MLK Weekend

The 3 day weekend and 70+ degree temperatures provided Megan and I with an excellent opportunity to explore the local area around Charlotte --- taking our newly acquired (borrowed) kayaks out to Lake Wylie and McDowell Nature Preserve for a day on the water and a morning hike to King's Pinnacle in Crowder's Mountain State Park.

http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec

http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/crmo/home.html

Day 1: Megan and I prior to getting underway.

Megan with a possible future home in the background --- after a few more years anyway.

The day was a little breezy (check out the flags), but it was still easy cruising around.

Megan just can't follow the rules --- she couldn't help herself!

Day 2: From the top of Pinnacle's Peak 30 minutes outside Charlotte (which is actually just off Megan's left elbow --- kinda hard to see in the pic). At just over 1700 feet we didn't need any oxygen, but it does stretch the legs w/o traveling the 3 hrs to the Smokies. We even made it back for a late lunch.

First hike with poles --- always wanted a pair, but never made the buy. Thanks to the Schmitt's we now have the option.

Had to sneak one in of the crazy cat with his, "why are you looking at me that way" expression.