Our TLC Neighbors

The Triangle Land Conservancy purchased riverfront property along the Deep River near RiverBend in 2002. They have an interest in other acquisitions along the river and as their assets allow, I suspect that our neighbors will increase their holdings in the area. In 2007 the NC General Assembly authorized adding the Deep River State Trail to the State Parks system. It will be exciting to watch this trail develop over the next few years.

The TLC recently published a canoeing guide for our section of the Deep River. It contains interesting historical and natural history narratives. Did you know that we have the largest coal deposits in NC? One RB landowner drilled a well and went through several feet of pure coal. Download your pdf at this link: TLC Deep River Guide. The water levels are remaining more stable since the construction of the Deep River Dam at highpoint. This has resulted in more canoe groups recently.

Timber Solicitation

Yesterday I received a mail solicitation for timber harvesting. I am sure that other RB owners also received the same mailing. Timber exports to Asia are driving up prices and the market is strong enough that companies such as this one are conducting mass mailings to line up new cutting areas. According to a recent story ships from China are arriving full of imports but departing empty. This has resulted in very low shipping costs for products that previously would not be feasible to ship to China. Hay is an example. It is cheaper to ship hay from the USA than within China. The same with timber. It is cheaper to buy ours than to cut their own and ship it.

Click letter below to enlarge.







This also highlights the risk of timber poaching or theft (see prior postings on this from last year). As we all know, no harvesting of timber is allowed at Riverbend.

New Posted Signs

The Settledge family has put up posted signs on their property with cable barriers for protection. This is increasingly important during this time of year to prevent unauthorized hunting or other activities.

On two occasions during the last month, I have encountered Michael on the main RB road, or on our property. He is riding a 4 wheeler. On both occasions, I have reminded him that he is not welcome and that the property is posted. He has claimed various "approvals" and "permissions" but he cannot produce written permission as required by law and the property owners I have spoken with have given no permissions to anyone. He resides at the Hineken property which abuts RB and it will be difficult to keep him away. Ricky Watts (Dave's brother) knows him well and believes that he is responsible for a wave of vandalism.

Chigger Heaven at RiverBend

During a recent trip to RiverBend I had an encounter with “chiggers,” and discovered what many already know, they are much worse than ticks. RB is apparently “chigger heaven” due to the undergrowth and grasses. When I returned home, I read up on the little buggers.

Interesting facts:

1. Deet is less effective.
2. They can go through loose weave clothing.
3. The allergic reaction can be systemic, but is usually local.
4. They don’t drink blood, but tissue liquefied by their saliva.
5. To prevent; avoid known areas, wear tight weave clothes, avoid hot afternoons (they are only active when soil temp is 60-86 F); use deet but powdered sulfur is better; keep moving.
6. Wash skin/clothes a quickly as possible.

There is a good write up in Wikipedia, and a very informative online info sheet from Ohio State University.

Logan Okra

Our neighbors the Logan family have been very kind and supportive over the years. Kenneth Logan repaired my tractor and gave me some great advice on maintaining it properly.



Today I stopped at their farm shed to buy okra but sadly they were sold out. They should have more ready to pick by Sunday. My favorite Logan product is their strawberries ... big and delicious. In season, sweet corn is terrific. Now they are selling dried corn as "deer corn."

Dale was there today baby sitting and tending the vegetable sales.

Box Turtle

The Carolina Box turtle is the official NC reptile. This time of year, they are busy laying eggs. Our section of RiverBend has many adults wandering the high ground looking for a good egg site. This month's issue of Wildlife in North Carolina has a nice article on the terrapin.