Raven Rock State Park, North Carolina (Part two)

After finishing the Campbell Creek Trail we sat down to eat lunch.  They have two large shaded picnic areas with plenty of tables, but we decided to sit in the car and run the AC. Ha!  Then we hit the Raven Rock Tail.
And wouldn't you know as soon as we started on this trial we see this....

 Yes that is a snake. It was a small one but to me a snake is a snake.   I could have gotten a great photo of it in plain view while it was going across the path but all three of us just stood there frozen while watching it.  SO, after seeing the snake I didn't get many "nature" shots because I didn't take my eyes off the walking path...haha!  But here is a few.

Raven Rock is a unique part of the park.  The rock is HUGE and I wasn't able to get the whole thing in a photo.

It was really nice to see.  It is amazing to me on how many places are just hidden that we will never get to see.  I told my daughter that I hope she will continue to find State Parks and enjoy it with her family.  She has never been one to sit and play video games, but that cell phone is always in her hand.  

I wasn't to sure about all the steps to get to the Rock but I got down them and back up them. I am guessing that they are the reason my legs are still hurting.  Ha!

My two favorite people in the world aren't afraid to get out there and explore.  My hubby is the leader and my mini me isn't to far behind him.  And me....well I sit back and enjoy watching them while wondering where that snake went too!

There was one trail we didn't do because of time, it has a overview looking over the river and a area for fishing.  I look forward to going back soon.  

Raven Rock State Park, North Carolina (Part 1)

As a family we love the outdoors.  So when I came across Raven Rock State Park I decided it was time for a day trip.  We put on our walking clothes, packed a cooler with lunch, packed a backpack with water and snacks and took off to hike and enjoy Gods beauty.  They had a small Museum with information, restrooms and gift shop. (Click on the photos to enlarge.)

Raven Rock State Park is in North Carolina.  It offers camping, Picnicking, Hiking, and Fishing.We decided to go hiking and enjoy some of Gods beautiful creations.  It is really great to just take a day and enjoy nature.

First we took off on the Campbell Creek Loop Trail.  It's 4.9 miles and one side of the loop travels beside the Creek.  It was really nice.  There were few bridges to cross, stairs to climb but so worth the view.

It wasn't long before my hubby and daughter were going down to a smaller creek to touch the water.  I love that my daughter was really enjoying it.

We stopped at a few points of the creek.  It was hot that day so it was nice to feel the cool water. It was a great day.

A small trail off the loop lead us to the Cape Fear River.  It was nice.

Half way in the hike we came up to the Lanier Falls.  It's a small falls, ok not much of a falls but it was so beautiful and peaceful.  I could have sat there for hours and just listen to the water.  

This photo sums it all up.  There is nothing better than getting away from cell phones, computers, work, and everyday stress and just relax and enjoy the outdoors. 

It's the simple things in life......

  

A field of Wheat Straw

I live on family land in NC, and as long as I can remember it has always had something growing on it.  When I was very young my Great Grandfather lived here and I remember coming to see him and running around a big old tree and playing on the old porch.  He would always be sitting on the porch when we pulled up.  He had corn, tobacco and turnips growing in the fields.  Today my dad has someone farm the land.  Sometimes they plant soy beans, corn ( I didn't like corn, my hubby would always tease me about the movie 'Children of the Corn' so I wouldn't look out the window or go outside after dark. Ha!)  or straw.  My favorite is the wheat straw, and that's whats out there now. I am surrounded by it and right now it's green, and about knee high.  It's so pretty when there is a breeze and it blows, it looks like a wave going across the field.

Up close

Behind my house

Another up close

Well, I see I am not alone out there....I saw a few Ladybugs.