Up early, on our way to Lake Norman when halfway there are plans fell through – so what to do now? After some crazy and some wild, scary driving (not by me), we arrived at the Latta Plantation. By this time, it was getting hot so we did a “quick” tour of the house, grounds and garden area checking out the farm animals. Then we took a few minutes to pan for gold. It takes a lot of work, precise handling, and much patience to pan for gold. But it paid off, Michaela found two pieces of gold. They may not actually be worth much but they are a priceless souvenir. (and I got a baggy of pretty rocks for my souvenirs!)
Ericka and Michaela wanted to go on a horseback ride (the rest of us girls weren’t quite properly dressed for a horse back ride so we took a raincheck!) Ericka’s horse, Belle, was HUGE but very gentle and Roni (like Macaroni) seemed like a good match for Michaela. Both girls were too nervous to take their camers so no pics of the actual ride. After listening to the instructions, we got their pictures and sent them off the trail with lots of well wishes and be safe. Of course, Jeanette, Deborah and I had our own miniature practice ride on the hay bales and saddles so we weren’t too disappointed at missing the “Real” thing! Next time…sunset, horses, campfire, cowboys! Not too disappointed at all!
Then we were on to the Raptor Center where Jeanette and I took a quick tour. I understand why the cages are made of wire (they are birds, after all!) but they sure do make taking pictures really difficult, especially of the eagles. I can’t ever remember hearing an eagle’s cry but the both the golden eagle and bald eagles were calling out. It was probably lunch time. I had also never seen an eagle get sprayed with a water hose to cool them off. (Personally, I wouldn’t have minded a spray my way!) Just as we were leaving, there was a flight presentation with an owl, falcon, hawk and golden eagle. All of the birds in the center have been injured, some so badly that they will never be able to return to the wild. I think the owls were incredibly beautiful.
Tired, famished, hot, and weary, we made our way back to Charlotte just in time to meet the youth group who were Michaela’s ride home. Then we had to find some FOOD! TGI Friday’s was an excellent choice – fast service, good food, and a great place for recollections and good-byes.
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