Cut_the_crap

The Cypress Canopy Zip Line Tour at The Swamp Park is an aerial adventure that consists of ten individual zip lines woven through a wooded wetland setting. The course is designed to offer participants a series of elevated rides above the swamp canopy, combining outdoor recreation with views of the surrounding forested environment. The tour begins with a safety briefing and equipment fitting. Participants are provided with harnesses and helmets, and staff explain the proper techniques for launching, riding, and landing at each platform. The overall emphasis is on safety, with trained guides monitoring progress and assisting at key points along the course. Once underway, the zip lines carry riders from one platform to the next, each set at varying heights and lengths. The platforms are constructed among tall trees and along the edge of the swamp boardwalk area, creating an experience that alternates between shaded woodland and more open views across the wetland. The design allows for clear sightlines into the swamp below, though vegetation density and seasonal conditions influence what can be observed at any given time. The series of ten zip lines offers a mix of short and long runs, providing a sense of progression and variety. Riders often experience gentle glides as well as more extended crossings that underscore the scale of the surrounding environment. Guides at select platforms help maintain the flow and ensure proper transitions from line to line. Seasonal differences affect the visual experience. In warmer months, foliage is fuller and wildlife activity may be more noticeable from the elevated viewpoints. In the off-season, the structure of the swamp and tree forms becomes more apparent with reduced leaf cover. Overall, the Cypress Canopy Zip Line Tour is intended as a recreational complement to the educational boardwalk trails at The Swamp Park. It provides a route through the upper layer of the wetland landscape that adds an element of physical activity and spatial perspective to the site visit.

The nature trail at The Swamp Park in Ocean Isle Beach offers a structured walk through coastal swamp and marsh habitat. Access to the trail is included with the zipline ticket, but it can also be visited independently for an entrance fee of approximately $10. The route consists largely of elevated wooden boardwalks that guide visitors safely through the wetland environment. The construction keeps the path dry and stable while protecting the sensitive ground below. Railings run along the sides, and the layout is straightforward, making it suitable for most visitors. Throughout the walk, numerous interpretive signs provide clear explanations of the local ecosystem. The panels describe typical plant species found in coastal North Carolina swamps, the function of wetlands, and the animal life that inhabits the area. The emphasis is educational, with concise and factual information. In late winter, wildlife activity can be limited. Reptiles and amphibians are less visible, and bird activity may be reduced compared to warmer months. The landscape appears more subdued, with bare branches and muted vegetation tones. However, the structure of the swamp—its still, dark water, cypress trunks, and dense undergrowth—remains clearly visible and easy to study. During the summer season, the same trail is expected to offer significantly more observable fauna. Warmer temperatures typically increase activity among reptiles, insects, and birds, and the vegetation becomes denser and greener. Even outside peak season, the walk provides a calm and informative introduction to the coastal swamp ecosystem, combining accessibility with environmental interpretation.

At The Swamp Park in Ocean Isle Beach, a wooden boardwalk leads from the main grounds down toward the river. The structure is continuous, slightly elevated above the wetland, and built with railings along both sides. The surface is even and stable, allowing for a controlled and accessible walk through the swamp environment. On the right side of the boardwalk are enclosed habitats with American alligators. From this vantage point, the animals can be observed at close range, often resting on sandy banks or lying motionless in shallow water. The design allows visitors to look directly into the habitats while remaining separated by secure fencing. The boardwalk ends at the banks of the Shallotte River. This dock serves as the departure point for the park’s boat tours, which explore the surrounding river and marsh landscape.

The Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, located near Winnabow along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina, preserves the remains of one of the colony’s earliest port towns together with later Civil War fortifications. Brunswick Town was founded in 1726 and developed into an important center of trade in the lower Cape Fear region. During the mid-18th century, it prospered through the export of naval stores such as tar, pitch, and turpentine, products derived from the surrounding longleaf pine forests. The town was also involved in early resistance to British authority; in 1765, local citizens protested the Stamp Act. During the American Revolution, Brunswick Town was abandoned and burned by British forces in 1776 and was never rebuilt. Nearly a century later, during the Civil War, the Confederate army constructed Fort Anderson on the same site as part of the defensive system protecting Wilmington, the Confederacy’s last major open Atlantic port. Built in 1864–1865, the fort consisted primarily of earthworks and artillery batteries positioned to defend the Cape Fear River. It remained active until Union forces captured it in February 1865. Today, visitors can see the archaeological remains of colonial homes and public buildings, as well as the ruins of St. Philip’s Church, built in 1768 and considered one of the oldest Anglican churches in North Carolina. The outlines of foundations, brick walls, and tabby structures illustrate the former layout of the town. In addition, the preserved Civil War earthworks and defensive lines provide insight into 19th-century military engineering. A visitor center presents exhibits and artifacts that document both the colonial period and the Civil War occupation. The site is accessible via a well-maintained self-guided walking trail of approximately one mile (1.6 kilometers). The loop connects the principal ruins and fortifications in a logical sequence. The path is mostly level, with compacted surfaces and short boardwalk sections, and it is clearly marked throughout. Detailed interpretive panels provide historical explanations and archaeological context, allowing visitors to follow the development of the site across different periods. The setting, characterized by forested surroundings and views of the river, contributes to a calm and structured exploration of this layered historic landscape.

Ocean Isle Beach is a small barrier island community along the southern coast of North Carolina, characterized by wide sandy beaches and low residential development. In early February, the late afternoon is generally quiet, with fewer visitors and a subdued seasonal atmosphere. After parking at the eastern end of 3rd Street, beach access is direct and uncomplicated. Walking east leads toward a more open and less developed stretch of shoreline near the inlet. Close to the waterline, the sand is firm and even. On this particular evening, patches of sea fog drifted in from the Atlantic. The fog softened outlines and reduced visibility slightly, muting contrasts and blending sea and sky into a narrow range of pale grey and silver tones. The ocean remained calm, with low, regular waves breaking evenly along the shore. Shorebirds moved intermittently through the mist, their shapes appearing and disappearing in the haze. As the sun lowered behind the island, its light filtered through the fog, diffused and subdued rather than bright. Colors shifted gradually toward muted gold and faint orange, but without sharp edges. The houses behind the dunes appeared as indistinct silhouettes. Turning back toward 3rd Street meant walking directly into the setting sun. Through the sea fog, the sun appeared as a softened, glowing disk. Reflections spread across the damp sand in a broad, matte shimmer rather than a sharp glare. The fog created a contained, almost enclosed atmosphere, dampening sound and enhancing the sense of stillness. As evening approached and temperatures dropped, the beach grew even quieter. The combination of winter light, light surf, and drifting sea fog produced a restrained but distinctive mood, defined by softness, reduced visibility, and a calm, steady rhythm of waves at dusk.

The Shallotte Riverwalk in Shallotte, NC is a short riverside boardwalk and public green space along the Shallotte River, a tidal river that flows through Brunswick County to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The boardwalk, about a quarter-mile long, opened in 2021 after more than a decade of planning and development by the town and community partners. It consists of a wooden pathway along the riverbank with two gazebos at each end, benches and scenic overlooks, and is accessible from Cheers Street and Wall Street near downtown. The Riverwalk celebrates the town’s connection to its namesake river. In the 1800s the waterway, historically called the Charlotte River, carried small barges and goods between inland farms and the coast, and the town of Shallotte was incorporated in 1899 with the river as a central feature of community life. Over time the shoreline area near Wall Street became overgrown, but recent restoration efforts have reopened it as a public space that supports walking, fishing and nature observation. The setting around the Riverwalk is dominated by tidal marshes, coastal wetlands and low forested banks. Birds are common sights, including herons, egrets, woodpeckers and kingfishers, and the shallower water near the boardwalk often attracts fish such as spot and flounder. Alligators have been reported in the river system in recent years, and on rare occasions even manatees have been spotted farther downstream, though such encounters are uncommon. Interpretive signs along the path provide information about local wildlife and the history of the town and river, helping visitors learn while they walk. The Riverwalk is open daily from dawn to dusk, and fishing from the gazebos is allowed with basic precautions. Future plans for the area include expanded waterfront access for kayaks and canoes, additional picnic facilities and further enhancements to the connection between the Riverwalk and nearby Mulberry Park. As a short, easy walk through marshland and along tidal water, the Shallotte Riverwalk provides a quiet place to enjoy nature, observe wildlife and connect with the local landscape in a setting very different from the region’s nearby beaches.

A varied loop through Myrtle Beach State Park can begin near the inland parking areas with the Pond Trail. This short, flat path circles small freshwater ponds set behind the coastal dunes. The environment here differs noticeably from the beachfront: still water, reeds and wetland vegetation attract turtles, frogs, dragonflies and wading birds such as herons and egrets. Depending on the season, the ponds may be partly covered with aquatic plants, and bird activity is often highest in the early morning. From the Pond Trail, the route connects to the Yaupon Nature Trail, which leads through dense maritime forest. The sandy soil supports live oaks, pines and yaupon holly, the shrub that gives the trail its name. The canopy provides shade, and interpretive signs explain how barrier island forests adapt to salt, wind and periodic storms. Wildlife commonly seen along this section includes songbirds, squirrels and occasionally white-tailed deer. Leaving the forest, the walk continues across the dunes and onto the wide Atlantic beach. Following the shoreline north or south (depending on the starting point), the ocean becomes the dominant feature. Brown pelicans and gulls glide along the surf, and the sound of waves replaces the quieter forest atmosphere. Walking along the firm sand leads to the park’s Fishing Pier, which extends into the Atlantic and serves as a focal point for visitors. From the pier area, there are open views of the coastline and opportunities to observe anglers and seabirds. The return to the parking area follows the Sculptured Oak Nature Trail. This section is known for its wind-shaped live oaks, their trunks and branches bent and twisted by years of coastal exposure. The trail passes through slightly more open woodland, where storm impacts and forest regeneration are visible. Overall, this sequence—ponds, maritime forest, beachfront and sculptured oak woodland—offers a compact overview of the ecological diversity within the park, combining freshwater habitats, coastal forest and Atlantic shoreline in a single, easy walk.

The city walk starts at the Teatro Kursaal, a historic theater in the center of Melilla. From there, you walk towards the old fortified area known as Melilla la Vieja. This historic quarter stands on a hill overlooking the sea and is surrounded by strong stone walls and fortifications. As you enter Melilla la Vieja, you pass narrow streets, small squares, and historic buildings. The area has a quiet atmosphere and offers views of the Mediterranean Sea and the harbor. Along the coastal side, you can also see the Faro de Melilla, the lighthouse building that marks the edge of the old town and guides ships along the coast. After exploring the old town, the route continues down towards the city center. You walk past the Mercado Central, a lively market building where locals buy fresh food and everyday products. The market area is often busy and shows daily life in Melilla. From the Mercado Central, you return through the modern part of the city. The streets are wider here, with shops, cafés, and residential buildings. Finally, the walk leads back to the Teatro Kursaal, where the city round begins and ends.

The walk begins in Ojén and is structured as three short circular sections, all starting and ending within the village. Depending on the time available, one can complete the full route or select only one or two loops. The combination of village streets, viewpoints and nearby river valleys makes it a varied peri-urban hike, particularly attractive after periods of sustained rainfall when the streams carry more water. The first section leads along the main road to the Cuevas Altas, including the Cueva de las Campanas and the Cueva de las Columnas. These karst caves have been partially adapted as viewpoints and were historically used for storage and shelter. From there, a marked path (shared by several local trails) runs for about one kilometre parallel to the Arroyo Almadán through shaded vegetation and small orchards. After heavy rain, small waterfalls may form along this stretch. A wider track then loops back toward Ojén. The second section descends to the Cuevas Bajas and continues through the old town, passing the Fuente de los Chorros and the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación. From the Era Grande, the route follows the old Camino del Almorquín toward the valley of the Río Real. After crossing a side stream and fording the Río Real, a short ascent leads to forest tracks that descend toward the Charco de las Viñas. This pool, formed by the Arroyo del Tejar, is preceded by a small waterfall over peridotite rock and is the highlight of the route, especially when water levels are high. The return crosses the Río Real again and climbs back to the village, completing the loop. A third, optional section explores the lower Arroyo Almadán and includes viewpoints such as the Mirador de la Minería and the seasonal Fuente del Chorrillo. While less varied than the first two loops, it offers additional perspectives of Ojén and its surrounding orchards. Overall, the walk to the Charco de las Viñas combines village architecture, short ascents and river scenery. After several days of rain, the streams, pools and small cascades are at their most active, significantly enhancing the experience.

The hike to the hill between the Embalse del Agujero and the Embalse del Limonero is a shortened version of a longer circular route that follows much of the south-eastern perimeter of the Limonero reservoir. On this occasion, however, we started late in the day after spending time touring the province of Málaga, and with less than an hour of daylight remaining, we opted for a reduced walk. Our aim was simply to reach one of the natural viewpoints and observe the current water levels after the heavy rains of the past weeks. The route is short and straightforward, making it suitable for anyone with limited time or for those looking for a pleasant walk that could easily be combined with lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. Despite the limited distance, the path offers wide views over both reservoirs. From the higher ground between them, it is possible to see the contrasting shapes of the two basins and the surrounding hills. Few routes in the area provide such open views in such a short stretch. The history of the two dams explains their close relationship. The Agujero dam was built in 1908 following the severe floods of 1907. It was designed primarily as a regulating dam to control floodwaters of the Guadalmedina River. Its discharge capacity was calculated to match the evacuation capacity of the river itself. In cases of extreme inflow, the reservoir created by the dam can extend upstream toward the area near the motorway and La Ventilla. However, the original structure did not provide sufficient capacity to fully prevent flooding. Further downstream, the Limonero dam was constructed in 1983 in response to repeated major floods in Málaga and was completed in 1999. Although the Agujero dam already existed, it proved insufficient to stop the river from overflowing during extreme events. The construction of the Limonero dam required land from the nearby botanical garden, as it lies close to the site. This newer dam was designed not only to control flooding but also to supply water to the city. It measures approximately 400 metres in length, with foundations reaching 95 metres in height (76 metres above the riverbed). The reservoir covers about 105 hectares and has a storage capacity of 25 cubic hectometres. An interesting detail is that the name “Limonero” is said to result from a historical spelling mistake; it was originally intended to be “Limosnero,” referring to lands that once belonged to the diocesan almoner. Due to the advanced hour, we did not continue along the full perimeter route. Our objective was simply to reach the ridge and observe how much the water levels had risen after weeks of intense rainfall. The reservoirs were visibly fuller than usual, reflecting the recent period of heavy precipitation that has affected much of the region.