Sandy Bottom Nature Park Hike 3-1-11

The weather had the promise of Spring, only three weeks away, with bright sun, blue skies and cool temperatures. And wind! This was the Lion of March! Twenty three eager hikers met at the Nature Center of Sandy Bottom Nature Park for a trip through this jewel of Hampton. We toured the Visitor Center looking at the turtles and snakes before being treated to a brief introduction on the history of the Park by Ranger Arthur Mertz. On board for today’s walk: Ellis & Marti, Ron and Sue, Pete and Janet, Van and Kama, Bruce and Margaret, Diana, Bill B, Dottie, Mark, Nikki, Don, Bob S, Carl, Julie, Carol, Robb, Jane, Phyllis and Dale.

We learned that the Park had it’s start as a borrow pit for construction of I-64. Neglected for many years it soon became a dumping ground for unsavory characters and trash. Local efforts resurrected this prime bit of land, saving it from residential and commercial development and transforming it into the biggest wetlands reclamation project in the state of Virginia. It is a habitat for a plethora of wildlife and provides miles of hiking trails, lakes for canoes and paddleboats, picnic shelters for day use and yurts for overnight camping.

We began our hike by circling Sandy Bottom Lake on the Lake Trail. Along the trail we passed the rehab center for injured animals where we saw a deer and some buzzards. Continuing all the way around we picked up the Trillium Trail and on to the Osprey Point Trail which took us across Crystal Lake. On the far side of the lake we continued onto the Fallen Oak Trail stopping to view the stylish yurts and to make a brief stop at the facilities. From here we switched to the Red Fox trail which took us to the Wetlands Observation Platform. We took a break here to look out over the marsh and eat some chocolate. Leaving the platform we continued on the Wetlands Trail, to the Whispering Pines Trail and back to the Trillium Trail which took us back along I-64. This was very noisy and we didn’t spend much time on this section though Bruce paused to make some cowboy coffee. We cut back along the Otey Shelton Trail (named in honor and memory of long time TATC member) where (surprise, surprise) Bruce found a tree to climb. We saw also saw two deer charging through the woods. We followed the Trillium Trail along the perimeter of the Park eventually winding up back at the parking lot and our starting point. We had covered over 6 miles!! And every bit of it documented by Bill’s magic camera.

Nearly everybody looked forward to lunch at Anderson’s Showplace Cafe where we had reservations. It took a little while to be seated but once in our chairs the service was only surpassed by the food. Everything was delicious but Van showed us all by starting his meal with the chocolate creme brulee!!

It was another great day for the Tuesday Group!

Phyllis

Click to view Bill B's pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/b.billings/SandyBottom3111?authkey=Gv1sRgCOqgyqzIocDRew&feat=email#

Come back soon for our trip report.