Camping Day 47

James River State Park
Thursday August 2, 2007

Yep this year we have camped 47 days. Today we left home headed for James River State Park. After a two hour and 45 minute drive we were at our site. The park staff had assigned sites and we are in 14 which is across from the shower house, restrooms and camp host. This is a nice mostly level shaded site in the Red Oak camping area which is the only RV area in the 1500 acre park. There are 15 miles of multi-use trails, horse, hike, bike, and about 3 miles of river frontage.

Our campsite, #14

After we got set up we had lunch and changed into our paddling clothes to take a run at the river. The main launch area is at the Canoe Livery. They will take you and your kayak or canoe up river about 6 miles to a put in or down river 2 miles to a take out at Dixon Landing. Canoes, kayak's and tubes are available for rent. It cost us $2.10, yes there is 5% tax, to follow me to Dixon Landing where I left our truck.

Dixon Landing

Once we put in we paddled up river to the first set of riffles, maybe 1/2 to 3/4 miles, and then dirft and paddled down river. We moved along rather smartly and went across two sets of riffles before we reached a sandy beach area on a bend in the river. We had planed to stop and swim and splash around a little but the weather was looking bad and we could hear thunder so we thought we should work our way to Dixon Landing as quickly as possible.

Suzette at the riffles up river from the landing

Taking the kayak's out at Dixon Landing

Of course once we had gotten off the river the weather cleared and the thunder stopped. We decided to go pack to camp and feed Logan. We showered and Suzette made a pasta salad for supper and I took a nap.

After supper was completed and the dishes were cleaned up we decided to take a ride around the park. Man this place is neat. There is primitive camping along the river and several very nice picnic shelters. There is also horse camping and cabins. The cabins look very nice with large porches, gas grills and nice overlooks.

Back to camp to relax and do this blog. We watched a little TV, not much on for the over 50 crowd.

Although we have good cell service it is the extended network and I can not connect with Verizon Mobile Office. Nuts. You will get to see this later.

It's now later and we are home so I can make up for the lack of internet service.