Virginia Hiking and Camping

I am looking to complete the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest and earn the Master Hiker designation. I need to visit 35 State parks to get this designation . My next trip in this Quest will be a Day Hike to Chippokes State Park.

I would like to begin this hike by going on the ranger led "Messages from Fossils" event starting at the Quayle Classroom within the state park. Per the park's description this will be a 30 minute presentation about the fossils found on the beaches within the park. The Quayle Classroom is near the Farm and Forestry Museum.

After the presentation, I plan to hike down the beach looking for fossils until we get to start of the James River Trail. We can head up the James River Trail until we get to the Chipoax Trail. This Trail is an out and back. From there we can make a group decision as to what to do. Please bring water and lunch. I think the mileage will probably be like 5 miles but fairly flat. We can lengthen it if necessary. I would also like to tour any of the museums and exhibits if anything is open. There are only like 12 miles of trails in the park all together and 8 miles of that is the equestrian trails.

A non refundable $5 ticket must be purchased to attend this event. Please see link to eventbrite below

What is a Microadventure? This term was coined by Alastair Humphreys in 2011. He defines it as “a shorter, simpler, cheaper, more local, more accessible version of what you deem to be an adventure. It’s something that you can squeeze in around the margins of real life.” They are usually local and cheap. Also, the adventure can fit in a 5pm to 9am timeframe or on the weekend.

I came across an article talking about a pet cemetery in Henrico county that has been around since 1934. The current owners are giving guided tours which sounded like a unique adventure. I actually talked with the owner the other day and she told me the most unusual pet to be buried here was a "horse Lady Wonder, who died in 1957 after becoming famous for her purported psychic abilities, as well as her math and spelling skills." She told me that there are many other historical facts about this cemetery with ties to all the other historical cemeteries in the area. The cost of the tour is only $5. She said that she comes rain or shine.

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/deep-in-suburban-henrico-a-pet-cemetery-with-a-long-history/2581563/

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-copy-of-guided-historic-walking-tour-tickets-1063337223259?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

I am looking to complete the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest and earn the Master Hiker designation. I need to visit 35 State parks to get this designation . My next trip in this Quest will be to Fairy Stone State Park. I have rented the 3 room Bunkhouse for this trip. This bunkhouse sleeps 14, but thought I would cap it at 10 at this point, so we don't feel so cramped. This site only allows 6 parking passes, so we need to try to carpool. I would like to do a hike and search for fairy stones while visiting this park

There will be $20 non-refundable fee per person. You will be placed on the waitlist until I receive payment. Please message me for payment information. I do PayPal, Zelle, check, cash and Venmo. Please make sure you can attend before you pay if you have a problem with the non-refundable fee. Reservations must be made months in advance and attendance determines if the event is a go.

IMPORTANT: Please list the name of the trip in the description of the transaction. It is easier to identify the trip with a description.

By signing up, you are responsible for your own safety. We are not guides.

• Linens are not provided; mattresses are narrow. Guests must bring all linens: sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, and cloths.
• Maximum 14 people.
• Up to six cars are allowed. Park in the Shelter 2 parking lot.
• Two-night minimum. No weekly stay requirement.
• No bathroom or kitchen.
• Has air conditioning and heat.
• Three rooms. Two sets of bunk-beds in two rooms and three sets of bunk-beds in a third room. Each room has screened windows and electrical outlets.
• Use the group campground bathhouse for bathrooms and showers.
• Camping Lodge is located near the park's group campground.
• A covered porch runs the length of the building.
• No fireplace.
• No cooking facilities indoors.
• There's a picnic table and a fire ring grill just outside.

Pets are not allowed for this event.

I am looking to complete the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest and earn the Master Hiker designation. I need to visit 35 State parks to get this designation. This trip on my Quest will be to Kiptopeke State Park for the weekend. As of today there are a lot of sites available for April. I will be in loop F.

To reserve your site, you must sign in to https://reservevaparks.com/web/
and put in Kiptopeke State Park. If you don't have an account with Virginia State Parks, you must create one in order to make reservations.

Please be aware this is on the other side of the Bay Bridge tunnel which is a bit expensive.

Everyone is responsible for their own reservation, equipment, and food. As we get closer to the event, we can plan a hike or activity if anyone wants one. I just wanted to get this on the calendar, while there are still plenty of sites available. If you reserve a site and would like to share, please post in the comments.