Travels with Charlie....

Tuesday became an explore day. At first I was going to take Charlie in his bike trailer for a ride. Then I thought about another place nearby that I've always wanted to see. It is a small park alongside the Pine River in Richland County.

It's called Pier Natural Bridge Park. It has a little playground, a picnic shelter, and a rock formation that formed a bridge or tunnel. It has 10 acres and some interesting sights to see.

I thought it might be a nice place for us to have a late lunch.

When we first got there we tried out the long stairway to the top of the rock formation that is called a finger. It rises 60 feet above the Pine River. 

Charlie had to figure out the stairs and he did a good job. Not easy for a short legged doggy with a long back.

We walked along the half mile 'finger' and enjoyed the views through the pines.

You can't visit this place without walking through the long crack in the rocks. Charlie and I spent some time inside the 'tunnel' of rocks which had  a nice breeze whispering through it to cool off.

[Disgusting that people felt the need to add graffiti here.]

Cool breezes!

Charlie and I had a picnic lunch at one of the many picnic tables that were scattered all around. There are also benches made by a Scout Troop along the top of the rocks placed so a person can sit and enjoy the sights.

Pano of three shots stitched together from my OM-5 camera.

The Pine River is also a fairly popular little river to go kayaking on so there is a spot for taking your kayak in and out of the river in the park. 

I was actually surprised by the amount of visitors that stopped for a little bit while I was there. There was enough room that felt like we had the place to ourselves.

I think I will come back in the winter and then again in the spring to see how this place looks.

There is nothing more impressive than feeling so tiny next to a 1/2 mile finger of rock that is 60 feet tall. I took this shot of a car that pulled up and parked next to the tunnel entrance for a size comparison.

Let's just say, it was small, worth it, and scenic. Not to mention, a nice place to have a picnic and a nice little dog to accompany you.

By the way. Charlie is getting better about car rides. He used to whine and complain all of the time and now he is settling in with a lot less commentary about my driving.

I seriously adore his company.

We plan to try out the pet bike carrier this week too!