Hking the Carolina Woods

Recently, I visited Willis, Nisa, and Melon in Charlotte.  One day we went hiking in the Lake Wylie area, specifically the McDowell Nature Preserve.  My god, the forest was lush!  (This from a dry Utah boy where all summer has seen air polluted by forest fire smoke).  Here are a few forest pics.

And one of intrepid hikers...

Interesting moss stripe on this tree...

I like how the park did these little picnic areas, on the edge of a ravine leading to the lake...  and overlooking the lake.  Very nicely done.

A couple of the lake (Wylie) and the number one sport in Carolina (fishing!).  The lake also supports private houses and boats, canoeing, kayaking, and tour cruises...  a neat recreational area.

A curious sculpture outside the visitor's center...

And a variation of "unattended kids" from inside the center...

And the family...  a big thank you to Willis, Nisa, and Melon for the fun hiking (and super BBQ afterwards!).