Family Fun Day at Grist State Park

FAMILY FUN Day at Grist State Park drew a crowd last weekend.

 FOLKS came to enjoy FISHING, peddle boats, swimming, hiking, archery, 

a raptor demonstration, local barbecue and more.

 The park is located about 10 miles north of Selma

 and is a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors.  

Thanks to guest photographer Christine Weerts!

Linking to ABC Wednesday

where the Letter of the Week is F

Storm Watching

It was a dark and stormy night across Central Alabama, and even our cat

 likes to watch meteorologist James Spann (ABC 33-40) on my computer monitor.

 A long-track tornado that began in the western part of  Dallas County

 apparently hit Grist State Park, which is well north of our house.

 The storm was still traveling through East Alabama at 11:30 p.m. 

and moving into Georgia.  More details at daylight!

Grist State Park Getaway

Grist State Park is a favorite getaway for "metro Selmians." Well, Dallas County is about as rural as you can get, but the park features a big fishing lake, hiking trails, picnic and swimming areas, paddleboats and primitive plus modern camping facilities. There's also an office, snack machines and peace of mind! (Photo by Jacob Gresham)

View through the Jungle Gym

Beneath the jungle gym at Grist State Park, you can look up into a canopy of trees. This gym is located in the shady picnic area.

Paddle a Canoe

Too hot to hike? Rent a canoe and paddle your way around the lake at Grist State Park. The park is located about 10 miles north of Selma.

Take a Hike!

Good hiking weather will soon be here, and if you've never hiked to the top of the hill at Grist State Park, here's where you begin by the picnic tables.

Paddling and Peddling

Waterfowl in the the upper right corner are paddling the lake at Grist State Park, and below, people will soon be peddling the boats.

The days are warm, and it's time to picnic, swim and take some time to go fishing. May is almost here!

Picnic Perfect

The weather, the season and the location are perfect for a picnic! There aren't many people at Grist State Park this time of year. Temperatures are in the 80s, and mosquitoes haven't arrived just yet. Just right for an uncrowded picnic!

Back to Back

Do you suppose these geese at Grist State Park are no longer on honking terms!

To view more animals from around the world, check out the Camera Critters meme.

Greeted by Geese

When we visited Grist State Park the other day, these geese swam over to the recreation area, formed a line and came over to greet us. Then, they sat in the shade with other resident fowl. I suppose they are the unofficial Welcome Committee.

Grist State Park Ready for Campers

Today, we head 13 miles north of Selma to Grist State Park. It's a popular outdoor recreation area and YMCA camp. In a few weeks, Camp Grist will be teeming with children. The camp is located up a steep hill above the playground and picnic shelters (on the right in this photograph). A hiking trail leads down to the lake and swimming area. Campers also get to cool off in a pool, slide down red-clay canyons, glide across the water in canoes and participate in games and sports. Day and residence camps open in June and close just before school starts in August.

Click to enlarge for a better view of the playground and swimming area.