July 26, 2018

So nice to see my student’s film on the big screen again, the Real to Reel International Film Festival in Kings Mountain. This audience was really into the documentary, laughed at the funny parts, reacted to the suffering, etc. in fact, this was the best crowd reaction so far for the film. Tonight had film makers from Texas and Illinois too, each film maker took questions from the crowd after their film.

During the day I got to hike a state park that has been on my list since last year’s 52 Hike Challenge. Crowders State Park. Did the more interesting Crowders Mountain trail to Rockhop a great hike to the Crowders Mountain overlook.

Advertisements

July 3, 2018

The day started early with a trip to Wolf Creek Falls.

We had the waterfall all to ourselves.

After lunch, we hiked to a 2nd waterfall – Little Fall Branch.

Then on to Max Patch for a sunset and Milky Way viewing party. Lighting plays in the clouds.

the sunset was amazing!

 

But the Milky Way was awesome with lightning still bouncing around the clouds below it!

June 22, 2018

Day 2 – DuPont State Forest. No bike pictures, but after the ride I hiked to Triple Falls

and Hooker Falls for a quick swim

Then to New Belgium Brewery for recovery fluids.

and the drive home sunset.

An Instagram follower asked me for interior shots of the Flippac

June 14, 2018

An early morning bike ride, a new route to stretch the distance.

But still across the Linn Cove Viaduct and it’s freshly paved surface.

Then time to hike…. my original planned trail is closed, so we started up Rough Ridge Trail

it’s very rocky….

then over the top to the Wilson Creek Trail to make a loop.

A great day along the Blue Ridge Parkway!

June 5, 2018

After a bike ride, it was time to hike, I chose MacRae Peak because I love the ladders…

and the views….

the actual peak.

waiting for a sun set!

May 15, 2018

Kodak along the Deep River Nature Trail in Randleman. I am really thinking of starting the 52 Hike Challenge again….

April 29, 2018

Another day in Uwharrie National Forest, Sam and I hiked south from the Jumping Off Rock trail head, it’s a cool hike, up a rocky climb, along a spine between hilltops, and down rollers, turn around and reverse back to the truck.

Feb. 17, 2018

I needed a weekend away, after working 6 days and a bunch of hours, we decided an overnight trip to the beach. The hike along Flytrap Trail to Sugarloaf Dune is pretty and finding Venus Flytraps makes it worth the hike (thanks Clay and Kay for the eagle eyes)

These are small plants, both these are 1:1 macro photographs.

As we reached the Intracoastal Waterway it was low tide and we could board and explore the US Navy BK-7947 – some kind of barge, but you can climb into the holds and has some cool rigging. (Video to come)

 

Jan. 7, 2018

I woke up with no plan for the day, as I ate breakfast I decided, look for frozen waterfalls. I looked at mountains in Boone or Highlands, but decided Hanging Rock State Park.

I started at Window Falls, because I knew I could walk behind it.

Self timer behind the falls.

Window Falls through the window.

The front view.

Photo of me by my student Khadejeh at Lower Cascades.  I ran into a couple of students on my last waterfall of the day… when I think back to my college days and all the chasing I did for photographs (and I still do) I am thrilled when I see students doing more than just my assignments. PS like the hat? Deb knitted for me!

After the waterfalls, I mountain biked the trails at Moores Spring (MST) what a fun ride!

 

Dec. 26, 2017

Hike #51 #52hikechallenge Boone’s Cave Park in Lexington. Kodak remembered the last time I took her to a cave, she had to swim out, so she waited at the opening as I explored a bit.

This is a pretty little park and the caves are what most people come for. The caves are more hole in wall type, but cool. There is no proof that Daniel Boone really lived in the caves as his family built a home as legend has it, but he and other family did live in the area, so maybe….

As I said, it is a small park. I hiked all the trails, (except the Back Country Trail, it is closed) and double hike a couple in 2 hours or so.

The view of the Yadkin River from Baptism Rock

Cave opening, it is less than a 1/4 from parking lot down stairs, but we walked the long way over Boone Peak trail and Cottonwood trail

Wetland Trail boardwalk

1940s care taker cabin ruins.