Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography
This blog is for my insights on life, the Bible, hiking adventures with my grandson and whatever is important to me
Photo Credit: (c)2022@gfpacificbeeintrospection.com
Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T3i
Settings:
Top Photo: ƒ/7.1 1/400 250mm ISO100
Bottom Photo: ƒ/7.1 1/400 229mm ISO100
God Bless. Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate y’all.
Baccharis halimifolia:
Posted as part of Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge.
Photo Credit: (c) 2022@gfpacificbeeintrospection.com
Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro
Settings:
Top photo – ƒ/1.5 1/518 5.7mm ISO50
Middle photo – ƒ/1.8 1/207 1.57mm ISO32
Bottom photo – ƒ/1.5 1/539 5.7mm ISO50
#FOTD #FloweroftheDay
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Lake Haigler Geese
(c)2022@gfpacificbeeintrospection.com
Posted as part of John’s CellPic Sunday Challenge.
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday Photo Challenge.
Photo Credit: ©️2022@gfpacificbeeintrospection.com
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Posted as part of Jez’s Water Water Everywhere Photo Challenge
# WWE. #WaterWaterEverywhere
God Bless. Enjoy nature. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Stepping out my back door, I looked left, then walked 100 feet and looked right, and looked in-between. What I saw was unique in every direction I turned. I was checking the sky and wind for a possible approach of Hurricane Ian to our area. So far Hurricane Ian has not fully impacted the Carolinas, but we have been put on alert. I pray for the safety of friends and family already in the path of Ian. I pray God’s protection be upon them giving them strength to see them through this powerful storm.
View to my Left:
View to my Right after Walking 100 feet:
My View from In-Between:
The colors in the sky are amazingly beautiful. The colors of the Sun through the clouds, the contrast of the light and dark, and the brilliant glow was something I do not see much in my neighborhood. It was a delight to see and enjoy.
God Bless. Thank You for stopping by. I appreciate y’all so very much.
God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
God bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
John’s Cell Pic Sunday challenges us to display our amazing cell phone photos. Mine this week comes from the Wagon Loop Trail at Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
My entry for Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge come from my archives. It was taken back in April of 2013 with my Minolta XG7 35 mm camera.
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD) challenge is always a pleasure to join.
God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
Flowers from my hike along North Steele Creek at Anne Springs Close Greenway is my entry for Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge .
God bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.
My entries for Cee’s FOTD Challenge. I hope you enjoy them.
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
The Anne Springs Close Greenway has a Hiking Challenge one can choose to participate in or not. I participated in the challenge earning mu Trail Passport certificate a year and a half ago in December of 2020. My grandson, Coleman, has been hiking the trails at the Anne Springs Close Greenway (ASCG) since March of 2021 when he was only a year and a half (1 1/2). A person earns the Passport Challenge certificate by completing all twenty-six (26) trails consisting of thirty-six miles (36) within and around the Greenway. There is a Trail Passport booklet that one can pick up at most any of the five (5) entrances to the Greenway. After completing a trail, initial and date verifying that you completed that trail. All the trails are listed in the passport. After completing all the trails, turn your initialed passport into the Greenway Gateway to receive your certificate.
While you are out on the trails, be respectful and remember the Leave No Trace Principles.
These are very important guidelines everyone should follow no matter which Greenway trail, State or National Park trail, or even a local trail you choose venture onto to for an awesome hike. My grandson being only 2 1/2 doesn’t understand all the rules yet. I constantly remind him to leave what is in the park in the park, what is on the ground must stay on the ground. He usually will pick up leaves, rocks, or sticks off the ground and I remind him to put them down that they have to stay in the Greenway.
On Sunday when Coleman and I went to the Greenway, we hiked 5 trails:
We began our hike on North Steele Creek Trail and continued onto the Blue Star Trail. The Blue Star Trail led us to the Railroad Trestle. Coleman loves trains and was a little disappointed when a train did not pass overhead once we arrived at the Trestle. He has seen other Railroad Trestles, but this was the first time seeing the Trestle at the Greenway. Whenever he sees a trestle, he will say choo choo. He does not say train yet, but he says choo choo anytime he sees or hears a train.
The Blue Star Trail runs along one side of the Railroad Trestle and Muscadine runs along the other side. Upon leaving the Railroad Trestle area, we started on another section of the Blue Star Trail, across a swinging bridge on then ventured onto Muscadine to head back towards the Lake Haigler Entrance and the Canteen. On the Muscadine side of the Railroad Trestle, Coleman found an opportunity to get close to (and even in) the water. Being a hot and humid day, I did not object to him getting in the water. We skittered off of Muscadine and onto Wild Azalea which led us to Lake Haigler. Once down by the lake, we wondered over to the kayak launch area to obtain some information about renting a kayak on another day. I wanted to know if they had life jackets to fit Coleman. They assured me they did and informed me of the costs and for the length of time which you can rent a kayak. Coleman’s birthday is coming up later this month, so I will try to make it possible for him to go out on the lake in a kayak close to his birthday. He wanted to go out right then and there, but I let him know he’ll need to wait until another day. That we will try to kayak for his birthday.
Leaving the kayak launch area, he chose to hike part of the Haigler Loop before returning to the Rush Pavilion and the Canteen. Once at the canteen we refilled our bottles with ice and water. By this time, we had run out of drink from the 3 bottles we had on the trail with us and were in much need of replenishing our fluid intake. It was so good to just sit and relax for a couple of minutes before heading home.
God Bless. Stay Safe. Enjoy Nature. Thank you! And always remember I appreciate y’all.
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.
These are from a visit to Cane Creek Park in Waxhaw, North Carolina with my granddaughter four years ago today in 2018. Trust you’ll enjoy. God Bless. Remember I appreciate y’all.
Yesterday, Sunday, 05 June 2022 we decided to try a different trail that I was told about on Saturday whil I was participating in the National Trails Day 1,000 Mile Challenge. The information was given to me by Debbie Zinsky Kiggans, the leader of the Anne Springs Close Greenway Hiking Club. She informed me about the Masons Ben Trail located in the Fort Mill area of South Carolina.
Following directions, we found the parking area to the Founders Trailhead, however, we did not locate the Masons Bend Trail. Afterwards, I looked at the trail map and it appears we did not hike far enough to venture off onto the Masons Bend Trail which appears to be a jaunt off of the Founders Trail.
The Founders Trail is a 2.3-mile mostly natural surface trail provides connectivity between the Piedmont Medical Center Trail, (AKA Riverwalk), and the Masons Bend Trail. It follows a beautiful stretch of the free flowing Catawba River.
From the North, users can utilize the trail parking at the end of Weir Court in the Masons Bend Neighborhood development. When you follow the trail southward, the trail runs along the River and provides a series of bridges and boardwalks. In various locations along the trail are strategically placed benches which allow hikers and other visitors to take a break and view the river. There is an overlook at the north end of the trail affording opportunities to be inspired by the marvelous views of the Catawba River. [We evidently did not go far enough along the trail, since we did not encounter the overlook.] The overlook area is stated to be around 1.9 miles into the trail. [We went 1.7 miles today before turning around to meet my daughter who just arrived at the trailhead.]
If one chooses to head north on the Founders Trail, it will connect directly into the Masons Bend Trail allowing the user to travel an additional one and a quarter mile along the river.
If one chooses to begin at the south end, trail users can utilize the trailhead of the Piedmont Medical Center Trail. Follow the trail north on Route 21. from there, the Founders Trail begins as a sidewalk along the Route 21 Bridge over the Catawba River. The sidewalk section runs for approximately 2000′ and transitions by making a “U-turn” to the right just after the guardrails and follows the old road back and travels underneath the Route 21 Bridge.
The Founders Trail consists of Natural surface, Gravel/stone, Boardwalk, Sidewalk, and Pavement. [ we never encountered the sidewalk or pavement on this hike.] The Trail is located both in the Rock Hill and the Fort Mill areas of South Carolina. The difficulty level of the Trail is designated as easy. [It was fairly easy for my two-year-old grandson.] Dogs are permitted on the trail with a 3-foot leash. If you choose to bring your dog, be sure to pick up after them. Remember to Leave No Trace, what you pack in, Pack out with you.
The Founders Trailhead has no restroom facilities, so it would be wise to plan ahead. The Trail is open from Dawn to Dusk. Parking is limited, only 15 spots available. [Parking was not crowded, and neither was the trail. So, if you which to practice social distancing that is not a problem along this trail.
I encourage you to find a local trail and get outdoors and enjoy nature. God bless. Thank you for visiting. Till next time, Remember I appreciate y’all.
The Riverwalk Greenway Trail is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It is 2.25 miles of easy walking exercise. As you walk along the paved asphalt trail you can observe fabulous views of the Catawba River.
The Riverwalk Trail has been recently renamed the Piedmont Medical Center Trail. The asphalt pathway is approximately 10-foot wide. It is located just minutes away from I-77. This trail is key segment of the Carolina Thread Trail. The Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of trails and greenways spanning 15 counties across North and South Carolina.
Along the trail you’ll encounter various historical landmarks informing you of some of the local history that is contained within the pathway of the trail. They mention the Nation Ford trestle, the usage during the Civil War, the usage by the Catawba and Cherokee Indians, and was even crossed by President Jefferson Davis in 1865.
Mile markers are placed at intervals along the pathway to help you keep track of how far you have walked, hiked, ran, or cycled. You have to remember that regardless of which trailhead you park at, it is 2.25 miles up and back. If you need a short break to catch your breath along the way you’ll encounter several metal benches, sitting areas made from tree trunks, and also a few swings. My grandson really enjoyed taking breaks anytime he came upon one of the swings.
The trail is accessible to anyone on foot, wheelchair, skateboard, or bicycle of any age and ability. Dogs are welcome to tag along, but must be on a 3-foot leash. And remember you must pick up after your dog. Leave no trace.
Located along the route are short dirt paths that you can venture on to enable you to have better views of the Catawba River. If you so choose from the north trailhead, you can launch a kayak, a tube, or raft and enjoy a leisurely trip down river.
Please note that the trail is located in a floodplain and during inclement weather you should use caution and avoid the trail during those times. All cyclists should observe the 10 mile per hour speed limit.
My grandson and I spent a couple hours leisurely walking along the trail and enjoying the fabulous views of the Catawba River. We went on Friday (1st day of a holiday weekend), and lots of people were out and about. The watering hole was crowded so he couldn’t get in the water, maybe he’ll be able to on another visit. We plan on going back on Wednesday. I’ve been informed that not so many people go there during the middle of the week. If you desire to avoid crowds, I’d suggest coming here on a weekday and avoiding the weekends.
God Bless. Enjoy nature. Get outdoors. Walk. Bike. Hike. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Nature Inspires. Enjoy God’s beautiful creations. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
A different perspective of trails at Andrew Jackson State Park. Black and white captures of wooden portions of the lake trail.
Have a blessed day! Always good to look 👀 at things differently occasionally. Brings about new perspectives and admiration for the beauty around us.
My grandson, Coleman loves to be in the outdoors. He loves to hike through the meadows, forests, or wherever you’ll let him wander.
And off we go on our Monday meanderings. It is a bright sun shiny day. Beautiful morning to spend hiking in nature. Upon entering the trail by our home, we come across the chickens letting us know they roaming free range today.
Let’s hurry on by……Don’t want to get pecked.
We came across down tree branches from the latest rain/windstorms. Bright blue skies, puddles, and an old shed were among our discoveries today.
Coleman decided to check his height against a stack in the middle of the meadow. Now on to more discoveries and enjoying being outdoors.
On the way back, a turn, a smile, more puddles, and an interesting metal squirrel.
Do you think the hike tired him out? No way, he was still full of energy and ready for some swinging.
I hope your day was filled with God’s beauty and were able to enjoy some warmth from the sun shining down upon you. Always know the Son, Jesus Christ, is shining upon your day.
God bless. Try to Get Outdoors, enjoy nature, and be amazed by all that God has created. Remember I appreciate y’all very much. Feel free to like, comment, and follow.
Visited: July 2020 Duration: 2 hours
McDowell Nature Preserve is the largest public park in the Charlotte -Mecklenburg County in North Carolina. It spans hundreds of acres along Lake Wylie’s eastern shore. The preserve encompasses a nature center, hiking trails, onsite camping and public boating access. It also contains an untouched piedmont prairie restoration and bird sanctuary. When I visited the preserve the Nature Center was closed due to COVID-19 guideline restrictions.
The Preserve has more than seven miles of hiking/walking trails that anyone can enjoy. The is one paved trail which is accessible to those in wheelchairs and strollers. You can spend a short time at the preserve or all day. There is a tremendous about of things to see and do. It is an appropriate outdoor activity for families and people of any age.
Dogs are welcomed at the Preserve but must remain on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all times. There are doggy stations in various locations for dog owners to use and dispose of their dog’s waste. Remember when in nature…what you bring in you must also carry out.
There are trail signs to help guide you along you hike. There is also a downloadable map online. Public restrooms are available at the large shelters, the nature center, campground, and waterfront. There is also a shaded playgrounds and a variety of picnic areas for use on a first come first serve basis. If you desire to ride a bicycle through the Preserve you will be restricted to the paved roads. The dirt trails are reserved for walkers and hikers and are not well suited for bicycles.
The McDowell Nature Center is a proud member of the North Carolina Association of Environmental Education Centers. Feel free to visit the Preserve if you are ever in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. It is a great place to get outdoors, walk, hike, or just relax and enjoy the views.
As always thank you! I appreciate y’all. Feel free to like, comment, and follow.
We are still twelve days away from it officially being Spring, but we have been enjoying springtime weather here in the Carolinas. Since morning was so beautiful, my grandson and I went for a short hike in the woods near our home. My grandson, Coleman loves the outdoors. He would rather spend all day outside having fun than cooped up in the house when it rains. Coleman loves to hike, so into the woods we went.
I’ve been studying about Walking with Jesus and sharing my thoughts with y’all. One thing I’ve learned is Walking and Talking with Jesus can take place anywhere, anytime, and while we are doing anything. Walking and talking with Jesus while hiking with my grandson is natural and beautiful. Being in nature amazing and I Praise God for all He has created, the trees, the woods, the deer, the heavenly sky and even the rain when it comes. God created it all and I am in awe of HIs mighty power, His creativity, and His love.
As we began our journey today, we first encountered the chickens. The chickens and beautiful creatures, sometimes they can be noisy but not today. My grandson loves to stop and observe them anytime we go for a hike. I allow Coleman to lead the way. I try my best to keep up with him. He has so much more energy than I do. I don’t know where he gets it all.
Next up was a boat, a shed, and a solar powered contraction (I’m not actually sure what it was or what it was for), and a deer stand. We came across more than one deer stand as we traversed through the woods. Did I say Deer stand? Besides hiking Coleman loves to climb. Height is no problem for him, he seems fearless. Now on the other hand, I am fearful he might fall sometime when he is climbing, especially when he decides to climb really tall deer stands as shown in the next photo collage.
I’m not sure if you can picture the height of the deer stand, and I’m not sure what its height is, but it’s super tall. So, you can imagine why I might be a tad bit fearful of him falling. Thankfully he hasn’t ever fallen yet, and I pray it stays that a way.
My grandson loves to pick up sticks. He loves to use them as hiking sticks. He knows that I have a hiking stick I use when I go to State Parks or Greenways to hike. He mimics me in that aspect. I’m thrilled he enjoys the outdoors so much. I hope he will always love the outdoors and being in nature. I pray he will one day realize that nature, the outdoors if all a part of God’s miraculous design.
While walking and talking with each other and talking with Jesus I used an app called Relive. The app tracks our distance and records any pictures taken through the app. At the end of the hike, a video can be created of your hike or whatever activity of your choosing. We hiked just under a mile at 0.7 miles today. Not too bad for hiking with a two-year-old. The following link is the video created by the Relive app of our hiking adventure today.
www.relive.cc/view/vDqgM1LW7GO
God bless. I trust you have enjoyed our hiking adventures. Remember you are able to Walk and Talk with Jesus anytime, anywhere, no matter what you are doing, God is always willing to listen.
God Bless. Be happy. Listen and Learn. Nature and Deer 🦌 are God’s creatures too. Learn from them. Do not be afraid. You are beautiful. You are Loved.
The weather is warming up and spring is approaching. Are you enjoying spring like weather? Or perhaps where you’re at you’re still in the midst of crazy winter weather. No matter which I hope you’re able to enjoy some quality outdoor time.
Outside watching my grandson enjoy playing is a wonderful thing. I love ❤️ to see him enjoying himself. The smile 😊 on his face, his energetic enthusiasm, lifts my spirit.
God bless. Be energetic. Be full of life. Have fun.
Please feel free to like, comment, and follow. I appreciate y’all.
Nature’s wild animals enjoyed from the comforts of own backyard.
Who is someone that inspires you and why? Before we/(I) can decide who inspires me, I must first decipher what inspire means. Inspire means to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something creative. It can also be to create a positive feeling in a person. Do you think you have inspired someone? It is a possibility to inspire someone and not consciously know it. For instance, a letter, a Facebook post, or even a blog post might inspire someone in a positive way, and we might never actually know it. Some might say that when we inspire another person or when we are inspired it is by divine influence or action. What do you think? Does inspiration come supernaturally?
In the Bible it states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)
So, is only the Bible inspired by God or does all inspiration come from God?
Have you ever wondered why inspiration is important in life? I’ve always known that the Scriptures were inspired by God, but I never considered that inspiration is important to our lives. Why is it important? Inspiration can transform the manner in which we perceive our own capabilities. It can awaken us to new possibilities and expand our experiences beyond what we ever imagined. Inspiration won’t change our past, but it can help us change our ending.
Our inspiration can come from many different types of sources. We can be inspired by something we read in a book, or come from a mentor, a family member, an author, or literally anyone. Our inspiration, however, doe does not have to come from a person. It can be found in nature, in technology, through random occurrences, and even from within ourselves.
One of my favorite places to go is to Andrew Jackson State Park. I look over the lake as I walk around it and feel inspired. It brings about an inner peace within me. And I am thankful for God’s creation. It draws me nearer to God and helps me to understand that I can do all things through Jesus Christ.
I can be inspired through the words written in a book by one of my favorite authors. Sometimes their words seem like God is using them to speak directly to me. Their words can make me realize I am not alone; God is right there with me giving me the strength to get through any and every situation in my life.
In the past, I would have said that I was inspired by my youth pastor. I say this because he was the major influence who encourage me to study and memorize the Bible. He also instilled in me a love of nature, the enjoyment of camping and hiking.
Nowadays, I am inspired most from the novels written by Christian authors and by observing nature. I love to combine by love of reading with my love of nature. It is so relaxing and inspiring to read while relaxing at a park, or by a lake. I am also inspired by friends in a group I’m in on Facebook. My friends have gone through numerous experiences, overcoming difficulties, rejoicing with loved ones, and yet they never give up. They know we are all there for each other and that God will see us/them through any and all circumstances.
I leave you with this thought, be an inspiration to those around you. Be an encouragement. Build one another up. Let us all seek to inspire others to create, to grow, to change, to make a difference.
God bless! Be sure to like, comment, and follow. I appreciate each and everyone.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 