Find our soaps locally...

Our soaps can be found at some local shops in VA. Look for them at Sweet Dixie in Petersburg, Fireflies at Bennetts Creek in Suffolk, and Shirley Plantation in Charles City. Shop local this holiday season!

Family Hike

Over the weekend we decided to go for a hike at the Petersburg Battlefield.



The little man loves to hike and even when it's hot the trails are nice a shady.



The minute we started that way Charlie just knew where he was headed. He started whining!



His excitement is contagious! The Battlefield is a beautiful place!



The bridges are neat and the perfect opportunity for a picture.



He poses but it's not his favorite thing to do!



The best part for Charlie is the chance to play in the water!





He just splashes away!





He sure can make us laugh!!



Our days in the parks are just the best time ever! We love being together and just enjoying the beauty around. No hurry. No schedule. Just being together.

Mountain Bike Monday - On being the "stoker"

We headed out over the weekend to take Dreamwork (the tandem) on its first serious ride at the Battlefield. This was the true first test. Things started out great when the bike actually fit on the rack on the jeep! Hooray! First obstacle complete!



When we arrived we decided to start out on some of the smooth gravel paths just practicing terminology with one another and getting the initial feel for riding together and the bike itself! We eventually popped out onto the main park tour road and decided to try some road riding.



Keep in mind that pictures will be from a new perspective with this bike! And, speaking of perspective I think it's a great time to talk about being the stoker. In last week's post I talked about my job as simply providing the pedal power. That's the truth. My job as stoker is to pedal. If my captain is pedaling then I'm pedaling. There's no free ride here. We have to work together on the right gearing at the right time, when to stand on a climb, when to stop, how to start, and every other aspect of riding that you usually only think of subconsciously when you ride your own bike alone. After riding your own bike you don't have to give as much thought to the gear shifting, standing, stopping, etc. You just know how and when to do it. Your brain just remembers it I guess. Now, we have to re-train our brains and muscles to ride a little differently. We have to work in sync. As a team.



And, I think we did pretty good! The key was to be patient with one another. We each have to communicate with the other about our needs and concerns. Every movement I make in the back affects the balance of the bike and Dynamo's steering.



All I see is what's to my left and right. I had to lean around to snap the above pic. Riding a tandem is all about trust. I have to have complete trust in Dynamo. And, I do. We have ridden together over the years and he has patiently waited for me and supported me. He never left my side always encouraging me and wanting to help me do my best. So, we are pretty comfortable being together on the ride except now we will be on the same bike.



The way I see things is that two are better than one. In any aspect of life. Wouldn't you agree? I'm a better biker with Dynamo by my side. He makes me better every single day. We are two peas in a pod.



We had a great ride! A little over 20 miles. We were feeling great! We aren't breaking any speed records, but it was a nice steady ride. We got to stop and watch the water ripple and observe the squiggly line in the sand...



And, we stopped and smelled the daffodils...



And, looked at the beautiful trees...



Spring is on its way!!



I'm looking forward to many more adventures on Dreamwork! We make a great team!

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!

King of the Stump

We love to get outside each weekend, whether it be a hike or a bike ride. So, Sunday we headed over to the Petersburg National Battlefield for a short hike.



We tried to beat the rain. We did for the most part.



It really was a nice hike. I so enjoy getting fresh air. It has a way of refreshing you! And, there's nothing better than spending time with Dynamo and Charlie.



The park was quiet other than a few hikers and horses. We hiked about 4.5 miles before the rain became steady.



Of course I had to get the little man to pose for some pics. Do you ever wonder what they're thinking?



I took Dynamo over to this old building that I think is so neat!



Charlie and I discovered it one day while we were on a hike.



It just looks cool!



Then, we played peek-a-boo with Charlie! Silly boy!





And, just before we finished we put him on top of this cool stump for a picture!



He still wouldn't look at me!