The Pumpkin Patch at South Mountain Christian Camp
Fall! Leaves, apples, cider, cool temperatures, hayrides, corn mazes, glorious fall! Perhaps one of my favorite fall traditions is picking a pumpkin; the color, the shape, the texture and the creativity that is sparked by merely looking at all the varieties to choose from is one of the most exciting things about visiting a pumpkin patch, or at least it used to be; that was until I learned that one of my favorite traditions could also DO GOOD! These days the most exciting part about picking a pumpkin is knowing that I’m helping to send a child to summer camp. All the pumpkins at the patch at South Mountain Christian Camp in Bostic North Carolina have been donated which means visitors are free to choose their pumpkins and their price. 100% of the amount donated to pick out a pumpkin goes straight to camp scholarships. (more…)
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
Federally designated wilderness areas are defined as “an area where the earth and community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain” and “an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions.” The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area of Western North Carolina certainly lives up to this definition. It is a rugged area of over 11,000 acres that, for the most part, remains raw wilderness unspoiled by any development of the land. The only real developed use of actual wilderness area land are the numerous trails that weave through the gorge and possibly an overlook or two. All of the roads, parking areas, and primitive restroom facilities that are typically associated with the area are technically just outside the boundary. It truly lives up to its designation and this is a wonderful thing!
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Be Safe at those Waterfalls!
Unfortunately, 2017 is looking like it might become a record year for the number of deaths and accidents that have occurred at the various waterfalls in North and South Carolina. While it is difficult to get an exact number, quick research shows that there have been at least six deaths this year along with several other accidents. This is six deaths too many and we don’t want to hear about any further accidents. In lieu of the statistics, we thought it would be a good idea to post some safety tips in an effort to help keep people safe:
The 2017 Harvest is Upon Us…
As the summer wraps up, the kids return to school, and the Labor Day weekend approaches, the harvest season of this year continues the century’s old tradition of bringing food and goods from the farm to the table. Both North and South Carolina produce a number of crops that ripen throughout the year but all of this peaks during the fall; specifically for two of the more popular crops – Apples and Grapes. Numerous festivals and events for the apple and wine industries occur over the Labor Day weekend making it the start of an exciting, beloved, and much anticipated season that people look forward to year after year. Both apples and grapes start their harvest earlier, apples typically in August and grapes as early as July, but there is no doubt that the output and interest of these industries significantly increase as Fall approaches. The cooler temperatures and beautiful Autumn scenery have a lot to do with the increased interest.
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Eclipse Memories…
The Great American Eclipse of 2017 has come and gone but what an incredible experience it was! We were fortunate enough to view it unobstructed from any clouds for the full 2 minutes 37 seconds of totality. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case for some people in some viewing areas as there were clouds rolling through that day. While there were a few stories of people who missed it, it sounded like most people didn’t have any issues and experienced the totality they expected.
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