Lagerstroemia indicathe crape myrtle (also crepe myrtle, crêpe myrtle, or crepeflower)It is a species of flowering plant in the genus Lagerstroemia of the family Lythraceae. It is an often multi-stemmed, deciduous tree with a wide spreading, flat topped, rounded, or even spike shaped open habit. The tree is a popular nesting shrub for songbirds and wrens.
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.
North 321 Vol. Fire Dept. Coleman peeping in the Firetruck DoorColeman checking out the inside of Firetruck Equipment DoorA Four year old telling Coleman all about what is kept in this Equipment DoorColeman investigating the Firetruck Generator Door A Look at Coleman through a Firetruck DoorInside a Firetruck Door, Who do we see? Coleman Smiling Ear to Ear
Gaillardia pulchella AKA: firewheel, Indian blanket, Indian blanketflower, or sundance It is a North American species of short-lived perennial or annual flowering plants in the sunflower family.The common name, Indian Blanket, may refer to the resemblance of the inflorescence to the brightly patterned blankets made by Native Americans, or to the ability of wild taxa to blanket the ground with colonies.
For Coleman and me, The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium is just a short jaunt of a bus ride away. The bus stop is an even shorter jaunt away from our place than the Planetarium.
Bus StopColeman
The following is what we saw at the Planetarium when we jaunted out for an amazing adventure.
Trifolium pratense, red clover, is a herbaceous species of flowering plant in the bean family Fabaceae, native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa, but planted and naturalized in many other regions.
Interesting Facts:
Red clover is a good pollen and nectar source for bumblebees.
Red clover’s flowers and leaves are edible, and can be added as garnishes to any dish.They can be ground into a flour.
The flowers often are used to make jelly and tisanes, and are used in essiac recipes. Their essential oil may be extracted and its unique scent used in aromatherapy.
It is widely grown as a fodder crop, valued for its nitrogen fixation, which increases soil fertility. For these reasons, it is used as a green manure crop.
Slender Vervain is a perennial that spreads by rhizomes and is native to South America. Is an annual north of zone 7 but needs winter protection in that zone. It has naturalized from southeastern North Carolina to Florida and is very tolerant of heat and drought.
These Verbena rigida are in the garden in front of The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Gastonia, North Carolina.
Coleman trekking along the trails at Crowders Mountain State Park Kings Mountain, North Carolina
It was a beautiful day for hiking until the rains came pouring down. Luckily Coleman and I completed our hike and were headed to the car before the rains began pounding down upon us.
These Vintage Oars and Paddles are just a few of the ones on display at the Warlick YMCA located in Gastonia, North Carolina. These evoke the memories of summers on the lake canoeing and kayaking and having the most fabulous time of one’s life.
The Weekend Sky changed throughout the day as my Grandson, Coleman, and I were hiking 🥾. By the time we were finishing our hike around the Lake at Crowders Mountain State Park; the gray clouds started rolling across the sky and later the rains 🌧️ began pouring down upon us.
Petunia axillaris, the large white petunia, AKA: wild white petunia or white moon petunia, is an annual herbaceous plant in the family Solanaceae, genus Petunia.
This horse’s EYE captivated my attention. The eye looked unusual, and it drew me to the horse. Greenway Horse Stables Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
The Schiele Museum has many different types of artifacts in their many exhibit collections. My grandson loves the Dinosaur Exhibits. However, today I want to bring attention to The Henry Hall of the American Indian Exhibit.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History was established in 1961. From its very beginning, it has been a steward of Native American material culture and artifacts.
The Founders of the Museum, Bud and Lilly Schiele, donated agricultural tools, jewelry, and other items from Native groups across the country to form the basis of the museum’s collections.
The Exhibit tells stories of migrant Indians across North America, including in the southeast, northeast, southwest, far west and the plains. In each of these areas the curators present Native American perspectives. The Henry Hall addresses Native American views of nature and society depicting their differing views from their European and American counterparts. The Native American Advisory Committee provided assistance in developing mutually acceptable policies and procedures for collections, exhibitions, and programs.
I found the Henry Hall of the American Indian really interesting and unlike any others. The Schiele Museum has a section along its Nature Trail depicting an example of a Catawba Indian Village. The Catawba Indian Village was also interesting to see the types of homes they once lived in.
The Schiele Museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm; Saturday 10 am to 5 pm; and on Sunday from 1 to 5 pm. All are welcome to visit for a minimal charge. It is well worth the visit. My grandson loves it and we would highly recommend everyone to come and visit the museum.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time visiting the Henry Hall of the American Indian Exhibits with us. I appreciate y’all.
Erigeron annuus (formerly Aster annuus), AKA the annual fleabane, daisy fleabaneEastern Daisy fleabane is a species of herbaceous, annual or biennial floweringplant in the family Asteraceae.
Crocosmia aurea, common names falling stars, Valentine flower, or montbretia, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the family Iridaceae. Crocosmia’s flowers are brilliantly colored and showy, making them a wonderful choice for flower arrangements. Sometimes called Montbretia, the tubular-shaped flowers are extremely attractive to hummingbirds. The brilliant red yellow or orange blooms appear in May or June with sword-shaped foliage.
My any kind of seating involves any seating that Coleman deems acceptable for a place for him to sit. His choices of seating are not always what I would choose, but hey, if he’s happy with his choice of seating who am I to say it’s not his kind of seating.
Seating at the Greenway An Adirondack Chair & a Picnic Table with benches Anne Springs Close Greenway Coleman’s Seating on an Adult Exercise Equipment at Avon and Catawba Creeks Greenway Coleman’s Seating on another piece of Adult Exercise Equipment at Avon and Catawba Creeks GreenwayColeman’s version of Seating along the Green Trail at the Warlick YMCA ( A Rock 🪨 for Seating)Coleman’s Seating On a Bar on Exercise Equipment on the Power Loop of the Styz Trail System at the Warlick YMCAColor Pop Close-Up of Coleman Sitting on the Exercise Bar Warlick YMCA SYTZ Trail System
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.