Spalding had his four best friends over to play yesterday, and they certainly had a blast. First, they had a rowing contest at Spalding’s favorite hole in the beautiful Cole Reservoir. They rowed and rowed all around the lake, enjoying the breeze and the sunshine! All of the boys had a blast!

Next, the boys went swimming at the neighborhood Aquatic Center. They wanted to spend time in each of the pools, soaking up the rays. First, the boys visited the shallow beach-entry pool to get used to the water temperature. Then, they progressed to the nine brightly colored, mushroom- shaped waterfalls where they splashed around and chased one another through the maze of mushrooms. Next, the boys climbed all the way to the top of the two spiraling waterslides and raced one another down the slides to the plunge pool below. After 8 or 9 trips up the slides, the boys decided to rest for a little while in the two water lounge areas and lie on the deck in the sun. Whew! What an adventure at the pool!

After the boys dried off, I took them to the lodge for lunch. Helen made us fancy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, which we enjoyed on the beautiful wrap around porch with outdoor stone fireplace. After lunch, the boys were ready to play again, so we decided to hit the tennis courts to work on our “back wing!”

The boys played a tough round of single elimination doubles tennis, and I was fortunate enough to serve as referee. Those kids have a wicked swing and taught me a thing or two! After the fiery game of tennis, the guys decided to have fun on the play park! This area is fun for the whole family – kids and teens alike!

To wrap up the day, Spalding and his friends wanted to go on a nature hike through the many nature trails surrounding the community. There are literally miles of nature trails winding throughout the community. Spalding and his friends attempted to identify the different types of flora and fauna along the way. On the way, we saw the trail leading to the Cubihatcha Outdoor Center. Spalding and his friends want to visit these trails again soon – they are truly a young Heron’s delight!

What a way to spend the afternoon! I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I am so happy to live in a community that provides hours of entertainment without ever leaving home!

I made the decision to try out the Oak Trail, which is an easy walk. I wasn’t really looking for exercise as much as I was trying to enjoy the natural surroundings. So, I was incredibly pleased to see that the trail markers tell me specifically what animal and plant species to look out for on the trail. I began my hike down the wooded path, eager to see a White Oak tree standing tall. Just often enough, I ran into trail markers, making the path quite easy to navigate.

I was about half way through when out of nowhere one of my kin popped out of the woods to say hi! It was a wild turkey, and I had no idea that any were even in the area. It was great to catch up and tell him all about the family and how we are now living at Heron Bay and loving it. He told me that he and his friends have run into Heron Bay residents while out and about, but had no idea that we were now in this splendid community.

All in all, it was a fantastic summer afternoon, and I recommend that all of my neighbors try out the nature trails for themselves – you just my run into one of my kin folks!