Anne Springs Close Greenway, Fort Mill, SC

We went to visit family in South Carolina. While we were there, I took the dogs to a Winter Tree Identification Hike at Anne Springs Close Greenway. Opened in 1995, the eight children of Anne Springs Close dedicated 2100 acres as a tribute to their mother and her lifelong commitment to recreation and the environment.

There were about 30 people on the hike. Sammy and PG liked this little girl who had a blanket wrapped around her and flanked her. The hike was on trails that were sometimes used by horses.

We hiked about a mile into the park along the Blue Star trail. The hike leader had gone ahead of us and marked some trees that we were supposed to identify. Was this a red oak?

Yes! It was a red oak! The hike leader gave everyone on the hike these laminated field guides. It was a nice gesture--but everyone had trouble holding onto the laminated pages. I dropped mine several times and ended up losing the metal ring that held the pages together.

There were lots of other things to see in addition to the trees. Like these mushrooms. This made me think that it would be fun to go on a food foraging hike.

PG blended right into the leaves. If she didn't have the red leash and collar--we would have lost her!

We stopped at a picnic spot called Campbell's Corner. It had a picnic table right next to a small stream. None of us picnicked because it was cold--but it would be fun to go back in the spring or summer.

We finished up our hike by looping back around Lake Haigler. Pretty day in South Carolina!

Wish you were here,
Joyce
Sammy & PG

Gardenfest of Lights Richmond, VA

On Thursday night we met up with the Around Town Hounds for their annual walk through the Gardenfest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens on Gardenfest for Fidos night. This year's theme was A Legacy in Lights: 120 years from Bicycle Club to Botanical Gardens.

This year’s display celebrates the 1984 opening of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and kicks off the celebration of the Lakeside Wheel Club founded by Lewis Ginter in 1895. Richmond artist John Meola crafted this pyramid-shaped sculpture out of recycled bikes and bike parts in the Rose Garden. The airplane on top is a pedal-powered bike too.

The day before the walk it was 55 degrees--but on this particular night it was 42! One of the walkers said--"Well at least it's not raining!" No sooner had she said that than a light freezing rain/sleet began to fall!

We had driven all the way to Richmond, the dogs and people all had winter coats on--so we carried on through the rain!

And we could always go into the Conservatory to get warm. Here the 20 foot tree is decorated with trucks, lions, tigers, trains, bicycles, bears, and even alligators.

There is another Gardenfest for Fidos on Thursday January 8th. Leashed pets allowed on these night only and there is a suggested donation of $2 per dog which goes to the Richmond SPCA.

Wish you were here,
Joyce
Sammy & PG