I have neglected this blog for so long I am shocked I can even access it! Despite the extended absence, I am motivated to update it, even if its focus has changed over time. Guess its time to just start blogging! (gonna do some time travel and post some old adventurez!)

But today, enjoying a quiet afternoon (half) watching the Daytona 500. Been a busy week. Wife is here visiting and eating out almost every night. Several great dinners at 456 Fish, Cogan's Pizza, etc, but the most laughs occurred at Cozzy's Comedy Club (Hampton, VA) on Friday night. Erik Grady and Liz Miele were awesomely funny. Definitely a relaxed atmosphere that we will visit again.

GREAT DISMAL SWAP.  Hiked 9+ miles along the Washington Ditch out to Lake Drummond today.  Gorgeous day, windy on the lake, however perfect hiking weather through the forest/swamp.  I am definitely not in hiking shape!  Definitely uses slightly different muscles and joints than pure running but a good workout nonetheless.  Sure made that pizza and beer at Cogan's Pizza afterwords taste so good!

FIRST KAYAK IN VIRGINIA! Well first kayak adventure for us since we moved to Virginia anyway. A sprawling park right in our neighborhood, LAKE ACCOTINK provides an excellent venue for short walks, jogging, mountain biking, and yes, kayaking. Spending a few hours exploring the various waterways in the park was very relaxing. Because it is in the heart of Springfield, VA, and only a stone's throw from the Beltway, the wildlife is very limited: birds, turtles, occasional paddleboat, but otherwise a fairly nice afternoon.

SHENANDOAH. Today we made our first trek to Shenandoah National Park. First because I know we will be making many return trips (and because I paid for an annual membership and fully intend to get my money's worth!) We decided we were going to do a short hike up a mountain and hopefully see a bear. I was excited to see a bear in the wild, but ideally, not too close.

We chose a short hike with a moderate climb about 30 minutes from the North end of the park. We spent the early afternoon hiking up South and North Marshall. The trail followed the famous Appalachian Trail (first for us!) for about 2.2 miles in for a round trip of 4.4 miles. The views from South Marshall overlooked the Western side of the ridge across the small town of Browntown. The views from the taller North Marshall looked East. The overlook rested on some rock outcroppings just below the peak and provided an excellent location for lunch. A short but fun hike to whet our appetite and should lead to many more throughout the beautiful park.

KING'S DOMINION. Awesome day at the amusement park with Stacie and the boys. Better yet, was supposed to be at work. Can't say enough about the fun we had (so I won't), but it was a great day of family fun capped by a 10PM dinner at On the Border. Gonna sleep well on Saturday.

DEVILS HOPYARD II. Today we hiked the green loop. Spent a lot of time exploring Chapman Falls. Apparently it used to be a mill run by a supporter of the King George III before it was destroyed by locals before the Revolutionary War. Cool.

DEVILS HOPYARD. One of my favorite short hikes out to the Vista. Maybe 2.5 miles total on the entire loop. Its a great little state park that has all kinds of trails for the novice day hiker.