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Wild Things – A Short Hike at the Carolina Tiger Rescue

Most recently updated July 30th, 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 5.6 minutes

You can go visit the tigers again!
You can go visit the tigers!

Last summer I went back to visit the Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro, NC.  I first visited the rescue about three years ago.

Sign at the Visitor Center entry.

I originally heard about the organization many years ago, but life (work, childraising, etc) was more than busy enough already, so I let it go.

And then COVID limited all of our activities… 

But lately,  I’ve been taking another look at local volunteer opportunities – especially those dealing with animals and wildlife.

Saber Tiger and his friend greet the visitors.
Saber Tiger and his friend greet the visitors.

The Carolina Tiger Rescue was high on my list of possibilities, and I visited their website to see what I could find. 

The facility offers public tours by appointment Fri-Sun, so I reserved a ticket for one of their Friday morning tours. Continue reading Wild Things – A Short Hike at the Carolina Tiger Rescue

Trail Etiquette – Do’s, Dont’s and My List of Peeves

Most recently updated January 18th, 2022

Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Going for a hike in a park or Nature Reserve could be a solitary pursuit or an activity you engage in with other people (as on a group hike). 

I’ve listed below some basic Hiking Etiquette 101.  You should follow these simple rules of the trail to keep from being stalked by Rangers and irritating others on the trail.

We are serious about defending our lawns…

I’ve also included some peeves that are my experienced-hiker version of  “Get off my lawn!” 

If these things annoy me they probably annoy other people too. Continue reading Trail Etiquette – Do’s, Dont’s and My List of Peeves

Top 3 Reasons William B. Umstead State Park is my Favorite Forest

Most recently updated July 30th, 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 8.5 minutes

Umstead State Park has been my go-to hiking place for at least the past ten years.   I hike in the forest, or with the forest as a starting place, at least twice per week. 

Kiosk at the Harrison Ave entrance.

Sometimes I hike on my own, sometimes as a hike leader for Raleigh Recreational Hikers or I’d Rather Walk meetups.

Park History

Umstead State Park has a long history:  initially a wild hardwood-forested area inhabited with bison, bobcats and elk, it later became the site for indigenous peoples homes and trade, was part of a land grant for farms in 1774. 

Finally, in 1934 – through a joint effort of Federal and State agencies – 5,000 acres were purchased to create a public recreation area. 

The Civilian Conservation Corp and the Works Progress Administration helped with construction, and the park was open to the public in 1937.

There are so many reasons to love this park, it’s hard to fit them all into a single post.  So I’ll just start with my Top 3.

Continue reading Top 3 Reasons William B. Umstead State Park is my Favorite Forest