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.

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.

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.

Horizons of the Outer Banks, North Carolina

September 28, 2022 John2 Comments

The Outer banks, a string of barrier islands off the mainland from North Carolina is a slice of heaven. We come here every year. I was lucky enough to be able to spend two weeks here this past summer. Here are some of my favorite shots of the horizons of the Outerbanks. Shot on Sony a6000.

Cape Charles – Eastern Shore, Virginia

May 22, 2022May 22, 2022 John2 Comments

The Eastern Shore of Virginia is separated from the mainland of Virginia by the Chesapeake Bay. This 70-mile long stretch of sandy and deep soil terrain is a peninsula with over 78,000 acres of protected parks, refuges and preserves and a national seashore. The region’s tourism affirms “You’ll Love Our Nature”.

Many travel by golf carts in Cape Charles. Several of the houses even have parking spots
for them.

This town loves Yellow Roses, for good reason too

Cape Charles is a small town, at the southern tip of the eastern shore, with a population of 1009 (2010 census) yet it boasts a vibrant, historic downtown, beaches, restaurants and a quaint and charming scene. I love communities by the ocean. There is something carefree about being able to here’s something about being able to smell the ocean while walking through neighborhoods that puts you in a carefree mood. The slow pace of the town, follows the cadence of the gentle waves that roll in from the bay – the beaches are very kid-friendly for this reason. The beach faces west toward the Chesapeake Bay and hence has very flat water, it is protected from the Atlantic Ocean.

Between the reflection of the water, the clouds and the parallels…..sometimes it’s hard to figure out where you are!

With a newborn in tow, we couldn’t ride the golf carts. But bicycling was even better for the kids. The quiet town had plenty of sidewalks for the kids to zip through safely. There were lots to see, ice cream shops, gift stores, restaurants and history. Central Park in the heart of the historic district was a place that we frequented for its large field and playground area.

Our last full day was spent exploring Kiptopeke State Park, located at the southern tip of The Eastern Shore. It was an easy 15 minute drive to the park entrance. This state park is known for it’s migratory bird watching, beaches and The Concrete Fleet, several concrete ships that were partially sunk to create the Kiptopeke Breakwater. During World War II, 24 concrete ships were contracted by the U.S. Maritime Commission, in 1948, 9 of these ships were brought to Kiptopeke to protect the ferry terminal during severe thunderstorms. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel was open in 1964 and the terminal was no longer needed. The concrete ships are still in place to serve as a break water for the beaches.

Balancing on shone driftwood in kiptopeke state park. In the distance the concrete fleet stands guard.

The shaded boardwalk leading to the beach is a pleasant hike.

A 0.3 mile board walk through the shaded beach forest takes you to the beach. We arrived in the early morning, and had the beach to ourselves. We spotted a nice shaded area along the tree line some ways away. It was a bit of a hike to get to, but was pleasant and the kids collected shells along the way. The water was clear and the views were great.

Before we knew it, our 5 days were up. There was much to still see of the eastern shore. Alas, Tangier and Chincoteague Islands will have to wait for another trip. We explored only the southern tip of the eastern shore, and it was pretty awesome.

Morning Mist

April 17, 2016October 22, 2017 John1 Comment

6:50 am on the Piankatank River in Gloucester, VA.

Killarney 2015 Preparation

July 20, 2015September 20, 2023 John6 Comments

Firing up the trangia. Testing with 91% isopropyl alcohol.

The smell of expedition is in the air. Preparing for a canoe trip in the backcountry of Ontario is no easy feat. We decided to plan a trip to Killarney Provincial Park with our 7 day vacation period. What draws us there is the amazing geography, with white quartzite hills, sapphire blue waters and solitude. The La Cloche mountains run through Killarney and are thought to be some of the oldest mountains on earth. At one point in time, they were taller than the Rocky Mountains. The park owes it’s existence to one of Canada’s Group of 7 Artists, A.Y, Jackson. When he heard that the area was to be logged, he petitioned and lobbied and eventually won his way. The birthplace of the park is Trout Lake later to be named OSA Lake after the Ontario Society of Artists. The region was inspiration for countless paintings by Canadian artists.

To start planning for such a trip, one would need to map out the canoe routes and portages. Thankfully, a ridiculously dedicated outdoorsman by the name of Jeff (not sure what his last name is) has created a series of incredibly detailed maps of Temagami, Algonquin and Killarney Provincial Park called JeffsMaps. They include portage elevations, fishing areas, secret trails, historic sites, old trapper cabins etc. I can’t imagine how much time he has spent in each of these parks to create such elaborate maps. The guy actually even posts ALL of the maps online for free (http://jeffsmaps.com).

Dehydrating beef for sphaghetti. Dehydrator borrowed from my brother Brian, the dehydrated meals connoisseur.

Either way, I wanted to plan a relaxing route that was not too strenous. This is the first extended canoe trip I would go on with Sarah. No heroics this time. I planned a Hudson Bay start, basically no portages the first night, we will paddle out and sleep on George Lake on night one. The next two nights will be spent on Muriel Lake. OSA lake and Killarney lake were as expected, completely booked. Still much to prepare to get ready, but this time of year is like Christmas: Duluth canoe packs in the living room, maps sprawled out and camping gear to tune up. Killarney here we come.