Twenty six Tuesday Groupers assembled early this morning at Chippokes Plantation State Park for a late winter hike. The weather was spectacular for this "Ides of March" meander through this 400 year old farm. Joining today were: Bill B., Bill B., Bill L, Steve B, Steve C, Steve R, Bob A, Bob M, Debbie, Chris, Lance, Sharon, Ed, Judy, Marti, Ellis, Stephanie, Diane, Linda, Mary, Sherri, Charlie, Lin, Ann, Tim and me, Phyllis. Aubrey and Boston were the very friendly dogs on this dog friendly hike. It was in the 40s when we started out but not uncomfortable with no wind and the early morning sun. We trooped down the park road passing a low lying swampy area where we were serenaded by peepers and bullfrogs. The old bridge had washed away in storms last year so we had to make a short detour before doubling back to walk on the beach along the James River for a little while. Boston did zoomies along the shore while Aubrey retrieved sticks tossed into the calm shallow water. Happy dogs. And happy hikers too as we walked and chatted our way through piles of fossil shells and hidden shark teeth. We left the beach for the James River Trail taking a short break for water and snacks on the bluff overlooking the river below. We then continued along this same trail eventually reaching the Chippokes Mansion where we stopped for another short break for rest rooms, water and wardrobe adjustments. It was warming up! Some opted to lunch at the Mansion while the rest of the group headed down the Lower Chippokes Creek Trail to the boat landing for their lunch break. We spread out in the warmth and sunshine along the creek bank, finding spots to sit and munch our peanut butter sandwiches, apples and yes, chocolate! Though tempted to take a post-prandial nap, we resisted the temptation and instead made our way back to the Mansion spending some time walking the Equestrian Trail. We made a brief stop back at the Mansion before making our way back to the Visitor Center along the Plantation Road. We detoured through the farm area taking time to look at the chickens, goats and pigs and to play on the tractors. In short order, we were back at our starting point happy to have escaped the worries of the world for a short while. We covered a little over 6 miles today, spent about 5 hours laughing together, enjoyed a 30 degree increase in temperature and displayed way too many smiles to count! Hooray for the Tuesday Group!
View Bill's photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/SXoWMtNDFSa1oewX8
View Bob's photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/87iBL9iAppAmS7w77
View Sherri's photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ixPh9SsBuGBZ5mKK7