Back from Vacation

Why is it so hard, after just one week of vacation, to get back into the swing of things?  I can't figure it out either.  It was a glorious week of camping, biking, exploring and relaxing.  I suppose asking for that to go on for eternity is too much to ask?  Humph. 

This week is going to be filled with crock pot meals, laundry and caffinee.  I'm working on putting together the posts telling you all about our vacation....just after this next coffee :-)  

Pinterest Inspired

I was perusing around Pinterest a few weeks back, looking at food ideas, when I came across a list of 21 Modern Mysteries You Won't Be Able To Put Down.  The list caught my eye only because a few books I've already read are on the list.  And the list was indeed right.  I couldn't put down those few that I had read.  I figured maybe I should give the other books a try.  My only problem lately is that I struggle with the hard copy versus the digital copy lately.  Weird right?  Don't judge.  Anyway..........I like the hard copy so much better (no recharging and no battery dying right in the middle of an exciting chapter) BUT the digital means that when I'm done with the book I don't have another book sitting around collecting dust (I don't re-read books....EVER).  So what am I supposed to do?!?!?!  And then it hit me....Public library! I have no clue why I hadn't thought about it sooner.  One Monday afternoon I walked in to my local branch, got myself a library card and hello new book that I can return when I'm done....and it's FREE!!!!!  No issues with a battery, no issues with too many books sitting around and no issue spending a dime on a book every couple weeks.  Win-Win.  So far I've read three books now and on number four...Emma even got in on the action with a couple books too :-) 

   

I think I'm pretty lucky that my local branch is pretty awesome....I mean there is a ship inside it!  This last week I spied some books on Virginia travel.  I have a feeling I better leave those things alone...the wheels on the car may never stop if I find more places to explore. 

Right now I'm reading The Expats by Chris Pavone....so far so good. 

Next week we are on vacation.  I have a book already checked out to take with me.  Finally....something off Pinterest I DID...ha!  What is everyone else reading this summer?  Anything I HAVE to try? 

Lynchburg Virginia

Back in January our little family visited Lynchburg Virginia for a weekend.  We were there to watch Tommy run at Liberty University.  While there Mark and I took advantage of a few free hours and hiked around on the city's James River Heritage Trails.  This was one trip I actually took my camera and shot pictures with it instead of with just my phone camera...and wouldn't you know the memory card went all wonky on me and none of the pictures were saved.  We had a great weekend but I had only a few photos from the trip that I didn't feel were "blog worthy".  Now fast forward to July 2014 and Tommy visiting the city again as a student at Lynchburg College.  He had been there for a special program for a month and we were in town to pick him up.  We were all excited to see him again and to get a chance to revisit the city again.  They have miles and miles worth of trails so we went off in a new direction this time...and this time I made sure the pictures were good and SAVED! 

We parked between the James River and Amazement Square.  This visit we hike the Riverwalk Trail, a portion of the Blackwater Creek Bikeway and Point of Honor Trail. 



Amazement Square





Along Blackwater Creek Bikeway




Hollins Tunnel





What the....???



 



At Hollins Mill Crossing





On our last visit we hiked the Percival's Island trail which took us over the James River.  I enjoyed that hike but because it was January we froze our butts off.    We also visited Old City Cemetery in January...great spot if you are into old cemeteries...and we are.  And if you want a great place to stay near the riverfront try The Craddock Terry.  It was phenomenal!  

This week we are gearing up for a camping trip and for a bike event that is coming soon.  Summer is speeding by.  <sigh>      

 

Richmond's New Pump House

In the mood to visit a Richmond historal building that is over 150 years old???  If so there are dozens of places like that around Richmond and on Monday I had my heart set on visiting one.  The New Pump House or Byrd Park Pump House is located at the Southern portion of Byrd Park on the James River and Kanawha Canal.  The Pump House spent several years providing the city with water as well as a place for concerts and parties.  I had read a few articles and seen a few photos so I've had it in the back of my mind to visit. 



I can imagine that area lit up with candle light for an evening concert



From what I've read in articles Richmonders would board flat bottom boats up stream and travel by way of the canal to the Pump House.  Once here they would celebrate in the pavilion area until time to return home.  Now the windows are boarded up and the building is in various levels of disrepair...but you can still see the charm and attraction of the once great pump house.  There are a few trails right around the building that seem to only lead to the nearby rail road and to a portion of the canal. There has been work on the building in order to restore and preserve it.  I for one would love to attend a concert or ball here one hot summer night :-) 

Zip Lining the Park

This time when we said we were going on an adventure....we really meant it.  We spent a few hours this last weekend flying from tree to tree, suspended by cables, going up to 40 m.p.h. and hanging up to 90 feet off the ground!  And we did all this while visiting our 19th Virginia State Park! 

Shenandoah River State Park has partnered with Virginia Canopy Tours to offer zip lining in the park.  We bought a couple of packages off of Groupon a few months back and decided this was the weekend to give it a try.  The park, near Front Royal Virginia, was amazing.  If you are looking to camp here while on your adventure then they have the perfect spots.  We didn't camp because we were just going up and staying the one night and honestly I don't want to do all that work just for a night. 

We went up during the day on Friday and toured some of the wineries (there are PLENTY-we only hit 4).  Then later Friday night we wandered over to historic Front Royal and spent an evening chowing down on good food and listening to good music.  We've been near the city before but didn't actually look around so this time Mark and I took our time wandering around.

  

Saturday morning we drove down to the park and got checked in.  If you don't already have a park pass you do have to pay a small fee for parking ($5).  There are plenty of signs to direct you to the Zip Lining.  Along with the zip lining you get a T-Shirt, instructions, a lift up to the site.  There is also an air bridge, air stairs and a final repel down.  The price according to the web site is $84.  If you want pictures or to rent a Gopro there is an additional fee ($35).  I am totally kicking myself for not renting it!  They do take pictures at one point of you zipping but it's not the same as looking down and seeing how far you are off the ground!  And you aren't supposed to take cell phones or free hanging cameras.  They do all the rigging for you so you just sit down and fly.   

      The longest zip was over 1000 feet long and up to 40 miles a hour!  I even managed to get a "That was cool" out of Mark...who doesn't impress easily.  I swear I would have to set the house on fire in order to get him really excited!  He did say he would like to do it again...so you KNOW I'm already planning that adventure!   I would recommend that if you don't have a Gopro or someting similar you rent or borrow one from a friend.   This is one adventure you are going to want to share with all of your friends!