PREDDY CREEK. Dogs love it! Then, the Barn at 678!

Preddy Creek Park offers a nice set of multi-use trails for hikers, bikers and equestrians. There is a billboard at the start of the hike that lets visitors know the condition of the trail. It it's muddy, I recommend at least one walking stick. Dogs are welcome. I would call this hike fairly easy. There are some hills, but not excessive. It should be 53 degrees and partly cloudy. We might encounter horses or bicycles, so stay vigilant.

Please arrive by 10:30. We will do introductions and take off. You snooze, you lose.

We will start on the Outer Loop (3.2 miles if we did the whole circuit, but we cut off a bit by moving on down to the Lower Loop) and continue down to the Lower Loop. There's a great area for dogs to play in the water. I especially like the Valentine Trail (1 mile), which we will pick up on the lower level near the suspension bridge. Estimated miles 4. The trail is pretty comfortable, though the Valentine loop will give you a bit more exercise. There are Men on Bikes (sounds like the name of a movie) on the lower level assuring that dogs are on leashes.

We are going to try a new Vineyard afterwards The Barn at 678. Pretty funky I hear. 6045 Governor Barbour St., Barboursville Va, 22923. I always suggest that we bring snacks to share since most Vineyards have only the standard fare of cheese and crackers. 154 4.7 -star reviews.

Preddy Creek Park is located at 3690 Burnley Station Road, Charlottesville, 22911, a bit North of Ruckersville on Rt. 29. For those of you who have a shopping list, Sam's Club, Walmart, Lowes, PetSmart, Target, and Harris Teeter, all are close by, plus of course all the antique stores in Ruckersville.

Please don't be a 'no show.' If you find you can't make a hike after you have signed up, just revise your RSVP online. If you need to reach me, text me at 352-286-4870.