
Coleman and I went to the Daniel Stowe Conservancy to investigate all their new upgrades and additions to what was once known as the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens(DSBG). Along with the name change, many improvements, upgrades, and additions were added to DSBG.
The Farmhouse Garden Center and The Trailhead Store are just two of the many new developments on the grounds of the Daniel Stowe Conservancy. [I’ll discuss more on these facilities on another later post.] There is also an addition of a Dog Park, additional trails and connecting trails encompassing approximately eight plus (8+) miles of hiking trails on Stowe Property.
Trail Map Click image to enlarge.
Coleman and I began our hiking adventure from The Trailhead Store. We hiked past an extra small waterfall pond, by the Dog Park and around the Big Pond Loop and then crossed the road to continue hiking on the Carolina Thread Trail.
While walking/hiking on the Conservancy property you’ll encounter some concrete paths, crushed concrete trails, natural trails filled with rocks, roots, rises, falls, switchbacks and changes in elevation which inhabits the feeling of adventure.
It was while hiking along the Carolina Thread Trail portion that we noticed a wooden Shed standing amongst the Trees. I’m not sure what the Shed was once used for, but found it interesting to be almost in the middle of nowhere.
The Shed in the Woods
A closer look at the Shed
No, we didn’t attempt to go inside the Shed. We only glimpsed a look at it from the trail … no off trail wandering for a closer look. No need when I could zoom in for a better view.
Location: Carolina Thread Trail; Daniel Stowe Conservancy (DSBG); Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take a Hike/Walk. Have an adventurous day. Nature is beautiful, admire it. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 