Crabtree Falls

 

When people talk about hikes in Virginia, Crabtree Falls is one that always gets mentioned. And now I know why.  It was on my "to do" list for a couple years and we can finally say we've done it.  While in Nelson County a couple weekends back we took advantage of an opportunity and visited the falls.  There are a few ways to hike this trail-short, medium and long are the best ways to describe it.  We did the short hike which consisted of up to the top of the falls and then back down.  The mile markers stopped at 1.7 so 3.4 for a round trip.  The long hike involves hiking to Spy Rock and is 13+ miles. 

 

You can see in the pictures that railing is provided along some of the trail.  Also along the trail are signs warning hikers to stay on the trail.  Many hikers have been injured or actually died because they ventured off the trail (into the falls) and fell. You can see that some of the rocks in the water are covered with a green algae...that is SLIPPERY.  Even with all the signs about staying out of the water we saw a few people beyond the railing...one man even had his child with him.  A week after our visit a friend sent me an article about another person falling to their death.  So people....STAY OUT!   

 

We made it!

At the top!

 

At mile post 1.7 you reach a somewhat level area that is spread out enough for people to stop and take a break before either continuing on or going back down.  I have to admit I was hoping for fewer people so that we could just relax and enjoy the view...but everyone seemed to have the same idea so the top was dense with people.  It was a weekend with gorgeous weather so maybe during the week would work better if you wanted some seclusion.

 

We took a few minutes to enjoy the view here and refueled before heading down.  Going down took half the time :-) We choose this opportunity to come because we didn't have the 5 year old...and I'm so thankful.  We did see some young children out hiking but some were being carried too...and no doubt our smallest wouldn't have made it (she isn't not a fan of long walks or hiking).  If your kids are troopers and like hiking go for it, just keep them on the trail. 

 

 Like I said at the beginning of the post I can see why this hike is so popular.  Great views, waterfalls, hiking that isn't too difficult but still gives you a work out...what isn't to love.  I think this would be a fun one to come back to in the fall and when the youngest can tolerate longer hikes. 

 

 

Monday......

This past weekend Mr. Busy Bryant and myself visited Wintergreen Resort in Nelson County Virginia.  Wintergreen was playing host to the Super Spartan race and we were crazy enough to sign up!  Apparently though there were over 7,000 other crazy people so I don't feel so deranged.  Mark and I went with a team and staying in one of the most amazing places ever.  The view alone from the patio was worth going.

Our team mates are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met.  I can't say we did much running at the race.  It seemed like all we did was go straight up mountains and then straight down them...but we did laugh together...A LOT.  And I'm pretty sure we all cussed together the next morning as our sore muscles screamed for help!

Today we are back home...starting the work week, planning birthday parties, working on back-to-school projects and yes still nursing the screaming muscles.  Hope you had a great weekend my friends!

Oh What a Year!

It was almost a year ago that I posted on here the adventures I wanted the Busy Bryants to go on during 2012.  If you don't remember it you can read that post here.  I remember when I wrote that post it seemed like a wish list of things I really wanted us to do but didn't think we would be able to find the time to ever get to.  I am happy to say we really did get a lot marked off that list! 

In January we spent a few days in a cozy cabin with the kids and my parents.  James River State Park is every bit as picturesque as their web site describes.  I think a return trip in the Summer to go tubing is in order.

In February we headed to Nelson County and tried our luck at snow tubing and zip lining.  Then we warmed up by hitting a few wineries on the way home.  Awesome day!



In March we visited friends in Harrisonburg and celebrated birthdays. 

In late March, early April, the races started gearing up...............lord why do we torture ourselves?



Shamrock 5K



Monument 10K

  

Muddy Buddy

In May we finally got to go on one adventure I have been eyeing for a couple years!  We went on a river boat tour of the Rappohannock River.  The fact that a winery was also on the tour was a total surprise...haha.  Ok yea I knew.  So what. 



Ingelside Winery

In June we slipped off to Orlando with my sister and my brother-in-law.

Emma started it!



I don't LIKE it!

We came home from Orlando just to pack our bags and head to Tennessee in early July.  We stayed in an absolutley amazing house with some even more amazing friends. 

We came home...recooperated just a bit and had some fun doing the biking and running thing again :)

High Bridge State Park

High Bridge State Park

Pre Color me Rad

 

Post Color me Rad

The Color Me Rad race still has to be one of my favorites!  I'm already signed up for 2013. 

In August I went on a little camping trip in Natural Tunnel State Park.  It was breath taking.  Not just because it was beautiful...but also because we had to share the camp with skunks :)



In September we visited another place I had really been wanting to check out.  Westmoreland State Park and Colonial Beach. 

Westmoreland State Park

 

Westmoreland State Park



In October we took our second trip to Manassas to watch Tommy run.  Then we hit up a pretty awesome come maze. 



Hmmmmmmmmm



November was a time to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for.  We celebrated Thanksgiving and spent time with family.  We spent a weekend at Bear Creek State Park and marked that adventure off our list :)

We also ran the last race of the year for us.....The Dunkin' Donuts Munchkin Run

In December we completed the year with a great adventure/surprise birthday celebration for my mom.  We went to Virginia Beach and checked out the lights on the boardwalk!  

Whew!  As I was go back looking at all the things we did this year I feel so blessed that so many of the things we did were with our family.  At times the kids complain that they feel like we are always on the go...but when we sit down and talk about all the things we've done they just smile, laugh and then say how much they enjoyed it...But it's not nearly as much as I've enjoyed spending the time with them.

I know there were a lot of pictures for this post....and you know what....even with all the adventures I posted and pictures it's still not really a list of ALL the things we did.  It was an amazing year!  I can't wait to see what next year holds :)