Three Ridges Hike

Like many Americans this year, we decided to take off July 5th so we could turn the 4th of July into a nice, long weekend. Like not so many Americans (or Virginians, at least), we decided to go hiking and camping - I say that because the route we took is supposed to be one of Virginia's most popular backpacking circuits and we barely saw anyone. At the campsite (which apparently gets pretty packed), I was shocked to find that we were the only tent! (Although it might've been the weather...)

Perfect fall day for a hike (at our future park!)

One of the best things about the location of our new house is the fact that it's walking distance to a park - and not just any ol' park, but Lake Accotink Park - which is almost 500 acres including a 55 acre lake! And one of the trails through it is the Cross County Trail, which (you're going to be shocked at this) is a trail that spans across the whole county. For my marathon runner hubby, it'll be great to have access to miles and miles of trails that he can run to straight from the front door. I don't need quite so many miles, but I'm super excited to have a such a close place to go for a hike, take out the kayaks, go for a (slow & short) run, or just generally escape to nature.

It was a beautiful fall day today, so we thought we'd go for a little hike in 'our' future park. Here are a few of the pics. (Sidenote - I can go a little overboard with pictures. I always take too many, and I always have a hard time weeding them down. This is a lot of photos for one blog post, but I had almost 50, so be proud of me for reducing them this much at least! )

Welcome to the lake!

Lake Accotink dam

The lake in all its fall loveliness

This is the entrance close to our new house

Yellow trees + blue skies

Smokey is an excellent hiker (except when there are squirrels - he almost ripped my arm out...)

He looks a little worried (maybe because he knows he almost ripped my arm out?)

Heron! Somehow Smokey didn't notice him, even though the bird was taller than he is

What are these berries?? I don't know, but they're pretty!

Getting close to dusk

Smokey was going nuts at the little beach area. Wouldn't sit still for a sec!

One of the trails goes across this cute little bridge

The marina area

Doesn't it look like a great park? Definitely a perk of our location!