Summer Time Fun and MTT Post #1

The unofficial start of summer was just over a week ago and The Busy Bryants have been busy trying to make the most out of every single second!



Mural in Richmond

We've ran a couple races, been through not one but two weeks worth of dance recitals, joined a pool, finished out the Girl Scout year and I even took the plunge and signed up to run a marathon.

Tell me those boots aren't the cutest

Samoa donuts from Buttermilk Bakeshop

Me and Mr. Busy at The James River Run



Hometown Heroes 5K

You did hear right...as if I'm not busy enough I signed up for a marathon!  Well actually right now I'm just signed up for the training but signing up for the marathon is just a technicality.  We started out on this past Sunday with a short run along Richmond's streets.  I trained for the half marathons on my own but I felt like taking that next big step I would need someone to help (push) me along.  The marathon training teams (MTT) are sub-divided into color teams.  I'm on the Pink team.  I'll be giving up my Sunday mornings of leisure for long runs and sweat.  But I'm excited to see it through.  My plan, and don't hold me to it, will be to post the progress here.  



MTT Pink Nation

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer and making the most of it.  Happy adventuring.  

Cascade Falls

Very recently The Busy Bryants were able to sneak off for an overnight adventure that involved two of our favorite things, hiking and waterfalls.  This excursion had us heading South on I81 to the Blacksburg Area.  We drove down on Friday after work and then after a night's rest in Christiansburg at The Quality Inn we were up and ready to go.  Our destination was another 30 or so minutes from the hotel. 

I've been scoping out Cascade Falls for some time now so I was beyond excited.  Located in Pembroke Virginia, The Jefferson National Forest is host to Cascade Falls.  The Cascades Day Use Area is for day use only (hello it's in the title), does have a $3 fee and gets really busy as the day goes on.  We got to the parking area before 10 in the morning and there were only 10-15 other cars.  By the time we left the lot was full and people were parking in the grass and along the road. 

 

The trail to the actual waterfall is 2 miles in and then 2 miles back.  You can either do it as a circuit or in and out the same way.  There was some climbing involved on stone stairs and over logs but nothing that a 6 year old couldn't handle.  We would rate it as easy/moderate. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both Mark and I agreed that this was one of our favorite hikes.  On other trails that involve streams and waterfalls there is usually either a barrier or distance that keeps you away from the stream.  I understand that is for safety.  But sometimes you just want to take a break from hiking and sit by the stream and enjoy the gift of Mother Nature.  This trail really lets you feel like you could do that.  There were a lot of places you could simply go sit by the stream and hang out for a little while.  You felt like you could get up close and personal while still being safe.  There was not an area that we didn't find beautiful and awe inspiring.  

 

Some info that you may find helpful...bring exact change for the parking, dogs are allowed on the trail, the bathrooms are only at the parking area and there are picnic tables/grills at the bottom of the trail near the parking.  You can't camp here at the Day Use Area but there are plenty of other areas close by that do accommodate camping. 

 

Happy adventuring!!

 

 

 



Plans for the New Year

I know we are a good month into 2016 but I am just now sitting down to make plans for The Busy Bryant's Adventures of 2016.  I usually have done this by now but I've been a tad busy this month with Girl Scouts, work and a snow storm that had us buried in for 3 days.  Planning while the storm was going on sounds like it would have been the best time but honestly all I could do for an entire day was stare outside at the snow coming down.  Then once it was finished falling we headed outside!

 

Yes that is a kayak!

Ok, so now back to planning...I have an on going list that I keep of the places we (I) would like to visit.  I would say 95% of the places are here in Virginia.  Every now and then a place out of state ends up on my radar and I feel the need to write it down.  It seems that for each one I get to cross off the list I somehow add two in it's place.  I guess that is also what keeps us busy :-)  And with each new year I rewrite my list with all the places we want to visit minus the ones we've gotten around to.

 

Some of the things are just local places I want to try out while other things will take longer to plan and actually get around to.  And now looking at my bucket list and what I'm actually planning I realize the two lists don't really match.  I have some things I'm planning that didn't make it on the paper list...they are just on the mental list.  Visit ALL of the Virginia State Parks, run a race every month, try a new restaurant when we can...that type of thing stays on the Mental List. 

 

So far this year I am planning a trip to Hampton for a 10 mile race this month, a trip to Hungry Mother State Park also this month, a camping trip to Douthat State Park in the summer, a couple hikes, a winery trip early fall, a bike trip on the Mt. Vernon trail and a few half marathons.  My goal every year is to schedule an adventure every month.  This year I want to add in a race once a month along with the adventure.  I already know some months the adventure will be the trip for the race...win-win.  I know a lot of people that plan beach trips every year or a big family vacation once a year....we tend to go for long weekends and the occasional week long trip that allows us to visit a couple places.  That's how we roll. 

 

Anyone planning anything exciting here in Virginia?  I'd love to hear about it :-)

 

Happy planning. 

 

 

Yule Tide Greetings

Merry Christmas everyone!  I hope you are enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.  We are about waste high in food, family and festivities but wanted to wish you bright blessings! 

Much love,
The Busy Bryants

Fairy Stone State Park

 

You know I have a crazy love for the Virginia State Parks.  If you haven't fallen in love yourself with them then maybe this post will help you see the light. 

 

This story started 1/1/15 at a different Virginia State Park.  The Busy Bryants went on a First Day Hike at Pocahontas State Park and while out hiking I snapped some pictures.  I entered one of those pictures in the State Park's First Day Hike picture contest.  I won a gift certificate that could be used with the Virginia State Parks.  I planned my trips for the year and squeezed in a weekend trip to Fairy Stone State Park.   Fairy Stone (FS) is located in Patrick County VA, just northwest of Martinsville.  The name of the park comes from the stones or rocks that can be found in and around the park.  Since we were going in November we opted for a cabin. 

 

Our home for the weekend...and the one with the best view of the lake.

 

The cabins are all furnished and have the essentials for a short stay.  Linens, dishes, a bundle of firewood...they do NOT have phones, televisions or Wi-Fi.  I could not have been happier.  At these particular cabins we also did not have cell phone service.  At first the 16 year old went through withdrawal.  Then she found out how much fun it was to play cards with her family and color with her sister :-)  I spent hours sitting on the screened in porch checking out the view of the lake. 

 

We snuck in a hike on our last day there on the Little Mountain Falls Trail.  This trail has a spot that is cleared enough you can see the Blue Ridge Mountains off in the distance and it's own waterfall.

 

The park offers camping (tent and campers), pavilions for picnics, a beach for swimming in the summer and has it's own equestrian camp.  Nearby you have Martinsville, The Blue Ridge Mountains, and or course a couple wineries. 

 

 

Everyone in the family agreed that this park deserves a visit in the summer.  Actually I'll visit again any time.  But a summer visit will be a top priority.  We want to try out the swimming and maybe go out kayaking on the lake.  I soaked in the pleasure of sitting on the porch and just listening to the animals in the woods...but the laughter from my family and memories that we created...that is what I LOVED.  Even my 16 year old agreed.