Hiking Beaver Lake

Yesterday was such a great day that we decided to head over to Pocahontas State Park. Dynamo went for a ride on his bike while Charlie and I hiked around Beaver Lake.



Charlie was so excited to get out on the trails to celebrate his 3rd birthday! There were lots of dogs and people out enjoying the beautiful day!!



It was all I could do to keep Charlie from jumping in the water! I knew it was way too cold for that!!



But, I did let him get his paws damp!



The sun shining down from above was so bright and the air was so crisp! We just felt so rejuvenated being outside with all the goodness around! I just loved the bright green moss amidst all of the brown leaves!



Charlie did not like having to stop for pictures, but I just wanted to enjoy the warmth of the sun!



The hill at the lake had such beautiful moss! I made him pose for a few pics there!



We stopped at the top of the dam on Beaver Lake! The water was rushing over. I didn't want Charlie getting too close!



Next, we went over to the boat ramp area to wait on Dynamo.





Eventually Dynamo came riding in like a knight in shining armor!!



We had a wonderful time enjoying the park! Charlie got an over 4 mile hike in!!

Hope your weekend was fantastic!

Shotgun Rider

With Monday being a holiday, we decided to get out and enjoy the fresh air! There were lots of others at the park enjoying the day as well!



Each day we have to remember to be grateful for the time we have together to be outside enjoying God's creation.



I am thankful for the warmth of the sun on our chilly rides, and the sparkle that it gives to the water it shines over!



I am thankful for a husband who WANTS to ride with me at my pace. He is always patient, kind, and supportive of me. He lifts me up!



When we get to the dam we always stop and stare in awe of its beauty. Dynamo mentioned the sunlight in the background just over the top! It still amazes me everytime we ride up and see the rushing waters!



We enjoy being with one another. We enjoy the time away from the rest of the world, away from the phones and the internet. It's a time to ride and reflect and just be together. And, there's always time to stop and just look at the world around you and admire it's beauty. Every single leaf, acorn, mossy tree trunk and creature is God's work.



And, silly me just had to make Dynamo give me a mooch! But, the park is a special place for us. It's just full of peace and beauty. There's no noise of the world around, just the two of us together!



Sure, the trails can be tough. It's just like life. But, we can make it. Together, with those we love we can make it. Without Dynamo's love, support, and encouragement I wouldn't be where I am today on the bike (and in life). He takes the time to help me and love me. He patiently waits for me at each of the peaks and turns during our ride, knowing just when to push me along. He encourages me out of the tough valleys and together we have both grown as people and bikers. We have to support one another and encourage each other to be the best we can be. There's a Tim McGraw song called "Shotgun Rider." I always want to be Dynamo's shotgun rider! I want to always be with him and by his side through the good times and the bad. He is a blessing and a gift from God.



I pray that each of you will stop and take a moment to think about all you have to be thankful for and show those you love how much you love them. Protect them and love them with all you have. But, mostly, be thankful to God for each and every blessing you have.

Amanda Adams Photography's Specialty Soaps

We were very excited when Amanda of Amanda Adams Photography contacted us about doing a new line of specialty soaps for her brand. It's always such a compliment when customers return for more soaps! And, we were honored to be asked.

Amanda and I corresponded about her style and slightly redesigned brand/logo with the focus being on her gold colors. I just love the anchor!

I always take time to visit client's websites, blogs, and facebook pages to get a feel for their personality and business style before making suggestions. And, after doing so I felt that our soft oatmeal, milk, & honey soap with natural gold colored soap curls, oats, and yellow Brazilian clay was a great compliment to her brand and client packaging. Of course, we added some gold mica dust to the top of the bar too! Because shiny things are always extra pretty!

Ta da!



We will be sure to share more once Amanda takes some of her super awesome professional pictures of her client packages! We appreciate the opportunity to work with such an amazing photographer. We are excited to see Amanda's business grow and prosper! Thank you, Amanda, for shopping local and handmade!! Go check out her website and facebook page!

Chilly Willy

Saturday was a day to be together and take a stab at the mini Monster Cross route at Pocahontas State Park! Dynamo and I bundled up for the 21 mile ride and it was a good thing we did! The temperature was a chilly 34 at the start and registered in at around 28 degrees by the finish. Let's just say it was so cold that we didn't stop much to take our hands out to snap pics! So, we only got this one from the start!

This new year we are grateful for our health and for one another! Even though the temperatures were quite cold, it was still refreshing and good for our bodies and minds to get out and smell the air! It was a great ride and we just barely made it back to the Jeep in time before dark!

New Year, New Adventures - Appomattox River Heritage Trail

Sunday's 60+ degree weather was serious motivation to get out and enjoy the day! Even though it was a bit overcast and very windy, it still was a beautiful day to get out and get some exercise and fresh air! We began by parking at the Petersburg National Battlefield and biked into Old Towne.



You don't get many of these warm days in the middle of winter. Even though it was cloudy we still enjoyed riding around looking at homes, churches, buildings, etc.

We headed over near the VSU campus and biked along the river a short while on the Appomattox Heritage Trail.





Next, we continued on the trail after riding over what locals call the Petersburg/Colonial Heights Bridge (MLK Jr. Bridge).



This is a brand new trail running from the river over to the Southpark Mall area of Colonial Heights.



It's a nice paved pathway following along the river with a few places to stop and learn along the way...







A little uphill climb to overlook a former railroad crossing/bridge...





History is amazing! You see remnants of times before, but often don't know the history behind it!





Once you get to the mall area you arrive at a parking area and small put in/pier area, and it's there we stopped to snap a selfie!



And, Dynamo got a smooch!



What a lovely trail for anyone in the area looking for a scenic ride, walk, or run!

On our return trip, we biked more through the streets of Petersburg before heading back to the Battlefield. We finished up with around 19 miles. What a great feeling to be back on the bike again...TOGETHER!