Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers
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The two RV Gypsies
at McDowell Nature Preserve
15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
(Mecklenburg County)
February 18, 2019

USA map showing location of North CarolinaMecklenburg County locationNC map showing location of Charlotte

McDowell Nature Preserve has over 7 miles of trails that offered the two RV Gypsies the opportunity to explore a variety of terrain with scenic views of Lake Wylie, forests, streams, and a piedmont prairie restoration area. McDowell Nature Preserve protects habitat for at least 119 species of birds, 21 species of mammals, 21 species of reptiles, and 14 species of amphibians. Although on this date, the only wildlife that the two RV Gypsies saw was one bird. But they had a nice, easy hike on several trails and enjoyed the scenery.

Dogs are welcome but must remain on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all times. Bicycles are restricted to paved roads within the preserve.

McDowell Nature Preserve entry sign Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation award banner 2012

The two RV Gypsies explored McDowell Nature Center which serves as the gateway to 1,132 acres of McDowell Nature Preserve and is the resource for educational programs and information on the preserve's natural communities, flora, and fauna. This oldest preserve in Mecklenburg County protects mostly forested, rolling terrain along the banks of Lake Wylie. The Nature Center features native animal displays, a discovery hall, and a gift shop. Below: Two works of art outside the Nature Center.

McDowell Nature Preserve sign and Nature Center building artwork
laughing clipart dudeLee Duquette being silly

Below: Lee Duquette liked the very big dragonfly hanging from the ceiling inside the McDowell Nature Center, so he took a photo.

a very big dragonfly

Below: The two RV Gypsies started their hike on the 0.8 mile Pine Hollow Trail, which connected to several other trails. All of the trails they took were easy, although sometimes muddy because there had been a lot of rain recently in the area.

Pine Hollow Trail Pine Hollow Trail and creek

Below: There were many small creeks along the way.

creek along Pine Hollow Trail creek along Pine Hollow Trail
creek along Pine Hollow Trail creek along Pine Hollow Trail and the road
creek along Pine Hollow Trail creek along Pine Hollow Trail

Below: A"Sling Shot" tree

a giant Sling Shot tree

Below: Lee Duquette stopped to examine the many miniature rock formations on a wall, and Karen Duquette photographed close-up photos of a few of them.

Lee Duquette and the miniature rock formations arrow and rock formation
miniature rock formation miniature rock formation
miniature rock formation miniature rock formation

Below: Just before leaving the Pine Hollow Trail and going on the Creekside Trail, the two RV Gypsies paused to watch two men with having fun with small RC cars.

two RC cars in the woods entering Creekside Trail
Lee Duquette on the  Creekside Trail bridge creek along Creekside Trail
creek along Creekside Trail creek along Creekside Trail
creek along Creekside Trail Creekside Trail
Lee Duquette on the trail Lee Duquette on the trail
mushroom mushrooms

Below: The two RV Gypsies were amazed at the giant Burl growing on a tree.

Lee Duquette and a giant Burl Karen Duquette and a giant Burl

Below; After completing the 1.1 mile Creekside Trail, the two RV Gypsies drove to the Waterfront Deck and enjoyed nice views of Lake Wylie.

Lake Wylie Marina
NC and USA flags NC and USA flags
Lake Wylie Marina Lake Wylie
Lake Wylie a big rock in Lake Wylie
Lake Wylie Lake Wylie
Lake Wylie Marina
beautiful sky and trees beautiful sky and trees
Karen Duquette at Lake Wylie Karen Duquette at Lake Wylie
sign

look below

go to the next adventure of the two RV GypsiesSt. Patrick's Day Celebrations. Karen Duquette wins the costume contest at a line dance party.

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