Mountain Adventures: Carrollwood Campground, New River Paddle and Bicycling

Guess we still needed an old-time music fix after the Mt. Airy Old-time Fiddlers Convention  because we headed across the state line to a campground in Virginia.

View from our campsite

To be honest this just isn't any campground, this is Matthew's Carrollwood Campground and Big FishPark. We stumbled upon this jewel in 2013 and knew it was worth a return trip.

Above view at sunrise

Hillsville is centrally located in this mountain music mecca, it is beautiful, and owned by a friendly family. What is not to like... the sites are on the side of a hill and most have a wonderful view, the air is scented with the aroma of white pines, you can fish in one of two lakes, birdwatch anywhere on the property, and hike along a few trails. I only hope my recommendation doesn't leave me without a campsite next year!

A few rapids to ford on the river

Monday to prove there is more to life than music, we put the canoe in the New River near Fries VA.  The river runs rather fast but we managed to paddle upstream over small rapids and against the swift current. For about an hour and a half we fought the current and managed to ford several small rapids; however, several of the rapids required more than one attempt. Finally, it was time to turn and ride the swift current downstream allowing the canoe to float over the rapids while we observed the herons, campsites, and fields that border the river. As we left the river we chatted with a local mom as here three young sons played in the river.

Beaver Creek Trail

Being near Fries we opted for lunch at the gas station-deli owned by the mom we met at the river. Lunch was homemade, fresh, and tasty which we enjoyed at their outdoor table overlooking the New River. Following our repast it was time to cycle along the New River on the New River Trail State Park. This is a relatively flat another two hours. I called this Bill Messer's “Get Fit Trip”. Needless to say, Monday night was a quiet evening.

Tuesday we hiked to Beaver Creek Dam, please see that post as it is a lengthy story.

Our friend Norma Jean at the Independence Jam

As we live on the road, Wednesday was the day for chores. One chore is a trip to the grocery or local vegetable stands. It just so happens that the Southwest VirginiaFarmers' Market is just across the road so this is a no-brainer. We visited them for fruit, fresh tomatoes, local vegetables, and the experience. Luckily the weather held for an afternoon walk in Matthew's State Forest, please see that post, on the way to Independence for a jam.

Playing in Independence VA

There are many wonderful locations in our country and this area deserves a visit.

Mountain Adventures: Beaver Creek Dam, Hillsville VA

Stream along the trial

This was our second attempt at the Beaver Creek Dam trail.  The previous August it was raining when we located the trail head at the 'bottom of the hill'. Due to the frequent rains last fall, the trail head was underwater so we opted to skip the walk. Not so this year. The trail was high and dry plus it seems to have been recently resurfaced with re purposed roadway asphalt.

The trail is mostly gentle

The trip from the 'bottom of the hill' parking lot climbs about 1.3 miles along Beaver Creek through a green-way and pasture land. The babble of the creek sings along with the birds, frogs, and crickets. This a true treasure as you climb towards the dam crossing the creek multiple times.

After a mile or so you exit this section of the trail to find a medical center and convenience store on the outskirts of Hillsville. From here the trail skirts the back of a manufacture's truck loading dock to a school yard, residential community, and the Carter Pines Community Park. Travel a bit further along the trail and you arrive at the center of town.

Queen Anne's Lace decorates the trail

Add the Beaver Creek Dam Trail to your list of gentle and scenic trails.

Early summer eye candy along the trail

Mountain Adventures: Matthews State Forest, Galax VA

Yes, this is was a repeat trip to the forest which offers several short delightful trails through stands of pine, oak, hickory, cherry, and many other variety of trees. Why so many types of trees? Well, aside from preserving valuable trees it is use as an educational facility...

One of the trails

The Matthews State Forest was a gift to the Commonwealth from the late Judge Jack Matthews. The Judge had a vision for his property. He wanted to create a state forest "To provide for the scientific, educational, and research needs for Southwest Virginia’s children and the public."  http://www.dof.virginia.gov/stateforest/list/matthews-edu-programs.htm

The area is mountainous so you will ramble up and down two miles of interconnected paths. A diverse community of shrubs, grasses, ferns, and flowers abounds to complement the wide variety of trees. Regardless of the season you will find treasures to delight your senses. 

On this trip an elegant iris guarded the entry to the paths while honeysuckle draped the pines and colorful June flowers dotted the ground.

Looking for a shaded, short hike that will get your heart pumping and delight your senses? Then Matthews State Forest is a stop for you.

Note: Another stop on Bill Messer's “Get Fit Tour”.

Mountain Music: Mt. Airy Fiddlers Convention

The next stop the 43^rd Annual Mt. Airy Old-time Fiddlers Convention at Mt. Airy NC.

http://www.surryarts.org/fiddlersconvention/images/2014/workshop/oldtimefiddle/index.html

The mountains come alive with festivals in the summer, much as Florida blossoms with events from November through May. And for the same reasons, the weather is better, visitors are in the area, and every town wants to attract the business. It is a win-win situation.

Mt. Airy field camping

You simply can't repeat an experience as you “Can't go home again”. Well, you can return to the same location but life is always different with new people, new interactions, and a new you. This year we arrived with the Air Stream in tow and expecting rainy weather opted to pitch the trailer in the outer field and avoid the muddy hillside sites.

 It was great to share our house with my good friend Pam Linder. Three years earlier she and I stayed in her tent and weathered a horrid storm while other floated away. 

Flatfooting Workshop
http://www.mtairyfiddlersconvention.com/

This is a fun convention frequented by many excellent pickers, dancers, and music fans. Although the advertised genre are old-time and bluegrass there are strains of swing, Cajun, and rag-time wafting along the breeze.   

New and Old Friends
http://www.mtairyfiddlersconvention.com/

It is a good time to visit with new and old friends who you will encounter at music events in many locations throughout the country.

Marg, Norma Jean, and Kyle (NJ's granddaughter)
http://www.mtairyfiddlersconvention.com/

On Thursday evening were able to catch up with Norma Jean and Luther who we met while volunteering at Myakka River State Park. The remainder of the weekend we shared fiddle workshops, folk-song contests, and jams.  And there were other new and old friends along the way.

Thursday Community Jam
http://www.mtairyfiddlersconvention.com/

Lake Wateree State Park, South Carolina

A serene Lake Wateree at dawn

Travelling is fun and as much as one wants to foster spontaneous adventuring it is not always the best plan.  So, there is a planning phase before each trip that requires a bit of research, luckily we have the Internet and the world is at our fingertips.  However, regardless how carefully you plan there are always surprises.

Early evening view of Lake Wateree
From the nature trail

And, Lake Wateree State Park is one of those pleasant surprises.  From previous camping trips to South Carolina State Parks we knew the parks were well maintained and normally beautiful but Lake Wateree is a jewel in the park system.  

.About the park:

This 238-acre park is located on Lake Wateree, one of South Carolina's premier fishing lakes, with over 13,700 acres and 242 miles of shoreline. The dam was completed in 1919, making it one of the oldest lakes in the state. http://www.wildernet.com/pages/area.cfm?areaID=SCSPLW

Fishing is a popular activity

The lake was dammed in 1919 and expanded in the 1950s by Duke Energy.  Overall it was a rather popular move, according to a local, as the economy in the area has improved greatly over the years
   
About the lake:

Lake Wateree, a 13,250-acre lake with unspoiled natural views, was created by the damming of the Wateree River in 1920. It is located about 30 miles northeast of Columbia, just east of I-77.The lake is owned and managed by Duke Power and is surrounded by three counties: Fairfield, Kershaw, and Lancaster. http://www.sciway.net/city/lake-wateree.html

I did not make a reservation as an online search using Reserve America earlier in the week indicated there should be available sites at this park.

This lovely site was ours!

The next morning we just couldn't resist putting the canoe in the lake for a nice paddle.  Again we were treated with unexpected beauty along the shore line.  Upon approaching an island there was a warning chatter of herons.  Closer inspection revealed the island was a Great Blue Heron rookery sporting many nests with 1 or 2 young birds.  It is amazing how loud the birds can chatter which started quietly and built in volume. It was not until we paddled away that I realized the loud voices of the babies chicks.

Swimming is perfect on a hot day
and it was a warm day!

We so enjoyed the park that we stayed an extra day which allowed us to visit with the neighbors, canoe, hike the nature trail (again), and take a swim.

Lake Wateree
A place to enjoy

Fort McAllister State Park, Georgia

Yes, we are on the road again.  In truth, we really are never 'off the road' but sometimes we settle down for a few months with a volunteer assignment.  This is the start of summer vacation after ten months of volunteering with the Florida State Parks.  Volunteering can be a rewarding experience so give it a try.

A dawn hike along the marsh.

Our first stop after leaving Florida was Fort McAllister State Park which is on the Ogeechee River and just outside Richmond Hill GA.  The campground is on Savage Island bordered by Redbird Creek, the Ogeechee River, and their marshes. 

Morning on the Redbird Creek

The creek is appropriately named as the cardinals are everywhere. But this is not the only wildlife on the island, it is filled with deer, raccoon, and squirrels.  You had best keep your coolers locked as these raccoon are crafty... and difficult to photograph.

Nature trail spur towards the marsh

Morning is always a special time so plan on a dawn hike along the nature trail that traverses the island.

Dawn on the Redbird Creek

A great way to explore the park is on bicycle.  We cycled from the campground across the marsh road to the fort and museum...
 the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. The earthworks were attacked seven times by Union ironclads but did not fall until 1864 -- ending Gen. William T. Sherman’s “March to the Sea.”  Visitors can explore the grounds with cannons, a furnace, bombproof, barracks, palisades and more, while a Civil War museum contains artifacts, a video and gift shop. http://gastateparks.org/info/ftmcallister/

Low tide so the creek bed is obvious.

Small crabs along the marsh

To cap our visit at the park we cycled the 3.1 mile multi-use trail which winds through another marsh island.

Marg cycling the mixed use trail.

Next trip I plan to explore the area by canoe.

Reflections on the 62nd Florida Folk Festival

The 62^nd Florida Folk Festival was May 23-26, 2014 with huge crowds, excellent talent, wonderful demonstrations and exhibits, fun dancing, and the required downpour.

One of the many demonstrations
Isn't she a beauty?
Red Shouldered Hawk

In spite of being quite busy this year with administrative tasks, I truly enjoyed the weekend. This year was a different experience as Bill and I worked behind the scenes and performed only on Sunday.

Banjo Contest
Gailanne

We arrived at the park April 2^nd worked through opening day helping get the festival off the ground. Our roles were as Florida Park System Volunteers performing various tasks: calling volunteers and vendors, recording tee-shirt orders, archiving music, and assisting with the monthly “Coffee House”. 

Entrance to the park

 By the first of May while I was data entering miscellaneous data, Bill was organizing, repairing, and welding the sound trailer. During the festival we coordinated with vendor setup and special requests, helped with transportation, and answered questions.

Folks checking up

Now we did find time for socialization with the volunteers, staff, vendors, and friends. And as we made our rounds checking on the vendors there was time to hear a few songs, learn a few facts in the Folk Life Area, and sample cuisine (one has to eat!).

Sunday Morning Music
hosted by Heart Strings

The last day, Sunday, found Bill and I wearing performers hats. The first set was leading the “Sunday Morning Music Jam”, which has become a favorite of many festival attendees. There are no guidelines other than keep it simple and keep it fun. Each year I am surprised with the direction and this year, for the first time, there were quite a few gospel tunes. 

Good jam - guess Billy was tired

 Our last set of the day closed the Tower Stage. Now some might consider this a brushoff but it is a special honor. When you are the last act on the last day of a festival you had best have a good set and send the audience away with happy memories and wanting more. We closed with our Florida version of This Land and the audience raised their voices on each chorus.

Reynaldo educating us about
Red Shouldered Hawk

Yes, it was a good festival. Can't wait for the 63^rd Florida Folk Festival... 

put it on your calendar...

Memorial Day Weekend 2015!