A New N.C. Piedmont Destination: Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area

Judy and I were delighted recently to read of a new natural

area within 90 minutes of home. It's not a state park, but Alamance

County leaders deserve praise for their ambitious vision of what

can be done on this beautiful and unique tract of 1,000 acres near

Snow Camp, NC. Most Moore County residents can reach it by 

way of Siler City. 

As a new facility, we saw it in its initial stages. A 2.5 mile trail

with a shorter 1.0 mile option are the main choices now. But more 

trails are planned, as well as an observation tower, which should

be a major draw. On a weekday, we saw only a small number of

hikers, several of whom had read about the site in the Raleigh

News & Observer, as we had.  

Join me for a mini-tour.

Here's the informational welcome board. Back in 1937
these lands were home to Pioneer Camp, a popular camp
for area children in bygone days.

The map shows not only the layout of the current trails,
but the comparative altitudes. The highest point is
987 feet, the greatest in our state east of Greensboro.

The park has two picnic tables (and a primitive but
well-maintained restroom). We had the requisite lunch
of PBJ, fruit, almonds, and more to energize us for a
challenging hike.

With spring foliage not yet appearing, we could see
great distances wherever we went. The terrain was 
rolling with moderate difficulty level, but no problem.

At the lower levels we would cross a number of foot
bridges to navigate a small creek and later Buggy Shop
Branch, a larger free-flowing stream.

This sprouting acorn is a sign of approaching spring.

Judy demonstrates the size of this boulder. This mountain
is known as a monadnock: extruded during ancient volcanic
periods with softer soils now eroded away. The mountainsides
were strewn with boulders large and small.

Rocks too large to throw are still nice to lean on.

I was happy to see one of my favorite wildflowers:
Wild Ginger. It was everywhere.

What do you see in this picture? I saw a fierce
face warning "Go back!" But we didn't.

The boulders are not just on the surface. This partially
uprooted tree reveals small boulders underneath. Such
is the composition of this region of Alamance County.

Rocks and trees can peacefully coexist, though the 
trees have to be pretty creative to survive.

Right in the middle of that boulder was the largest and
healthiest patch of Wild Ginger I've ever seen or hope
to see. Amazing how it thrives here!

You may see a red trail marker on a small tree. They have an
ingenious system with numbered tags every tenth of a mile
throughout the trail. In case of emergency, you can tell rescuers
your precise location. I wonder if there's cell phone reception . . .

This seems to be near the peak, though it was a very
gradual slope.  We wondered if this would be the site
of the future observation tower, or some other spot we
haven't seen yet.

This is apparently the stone where the locals sacrifice
the occasional interloper from the Sandhills and other areas.

We could see a long way. We just didn't know what 
we were seeing. I can imagine this hardwood forest
when all the leaves emerge. We want to see it at 
different seaons.

This was a little further along, but seemed about the
same altitude.

Here's another tree that does a pretty good job as
"Watchman." Don't want to mess with him.

You'll have to look closely, but this picture has about
four examples of another of my favorite plants: 
Cranefly Orchid. A couple of the leaves are green (the
topside) and a could are purple (the underside). They 
always have just a single leaf and are on a "backwards"
schedule, appearing during the winter and dying down
in the spring and summer.

This is a specimen of River Birch, a tree which was
prevalent in the lower elevations, but some grew even
near the peak of our climb. Carrying its leaves through
the entire winter makes it easy to identify. I read of some
interesting uses by Native Americans and pioneers.

This is Trout Lily, a dainty wildflower Judy and I had
also encountered at Occoneechee Mountain at Hillsborough,
which is another monadnock (coincidence?). On the eastern
side of the mountain these beautiful flowers were abundant
and evenly spaced. More flowers will come later in the spring,
but can they be more lovely than these?

With many fallen trees (natural causes, mostly), 
volunteers find creative expressions that are 
welcomed by leg-weary hikers. Who can resist?

On our downward trek, our path began to follow
Buggy Shop Branch, which due to recent rains was
loud and bubbly. The trail designers wisely routed
our path to follow the branch a good distance, then
cross and follow the other side.

The water certainly appeared clean (I didn't taste it-- 
I know better!) And it WAS cold-- as Judy can testify!

Here's a relaxing 13 second video of the rippling waters

of Buggy Shop Brance.

We're nearing the end now, but we're not out of oddities.

Does anyone else see a swan here?

A closeup looks more like Donald Duck to me.

We're back in the lowlands now, and as we approach

the parking area we go through the largest and healthiest

patch of broomstraw either Judy or I had ever seen.

That wasn't the only familiar plant we saw.

Anyone recognize this longleaf pine? And we thought

they were only for the Sandhills. This area has been

replanted with them, at least the low elevations. These

hardy pines coexist well with hardwoods if they have

proper soil. And the Cane Creek Mountains are part

of the Carolina Blue Slate belt that goes through large

areas of Moore County. After all, it's less than 50 miles

from parts of our county, so it shouldn't be a surprise

to show some kinship.

Judy and I were so excited to be early visitors to this

new attraction. We're even more excited about the vast

possibilities this natural area holds. Yes, we'll want to

share it with the grandkids-- but I think we'll wait for

that observation tower. But if you want a nice medium

difficulty hike at a new venue, there's no need to wait!

We're glad we took the plunge!

 

The Father's Time: the Right Time

As I have recently been studying the Gospel of John, some passages regarding “time” have given me cause to reflect. Before I get into that, though, recall the familiar passage from Ecclesiastes 3:

“There is a time for everything,

And a season for all things under heaven.”

It goes on to enumerate many of the events, pursuits, and activities which comprise our earthly walks.  We often put much thought into deciding what is the “right” time for certain things in our lives. Marrying, buying a house, having children, changing jobs.

In John 2:4, Jesus’s mother, Mary, urged him to assist at a wedding in Cana. It was something like: “They have no more wine—hint, hint….” Though Jesus did come through in a miraculous way, his first response was, “My time has not yet come.”

In John 7:6, Jesus’s brothers urged him to go to the Feast of Tabernacles in Judea, that more people could see his miracles. He replied to them, “The right time for me has not yet come.” Yet he did afterward go to the feast, not publicly, but in secret.

Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus in action, healing, casting out demons, even raising Lazarus from the dead. In every instance, He knew when it WAS the right time.

For me, the culmination of these instances is in John 17: 1. Here at the Last Supper, Jesus prayed, “Father, THE TIME HAS COME. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.”

This was only hours before Jesus’s arrest, mock trial, and crucifixion would follow in a shocking cascade of events.

Yet Jesus knew this was the RIGHT time, the time for which He had come into the world. On a personal level, this makes me ponder. Each day, in God’s view, there are countless things for which the time is “right.” We can be a part of these things if we are aware of them.  Our challenge is to be so attuned to the prompting of the Holy Spirit that we recognize these opportunities. We can do this by spending time in prayer and in studying God’s Word, the Bible. And by being vigilant; using our spiritual eyes and ears.

Easter is fast approaching. Think of what Jesus endured on the cross, but knowing full well the glory of the resurrection that awaited—and what that means to us. Jesus knew it was exactly the right time—God’s time.

Think of how today, tomorrow, or the next day might be the perfect time for something in your own life. And with God’s help, you can do it, whatever it is!

A COVID version of "Don't Get Around Much Anymore"

If this is a different kind of blog post for me, it's just

because I'm eclectic.

On January 20 I shared a piano rendition of "Don't Get

Around Much Anymore," commenting that it was an

appropriate title for these dark days of coronavirus.

My good friend Beverly Smith suggested that I come

up with my own COVID-specific lyrics. It was Sunday

night before I got around to it (so to speak). But the 

words came to me quickly, and this morning I typed

them up and recorded the new version.

It's meant to contain a little humor and a little wisdom 

for these times. I hope you enjoy it.

 

Ken Loyd's Third 100 Song Posts (Facebook)

 On June 23, 2020 I shared on this blog the First 100 Song Posts that can be found on my Facebook page.

On October 1, 2020 I shared the Second 100 Song Posts.

Today I'm happy to share the Third 100 Song Posts.

And I'm even happier to state that more than enough songs are either

recorded or still in the formative stages to carry this project through

a full year or more.

My very first post was "Misty" way back on March 24, 2020.

You can search in the search box to see the blogs about the previous

lists, then go to my Facebook to search for the songs by title or #.

The other blogs give more background, but my purpose now is

just to get the list out. So here it is. Thank you for listening and

joining my on this musical odyssey that, ironically, was

triggered by COVID-19. And music will help us to get through this!

Ken’s Third 100 Piano Song Posts

#201      The Tennessee Waltz

#202      Down By the Old Millstream, Up a Lazy River

#203      Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho, Deep River, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Michael Row The Boat Ashore

#204      The Sound of Music Medley (9 songs)

#205      Some Enchanted Evening

#206      Theme from Moulin Rouge, The Sweetheart Tree

#207      Mexican Hat Dance, South of the Border

#208      Stars Fell on Alabama, Alabamy Bound

#209      Lazy Bone, Stormy Weather

#210      Love Lifted Me, He Lives

#211      Standing on the Corner, Music to Watch Girls By

#212      The Stripper

#213      Love Makes the World Go ‘Round, Catch a Falling Star, Que Sera, Sera

#214      Stephen Foster Medley: Beautiful Dreamer, Camptown Races, My Old Kentucky Home, The Old Folks at Home, O Susannah

#215      Puttin’ on the Ritz, Anything Goes, Hooray for Hollywood, 42^nd Street, All That Jazz

#216      I Fall to Pieces, Walkin’ After Midnight, Sweet Dreams

#217      Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White, A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation

#218      Totally Surrendered, by Ken Loyd

#219      The Varsity Drag, Alexander’s Ragtime Band

#220      The Jersey Bounce

#221      Help, It’s Been a Hard Day’s Night

#222      I Can’t Help It If I’m Still in Love With You, Your Cheatin’ Heart, Please Release Me

#223      Jambalaya, Hey Good Lookin’

#224      Frankie and Johnny

#225      I Stand Amazed in the Presence, Since Jesus Came Into My Heart

#226      Both Sides Now

#227      When I’m 64, For You Blue

#228      Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Old Oak Tree

#229      Rocky Top

#230      Baby Elephant Walk

#231      Try Not to Get Worried, I Don’t Know How to Love Him

#232      God’s Undefeated Season, by Ken Loyd

#233      I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song

#234      Feelings

#235      I Write the Songs

#236      Just the Way You Are

#237      The Can-Can

#238      Jalousie

#239      Farther Along, On the Wings of a Dove

#240      Java

#241      No Matter What Shape, I Can’t Get No Satisfaction

#242      Aquarius, Let the Sun Shine In

#243      There’s a Kind of Hush All Over the World

#244      Music Box Dancer, Tiny Bubbles

#245      Ma, He’s Making Eyes at Me, That’s My Weakness Now

#246      Can’t Help Lovin’ That Lord of Mine

#247      The City of New Orleans

#248      The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

#249      Down By the River to Pray

#250      Something Stupid, Calcutta

#251      Oliver Medley 1

#252      Oliver Medley 2

#253      Worthy of Worship

#254      Blueberry Hill, You’re 16, You’re Beautiful, and You’re Mine

#255      Rainbow Connection

#256      Harbor Lights

#257      Give Thanks, More Precious Than Silver (Thanksgiving Day)

#258      Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer

#259      Twilight Time

#260      We Gather Together, Come, Ye Thankful People Come

#261      Wildwood Flower, I’m Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes

#262      Do You Hear What I Hear

#263      It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

#264      Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Coming to Town

#265      Deck the Halls, O Christmas Tree

#266      It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

#267      Silent Night

#268      We Need a Little Christmas, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

#269      Jingle Bell Rock

#270      Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

#271      The Little Drummer Boy, Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire      

#272      Blue Christmas

#273      Lullay Lullay, Coventry Carol, Mary’s Boy Child    

#274      O Holy Night

#275      Joy to the World

#276      White Christmas, Let it Snow

#277      We Three Kings, What Child is This?

#278      He is Born (Il est Ne’), Emmanuel, There’s a Song in the Air

#279      Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

#280      Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

#281      Birthday of a King, Go Tell it on the Mountain

#282      Home for the Holidays, I’ll Be Home for Christmas

#283      The First Noel, O Come, All Ye Faithful

#284      Jolly Old St. Nicholas, Up on the Housetop, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Here Comes Santa Claus

#285      Carol of the Bells

#286      Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Angels We Have Heard on High (Christmas Day)

#287      Feliz Navidad, We Wish You a Merry Christmas

#288      Jesu Bambino

#289      Silver Bells

#290      Sleigh Ride

#291      Frosty the Snowman

#292      Winter Wonderland

#293      What’ll I Do?, Gone is the Romance

#294      Springtime in the Rockies

#295      He is My God

#296      You’re Nobody till Somebody Loves You

#297      I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire, Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella

#298      Love Me With all Your Heart

#299      Can’t Help Falling in Love

#300      Rock-a-bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody

Now, FULL SPEED AHEAD!

It's Ryan's Turn!

This post is a couple of weeks late, but it's ALWAYS a 

good time to feature the adventures of one of the grandkids.

Earlier this month we had Ryan spend the night, a treat

we had only gotten to do once before (by himself).

What a great time we had. Here are some highlights.

Taking a cue from Claire's recent sleepover, Ryan
set about constructing an epic battle between good and
evil. Judy and I were interested in how his and Claire's 
"styles" differed.

 

He pulls out the mighty cannon and prepares an
assault. This is the cannon my Uncle Herman and
Aunt Virginia gave me when I was about Ryan's age.

Here's 90 seconds of the battle royal, with some

narration by Ryan.

He can reload rapid-fire. These wooden balls came
from the craft department at Michael's and are a good
substitute for the long-lost originals.

More exciting narration.

The war continues.

Ryan also enjoyed some other variations on mortal

combat. 

Dragon versus Basilisk.

At the suggestion of my life-long friend Mike Ayers
I rigged up my old baseball game with vibrating field.
Ryan staged some classic duels mano-a-mano to see
who would be the last hero or villain standing.
We set it on maximum vibration and that rascal was LOUD!

The wrestling ring was another apt stage for combat.
I can't tell who's winning on points.

I'm not even sure who Ryan wants to win, 

but he's in charge.

Ultimately, he had to combine everything.

Vibrating ball field PLUS wrestling ring.

Who will win, Good Green Lantern or Evil Green Lantern?

I don't want to give the impression that all we did 

was wage war.  No, we also ATE! Ryan didn't ask

for take-out food. He wanted to help Judy cook, and

spaghetti was his request. He's going to be quite a chef.

Do ya think this might be the most fun part?
Crack those noodles! Hee-YAH!

Claire Sleeps Over-- Adventures Follow

Claire has patiently waited over EIGHT MONTHS for

a sleepover promised last spring. We finally got to do it,

and we made up for lost time.

A week earlier Claire, Evan, and Ryan had set up
our new thrift shop manger scene. This week, Claire
added some special touches-- holly berries.

It was a real treat to see Claire pull out all our castles

and forts and fill them with a vast array of her favorite

characters. A virtual battle of Good Guys and Bad Guys

was about to be joined.

Here are her king and queen atop the battlements.
Do you recognize Jasmine?

The royal pets are staunch defenders in front
of the castle gates.

You can see what an assortment of characters she
employs. Look for Smurfette, Moses, the "Camel Store"
(I think it should be the Camel Lot), and more.

Here are the marauding Bad Guys, armed with a 
weapon supreme. That cannon was my Christmas
gift from Uncle Herman and Aunt Virginia when I
was about 8. I've done some repairs on it and it now
shoots some little wooden balls I bought at Michael's.

Claire is behind the protective walls of her Good
Guys and the villagers. Plus a host of animals.

BB-8 from Star Wars is her secret weapon.

She has to briefly switch roles to fire the cannon
for the attackers.

Losses are heavy in the first attack, but the walls hold.

Grandma is another secret weapon. All is well.

With Zorro, cowboys, Indians, and WWII soldiers
from four armies, how can she lose?

Grandpa gets his turn, too. Claire shares generously.

Here are two videos of Claire manning the cannon.

She also delivers some thrilling play-by-play commentary.

Here's where the Bad Guys get what they deserve.

NO MERCY! Her aim has improved, too.

We played a variety of games in a 24 hour period.

We played Rummy, Speed, Spite and Malice, and

Authors. Authors is a game I played with my mother

and her mother, my Mama Gaddis. Claire is the first

of the grandchildren to try this "Go Fish" variation.

It's quite educational. When I gave Claire a thirty

word summary of "Moby Dick," she said, "Great!

Now I won't have to read it!"😁

I don't know where you can find this game nowadays,
but it would be a good one for parents to add to your
game collection.

When you collect four titles by an author, 
you have a "book."

Here are all the authors. (Henry Melville isn't one of these.)

Claire got us to try Apples to Apples, which Judy 
and I had never played, even though we bought it
at a Hillsborough thrift shop. Thanks, Amanda, Bri,
and Hunter, for recommending it. We love it!

We had a ton of laughs, especially trying to justify
some of our far-out answers.

With all these activities, we had to sustain our energy.
That consisted of take-out from Pizza Cafe, take-out
from Granny's Doughnuts, and take-out from McDonald's.
What Claire wants, Claire gets.
And it also included Jiffy Pop Popcorn.

Claire is in charge.

IT'S GONNA BLOW!!!

YES!!

 Once Evan and Ryan see all this fun, you can bet

they'll be clamoring for their turn.  They don't really

need to clamor. Ryan is already on the schedule, and

then it will be Evan's turn again. We're so thankful

they look forward to these special times as much as we do!