The Davidson Lands Conservancy sign at the trailhead.

This week, we got on our bicycles and headed down to the area of Davidson off I-77 Exit 30. Our first stop was the new nature trail and canoe/kayak launch behind Davidson Day School. You may have heard that it was opening, but have you ever actually gone there? If not, it’s worth a trip. It was hot, so we also stopped at the air-conditioned Rushco Davidson Market and explored what it has to offer. If you’re looking to fill an afternoon, head down to  the Lake Davidson Nature Preserve, go canoeing or kayaking if you have a boat, and make sure to stop for some refreshment on your way home.

The canoe/kayak launch site.

The Lake Davidson Nature Preserve trailhead is located at the back corner of the Davidson Day athletic field, off Jetton Street. A Davidson Lands Conservancy sign marks the entrance, and from there it’s easy to follow the gravel trail through the woods.

The whole path is shady, and nicely maintained. After a short walk (or bike ride in our case), the path opens onto a small cove where you could put a boat into the water. There are several boat racks, where boaters can leave boats when not in use.

The area includes a wooden bench for resting, as well as a trail out to the point. (The conservancy plans to improve and expand the trail soon.)

The woven roots over the water on the peninsula.

The site is on a peninsula, so by following this dirt track, we made it out to the end

of the point, and discovered a beautiful overlook on the lake. The whole area was shaded, and the branches of the trees reached down to touch the water just off the shore. Their roots made a latticed extension of the bank, and looking down we saw the woven roots over the gently rippling lake water. Although we didn’t have a boat to launch, the beauty of the area at the end of the point was worth the walk in itself.

Afterward, we went to the new Rushco Davidson Market for some air conditioning and Slushies. When we got there, we found we had many more choices. There was an entire wall full of sodas or energy drinks, and another case with fruit juices. In the same case, there were also grocery items, including bacon, eggs, and ham.

Rushco, a new gas station and store off exit 30.

In the mini “aisles” of the store, there were many many many choices of chips, candy, and beef jerky, as well as breakfast foods ranging from granola bars to cereal to pastries. If you would prefer health food, there is a wide selection available, including items like vegetable and hummus chips.

If you want something more substantial, pick up a sandwich at the full-service deli. There are lots of choices for pre-made sandwiches and wraps, including tuna and chicken salad. During certain hours, you can also get a made to order sandwich, which gives you more choices.

In addition to the gas station and convenience store, Rushco also has a car wash. This car wash is special, because it recycles 80 percent of the water. You can pay to get a car wash inside the store, or when you buy gas.

When we finally bought our Slushies, we had more choices than I was used to, including Cheerwine flavor. We also noticed that we could have gotten ice cream treats such as Klondike Bars and lots of other yummy frozen desserts, perfect for a hot day.

Paulina Campbell is a rising senior at Woodlawn School. Emma Boraks is a rising freshman at North Mecklenburg High School. They’re spending part of their summers scoping out alternatives to TV-watching and Web-surfing. Have ideas or want to reach them? Leave a comment below, or email editor@davidsonnews.net.