Back Country Canoe Tripping – Lake Moomaw, Virginia.

April 25, 2024April 26, 2024 John10 Comments

Earth Day Weekend 2024 – I’ve had my eyes set on this weekend for months now. I wanted to take my two oldest kids (ages 4 and 6) and my parents backcountry canoe tripping in Virginia and this was the perfect time of year to do so. The mosquitoes and biting flies would not be out yet and the day temperatures would be comfortable.

While I dusted off my old canoe camping gear and sorting through my wannigan (camp kitchen box), I couldn’t bring myself to believe that it had been 7 years since my last canoe camping trip! (Philpott Lake). It appears I entered a time warp when my oldest son was born. I initially started this blog to document canoe trips – these trips were the fuel for all of it – and I was so glad to get back to it. I was lighting up with excitement as I came across old gear that I was bringing back out to show my son. We loaded our royalex canoes, a Nova Craft Prospector and an Old Town Camper.

We packed everything on a Friday, so we were ready to roll by Saturday morning. Trip members: mom, dad, son, daughter and my oldest brother. We were an eager and hearty crew. Our destination? Lake Moomaw in Bath County, Virginia. This would be my 4th time canoe tripping here and I couldn’t think of a better place to introduce someone to the splendor of canoe tripping than this magnificent lake.

BELOW ARE LINKS TO MY THREE PREVIOUS CANOE TRIPS TO LAKE MOOMAW, BATH COUNTY VIRGINIA.

Day 1: Sunny, 63F high, low 44F

Loading up the canoes on Lake Moomaw. In Bath county, Virginia.

We started our Saturday morning by meeting up at a diner for breakfast before hitting the road. Our canoe tripping tradition. It was a beautiful day and the drive through bath county was spectacular. My brother and I were a little weary from packing and prepping the past couple days, but the sight of the empty lake rekindled our souls. We loaded everything up into the canoes, and set out against some mild wind towards Greenwood point. We got to our campsite at approximately 4:00pm so we did have some time to set up our campsite before dark. Camp chores: setting up tents, hanging clothes lines, gathering firewood, surveying the area, digging a camp potty and prepping dinner. We ate, chilled and breathed easy, we were finally there.

Day 2: Cloudy, High 52F, low 32-38F

We took our second day pretty easy, we fished the waters, ran the kids through some paddling lessons, and hiked and explored the forest. The campsite is beautiful, as it is surrounded by white pine, leaving a very clean looking campsite. The forest was beautiful with moss carpeting the forest floor and rays of sunshine cutting through the trunks of the trees. We spent time exploring Greenwood Pt and we also did some watercolor painting and made some pine needle tea. The night brought on some wicked cold.

Day 3: Earth Day High 60F

Our last day there was beautiful. It was Earth Day. Thank you mother earth for providing us with such a beautiful lake and land to explore and enjoy. I was so glad that this trip actually happened. With everyone’s hectic schedules and availabilities, somehow the stars aligned for us all to go. It was beautiful and reminded me why I started this blog in the first place. Happy Earth Day Everyone!

Machicomoco State Park – “A Special Meeting Place”

April 11, 2024April 11, 2024 JohnLeave a comment

Virginia’s 40th state park is certainly a special one. It is the first one dedicated to all of the tributes of the First Nations people (Native Americans) of Virginia. The park spans a beautiful 645 acres and overlooks the mighty York River, in Gloucester County, Virginia. The heart of the park, is an interpretive area which centers around a timeline and an open-air structure that resembles a longhouse. The time-line follows the history of the first humans and first nations tribes of Virginia. A visit through the park will quickly reveal why it is so aptly named “Machicomoco”, (A special meeting place in Algonquian).

The interpretive area, overlooks the mighty York River. In the background is the Timberneck house.

The park provides a bounty of outdoor experiences. It is a wonderful place to canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Bike trails and hiking trails are also laid out very neatly. There are nearly 200 bird species in the area to view and enjoy.

The Timberneck house, currently undergoing it’s restoration.

A windy, chilly spring day. The kids were too excited to be cold.

During spring break, we spent a week in Gloucester County and made a day trip to visit this newer Virginia State Park. We spent most of our time at the interpretive area and then followed the interpretive trail to the water. Along the way, there is the Timberneck house that is currently undergoing restoration. It sounds like the goals for the restoration will be to provide lodging options for visitors, and a place to host events and workshops to get people involved with hands-on archaeology and preservation.

My visit to this state park was especially meaningful and serendipitous. I have been reading a fascinating book called “Braiding Sweetgrass” written by Potawatomi professor Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer. She also serves as the director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. (SUNY-ESF). The book is a series of short stories as she explores the reciprocal relationships between humans, trees and plants. I am particularly interested in her view as she bridges the connection between the spiritual world of First Nations people and the scientific world. She bridges this connection with beautiful stories that meld traditions, spirit and assesses them from a scientific standpoint. A true joy to read and would recommend to anyone who spends anytime outside.

We took our time walking through the interpretive trail, looking at native american symbology, looking at the wildlife, and picking wildflowers. The wind in the open field made for a chilly spring day, but the kids were excited to march on. This would be a wonderful place to put in the ol canoe and possibly get closer to those great egrets. If you’re looking for a place to meet with a friend, family member or just a place to think…..this is a special place.

Photos taken with Sony a6700 (tamron 28-75mm lens)

Things to bring:

water bottles
sunscreen
bug spray (spray your ankles to prevent ticks)
hiking shoes/boots are helpful
camera
binoculars for bird watching

*Remember to be safe. Stay healthy everyone!

The Winterkeeper (short film) – Documentary from The Guardian.

April 10, 2024 JohnLeave a comment

I’ve spent more time slowly down this Spring and catching up on independent films and documentaries. I came across this gem from The Guardian featuring a man, who lived in Yellowstone National Park, working as the park’s winterkeeper. The story is told beautifully and the videography makes it a joy for the eyes to watch. I hope you all enjoy. Its about 12 minutes long.

“Steven Fuller is a winter caretaker who has lived at Yellowstone national park for the past 50 years. As the cold weather approaches and the seasonal transformation begins, he hunkers down in his remote mountain cabin. But Fuller and Yellowstone face an uncertain future, with the climate crisis threatening to forever change one of North America’s last great wildernesses.” – The Guardian

After watching the documentary, I reflected on my own personal experience traveling to America’s first national park in 2018. Yellowstone is really a magical place. I spent only 1 week there but I feel like this already magical place would be even further transformed each season. I hope to go back once my kids are older. Below are some of my favorite shots from Yellowstone National Park in 2018.

Everyone stay safe, be healthy and happy spring.

Shark Teeth Fossil Hunting in Virginia – Westmoreland State Park

April 6, 2024April 9, 2024 John1 Comment

The megalodon (otodus megalodon) was enormous. Credit: http://www.fossilera.com/pages/megalodon-size

What kid under the age of 99 wouldn’t like the chance to look for shark teeth/fossils and gems? Enough said. We were all eagerly anticipating our chance to visit our 10th Virginia State Park. Westmoreland State Park in Montross, Virginia of the Northern Neck region of Virginia. The park is most known for its beaches where visitors have a chance to dig and sift for shark teeth. Legend has it that every 2 years or so, a visitor will find even a megalodon tooth! Megalodon (otodus megalodon) is an exctinct species of giant mackeral shark that live 23 to 3.6 million years ago. The average length of a megalodon was estimated at 33.5 ft! This thing would’ve snacked on Great White Sharks.

Inside the visitor center, there are amazing

The kids packed up their rock digging kits, shovels, sifters and we head out to the Norther Neck of Virginia. On April 1, 2024, it was a partly overcast day with a high of 65, the wind at the beach made it feel colder though. After parking at the visitor center, the kids made the short 0.7 mile hike to fossil beach. It is a gentle decline with labels for tree identification. The trail is lined with evergreens, oaks, beech, gum and much much more.

The end of the trail opens to a beautiful view of the mighty Potomac River at the bottom of the Horsehead cliffs. It is incredible to think that embedded in cliffs are fossils and remains of all sorts of sea animals dating back millions of years ago. Erosion over time, has revealed them to us over time. Most recently an old Baleen Whale was excavated from the cliff.

The kids got immediately to work, digging and sifting. They loved their gigantic sandbox. Their excitement rose as other people around us shared their shark teeth discoveries. The wind was strong and the water was cold on this early spring day, but they persisted in the frenzy of their excitement. After finding several interesting shells and rocks, we found a tiny shark tooth through the sieve. We searched for about an hour longer but no additional shark teeth. Regardless, they were all very satisfied. After a short trip to the discovery center and the playground we all made our way back home.

The one shark tooth we found!! It is absolutely tiny, but it is no doubt a shark tooth with a serrated edge.

Overall, the trip to Westmoreland State Park was fun, exciting and successful. A trip to fossil beach is a chance for kids and adults to dig, play and have their chance at discovering the next megalodon tooth. An unforgettable experience any budding paleontologist out there…..pretty much every kid.

Photos taken with Sony a6700 (tamron 28-75mm lens)

Things to bring:

shovels
buckets
sieves
water bottles/snacks
sunscreen
beach umbrella or tent in the summer
consider waders when it’s colder
make sure you use the restroom at the visitor center prior to heading to fossil beach.

Trail map for westmoreland state park. The visitor’s center to fossil beach is about 0.7 miles.

The Animals of Maymont park (video)

March 25, 2024 JohnLeave a comment

I have really enjoyed shooting with the Sony A6700. It is truly amazing to me how far we have come in video camera technology. There is so much packaged into this small camera. In the world of technology gear and gadgets, it is easy for me to get lost in the jargon, the specs and the hype. At the end of the day, I must remind myself that the camera is designed to capture memories and moments and most importantly, to tell a story.

I shot this video back in the fall time when I took the kids out to Maymont Park on a beautiful fall day to see the animals. All of them were out! Even the elusive bobcat that I had never seen before. The kids very much enjoyed the adventure.

(All of the footage was shot with a Sony a6700 and a Tamron 28-75mm)

Happy Spring everyone! Stay safe and good health to all.

The Last Guide – Documentary from the CBC

March 15, 2024March 26, 2024 John1 Comment

I came across this fascinating documentary from the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) featuring the last full time guide in the iconic Algonquin Park. I had to share it with all of you.

“Meet Frank Kuiack, the last traditional fishing guide in Algonquin Park. Kuiack carries a lifetime of stories and wisdom about the Algonquin. His magnetic personality, skills on the water and knowledge of the park’s intricate lakes and trails has inspired two novels. When Kuiack was eight-years-old, a group of American anglers offered him $5 to show them where to catch fish — and he’s been making his living as a fishing guide ever since. At 84-years-old and recently diagnosed with bone cancer, Frank’s health has taken a turn for the worse. While he’s attempted to train guides over the years and pass on his knowledge, the physically demanding nature of the job has turned away most potential apprentices. Kuiack’s niece, Sharleen, has shown a unique ability to go toe-to-toe with Frank on the water but, despite her ability and love for her uncle, she remains unsure how to carry on his legacy or whether she desires to be the next “Last Guide.” Additional footage provided by: Gentec International/Sigma Canada” – CBC Docs

For myself and many other Canadians, Algonquin Park holds a special place in our hearts. Growing up in Ontario, we spent many summers canoeing and camping at this park. In 2014, my brother and I made a journey back home to do a week long canoe trip. I can’t believe that’s been 10 years now at that this point! As the kids get older and older, I’m starting to feel the itch once again to get back home. Hope you all enjoy.

In 2014, my brother and I did a 7 day loop to Big Trout Lake in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada. It was actually this trip that sparked my interest in creating this blog!

Fall time in Virginia (video)

March 12, 2024March 12, 2024 John2 Comments

Fall Time in Virginia – Sony A6700 Video Demo – (music with Sony ECMM1 Microphone)

Testing out my new Sony a6700, filmed with a Tamaron 28-75mm lens. Footage shot at High Bridge State Park (Virginia), Twin Lakes State Park (Virginia), and various shots around the home. I recorded the background music with a Gibson J45 and the Sony ECMM1 Multidirectional Shotgun Microphone. I’m going to try to record most of my music now, to avoid copyright and visibility issues.

Wishing everyone out there good health, good luck and good times as we approach Spring. Be well!

Winter hike at Lake Anna State Park – President’s Day.

February 20, 2024February 21, 2024 JohnLeave a comment

Recommend taking either 64 or 95 as far as you can. The backroads are a bit winding.

2/19/2024: President’s Day 2024, my brother and I took this opportunity to take my two oldest kids to a new state park for them to explore: Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania, County. It was a very mild winter day with a high of 55F and full sun, we made the journey up northwest approximately 1.15 hours drive north of Richmond, Virginia. There are numerous ways to get there, but I think the easiest would be through 64 west. Some of the alternate routes may suggest the back roads however they can be very twisting and not very relaxing.

We were one of the first ones to arrive and the kids were excited as soon as we reached the visitors center. Their excitement peaked when we saw the sparkling, diamond reflection of the 13,000 acre lake. The park boasts more than 15 miles of trails. Upon arrival, the kids took the opportunity to play on the playground and empty beach. In the heart of winter, I always find the sight of an empty beach to be calming and reassuring. We decided to take on the short 1.4 mile Railroad Ford Trail which took us in a loop at one of the parks projections. It is a popular hike for children, with bridges, ponds, streams and little elevation climb.

Observing a dark colored pond in Lake Anna State park

As we approached the end of the trail, we gathered some kindling to brew some hot chocolate for the kids at one of the grills at the picnic station. I used the Eagle 1.5L Camping Kettle made in Norway, this little thing is fantastic.The kids left with smiles on their faces and all of the energy well spent. Overall, a success of a day. Happy President’s Day everyone. Please be safe and healthy out there. (Spring is almost here, start thinking of trees/flowers/plants that you wish to plant).

Eagle 1.5 L Camping Kettle from Norway is used to heat up hot cocoa

There are 42 state parks in Virginia. We’ve been to 9 of them. We’re getting there! All photos were taken on a Sony a6700.

Emberlit Stove Review – After 9 years

February 17, 2024February 21, 2024 John2 Comments

When you spend enough time outdoors; camping, hiking or just exploring – you need a reliable means to cook food, boil water, or simply have a small fire. Of course, there are a plethora of ways to get this done – portable burners, alcohol stoves, stick stoves…but my favorite, is still the Emberlit Stove that I purchased over 9 years ago.

My son and I recently found it amongst our old camping gear and decided to brew some hot tea with it. While dusting off the old soot, I was reminded at how convenient and easy this stove is to put together. We loaded it with some small sticks, struck a match and in moments we were getting a boil on in the kettle. He loved it.

I took a moment to reflect upon where this little stove has been: On many canoe trips throughout Ontario, the blue ridge mountains of Virginia and even the highlands in West Virginia. This little thing has never let me down. On those cold nights under the northern lights, a warm tea boosted our spirits and helped us get a good nights rest. I think of the rainy days in Algonquin Park, when all is soaked and wet, but we found enough dry sticks to make a small fire in the stove and rekindle our spirits from the damp. Through thick and thin, this thing has been an absolute tank for us. If you’re thinking about it, just get one.

Pros: