Emerald Village Museum and Gem Mine

In August 2017, we visited the mountains of North Carolina to see friends, be closer to the path of totality for the eclipse and to get a break from the Florida heat. 

When traveling, I am always on the lookout for unique learning experiences. The kids were very interested in gem mining so I researched a couple of places and decided on Emerald Village. It was a longer drive for us but I was intrigued by the history of the site as well as the gem mining opportunity. 

The mines at Emerald Village were started during the depression as a source for feldspar as the main ingredient in the Bon Ami cleaning product. Ironically, any other items found including gemstones were tossed away as worthless tailings. Today, customers can pay for a pass to glean precious metals and stones from those tailing piles. I would imagine that you really need to know what to look for. 

We toured the lovely grounds and museum for a fee and payed to sift through a medium sized bucket.

One of the mines with old equipment about.

Visitors can walk back in the shallow cave and feed the trout in the pond

The Bon Ami Museum and Mine tour entrance at Emerald Village

Inside the mine museum at Emerald Village

An old post office on site at Emerald Village

The Discovery Mill at Emerald Village

Antiques in the Discovery Mill building at Emerald Village are numerous and diverse

Gem mining flume at Emerald Village

Re-creating a Linville Falls Photo Op

August 2017

August 2010

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Samaritan's Purse Tour

Samaritan's Purse (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On a recent visit to Boone, North Carolina, a friend recommended we take the facility tour at Samaritan's Purse. Their Boone campus houses the International Field Office and a year round Operation Christmas Child warehouse. The kids and I went primarily for the purpose of educating them about Operation Christmas Child. As it turned out, I also had a lot to learn.

The tour guide gave us a brief history of the organization and touched on all the different areas where Samaritan's Purse has a role. I know of several folks who have worked with Samaritan's Purse both as staff and as volunteers, but I really did not grasp the full scope of their operation. In addition to Operation Christmas Child, we learned about International Crisis Response, US Disaster Relief, World Medical Missions, Children's Heart Project, and Operation Heal our Patriots. If I wasn't already convinced of the good they do in the world, I certainly was after this tour.

At the end we were shown the Operation Christmas Child facility where the shoeboxes are checked for inappropriate items and packed into larger boxes for shipment. One great thing is that any void's left by removed items are then filled with other items that have been donated in bulk. And those inappropriate items (i.e. mouthwash, hand sanitizer, etc.) get donated to homeless shelters and other places with a need for such things. How great to know that nothing put in those boxes is wasted and one way or another they will bless someone.

Processing station for shoeboxes at the Boone facility.

Another thing I learned is that the boxed items do not have to be shoeboxes or even shoebox size. So if you feel lead to give something to a child that doesn't necessarily fit in a shoe box just get a bigger box [though you may want to help cover the added cost of shipping by adding more than the $7 suggested amount.] And if you are worried about sending winter hats and gloves to hot climates - let God work it out. I confirmed that other than age and gender, volunteers do not sort the boxes for different regions. So when kids happen to get items that they have been hoping for or that one thing they really needed, it truly is a miracle. Our guide shared the story of a little boy in a north African nation who received gloves in his shoebox. The child was so excited to get the gloves, but being in a warm climate it was not apparent to volunteers why gloves brought him such joy. It turned out that his job in the village was to take the bread out of the oven and now he had protection from burns. There are many more such stories that will encourage and inspire anyone involved or wanting to be involved with Operation Christmas Child.

Despite the length of the tour (90 minutes or more) my almost 7 and 9 year olds were engaged and soaked up the information. They both have a much clearer understanding of the parameters of what are appropriate items for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and they better understand the importance of these gifts. And like me, they better understand all the ways that Samaritan's Purse helps others in need and how they can be a part of it if they choose to.

Besides donations for Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan's Purse also accepts donated medical equipment and supplies. It did not even occur to me that they needed or could accept such items. They even have folks who can restore older hospital equipment for use in the field. They always need walkers, crutches, slings, and anything else you can think of related to medical care. And don't assume you have to ship such items. If you contact them, they may have a truck in your area.

Visit their website or take the tour on your next visit to Boone to learn about all ways Samaritan's Purse shows the love of Christ in the world, bringing hope and help into the midst of tragedy and loss. Find out how you can get involved whether its Operation Christmas Child, Disaster Relief, or World Medical Missions.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 (ESV)

The Blue Ridge Parkway: E. B. Jeffress Park

We are in the North Carolina mountains this week. The weather is crisp, cool and sunny and the Rhododendrons are blooming. It is great time of year to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway. We drove along this scenic byway yesterday and took a short hike at E. B. Jeffress Park.

Blue Jay Point County Park

Blue Jay Point is one of a handful of parks operated by Wake County in central North Carolina. I had the privilege to work with Wake County park staff as an intern during my post-graduate degree. As a result, I received one heck of an education about government, park planning and how it all fits together to provide open space and leisure opportunities to a populace. Nearly a decade after my internship with Wake County, I was contacted via comment on my blog by the current park manager at Blue Jay Point County Park about using a photo she saw there. Of course I said yes.

Map of North Carolina highlighting Wake County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are looking to get back to nature in the Raleigh area check out Wake County Parks. Blue Jay Point is a prime destination for Environmental Education and a great place to hike and fish. Check out the brochure for more info and be sure and note the little fisherman on the last page.

IMG_1747 (Photo credit: planetdavis23)

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RV's on the Fort Fisher to Southport Ferry? Yes, but....

After spending a week catching up with friends in Carolina Beach, we took the Fort Fisher Ferry to Southport this morning. We figured that after the 6-hour Newfoundland Ferry crossing, this 30-minute ferry ride would be cake. And, it would have been perfectly uneventful except that the ferryman flagging us during loading nearly had us clip the pilothouse with our awning. Thankfully one of the other ferryman was paying attention and halted our forward movement. We had to reverse and get over a bit more to clear the structure. 

It was $15 because our rig is over 40 feet in length (it's $5 for autos). We probably saved that much in gas, however, and got to enjoy a nice boat ride to boot. We even spotted some dolphin or porpoise during our Cape Fear River crossing.

Our kids enjoying the ride!

Perk of Camping at the Fairgrounds

..... on the last night of the North Carolina State Fair. Jonah got to

watch the fireworks from his bunk. Elisabeth, who really dislikes the

noise, was thankfully sound asleep.

Camping at the NC Fairgrounds

Upon selling our house, we needed a place to stay while we tied up some loose ends and made our goodbyes. Initially, we thought we would stay at Falls Lake State Recreation Area. However, we realized their rules about locking the gates at sunset could be problematic given our need to be out in the evenings. Fortunately, I remembered that my parents once stayed in town (Raleigh, NC) at the fairgrounds. So, that is where we spent our last week in North Carolina.

It turns out that a new camping area with about 50 sites opened last year behind the Horse Complex. It is surrounded by trees so campers don't feel quite so exposed to urban elements.

You can't beat the value: $25/night includes water, electric and sewer. There isn't a bathhouse or laundry, but with the sewer hookup the bathhouse isn't needed and there is a decent laundry mat within a mile or so at the intersection of Hillsborough and Jones Franklin. The location in general is exceptional with easy access to anywhere in town.

The only real con to this campground is the lack of shade. It was hot and humid during our stay and a little shade would have been a plus. In a few years, there will be a bit more shade once the planted tees mature and fill out a bit.

Jones Lake State Park

Last weekend, we went camping at Jones Lake State Park near Elizabethtown, NC. October was the last time we were camping. With all the home improvement tasks lately, we were desperate to get away. 

I chose this location because it was only 2 hours away from our home in Raleigh. We really don't like to drive more than that for just a weekend away. And, it was a place we had never been before. 

The campground at Jones Lake State Park has only one site (#3) with water and electric hookups. I was astounded that it was reservable on-line and not taken by a campground host. When we arrived Friday afternoon, we were pleasantly surprised with the campground and our site. We were amazed at how much the campground reminded us of campgrounds in Florida - a flat, sandy, pine Savanna. 

Jonah spent nearly the whole weekend playing in the dirt.

Elisabeth enjoyed riding her balance bike around the campground.

Jones Lake State Park

Jones Lake itself is one of the Carolina bay lakes. Theories abound, but the actual origin of these lakes is still undetermined. There is a fishing pier, but not many fish due to the acidity of the water. There is also a great picnic area and a beach for swimming. We enjoyed hiking the 5-mile trail around the lake that is shared with mountain bikers.

We stopped in the visitor center briefly on our way out. It was only then, that I learned that Jones Lake State Park was the first segregated state park. For my generation, it's hard to imagine a time when a park, any park, was off limits to someone based on race, religion or creed. While Jones Lake State Park is a beautiful place and was certainly a nice surprise for us, it is sad to think that at one time it was the only destination open to such a large segment of the population. It goes against the philosophical underpennings of public parks and open space. 

If you haven't visited this part of North Carolina except to drive through to the beach, I highly recommend a detour. Jone's Lake State Park is a great place to relax, hike, bike and swim - and don't forget to stop in the visitor center for a bit of little known North Carolina history. 

Boardwalk Rides at Carolina Beach

Last week, we took in all that Carolina Beach has to offer. There is a decent boardwalk area with shops and eateries. There are also carnival rides and fireworks throughout the year. Elisabeth has been asking to get on one of those trampoline things for over a year. She finally got her heart's desire.

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First Day of Camp

We are staying in the Wilmington area this week so that Jonah can attend a summer camp at University of North Carolina - Wilmington. I found out about their MarineQuest program back in January. Today was his first day (well, half-day actually) of camp. I found myself on the verge of tears when I left him there. He has attended half-day programs like this before and went to preschool for a year when he was 3, but somehow this seemed different.

First of all, he got to sleep late and we had to be up and out by 7:20 this morning, so I was concerned he would be tired - he nearly fell asleep in the car. Secondly, there was a fairly long list of things he needed to have with him - a backpack with a change of clothes, extra pair of shoes, towel, water bottle, sunscreen, snack, jacket and hat. He's never had to keep up with so much by himself before. Lastly, I have only ever dropped him off and he's stayed at the same place until I returned. In this case, he will be traveling in a school bus to various locations - the beach, the aquarium, the marsh, etc. Seeing him get on a school bus for the first time was a poignant scene for me.

Hanging out waiting for instructions - I had already said my goodbye's

I saw him trying to make friends with the bigger kid next to him

Getting on a "school bus" for the first time ever

That being said, I think Jonah and I were both excited this morning especially after seeing the schedule for the week with topics covering all the things he's interested in. He is attending the Sea Dawgs camp, which is for boys only. The topics for the week include whale and dolphin identification, squid propulsion, pirate hideouts, scrimshaws, a treasure hunt, and fish identification among other things.

Well, I'll be picking him up in a little while. I'm praying he had a good time and will be motivated to get to bed and be well rested for tomorrow.

 

Memorial Day at Fort Fisher State Park

We took the RV to the beach for Memorial Day weekend. Tropical Storm Beryl stirred up the surf - Saturday in particular was rough and very windy. So we didn't stay long at the beach. Our privately owned campground had a pool, so that made for a good substitute.

We were able to hang out with some friends quite a bit (you know who you are), which was a highlight for us.

Monday morning, we went to the Fort Fisher Beach to give it one more go. The wind and surf was much calmer and we were able to enjoy the beach for a couple of hours before they lifted the red flags again (red flags mean no swimming).

I enjoyed walking on the beach and searching for seashells (I have plans for a seashell related homeschool activity later in the week). And for the first time that I can recall, I found Portuguese Man o' war washed up on the beach. The first one I found was small enough to fit in the palm of my hand - not that I was stupid enough to carry it thus. I scooped up in a broken shell to take back to Kelly and the kids to see.

portuguese man o' war (Photo credit: 4Neus)

Later I found four more, one double and another triple the size of the first one. It certainly made me a bit concerned about the kids playing in the water. As it turned out, they were more interested in playing in the sand anyway and I still got in the water as well.

I was tempted to touch the stringy, blue tentacles just to see how painful it really was - a science experiment of sorts. But exerting intentional pain on oneself is a hard choice to make. As we were leaving the beach, someone told me that a boy had been stung that morning and had gotten "the help he needed." I suppose I'll be researching what to do for jellyfish stings for future beach trips.