James River State Park, May 24-28, 2024

  

Day 1, Friday, May 24, 2024

Virginia State Parks Website

Trail Quest

 

 

We arrived at James River State Park, and we came to the Meet and Greet Campfire and listened to Ranger Marty talk about the history of the banjo and entertain us with a few tunes.

 

We had a late supper with chicken, pineapple, veggies and cauliflower rice in a bowl.

 

We just chilled around the campsite for the rest of the evening.

Day 2, Saturday, May 25, 2024

 

For breakfast, we had scrambled eggs, turkey sausage and protein waffles. We wash the dishes outside like we did in Scouts. Two tubs of hot water, one with a teaspoon of Clorox and the other with Dawn. Wash and let soak in Clorox water for a few minutes and then dry. Although we occasionally use paper products, 95% of the time we use our plates and utensils and wash.

 

We went to the Visitor Center and registered for some of the weekend activities, and then looked through the museum that was there. 

 

After lunch, we headed to Bear Creek Lake State Park and rented a tandem kayak and paddled around the lake. We saw a lot of wildlife in and out of the water. The cost was $10 an hour per boat and we had a great time. We split a drink and chicken tenders at the café after coming off the lake.

 

Here are some pictures of our campsite during daylight.

 

After dinner, we went on the wagon ride tour of the campground. We learned a lot about the history of James River State Park. The most popular attraction at James River State Park is the Tye River Overlook. Here the Tye River and James River converge at a perfect 90 degree angle.

 

That evening, and spent our time around the campfire just talking and eating smores.

Day 3, Sunday, May 26, 2024

 

Sunday morning for breakfast I had eggs and Amy had a BLT with egg. We both had tots and fruit.

 

For morning worship we attended services at Liberty Chapel Baptist Church. The pastor preached about us remembering.

 

After lunch, we went with a group from the campground on a canoe ride down the James. We stopped at Treasure Island and waded in the cool waters of the river.

 

That evening, we had another campfire and made our Sunday camp sandwiches.

Day 4, Monday, May 27, 2024 (Memorial Day)

 

We drove up the road to three Amish owned stores. The Townsedge Hardware store is one of the best hardware stores I have ever seen. The Cottontown Variety Store is a good place to pick up cloth, kitchen accessories and other variety items. The Farm Market is a great small grocery and be sure to pick up some ice cream, you will not regret it.

 

That afternoon we hit the trails in the park. We went through woods, field and even next to a marsh.

 

Our last evening at camp, we again spent it around the fire an with each other.

Day 5, Tuesday, May 28, 2024

 

Travel day breakfast consisted of eggs, sausage and fruit.

Notes about James River State Park

 

There is an activity board at the bath house. The bath house was clean and had plenty of sinks and even a changing station.

 

The showers were individual with their own locked doors. Each shower had a seat and hooks for hanging towels or clothes on .

 

There is also a public sink and a laundry room.

 

The picnic table at the shower house has a WiFi signal, and we used it often.

 

 

The firewood is available at the camp host site and there is even a soft drink machine at the bath house.

2nd Visit to KOA Lynchburg, 1st Camping Trip of 2024

Day 1, March 30, 2024

 

If you are camping at KOA Lynchburg, you need to pick up a pie at Woodruffs Store. This trip we purchased an apple pie, and we ate on it all weekend. This weekend we decided to not go anywhere or plan any outings, we just wanted to relax and enjoy our time together. 

 

Here is our camp kitchen setup with the canopy, we are expecting rain. Our first meal was chicken with broccoli and veggie pasta with Sweet Baby Rays Wing Sauce.

 

Here is a picture of the apple pie we purchased from Woodruffs Store and our new red lights for the ground. We chose red because it does not harm your eyes to look at it but allows you to see. 

Our site at night. We usually turn off the flag at 9pm since it is so bright, especially if someone is camping next to us. The tree and ground lights stay on until lights out.

 

 

The only TV we watch at night is the campfire channel, and tonight we enjoyed the show.

Day 2, March 31, 2024

 

 

Today is the first time we tried our new protein waffles at camp, we tested them at home first. Sometimes we want waffles for breakfast, and sometimes we just want one with breakfast. They are really easy to make and are very healthy. 

Recipe makes 2 waffles

1 egg & 1 heaping spoonful of peanut butter

Stir together until a smooth batter

Pour half the mixture in a single waffle iron

Cook until brown and then remove

Pour rest of batter in and cook until done.

If you try these, please post on Instagram and tag us. @SantaLovesCamping

 

It is Easter Sunday, and we worshiped at New Hope Baptist Church with my daughter and her family. We spent the day with them and were able to watch as our granddaughter hunted Easter Eggs.

 

Upon returning to the campground, we just relaxed. We did take a picture with our new Virginia Campers flag, and they are available HERE.

 

Sunday supper is always a sandwich, and tonight was no different. We had our camp sandwich and then just relaxed around the fire.

Day 3, April 1, 2024

 

We purchased a new Keurig coffee maker for the camper, and my wife likes to read the sayings on her sugar packets each morning.

 

For breakfast, we had wraps, which are easy to make with very little mess.

 

My daughter and granddaughter came up to spend the afternoon with us, and we had pizza for lunch and then went to play on the playground.

 

For supper we had salmon, mashed cauliflower and veggies.

 

That evening we just sat around the fire and talked, something we have lost these days.

Day 4, April 2, 2024

 

For breakfast, we had eggs, bacon, potatoes, avocado and toast. For lunch, we finished off the apple pie.

 

That evening we took my daughter out for her annual birthday dinner, and she chose JT's Grill in Madison Heights. The meal was excellent and so was the service. Afterward, we had ice cream at the Sweet Spot across the road. It was a great weekend and we had a great time!!