Well, it may have been 101 today in the Charlotte area but at least we decided to go hiking with the kids on Crowder’s Mountain during the afternoon during the hottest time of the day. Getting out of the car at about 2pm, Jill and I agreed that we would hike about 30 minutes and then come back. That seems to be about the magic time when the kids lose interest and need snacks. For our hike along Pinnacle Trail, the benches were spread out just enough to give us time to rest for a few minutes and then start back at it. The hike was rated “strenuous” and I agree. All said and done we hike to the top and back in about 3 hours including the little pit stops along the way as well as a 10 minute break at the top. Our hike back was along Turnback Trail and it was significantly less strenuous.
Afterwards we made a stop at Tony’s in Gastonia for a chili dog, onion rings and homemade ice cream. Jill loves the lemon ice cream as seen in the photo. 
- Dana
