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Raven Rock State Park in April

Posted by Rita on Apr 14 2008 | Around Town

Bridge over Campbell Creek in Raven Rock State Park

After a busy week, our family decided to take a relaxing walk on Sunday afternoon. We picked up a “tailgate special” at Bo jangles and headed out to Raven Rock State Park. This park is in Western Harnett County and is just a short drive from Sanford. After our picnic we decided to head down the Campbell Creek Loop trail to let the kids play in the creek.The trail wound down the hill and finally came to a bridge over the creek. This trail was closed for over a year after the last tropical storm came through and washed out the bridge. The new bridge looks like it is built to last.

To the right on the bridge there was a nice Dogwood tree in bloom over the creek. A nice place to stop for a moment and soak in the quiet mumbling from the stream below.

Dogwood over Campbell Creek at Raven Rock State Park

We followed the trail for a bit and then made our way down to the creek. At this spot the creek narrows down as it flows over small stones. I didn’t wade in but the kids (including my husband, the biggest kid) said the water was a bit cold.

This spot was interesting. There is a rock to the right of the picture that my daughter called a “diving board rock”. The creek forms a small pool here just below a small waterfall. It didn’t look deep enough for diving but jumping in during the hot months of summer might be fun.

Rapids on Campbell Creek in Raven Rock State Park

Azalea along Campbell Loop Trail in Raven Rock State Park

This azalea was beautiful in bloom along the side of the trail. We also saw lots of Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel bushes that will be pretty when they bloom next month.

This pool of water had lots of small rock along the river bottom. The kids found salamanders, minnows, tadpoles, and crayfish when we stopped at this spot. There was a rock slide below the pool. When we come back in the summer we will have to see if there is enough current to slide down the rock slide. There were several natural slides along this creek.

Pool above rock slide on Campbell Creek in Raven Rock State Park

From the bridge over Campbell Creek in Raven Rock State Park

This is a view of the upstream side from the bridge over Campbell Creek on our way back to the parking lot. We had a nice time on a beautiful spring day and plan to come back in the summer to play in this great little creek.

Please visit my Sanford NC Homes website for more information about homes in Sanford, Lee County, or Harnett County in North Carolina.

Rita Taylor

ERA Strother Real Estate

Sanford NC Real Estate

“Taylored” For You!

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Raven Rock State Park in the Fall

Posted by Rita on Dec 08 2007 | Around Town, Things to do

The leaves were at their peak here in Central North Carolina the third week of November. We decided to head to our favorite local state park out at Raven Rock. We grabbed a tailgate special from Smithfield’s and headed the short drive down the road.After the picnic we went for a short hike down the trails in Raven Rock park. We were rewarded with many trees in full fall color.

The creek that followed the trail was pretty with the streambed lined with leaves that had recently fallen.

We decided to explore the canoe campsite along the Cape Fear River. You can paddle your canoe down the River and then camp in the park. I am not much of a paddler myself but my son’s scout troop may take advantage of this in the spring.

We also walked down to the Cape Fear River. Our area is in a drought this year and we could see that the river is well below its normal level.

Back on the trail we enjoyed the color of the leaves changing on a warm fall afternoon.

We visited the overlook along the trail and were rewarded with some great views of the Cape Fear River far below. We had a great time and can’t wait until the spring when we can visit again and enjoy the flowers in bloom.

Please visit my Sanford NC Homes website for more information about homes in Sanford, Lee County, or Harnett County in North Carolina.

Rita Taylor

ERA Strother Real Estate

Sanford NC Real Estate

“Taylored” For You!

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White Pines Preserve

Posted by Rita on Nov 23 2007 | Around Town, Things to do

We recently discovered a nature preserve near Sanford. The land for the preserve is located where the Rocky and Deep Rivers come together in Eastern Chatham County. It is less than 20 minute drive from Sanford (directions here) but the roads to the preserve are not well marked.The road becomes gravel at one point and there is a no outlet sign. No Outlet signs on gravel roads usually mean its time to turn around but the preserve starts just past the sign.

After passing the No Outlet sign, the first sign for the preserve is on the right. The parking lot and trail head sign is just past this sign. There are no restrooms at White Pines preserve and it is pretty undeveloped except for a few trails. It is almost as if no one wants it discovered. That makes it perfect for as a quiet get away spot.We decided to explore the preserve the second Sunday in November when the area leaves were near their peak. We really enjoyed a quiet afternoon walking the trails and seeing nature.

We followed a trail out of the parking lot that looked like an old roadbed. The leaves on the trees were beautiful shades of red, yellow, and orange. The trail gently sloped downward and we kept going to an overlook area in this lovely wooded spot. After enjoying the overlook we took a trail descending toward the river.

At the foot of the hill we found the Rocky River. The trees along the riverbank were beautiful. As you can see from the picture, the Rocky River comes by its name honestly. My husband was drooling thinking of catching this river after a rain with his kayak. I just enjoyed the view while the kids skipped rocks.We continued down a trail that followed the river, enjoying an afternoon with perfect weather.

The trail continued until the Rocky River ran into the Deep River. We then followed the trail along the Deep River. The Deep River is named not for its depth but for the height of the banks along the river. We stopped several times to enjoy the view of the river. The Deep River forms the border between Lee and Chatham County along this stretch of the river.

While following the river we found a woodland bog. I can just imagine this bog in the spring teeming with tadpoles, frogs, salamanders, and other river critters. Next we doubled back and joined the main trail going back up the hill.

After climbing the hill we took a side trail. This trail took us us another hill that had a great view of the surrounding woods. After we got to the top of the hill we noticed several White Pine Trees. These trees are unusual because they do not grow in our area except at this nature preserve. The next closest stand of these trees in 70 miles to the Northwest at Hanging Rock State Park. This preserve was established to protect this stand of White Pines where the Rocky and Deep Rivers meet.

We saw one great specimen White Pine tree along the trail. This tree towered over the surrounding trees and was very impressive. After an enjoyable afternoon, we returned to our cars and headed back home.

Please visit my Sanford NC Homes website for more information about homes in Sanford, Lee County, or Harnett County in North Carolina.

Rita Taylor

ERA Strother Real Estate

Sanford NC Real Estate

“Taylored” For You!

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Lee Regional Fair in Sanford, NC

Posted by Rita on Oct 21 2007 | Around Town, Things to do

We headed out to the fair last Saturday for a bunch of fun. Someone had ordered up perfect fair weather with highs in the low 70s and sunny blue skies.As we entered, we saw the tractor pull going on. We stopped and watched for quite a while before the pull of the rides got to my kids. They had a big variety of tractors - it was fun to watch.

On the way to the rides we saw one of our favorites from last year. This artist makes fascinating pieces of art using a chainsaw and logs. These sculptures have a lot of detail and he makes everything from pumpkins to bears, fish, school mascots, and everything else in-between. It is always fun to watch an artist at work.We moved on to the rides and the kids had a blast - I had so much fun watching them that I didn’t snap pictures - I guess I’ll have to do that next year. We ran in to a bunch of people we knew - the fair was a popular destination.

There was a small circus at this year’s fair. They had a lady who did aerial acrobatics - she was very good. Next up was a guy who ran around a large wheel kind of like a human hamster. The difference was the wheel rotated around and went high above the ground. It was scary. There were motorcycles in a steel cage driving around a person standing inside. There was a hula-hoop contest for the kids in the audience. You would never confuse it with Ringling Brothers but it was well worth the $5 fair admission.

We visited the agricultural exhibits - they had goats, horses, cattle, turkeys, and chickens. They had a large variety of hens and chickens and some of them were very fancy. My daughter loves animals and really enjoyed this part of the fair.

The exhibit hall always has a huge variety of different exhibits. They have displays that focus on different themes. The exhibit on the right was sponsored by the 4-H club and had ways to conserve energy.There were also entries for all kinds of farm produce from tobacco to watermelons, pumpkins, and squash. They had cooking, canning, and craft entries. The pack that is affiliated with my son’s scout troop had a winning scarecrow entry dressed as a cub scout.We made it out to the food booths and filled up on burgers and BBQ with funnel cakes for dessert. Somebody once told me that calories don’t count at the fair - I hope they were right!

We stayed until it got dark and then headed home tired after a day full of fun.

The fair only lasts for a week and comes but once a year. On Monday the rides were all down and the fair was returning back to its normal state of quiet. This weekend, children were once again playing soccer on the fields that are home to the San-Lee soccer league. I am already looking forward to next year - see you at the fair.

Please visit my Sanford NC Homes website for more information about homes in Sanford, Lee County, or Harnett County in North Carolina.

Rita Taylor

ERA Strother Real Estate

Sanford NC Real Estate

“Taylored” For You!

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Things to do in October in Sanford NC

Posted by Rita on Oct 02 2007 | Day Trips, Around Town, Things to do

Gross Farms Corn Maze

Throughout the month of October, the Gross Farms Corn Maze will be open to visitors. You can find your way through the acres of corn fields in the photo above to 15 different way points. The maze is open to visitors on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This year the design of the maze celebrates Lee County’s centennial. This is a big maze so wear comfortable shoes and use the bathroom before you head out into the rows of corn. It took us a couple of hours to navigate to all the way points but it could take more or less time depending on your group.

Starting October 13, the corn maze will feature a haunted trail. We went a couple of years ago when my daughter was 7 and she was terrified so I wouldn’t recommend it for the younger ones. If you are ready for a thrill and not at all squeamish, it is a fun way to spend a crisp autumn evening.

They also have a playgorund for the kids, hay rides, homemade ice cream, and a pumpkin patch. Find out more at the Gross Farms Website.

Sanford NC Brush and Palette Club Show

The 43rd annual Sanford Brush and Palette Club Show is being held at the Hales Center on McIver Street (also known as the old Armory). The show is open from 10 AM to 6 PM and runs from October 6th to the 13th. The show features the work of local artisans. The show will have not only paintings but sculpture and pottery as well.

We found this show by accident last year on the last day. We arrived just before the show ended and rushed thorugh. Our family will go earlier this year to make sure we get time to enjoy all the wonderful artwork.

The Sanford Brush and Palette Club promotes art throughout the community with private lessons and art workshops for children. They also sponsor a scholarship fund for local high school students. I encourage anyone who enjoys art to come out and enjoy this show.

Lee Regional Fair

As the home of SASL (Sanford Area Soccer League), the fairgrounds in Sanford are used as soccer fields most of the year. That will change when the Lee Regional Fair opens in Monday October 8th. The fair hosts exhibits including livestock, agricultural, cooking, baking, needlepoint, sewing, art, crafts, and much more. There is a beauty contest, singing, a mechanical bull riding competition, karate demonstrations and too much to mention.

Did I forget the rides? There are plenty of exciting carnival rides. Of course, there are the carnival games. Oh, and the food - funnel cakes, fried candy bars, cotton candy and too many calories to count them all.

To find out more about the fair, visit the Lee Regional Fair website. We still haven’t decided which day to go - each day has its own unique and fun events.

2007 NC Big Sweep in Lee County

The 2007 NC Big Sweep is on Saturday October 6th. This is a day each year where residents clean up our local parks and waterways. My son has done this several times and has had fun while learning an appreciation for the environment. This year Lee County Parks and Recreation is working to clean up San-Lee Park, Kiwanis Park, and Camelback Bridge (Deep River Park). Show up at any of the parks in the morning and help in this clean-up effort. Contact San-Lee Park at (919)-776-6221 for more information on how you can help.

Memory Walk 2007 in Lee County

The Lee County Memory Walk to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association will be on Saturday October 6th at Kiwanis Park in Sanford. Registration begins at 9 AM. War-up starts at 9:45 and the walk starts at 10 AM. The walk is around the 1 mile Kiwanis Trail.

There will be entertainment, food, and displays. You can honor a loved one at the Memory Garden. Those who raise over $50 will receive a Memory Walk T-shirt. For more information, contact Judi Womack at (919)-776-0501.

Annie at Temple Theater

The classical musical Annie opens this month at Temple theater in Sanford. Annie features weel-know songs such as “Tomorrow” and “Hard Knock Life”. “The show starts on October 19th and goes through to November 11th. See the following list for dates and times:

Thursdays at 7:00 pm (10/25, 11/1, and 11/8)
Fridays at 8:00 pm (10/19, 10/26, 11/2, and 11/9)
Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm (10/20, 10/27, 11/3, and 11/10)
Sundays at 2:00 pm (10/21, 10/28, 11/4, and 11/11)

Temple Theater is a great local theater and seeing a show is an enjoyable experience.

Visit my Sanford NC Homes website for more information about homes in Sanford, Lee County, or Harnett County in North Carolina.

Rita Taylor

ERA Strother Real Estate

Sanford NC Real Estate

“Taylored” For You!

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