| | | Weekly Newsletter | January 11, 2018 |
First Day Hike at Mason Neck
Travel Writer Carly Collins
My wife and I braved the frigid New Year's Day temperatures to complete our first day hike at Mason Neck State Park. The Belmont Bay, which borders the Visitor Center, was partially frozen, and the gorgeous icy vistas against a bright blue sky were invigorating. The friendly park ranger staffing the Visitor Center desk gave us a map and a few suggestions for independent hikes, and we chose to hike the Kane's Creek Trail and take the Eagle Spur Trial to a viewing station.
The weekend's light snowfall dusted the trail, shimmering the way along the bare, quiet woods. Several times we stopped to bask in the silence of the trees, an oasis disturbed only by the occasional gusts of wind. You don't often hear silence in Northern Virginia! We chatted about our plans for 2018, agreed we would make a point to visit Mason Neck more often and bring our dog the next time, shared a "Happy New Year's" with passing hikers, and felt a small sense of satisfaction on reaching the viewing station. My wife looked out over the water, and I checked the thermometer. 19 degrees. Brrrrr!! No wonder chunks of ice glazed the water's surface! We embraced against the wind and soaked in the first journey of the new year before making our way back. After we reached the parking lot, another couple emerged from the woods and pointing to the sky said, "There he is!" We turned towards the bay in time to see a bald eagle swooping down over the water. It was our first time seeing one in the wild! "It's a good sign," the woman smiled. 2018 already felt magical, and I have no doubt that many hikes in Mason Neck and other Virginia state parks are in store for us this year.
Click Here for a location map of Mason Neck State Park. |
Seeing the Year Out at James River
Kym Osterbind, Travel Writer
A wonderful few days spent hiking and relaxing over the holidays James River State Park. The days were "crisp" for getting the dogs out and exercised, and the nights were warm and cozy in our cabin. What a great way to end 2017!!! This will be an annual tradition.
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The Best "Rescued" Gift Ever
Cagney and Lacey Leon, Travel Paw Writers
What is going on here? We just start getting used to being in a different place when we are snagged up, harnessed up and have on leashes. What does this mean? We are scared beyond belief. Let us back track just a little. Our names are Cagney and Lacey. We were rescued and adopted by our human parents who have spoiled us beyond anything we had ever imagined in our 8-9 years of life. We came from really bad situations but found that the best was yet to come.
Just a few months after coming to live with our Mom and Dad, they took us someplace we had never been before. It involved packing the truck, to include our beds and food, and off we went. Were they throwing us away? No indeed. Where we ended up was a magical place, filled with trees, deer, lakes, people (dressed alike in something called uniforms) and some funny looking houses that mom called cabins. When we arrived, of course Cagney had to get out and start smelling the trees and Lacey had to start exploring in another direction with other trees. There was something oddly familiar to the smell. We had smelled it before, where we live with Mom and Dad. It was where GinGin had been. GinGin was the reason we came to live with Mom and Dad. After GinGin was no longer here, we helped fill a hole in Mom and Dad's hearts. We could feel GinGin's presence when he had been at home, but now we could feel it here. We knew we were safe and that all would be good.
We had arrived! We were at Fairy Stone State Park, GinGin's favorite state park and it is, now, certainly ours. We left our marking to show that we were all in agreement and into a log cabin we went. It was amazing AND it had a fireplace. Something else that was odd was that a tree was in one corner of the cabin main room with all kinds of lights and decorations. Even decorations on top of the mantel. What was this? With being December, we just knew it was cold and grateful for the warmth of the fire and a nice warm bed for us to snuggle into close by. Dad had us bundled in sweaters and our leashes to go outside to do some additional sniffing, but we were more than happy to retreat back into the warmth of the cabin. Mom and Dad took us out on some walks on something they called a trail. To us it just looked like a dirt path. Luckily we were carried most of the way. Even with sweaters, it doesn't take much for 4 and 5 pounds of dog to get cold, especially with our short little legs.
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In the evening, Mom rode us around the park in search of deer. What is a deer? We saw a few and we were horrified to the point we couldn't even bark. They looked like giant dogs with really, really long legs. They weren't wearing sweaters, but they did have on some really nice looking fur coats to keep them warm. They just kind of looked up at us then went on about their eating and walking about.
We also saw something jumping in the water. Mom called it a lake, but it looked like an ocean from our viewpoint. Whatever was jumping didn't have on a sweater or fur coat. Dad said something about fish. We wondered if they have a cabin to sleep in at night, but they'd need to dry off first. We saw so many trees, trails and met a lot of really nice people.
One morning something incredible had happened during the night. We both looked at each other and wondered what we missed. There were boxes under the tree that had lights on. Pretty boxes with tags on them saying "for Cagney" or "for Lacey". We were so confused. What did this mean? After breakfast, Mom and Dad started passing them out. Guess what? Most were for us! We got treats, toys, sweaters and even more harnesses. Ever heard of those tacky Christmas sweaters? We even got hooked up with those too. We were so happy. When we went outside to commune with nature, we made a present for Dad. He put it in a bag. We think he wanted to keep it for some reason.
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The best gift we (Cagney and Lacey) ever got was a home with human parents who accept and love us, regardless of our past, and want us. Mom and Dad were agreeing that we were the best thing that has happened to them, since loosing GinGin, but we were all in agreement on one thing. That being "who rescued who?" We are lucky little dogs. Yes, we also are Chihuahuas just like GinGin, but nothing at all like him. We're going to make our "own marks" where we go and know that going to Virginia State Parks will be our favorite places to visit. We know now why GinGin loved going to them. We had an awesome trip and can't wait to go back again soon.
One morning, everything was packed into the truck and the cabin cleared and cleaned. Mom even had the fireplace looking like it had never been used. Dad hauled the trash and recyclables. Our harnesses ready and our tails weren't wagging. Did this mean we had to leave? We gave a good look at everything knowing this would not be the last that Fairy Stone had seen us and that we will venture on to see a lot of other state parks in Virginia. Mom sure took enough pictures, so there will be lots of reminders of our great adventure to Fairy Stone State Park, when we get home. We are indeed lucky dogs and grateful to know we are comforted wherever they take us. This will be the first of many adventures for us. Join us as we travel to see all the great Virginia State Parks we can possibly visit.
We do agree about one thing though. Why do all those people at the State Park wear the same kind of clothes?
Happy tails to you, until we meet again!
Click Here for a location map of Fairy Stone State Park. |
Festivals, National and Special Events At times it may become necessary to cancel or change the date or time of an event. If you are planning to visit us based on a specific event you may want to call ahead to verify that there have been no changes. |
| Claytor Lake State Park Located at 6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive Dublin VA 24084 12/12/2017 - 01/19/2018 Christmas for the Fishes Help ensure years of great fishing at Claytor Lake by donating your old Christmas tree. Donated trees will be incorporated into reef structures to enhance habitat for game fish. Trees will be received at the Marina parking lot from Christmas until January 19, 2018. All trees must be free of lights, tinsel, and other ornaments. Only real trees can be donated. Those making a tree donation will receive free park admission on the day of donation. Please follow our tree tag directions located at the drop site for proof of donation and parking pass receipt. Trees will be deposited in the lake January 10 and 19, 2018. If you are interested in volunteering at the event visit the following link for information and to sign up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0844afa72baafa7-xmas. This project is being sponsored by Claytor Lake State Park, Friends of Claytor Lake, American Electric Power, Chandler Concrete Products, and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Funding and materials were provided in part by Sport Fish Restoration funds. No Children Please! Location - Marina Parking Lot Phone - (540) 643-2500
| Leesylvania State Park Located at 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive Woodbridge VA 22191 01/16/2018 Friends of Leesylvania Monthly Meeting 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The Friends of Leesylvania State Park help the park serve visitors and protect the park's natural resources. The group raises money and supports park programs such as the Junior Rangers, Free Kids Fishing Tournaments, and Haunted History Hikes. Friends also help guests and promote the park's unique nature and history, as well as fishing, boating and more. Members have many interests and various backgrounds. There are several membership options. Feel free to email Friends of Leesylvania ( friendsofleesylvania@gmail.com) to learn more or come to one of their meetings. They meet the third Tuesday of each month. Location - Visitor Center Phone - (703) 730-8205
| Natural Bridge State Park Located at 6477 South Lee Highway Natural Bridge VA 24578 01/17/2018 Artisan Call to Natural Bridge State Park 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Virginia artists/artisans are invited to apply for representation of their work that exemplifies Virginia and the region. Natural Bridge State Park sells hand-crafted work that supports the park's mission. Items must be handmade without the use of kits, commercial molds or manufactured primary components. Pre-register by Friday, December 15. To do so, artists will need to send their name, type of artwork(medium), contact information (phone, email, mailing address) and preferred jury date. Please send this information to NaturalBridge@dcr.virginia.gov or to P.O. Box 57, Natural Bridge, VA 24578. Once received, an application and forms will be forwarded. Space is limited and no registrations will be accepted after December 15, nor the day of jury. Entries will be juried on Wednesday, January 17 and Thursday, January 18, 2018. Artists will need to drop off and set up their art on their assigned day between 8 and 10 a.m. Pick up will be the same assigned day between 3 and 5 p.m. Limit of 10 pieces. Artisans are encouraged to bring promotional materials or brochures that describe and promote the work. For more information or to receive an application, call 540-291-1323 or e-mail naturalbridge@dcr.virginia.gov. Location - Visitor Center Phone - (540) 291-1324
01/18/2018 Artisan Call to Natural Bridge State Park 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Virginia artists/artisans are invited to apply for representation of their work that exemplifies Virginia and the region. Natural Bridge State Park sells hand-crafted work that supports the park's mission. Items must be handmade without the use of kits, commercial molds or manufactured primary components. Pre-register by Friday, December 15. To do so, artists will need to send their name, type of artwork(medium), contact information (phone, email, mailing address) and preferred jury date. Please send this information to NaturalBridge@dcr.virginia.gov or to P.O. Box 57, Natural Bridge, VA 24578. Once received, an application and forms will be forwarded. Space is limited and no registrations will be accepted after December 15, nor the day of jury. Entries will be juried on Wednesday, January 17 and Thursday, January 18, 2018. Artists will need to drop off and set up their art on their assigned day between 8 and 10 a.m. Pick up will be the same assigned day between 3 and 5 p.m. Limit of 10 pieces. Artisans are encouraged to bring promotional materials or brochures that describe and promote the work. For more information or to receive an application, call 540-291-1323 or e-mail naturalbridge@dcr.virginia.gov. Location - Visitor Center Phone - (540) 291-1324
| Pocahontas State Park Located at 10301 State Park Road Chesterfield VA 23832 12/01/2017 - 02/11/2018 Valentines for Veterans - Comforting our Veterans 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Once again, it's time for the Valentines for Veterans donation/card drive at Pocahontas State Park. All donations will be delivered to McGuire VA Medical Center on February 12, for the start of National Salute to Veteran Patients week. The National Salute week is held every year on the week of February 14 as a way to pay tribute and express appreciation to Veterans, increase awareness of the role of the VA, encourage citizens to visit hospitalized Veterans and become involved as volunteers. Please lend your hand in comforting our Veterans as they receive treatments at the local VA Hospital. Donations can be dropped off daily, until Sunday, February 11, at the Main Office, 9-3 p.m., or by appointment. Items Needed: Patient Clothing White "T" Shirts (larger sizes) White Socks (women and men, ankle or no show) Men's Boxers/Briefs (large or bigger preferred) Women's Panties,Undershirts/Sports Bras New Sweat Pants & Shirts (large or bigger preferred) Patient Comfort Items: Medium sized items and 8-12 ounce bottles are best.(No glass, please). Alcohol Free Mouthwash,Denture Brushes, Cleansers, and Adhesives Deodorant,Body Wash, Lotion, Vaseline Please call 804-796-4472 for more information. Location - Park Office/Nature Center Phone - (804) 796-4255
01/16/2018 Friends of Pocahontas Meeting 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The Friends of Pocahontas State Park is a 501c3 volunteer organization of interested citizens who actively support the park. The group works on behalf of the park by assisting in daily programs, special events, fund raising, and public education. The partnership provides a mechanism to use the skills, contacts, and resources of private citizens and businesses to improve services that may not otherwise be available. Activities include trail maintenance, interpretive programs, and construction projects, just to name a few. Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month and the parking fee is waived Attend a meeting and discover Pocahontas State Park through the Friends Group. Location - Powhatan Dining Hall Phone - (804) 796-4255
| Smith Mountain Lake State Park Located at 1235 State Park Road Huddleston VA 24104 01/14/2018 Winter Lecture Series: ''Butterfly Journeys, Near and Far'' 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The sixteenth annual Winter Lecture Series kicks off with a program that will give you a break from the chill of winter and make you think of warm summer days. The presenter, Mark Adams, grew up in the east and after receiving his Ph.D. in astronomy at the University of Arizona, spent ten years as Site Director for the University of Texas-McDonald Observatory. Living in the wilds of west Texas sparked Mark's interest in birds and butterflies. In 2004, Mark moved from Texas to Charlottesville, Virginia to take a position at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). Over the past year he spent seven weeks photographing butterflies in South America and Africa. His presentation will feature many of his butterfly photographs from Peru, Ghana, and Virginia. The Winter Lecture Series is presented by the Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Proceeds go to help fund educational programs and projects in the park. Additional dates for the 2018 Winter Lecture series include February 11, March 11, and April 8. Ticket Prices: Single ticket: $ 8, Single season ticket: $22, Two season tickets: $35, Friends of SMLSP - season ticket: $20, Prices include parking. All tickets paid at the door. For more information call: 540-297-6066 No Children Please! Location - Discovery Center Phone - (540) 297-6066
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All Other Events At times it may become necessary to cancel or change the date or time of an event. If you are planning to visit us based on a specific event you may want to call ahead to verify that there have been no changes. | |
You can link to a list of events from 01/11/2018 To 01/21/2018 by clicking on your favorite park.
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 Last Minute Cabin Discount
Book on Thursday or Friday for the upcoming weekend for a 25% discount.
Available by calling 800-933-7275 only.
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