swampfox43

When I originally posted that link, I had never seen this webcam before and the camera was zoomed in to the new tower. It was a really nice angle. I was thinking, yeah! A new cam showing the tower construction! Then, when I checked a few hours later, the view had changed, and changed again & again. So much for the stationary view I liked. Hopefully they will do a zoom view again. It was pretty nice.

It's advertised as the "tower" webcam: http://www.wsoctv.com/wxcampopup/1934494/detail.html

Supposedly something BIG. Word has it a 200ft+ coaster. Knowing Cedar Fair, that's very probable. Anyone see the uncanny resemblance in the photo below?

I first published Carowinds: The Early Years site back in 1998 and believe it or not, it had quite a following and I thanked everyone from UP and beyond for the kind words. The site had been down for nearly 8 months and I made the promise to get it going again to those who noticed. Well, last week I decided to fix it up and bring it back. I have been updating & tweaking galore and I even bought me a domain! Golly, I never had one of dem domain's before! : (carowindsearlyyears.com) I finally have it to where it's presentable now and have the dark circles under my eyes to prove it! Anyway, I spent today doing a little research in the public library uptown and finally updating the site with some interesting notes and plenty of new (old) photos I've had for years. I just learned today that Carowinds was to have an eight themed area that would celebrate the nuclear and space age but obviously this was never built. They were also originally planned to open in 1972 (they opened in '73). And this was shocking, Pat Hall sold the park to Family Leisure, Inc. in 1975 for LESS THAN HALF of what it cost to build the park 2 years ago (park cost $32 mill, sold it for $14 mill). Sadly, Hall died just 3 years later. Ahhhhh, tt was refreshing to get back into the research mode like I had done so often 10-15 years ago. So, for those interested, check it out! The link is in my sig (like it use to be, lol). Oh!! I also have a link to my Lakewood Park site at the bottom of the Carowinds page. Lakewood was Charlotte's first true amusement park for those who aren't familiar.

In the second aerial (showing the airplane engine), you can clearly see the road we use to call "dead man's curve" as it swoops over South Blvd near Simpson's Lighting. Impressive views, especially when you compare them to today.

Did you use a tripod for that incredible shot?

I ate lunch at Nona's Italian Deli on Morehead yesterday. It's over there near Art's BBQ in a small strip center with the oriental rug store. I liked Nona's. It's small, only maybe 10 tables. The sandwiches were delicious. My only complaint is that they should invest a way to have ice, and at least paper plates. They sell only bottled drinks so the cup of water is just that, small cup of water with no ice. The owner told me they do not have room for an ice machine. Also, for people eating in, I wish they would serve you on some type of plate. They brought 3 sandwiches wrapped in huge white wrappers. It was hysterical having everyone upwrap on the small table. I mean they use about 3 square feet of paper to wrap 1 sandwich. OK, small complaints but the food and dessert were very good. The employees (only 2) were super friendly and the service was superb.

Per my recommendation, myself and 2 friends ate lunch at Common House yesterday (Sat). We arrived around 2pm and there were at least 12 others in there eating as well. We entered through the back entrance and a big thumbs up for having a front and rear entrance (with large waiting room) and plenty of rear parking. Upon entry what hit me first was the nice bar area with 3 flat screens behind the bar. Then the beautiful shade of green painted on the walls and a front wall facing Central Ave. with floor to ceiling windows allowing for plenty of natural light. I really liked what I saw so far. We started off with a plate of fried pickles ($5) which were extremely good. The pickles are cut into quarter spears and look almost like a standard french fry. My only complaint is the serving size, which was not enough for 3 people. We each got 3 of the small spears. Maybe I've been spoiled with the huge servings that Big Daddy's and The Penguin give. My burger was very tasty and the fries come seasoned with Sea Salt. I cannot remember what my friends had but we all left satisfied and plan to go back. The service was very excellent and very friendly.

Add the "eagle cam" to the list of webcams. This is the Carolina Raptor Center. http://www.wcnc.com/eaglecam/

Perfect idea for the Design Center - A Filene's Bargain Basement! Miami, Atlanta, DC, Columbus have one (not to mention all the New England/York locations). Charlotte would be a perfect fit and this Midtown location would be just right.

Weather Bug has an interesting way to find webcams in your area. Just type in the area code and you'll get not only your local webcams, but in neighboring states. Check it out: http://instacam.com/search.asp?searchbox=28210

They should name a park "Common Ground"....Actually, I think it would be kinda neat to see the word "Common" used a little more in an effort to maybe add a little definition to this still-evolving district. I assume they are feeding off the Commonwealth Ave name which in itself is pretty historic (for Charlotte). I'll have to check out the Common House. Love trying new restaurants and have used many of your opinions here in the past.

I ate lunch at the recently opened WAM Asian Grill twice last week and really enjoyed it. WAM is in the former Mama Fu's location on Woodlawn (across from Park Rd SC). You order pretty much the same way you did at Mama Fu's, same counter, they give you a number and they bring the food to your table. The older Chinese cook was very generous and welcoming to everyone that walked in. But best of all, I found my favorite place for Chicken Lo Mein now. It was incredulicious! Later that week I tried the General Tso Chicken which was also superb. Also, they will add whatever you'd like whether it's mushrooms, water chesnuts, etc. The prices are very reasonable and they give you a lot on the plate. PS: where on Central is the Common House?

I thought my eyes were deceiving me tonight as I was driving down Charlottetown. I had to do a double take. Yes, it was trackage! atlrvr, is there a rendoring that shows this area with the streetcar visible? I have not had any luck finding one. I need to keep up better on this project, as this Elizabeth Ave makeover is one of my most anticipated. The view of the skyline between 7th and 3rd (when CPCC isn't blocking the view) has always been my fave.

After reading this article, I wonder if Charlotte may be better suited for something like the "Eco Ride" that is currently testing in Japan. $22 million per kilometer for Eco Ride is a lot, but compare that to roughly $54 million a mile for Lynx. Some may think this looks like a cheap amusement ride, but I think would look kinda cool, and definitely a first in the US.

I noticed while going to lunch at Duckworth's today that a new restaurant is scheduled to open in the site of the former Bertucci's at Park Towne Village on Woodlawn (across from Park Rd Shopping Center) in late Sept. It is called "The Tavern on Park" [http://tavernonpark.com/]. The website doesn't offer much except for an "apply on line" link which does offer some information on the type of restaurant it will be. An upscale, casual concept, etc.

I ate lunch there last Sat and liked it a lot. Any place with good fresh cut fries will get me back a second time. My favorite item were the Onion Rings though. Yumyumyum, I can't explain it......just order them, you won't be sorry~!

Holy Moly!!!! YES!!! It has just now let up and this one was very bad. The wind bursts were terrible and more trees have fallen. The lightning was just incredible. It came almost the exact same time as last nights storm. I actually shot some video I'll see if I can upload it.

OK, wow! How did you save such a long time span of motion? Mine only allows for 15 minute loops to be saved. I guess I could take several loops into ImageReady and connect them. Is that how you did that? I'll have to work on that next time... Thanks for that!! Definitely better than a bunch of still shots.

Thanks. I knew that was Gaston County actually. My brain just wasn't playing along with me (that storm really frazzled me, LOL)... This is a great image from WCNC http://www.wcnc.com/perl/common/slideshow/...amp;nextimage=2

Here I go with some radar images again... What came barreling through here at 8pm tonight was quite severe in south, south eastern Charlotte. I haven't gone outside to survey yet, but I heard quite a few crackling branches and possibly small trees come down in the woods behind me. The lightning was also severe and the hail was heavy for about 5 minutes. Whew! This storm came in like a freight train! No warning at all. I would venture to say a small downburst occurred in my area the way the winds had the trees sideways for about 30 seconds. OK, here is something quite interesting although I know it happens frequently. I have the images in order of time. 8:15pm, 8:20pm, 8:45pm and 8:55pm. They are traveling towards the north, northeast. On the first image, note the smaller storm to the north west, I think that is Stanley County. See how these 2 storms gradually merge into 1 big monster!!!! Kinda neat! Also, you can clearly see the lightning from the Royal Court webcam at 9:39pm (7-22-08).

Wed. afternoon storms weren't quite as potent as the ones yesterday. Still, some much needed rain soaked most of the Charlotte region. Here is a look at the Wunderground radar at 5:30pm as the storm was moving through Charlotte.

I think the entire city got in on the act today as opposed to the spotty storms we have had the last 4 days. Down in south Charlotte, it was quite nasty especially around 5:40pm. It wasn't long after I was hearing the sound of fire truck sirens. The good thing is the sustained rainfall. Where I live, it started raining at 5:10pm and continued solid until around 7:30pm. I'm very thankful for that!

Does anyone know why Moondogs closed in NoDa? Got a little surprise when I went there for lunch today....

Since my last visit almost 2 months ago, I have noticed quite a few enhancements around the center and construction of the new zip line is well under way. The most notable addition is the new zip line tower beside the "Rivers Edge" (aka The Eddy) restaurant. I was told that it may open within the next 2-3 weeks. Below are a couple photos I took showing the starting point structure for the zip line, along with an aerial that gives you a better idea of the length. I am really looking forward to trying this! This is the starting point for the new zip line right beside the restaurant. Drink a beer on the patio and watch the riders zip by! This view gives you a general idea of the zip lines location. Much of the line will be over the water! Although you can see the start and end points in this photo, the perspective is a bit misleading. This is a long zip line! New signs adorn the trail entrances around the center. All in all, it was nice to see continued improvements and additions being made to the whitewater center. The new weekend rates and parking fee did not seem to have an impact on the crowds. The restaurant, now called "River's Edge", has excellent food and at 1:30pm we were seated immediately and the service was exceptional. Also, you can use your $5 parking ticket for a free dessert if you by a meal. One last thing. The new whitewater parkway is still not open. Although it's basically finished (I drove it during the Olympic trials), they are waiting on the state to inspect it. Initially I read that it was to open in June, but I am not sure what the delay is now. So for now, the only entrance is down Hee Hawfield Rd.