Well, this year is the 75th anniversary of Virginia's state parks! How wonderful!!! The park was alive with all sorts of activity over the weekend. There were nature hikes, scavenger hunts, animal observations, etc. Much to be done at the park over the weekend! It was so nice to see all the people out celebrating the parks! It's a nice change from the middle of winter when there's hardly anyone around!
We went for our usual Saturday morning spin starting early to beat the heat! When I say early I mean about 7:30 a.m. As the summer continues we will start even earlier! We tackled the Lakeview Trails first and then made our way over to the green and blue trails! After that we stopped by the Heritage Center where we found all sorts of people and activities. We stopped to chat with some people before heading back to the truck via fireroads.
While chatting with some park rangers we found out that the snakes from the other day actually have lived at the park in the same location for about 6 years! The picture of the dam above is right before the bridge where they live. YIKES! I can't believe that as many times as we've crossed that bridge that we've never noticed them lounging there! When we crossed on Saturday we didn't see them, but the ranger said he had just seen them a little while earlier. He confirmed that they are, in fact, northern watersnakes. He said they like to hang out in the culvert pipes or on the rocks and let the water rush over them. What a cool life huh?
Let's just say that according to my snake book, which is the official Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries book, the northern watersnake has long teeth and will bite repeatedly. So, I really don't want to make one mad by trying to inspect them too closely. So, from now on we'll ride by and wave letting them just be!
So, after an adventurous fact-finding morning, we completed our ride with about 25 miles! I just love learning about nature! I think it ultimately will make me less afraid. At least I hope so!
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