First Visit to Sanford's San-Lee Park: Thumbs UP!

Judy and I had a real treat this past Friday

as we visited Sanford's San-Lee Park for

the first time ever.  It's a mere 30 minutes away,

and exceeded our expectations.

This building, once part of the Sanford waterworks,
now houses an animal museum and animal rescue center.

                                

This info from the brochure will tell you the

location and give you an idea of the layout.

(Click on map to enlarge)

Upon parking on this overcast day, we set out to
hike the Thoreau Trail which encircles the park's
large lake.  It's a fairly level hike, about 0.8 miles.

Picnic area near the upper parking area

We crossed the bridge then began the Thoreau Trail
to the left.  On another visit we'll take a trail to the right.

All quiet.  The rain would hold off throughout
our visit.

This small heron is used to visitors.

At center is one of my favorite plants,
Rattlesnake Plantain.

Note the intricately veined leaves.

But it's the flower that makes one think
of a rattlesnake's rattle.

I believe this is Resurrection Fern, which can grow
well on rocky surfaces, drawing its moisture from
any available source.

I dubbed these the "Kissing Trees."
Or how about "Dirty Dancing"?

There was one steep section near the end.  It was neat
how the trail was outlined in white quartz chips.

What (or who) goes up, must come down.

Near the end of the trail, we passed the paddleboat
rental area.  We would have ridden them, but they are
only available from 1 to 6 on weekends (because an
attendant must be present).

Joy Clayton!! Somebody must have thinking of you
when they stuck this sticker on a sweetgum leaf.

After that hike, it was off to the Nature Center.

This Water Moccasin was one of numerous North
Carolina snakes on exhibit.

Here's the copperhead.  I thought the one in my
yard a few weeks ago had more vibrant colors.

This is the uncommon Yellow Rat Snake.  I have never
seen one in the wild.  They also had a Green Rat Snake,
the result of a Black and Yellow mating.  All can live in
the Sandhills.

This chunky one is a Timber Rattlesnake.
I have seen one of them in the wild, and it was scary.

This turtle video is for the kids (of all ages).

He followed my camera.

Outside were rescued raptors.  This is a Redtail Hawk.
I had seen one in my yard just this week.  We think
we know where all our squirrels went.

This barred owl seemed to be unbothered by our presence.

This waterfall formed at a spillway reminded me
of the mountains.  So did the whole park.

There was a small, but very nice park for the kids.
But we had no kids with us this day.

Lots of climbing stuff, just in case the trails
don't wear the kids out, I guess.

We finished our visit by hiking the 1.2 mile
Muir Nature Trail.  

Our trail paralleled the mountain bike trail which
follows the perimeter of the park (10 miles, but
with many access points for shorter jaunts).

Look sharp and you may see the heron Judy spotted
atop a leaning pine tree, patiently awaiting a meal.

Here's the view from above the dam.

Liz, this one's for you! Happy Trails!

Goodness!  Did we make a wrong turn?
It appears we're in Narnia!

I thought this was a neat bridge leading to the
wilderness camping area.  I wondered if kids sometimes
wade here, but we didn't observe that.

Well, after all that hiking, I'm ready for lunch.  Just
one more picture . . . Hey Judy, wait for me!
Then we lunched at 121, a nice little sandwich shop
we've discovered near the railroad tracks in the
old downtown section of Sanford.  Then we hit
three thrift shops, not hitting any rain until we
were on the way home.  A really nice day and
we highly recommend the park.