In Part 1I asked my senior-in-high-school daughter if you could go to any Virginia State Park and do anything that was offered there, what would it be? Her answers can be foundhere.
But this time I am going to share my own personal list of 15 things to try in 2015 at aVirginia State Parkor two or three.
I want to see the wild world at Mason Neck State Park
HERE IS MY LIST:
1. STAY AT BELLE ISLE MANSION
Imagine waking up to this view! You can if you want to rent this 5 bedroom mansion at Belle Isle State Park that looks out on the Rappahannock River in the Northern Neck of Virginia.
2. PHOTOG ROUND-UP WITH RANGER GRESHAM
I have so enjoyed following his photos from Day in the Life of York Riverseries, I am ready to grab my Digital SLR, sunscreen, bottle of water and hit the river with John!
3. BACK BAY BOOGIE
Being a mosquito magnet I think visiting the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge fromTerra Gator over and get some great walking in at Virginia's least visited state park.
4. THE RAID
I think participating in the Martins Raid in May would be a blast (excuse the pun). Physically being there as the clash between the Cherokee and the Colonists for the Frontier takes place would really help me understand my American history.
5. CATCH A GOLDEN SUNSET ON THE POTOMAC
I would love to go on a bird watching via a guided canoe trip on Belmont Bay at Mason Neck State Park, especially looking for my favorite American icon the Bald Eagle! After seeing some of the wild world at Mason Neck I would want to end the paddle with catching a brilliant sunset on the Potomac River.
6. STAY IN AN ANCIENT RUSSIAN TYPE DWELLING
Stay a few nights at the Yurt is outa-this-world!
7. BE ON THE BRIDGE
I would love to be one of the first people to visit Natural Bridge State Park to the public as a state park! This is super exciting, but I think it may not open until 2016 as an official state park.
8. ZIP IT
Try out the Shenandoah River State Park. I would have thought my daughter would have added this to her list, but she said and I quote "I am afraid of heights" so here 'tis on my list. I wouldn't do it without the GOPRO camera on though, it sounds like a fun adventure!
9. SEE THE GRAND CANYON OF THE SOUTH
This is not an official Virginia State Park, it is called "beyond scenic.
10. DINE AT DOUTHAT
I have yet to eat at the original CCC built lake-front peak season).
11. FIND GOLD IN THEM THAR HILLS
I want to pan for gold this summer at hand me a pan and let me at it!
12. HIKE THE A.T.
One of the most popular most scenic portions of the entire Mt Rogers National Recreation Area. I know, I am not a through-hiker or even a section-hiker or weekend-warrior hiker when it comes to the A.T. but perhaps there may still be a little trail magic.
13. FOSSIL HUNTING
I have been to the oldest continually farmed plantations in these United States;so super scenic and the history is so rich in the area, I need more time at Chippokes to fuel my master naturalist fires!
14. POKE AROUND POCAHONTAS
I simply have never been to Virginia's largest state park, Pocahontas. I would love to go to one of the summer Pocahontas State Park. They have had jazz bands, symphony orchestras, beach music and even great tribute bands!
15. VISIT THE SMALLEST STATE PARK
I have to admit I have not been there and have never really anticipated visiting Virginia's smallest state park, Tabb Monument, but it is now on my list after reading this verse by Father John B Tabb:
