2025 Silent Sunday: 14 September

Pasture Gazing

Coleman gazing over
the Greenway Pasture

Silent Sunday

Photo Credit:©️2022 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens and Altura Wide Angle Aspherical Fisheye for Canon Attachment.

Location: Dairy Barn Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2025 Which Way Challenge (CWWC): Any Which Way with Any type of Signs

Which Way Challenge (CWWC)

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 Any 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.

My Which Ways with Any Type of Sign(s) are mainly trail signs or signs seen from a trail.

Trail Signs at Goat Island Park and Greenway …

Trail Signs at Riverside Park and Greenway …

Trail Signs at Rocky Branch Trail …

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.

Dawn’s Which Way: The March of the Spotted Lantern Fly

Dawn’s Which Way of the Deer

Geriatri’X’ Fotogallery’s SHEEPS AND GOATS

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

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.

2025 Thursday Doors: 12 June — Doors at Daniel Stowe Conservancy (Pt 1)

Shed Door in Woods

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.

Dan’s Thursday Doors-12 June 2025

Photo Credit:©️2025 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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.

2025 Bloganuary Daily Prompt – January 24 (Posting on 02/09)

Name an attraction or town close to home that you still haven’t got around to visiting.

U. S. National Whitewater Center

The U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina has the largest the world’s largest manmade whitewater river and has outdoor activities all year long. Besides the Whitewater River area, the Center also has 1,300 acres of protected woodlands along the Catawba River. No matter your preference, the Whitewater Center offers a wide range of recreational opportunities to intrigue your interest for a
fantabulous experience in the great outdoors.

I have not done many water sports since my younger more limber and flexible days of my youth. What does perk my interests in visiting the U.S. National Whitewater Center are the forty (40) miles of trails designed for mountain biking and trail racing. You don’t have to ride a mountain bike or race on the trails to enjoy them. The 40+ miles of trails are a great opportunity for hikers as well. The trails are shared by hikers, runners, and bikers at all times.

 The trails are natural surface and wind across the 1,300 acre woods of the Center.  The trails run along the Catawba River and through hardwood and pine forests. The use of the trails are free not requiring an access pass, however, the Whitewater Center does charge $12 for a day parking pass and $40 for an annual parking pass.

I think Coleman and I would enjoy hikers some of the various trails at the Whitewater Center given the opportunity for warmer weather, costs and transportation to and from the Center.

For more information about the U.S. National Whitewater Center and what it has to offer click here .

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Hiking through a Lush Green Canal Trail

Coleman and I love to go hiking and whenever I am Willing to go hiking, he is always Willing to put on his hiking boots rearing to go on a hiking adventure. No matter when or where we might venture on our adventures I am usually almost always Willing to bring my Canon along to take photographs of the amazingly beautiful nature surrounding whatever hiking trail we choose to tackle for the day.

Most often than not Coleman and I close to hike in a local Greenway, Nature Preserve, or a State Park. Coleman is always excited and rearing to go out for a hike. He distastes being cooped up indoors. The majority of Greenways or State Parks are filled with Green trees, lawns, and vegetation. It’s like walking through a lush Green forest snapping photographs one by one with my Camera. I often take photographs with my iPhone as well as my Canon.

For this post I am combining several challenges into one post. I Willing chosen to select Photographs with plenty of Green using Green and Hiking as my theme for Judy’s Numbers Game.

Here are the Photographs with Green I am Willing to share with y’all for Judy’s Numbers Game, the RDP prompt of Photograph, Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge of Green, and lastly, but no less important FOWC prompt of Willing.

I trust you have enjoyed seeing the Photographs of the lush Green trees as we hiked the Canal Trail at Landsford Canal State Park I do Willingly captured for your viewing pleasure. Click on any image for an enhanced view. Be sure to take a look at each Photograph Challenge I’ve included to get a look at what others have posted.,

Ragtag Daily Prompt-Photograph

Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge-Green

Fandango’s One-Word Challenge—Willing

Judy’s Numbers Game #59-180

Photo Credit:©️2022 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Wide Camera

Location: Canal Trail; Landsford Canal State Park; Catawba, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Have a fantastic week. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2024 Thursday Trios: 12.05

3 Trail Signs, 3 Trails, 3 Hikers

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.

Carol’s Thursday Trios

Photo Credit:©️2020 Deb L. Waters .., All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Ultra Wide Camera

Location: Adventure Road 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 very much.

2024 CWWC: November Week 4 — Stairs, Steps, and/or Ramps

Cee’s Which Way My Which Way

I’ve missed Cee so much and know this is a difficult time for her and Chris. Praying for strength and comfort for them both. I’ve been trying to keep up with the Which Way Challenge even though Cee is unable to do so. I encourage everyone who wishes to show Cee our Which Ways by posting your Stairs, Steps, and/or Ramps this week. . Just post any Which Way you desire and link up to Cee’s Which Way Challenge.

This week I am again posting a Which Way My Way showing Which Ways one might use by venturing up or down Stairs, Steps, and or Ramps. This week I chose to post my Stairs, Steps, and Ramp in Monochrome. You may use Monochrome, but not necessary. You may choose any format you desire if you choose to participate.

We begin our Which Way by walking down our front Steps

Our Front Steps

Journeying on our way Coleman decides to climb the Steps at Cramer United Methodist Church

Steps at Cramer
United Methodist Church

Next, we explore the Kayak Ramp and Stairs at Goat Island Park and Greenway

Kayak Ramp & Stairs
Goat Island Park and Greenway

Coleman and I continue our wandering around Cramerton, the next day, after he walks down the School Bus 98 Steps

School Bus 98 Steps

After Coleman exits the school bus, we drop off his school backpack and grab his hiking backpack with snacks and drinks. Then, we head on down to Riverside Park and Greenway for a relaxing afternoon noon of hiking and exploring.

While hiking the trail, we come upon the Stairs to one of several Fishing Piers at the Greenway …

Catawba Riverkeepers
Water Recommended Flow Sign
by the Fishing Pier Staircase

Lastly, we see interesting Halloween Decorations on each side of a neighbouring house Front Porch Steps

House #89 Decorations
and Front Porch Steps

Hope you enjoyed visiting our Which Ways this Week. I would love to see y’all’s Which Ways. Remember to click on each photo for larger enhanced viewing.

Cee’s Which Way Challenge

Which Way My Way

Photo Credit:©️2024 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Goat Island Park and Greenway; Plus Riverside Park and Greenway; Cramerton, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Enjoy the Outdoors. Take a Hike. Relax in a Park. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

Dreaming of Hiking the Trails

GARDEN OF THE WAXHAWS TRAIL

John’s Cell Pic Sunday

Photo Credit: ©️2015 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: iPhone 6 Plus

Location: Andrew Jackson State Park; Lancaster, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2023 Cell Pic Sunday: Peeking through…

A Glimpse
through the Woods

John’s Cellpic Sunday

Photo Credit: ©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max

Location: Gaston County Warlick Family YMCA; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA.

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.

2023 Pull up a Seat: Week 35_September

On this day Coleman and I hiked from Avon Catawba Creeks Greenway to the Warlick Family YMCA approximately a 2.5 mile hike. Coleman enjoys hiking with me, he also loves to test out the fitness equipment and Pull Up a Seat wherever he chooses. It is good to sit and rest occasionally along the trail.

Coleman at an Outdoor Table
Warlick Family YMCA
Coleman
Resting before
getting on a bus
to go home

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2023-Week 35

Photo Credit: ©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Cameras: iPhone 14 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens.

God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts and joining our adventures. I appreciate y’all.

2023 August 26 – Weekend Sky

Sky over Robinwood Lake:

View Looking East
View Looking West

Both shots were taken while standing in the same location at the Warlick Family YMCA by the Outdoor Patio.

Hammad’s Weekend Sky Challenge-113

Photo Credit: ©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max f/1.8 • 6.86mmISO64 for first & ISO100 for second photo.

Location: Warlick Family YMCA; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.

CosPhoChal: Freestyle

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.

Next on our hike we come across a dragonfly and several turtles along the edge of the lake.

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.

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.

Pull Up a Seat

The Cosmic Photo Challenge: Freestyle

Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge

Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2023-Week 29

Water Water Everywhere

Alive and Trekking’s Which Way Photo Challenge.

Photo Credit: ©️2023 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved. 

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i and iPhone 14 Pro Max

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.

New Path for Adventuring: Highland Rail Trail

Posting for Alive & Trekking’s Which Way Photo Challenge.

God Bless. Thank you for Trekking with us. I appreciate y’all.

Every Which Way I Go Along a Trail ….

…. Coleman goes with me, either beside or in front leading the way.

Coleman leading
The Way
Along
the Path.
This particular Trail
Is Paved
For easy
Access
For Everyone
Regardless
of ability
Young and
Old Alike.

Over the weekend, Coleman and I enjoyed a beautiful sunshiny day hiking 🥾 along the Catawba River by the Fort Mill Dam. We’ve had a lot of rain lately and Coleman does not like to be cooped up in the home all day. It is always a joy to be able to take him out in nature where he can be free to run.

Which Way Challenge

Ragtag Daily Prompt – Travel

God Bless. Thank you for sharing our hike. I appreciate y’all.

Pull Up a Seat: 2022 Week 52

Pull Up a Seat ….

On a
Tree Stump …
And Smile
Then
Stick out
your Tongue …
And
Look 👀
Around …
Finally,
Smiling with
Glee.

Pull up a seat

Photo Credit: Copyright ©️2022@DebWaters74

God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.

Midweek Monochrome: # 119 – A Relaxing Hike through the Greenway

Birds
Horse
Show
Ring
Coleman
hiking along
the trail
Coleman
Coleman

Midweek Monochrome

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Photo Credit: ©️2022@gfpacificbeeintrospection.comAll Rights Reserved

God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.

Midweek Monochrome: Swinging, Hiking, & Kayaking — Pleasurable Activities to Enjoy

Good day and welcome to my blog. Today my photos have a multi-purpose. One purpose if for Brashley’s Mid-week Monochrome (MWM) Photography Challenge, next is Cee’s Black and White Photo Challenge (CBWC), and lastly, Travel with Intent blog’s One Word Sunday Challenge – Curve. I’m a little behind on posting the Sunday Challenge, hope y’all do not mind.

Swinging in Riverwalk Greenway: My grandson, Coleman loves taking a break from our hiking on the swings in the Greenway.

When hiking, we encounter various #curves along the trails.

Kayaking is a blueway activity that is enjoyed by many in the Carolinas. One can see Kayakers on the Catawba River at Riverwalk and several other locations along the river.

God Bless. Thank you for stopping by. Hope you’ve enjoyed and will visit again. I appreciate y’all.

Wednesday Wanderings: Walking 🚶‍♀️ _Running 🏃 @ Riverwalk

Welcome to my blog. Today I’ll be talking about my Wanderings with my grandson, Coleman, yesterday. Coleman is 2 1/2 and loves to be out in nature and go hiking 🥾. He has been hiking for over year and a half now. He’ll be turning 3 next month. I have pictures of him on hikes since at least March 2021. There is no place he’d rather be then out on a trail, out in nature, walking, running, or hiking 🥾. Anywhere, Anytime outdoors is where he would rather be.

Wednesday morning we left the house ( actually our apartment) by 10 am. Getting him and me both ready takes time. I’m not alert too early in the mornings any more. Not only do I need to get us both dressed, I have to make sure we eat a healthy breakfast and have plenty of drinks and snacks packed fir our day of hiking.

On this outing we went to our local Riverwalk Catawba Trailhead to begin our day of wandering through nature. Riverwalk has two entrances to choose from. One on the north side and one on the south side. We chose the one on the south side closest to the railroad trestle. He loves choo choo’s (trains).

Coleman
at the
Riverwalk
entrance

Coleman is always ready for a hiking 🥾 adventure. He loves to have is picture 📷taken. As you can see, he also likes to climb. Shortly after we crossed through the covered bridge we were able to view the railroad 🚆 trestle.

Riverwalk
Catawba River
Railroad Trestle

Not only does he like to view the railroad 🛤 trestle, he also likes to go down to the water 💦 and watch the waters 💦 movements, and play in the water if he can get away with it.

Catawba River.
Coleman resting
on a park swing.

He enjoys a good swing and will run to one any time he sees one along the trail. Continuing along the trail, he spots a log 🪵 on the ground and immediately decides to climb on it. He then walked along the top of it like you would a balance beam ( he’s never seen a balance beam).

Coleman
balancing
on the log 🪵
and walking
across it.

Anytime there is an opening along the trail to go to the water 💦 or at least to view the water 💦, he is off and running 🏃‍♂️ towards it.

Catawba River

On the way back to the car, Coleman hears the train 🚂 whistle. He automatically says choo choo. I find an opening amongst the trees 🌲 along the trail for him to see the train 🚊 as it is moving along the railroad 🚞 tracks 🛤. He loves watching the train pass. He would have liked it better if we were closer to the railroad 🚞 trestle 🛤 , but he still hasn’t stopped talking about seeing the train 🚆.

We hiked for 2.6 miles round trip. This is one of his shorter hikes. If you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend you visiting a Greenway, a local park, a local trailhead and enjoy spending time hiking 🥾 (or walking 🚶‍♀️) and observing nature.

God bless. Thank you for visiting. Remember I appreciate y’all.

Monday Meanderings: ASCG With Coleman

Welcome everyone. I’m glad you could join me today.

On our Monday Meanderings, Coleman and I returned to the Anne Springs Close Greenway (ASCG) for some hiking 🥾. Coleman is my two (2) year old grandson. He has been 🥾 with my for approximately a year and a half (1 1/2) now. He recently has decided he wants to earn his certificate for completing his trail passport. The passport contains a list of twenty-six (26) trails which span a total of thirty-six (36) miles within the ASCGreenway.

Coleman
hiking 🥾 from
the Adventure Road
Entrance

Coleman loves to be outdoors. He loves to visit the Greenway. Does he get tired on the trail? Sometimes yes. Does he have fun on the trail? Yes, he definitely does.

Today, we parked at the Adventure Road Entrance. We began our meanderings on the Trekker Loop. We first spotted Lake Crandall and a group of young boys which are a part of the fishing 🎣 day camp offered to youth at the ASCG. He immediately went down towards the water 💦. He grabbed a stick and tried mimicked their fishing 🎣.

Coleman
at ASCG
prosiding towards
Fern Forest 🌳 Trail

Along the Archers Loop/Trekkers Loop trail we view the beautiful Lake Frances. He sorta got muddy as he was approaching the water 💦. He enjoys putting his hands 🙌🏼 (if not his whole body) in the water. When he stood up, his one hand ✋ and arm was all muddy.

We went along Fern Forest 🌳 and then back to Archers Loop hiking 🥾 back towards the car. Today was rather a short hike. But there is no place he would rather be than out on a trail hiking 🥾.

Coleman
taking a break
having a few sips
of his juice

We always bring bottles of water 💦 and juice 🧃 for us to drink along the trails. It can get hot, sweaty, and thirsty hiking 🥾 along the trails. We always remember to stay hydrated. That is very important when you go hiking 🥾.

God bless. Hope you’ll visit with us again on our next adventure. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.

In Flight Under the Bridge

Look 👀 closely
you’ll see nests
On Mill Pond
Anne Springs Close Greenway

I think this is my favorite photo from today’s hike. Captured with my iPhone 13 Pro Wide Camera — 26mm f1.5.

God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.

Black and White: on the Trail

Lake at Andre Jackson State Park

Nature Trail

Straight and narrow
Approaching Right Turn Up Ahead
Twist and Turns
Shadows

God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

Monday Meanderings: Short walk with Coleman

Today’s current forecast

Today was kind of dreary. It started out with a downpour of rain 🌧. Only in the low 40°’s in the morning. Coleman always loves to go outside, but since it was chilly, wet, and a little windy I managed to have him wait until the afternoon to go for a walk.

Plants
seen along
today’s
walk
Monday Meanderings
with Coleman
Deer stand
amongst
the trees

Kept the Monday Meanderings to a minimum today. It was still cool and a little windy in the afternoon, however, the rain 🌧 let up for our walk.

Hope y’all had a blessed Easter Sunday. I appreciate y’all. Encourage you to spend time outdoors. Thank God for his many blessings.

Thanks for visiting. Please feel free to like, comment, and follow.

Tuesday Hiking: Coleman Ramblings

Tuesday Ramblings with Coleman through the woods and across the meadows we went hiking and traversing through nature observing God’s beauty and marvelous creativity.

Coleman and his hiking stick exploring nature.
Various Trees observed today.
Tuesday Ramblings with Coleman.
Through the meadows we went
……Tuesday Ramblings
Coleman full of energy —
enjoying being in nature.
Spring Growth —
Plants in bloom

The following link is to a video of our Tuesday Rambling hike Coleman, and I enjoyed together.

http://www.relive.cc/view/v8qVBnmNd3q

God Bless. Enjoy nature. Get Outdoors. Go for a walk or a hike and spend time with a friend. Thank You! I appreciate y’all. Hope you enjoyed your visit and come again soon. 

Monday Meanderings: Love the Greenway

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.

Andrew Jackson State Park: Camping 🏕, Hiking 🥾, Play

Andrew Jackson State Park is a wonderful place to spend outside whether it is for a day trip or for camping. It is one of 47 State Parks, Historic Sites, Resort Park, and Recreational area within the State of South Carolina. These areas are protected by the South Carolina State Park Service.

Statute of Andrew Jackson
The Boy of the Waxhaws
My grandson, Coleman, investigating

There are many interesting areas and fun activities to do in the State Park. From visiting an old schoolhouse similar to what Andrew Jackson would have attended, to various statues like the Boy of the Waxhaws. A museum is on site which includes the campground office and a small gift shop. There are 2 hiking trails with a length of one mile each. 1 trail begins at the meeting house and the other begins to the left of the fishing dock. The second trail is the one I use the most. It makes a loop around the lake with a moderate dirt path.

Map of Andrew Jackson State Park.
It shows the location of the trails and amenities. https://southcarolinaparks.com/andrew-jackson/trails#jump

Other activities that you could choose to do would be to go fishing, canoeing, row a boat on the lake, enjoy the gardens, and camp in one of the sites in the campground. There are 25 camp sites available to rent. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. When I visited on Saturday with my grandson only a few sites were open for rent. Reservations can be made online and there is a discount for seniors 65+. There is also a playground children can use to play. I know my grandson loves to play on the playground.

The State Park has two picnic shelters that can be rented out to groups or family gatherings. The Friends of Andrew Jackson along with the State Park host an annual Andrew Jackson Birthday Celebration. The celebration is free with park admission. It is a day filled with reenactments, living history demonstrations, and a chance to learn more about Andrew Jackson, our Seventh President of the United States. For the past two years the celebrations had to be cancelled due to CDC guidelines and the Covid-19 pandemic. In years past, I have helped with the various needs and planning which takes place to make the celebration a success. This year it is taking place on March 19, 2022, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

In November, Life in the Waxhaws Lantern tour is held in the evening usually beginning around 6:00 pm and lasting until approximately 7:30 pm. It is wise to bring flashlights with you if you plan to attend the tour. Tour groups are lead every 30 minutes. The Lantern Tour is designed so you can understand what life was like back in the 18th century. Each event gives you a glimpse of what it was like for Andrew Jackson and the events that helped shape the community.

While you walk or hike around the park you might have chance encounters with animals that roam the park. Bicycles are allowed on the paved roads throughout the park. Whatever your mode of transportation you choose, you’ll love getting around the park and enjoy the serene atmosphere of being in nature.

God Bless. Get outdoors and enjoy nature. Visit State Parks. Visit Andrew Jackson State Park whenever you travel through South Carolina. I know you’ll be glad you did. It is a wonderful experience.

I trust you enjoyed seeing my visit to Andrew Jackson State Park. Till next time, Stay safe. Stay Healthy. Enjoy Living.

Words and Photos are mine @gfpacificbee.