Day trip to Raven Rock State Park, NC (July 9)

With temperatures reaching into the 90s and 100's during July in the Triangle, the best way to beat the heat has been at the pool, lake, beach or mountains.  

A trip to our neighborhood pool on July 4th allowed us to enjoy the teeny-bopper party with a DJ blasting Justin Bieber.  For a moment, I thought Glee was filming in Cary, NC.  To get away from the crowds, we have been searching for a local lake where we could swim.  

We live right by a lake, but like many of the other small lakes in the area, swimming is not allowed.  The two larger lakes in the area, Falls Lake and Jordan Lake boast recreational areas that allow you to swim.  We have yet to enjoy Jordan Lake, but we did visit Falls Lake last August.  The swimming area was a very warm 80 degrees, which did not feel refreshing compared to the 100 degree air temperature.

Through the Triangle Hiking and Outdoors Group (THOG) on meetup.com, I learned about a good swimming area on the Cape Fear River in Raven Rock State Park.  The park is about an hour south of Cary in Harnett County.  On July 9, we made the voyage down there by car and hiked the 2.5 miles to the area called Lanier Falls.  The hike was not strenuous, but we were anxious to swim.  Thankfully, our first view of the river came a mile and a half into the hike.

 Cape Fear River in Raven Rock State Park

A family had clearly been enjoying an all day adventure at the "falls" when we arrived, occupying the section with the largest drop in the falls.  I would guess the drop was a total of 2-3 feet.  Their inflatable mattress made a very fun looking slide!!  To enjoy the area in solitude, we were able to get Darwin across the rushing water and beyond the family of 6.  It felt amazing to take a dip in the cool (but not cold) water!

"Our" area of the river where small rapids exist

Darwin quickly learned that he could swim in the river with us, but I can't say he seemed to completely enjoy it.  For the most part, he would swim to me or Colin and try to climb on us so he wouldn't have to keep swimming.  He is terrified of getting his face wet.  It's hilarious to see him take great pains to keep his head above water.

Darwin swimming out to meet Colin 

On a few occasions, he would leap off the rocks to join us in the water.  And he has proven himself to be a fast swimmer.  We'll just have to keep taking him out so he builds up his stamina!!

 Darwin sits so well to receive a treat!

We had a great time at the lake where the temperature was cooler than in the city.  We were needing another swimming hole by the time we finished the 2.5 mile hike back to the car! 

Where do you take your pet to cool off in the summer?