Many parks and even our national forests encourage people to come to a First Day Hike. This is a way to celebrate the first day of the new year by getting outdoors for a hike. Here in Virginia, it has become enormously popular.
Seven Bends State Park held four scheduled ranger-led hikes, beginning in the early morning. I did not go to one of those, mainly because I can’t walk very far at this time. However, staff was there all day, so when Charlie and I arrived in late afternoon, the parking lots were still almost full. Ranger Wesley said a couple hundred people had been there. I am impressed by how many people came out to hike on a cold winter day.
I take Charlie there once or twice a week because he loves it and it is not far from home. We have to cross a small bridge over the North Fork. Sometimes it floods, and you can’t get there, but we’ve had a drought for a while, so the river is quite low.
The beach in the foreground is often under water. It is covered with small shells.
Such a lovely way to start the year!
ReplyDeleteGood for you (all!) for being out there walking for the new year.
ReplyDeleteGlad to read your post, Greetings.
ReplyDelete...it's wonderful to know that people enjoy the park."Parks are for people!"
ReplyDeleteCute Charlie photos. I was able to take Miney for a 1st day walk. The park looks nice. I wish you all the best in 2026, a happy and healthy New Year.
ReplyDeleteTake care, have a wonderful weekend.
Beautiful photos and Charlie is so sweet.
ReplyDeleteI love the first day hike idea. That's a cute sweater Charlie is wearing!
ReplyDeleteWe have a First Day parks program in our part of New York State also. I like that photo of Charlie sniffing the sign. I wonder what he learned from the sign post. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteHe didn’t mind that it says pets have to be on leash because he wears one on all his walks. He was wondering if the no hunting rule means he can’t try to find other animals. He really likes to sniff their trails.
DeleteWonderful initiative.
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful place to visit for a good walk. Super photos and Charlie is looking as sweet as ever. If I haven't said it already and I may have, but just in case. I wish you and Charlie, your daughters a Very Happy and Healthy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWe used to do first day hikes but like you said they are very popular and crowded so me and friend did a second day hike this year. Same hike, and nobody around.
ReplyDeleteJust love your first photograph ...
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I like finding little pockets of shells like that. Charlie is carefully reading those rules! He wasn't convinced you were telling him the truth about keeping on a leash.
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