Park It in North Carolina

The South Mountains is an isolated mountain range that rises up along the upper Piedmont in south western North Carolina. These rugged mountains were once the dividing line that separated the Cherokee and Catawba Indian tribes. Early European settlers hunted inside the thick forests of the South Mountains while farming the nearby fertile lands along the Catawba River. In 1828 gold was discovered at Brindle Creek and was mined in the area through the early 20th century.

Today, this mountainous area is home to the 18,000 acre South Mountains State Park. With elevations up to 3000 feet, South Mountains Park contains over 40 miles of trails. Equestrian and family camp grounds dot the trails along with private picnic areas. Horse back riding, trout fishing along the Jacob Forks River, back packing to one of the many back country campsites, and mountain bike riding are just some of the activities found in the park. A  popular hike brings you to the magnificent 80 foot High Shoal Falls. A short drive from Charlotte, South Mountains State Park is another of North Carolina's natural treasures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for viewing the Blog and have a great week!

 

 

John

 

 

Web: www.noblecoastphotography.com

 

Phone: 704 905 9403

 

 

Email: noblecoastphotography@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Season's Last Pick

Who out there doesn't like eggplant? Too bad for those who raised their hands. Didn't you know that eggplant has become a favorite in a home vegetable garden and they are quite delicious!

Also known as "aubergine", "garden egg", "egg apple", or "Guinea squash" the eggplant has it's origins from India and was introduced to the West in the 1500s. Like many "vegetables", eggplant is, botanically speaking, really a fruit. Huh? When picking an eggplant, go for the smaller immature plants. These tend to be less seedy and somewhat sweet. Try to get the eggplant with the shiny purple surface, once the color becomes dull, the eggplant has become over mature. An eggplant should be firm with a smooth skin. Push the surface with your thumb, the flesh should give a little then bounce back to shape.

Sadly, we shut down the family garden a few weeks ago but we were happy to find our last eggplant. I just had to take a few food photography shots of this beauty. Eat your vegetables please! Yum Yum!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for visiting the Blog and have a great week!

 

 

John

 

 

Web: www.noblecoastphotography.com

 

Phone: 704 905 9403

 

Email: noblecoastphotography@gmail.com