Morning Hike, Spring Beach

Early morning on Spring Beach and a swim out to the bay edge and deep water... It was still and quiet, apart from us yelping with cold, and so so beautiful.

The Bath Tub, Hermit Island

One giant leap for M after some 'warm'-up ones and an actual immersion from J after some coaxing/bribing.

Wading Pool, Naval Yards, Washington DC

I can't imagine why we were the only people here... amidst the rain and grey, overseen by one security guard we splashed through the waterfall, sustained a slipping-injury that swelled and picnicked beneath the Millennium Bridge.

Toronto Islands, Canada

Sunday in Toronto - with a return to an island I had been to some 15 years earlier, after a good brunch in Little Italy. It was busy and a little less golden than I recalled but we settled onto the sand, paddled in the utterly freezing water (stomach issues to follow), met a  girl with a guitar who tutored for Girls Rock! and got to absorb the fabulous view of the city as we sailed back to the quay and the long drive south.

Texas Beach, RVA

More paddling, another snake-spotting though not by us, an halloumi picnic and then a rapid return along the path for Cinderella - the movie.

Spring Break is over.

Down on the river, Scotsville

Down by the full flowing river was mud, mud glorious mud and a tire swing. Did everyone remember to bring down their wellies or did the hill have to be re-hiked 3 times?!?

The shortcut to the house was straight-up and terrifyingly vertical at some points.

Texas Beach Ruin, RVA

We ventured out in the spring sunshine and made it to the far reaches of Texas Beach, though not without wet feet for one adult and the other a little shaky on flu-recovering limbs. All relaxed on the wild life front, except that was a little unfounded, as a snake then crossed the path on the way home.

Birthday cakes...

A lot of candles on this year's cakes and Happy Birthday on the piano.

Further reaches, James River Park System

Pipeline crossings and a Z dam with fishway are now part of my outdoor lexicon, after a bit of exploring on foot to the furthest reaches of Reedy Creek and beyond Pony Pasture, respectively. The water was low and there was only the slightest temptation to wade across, even below ankle height, as a sign told of 14 folk who died giving-in to the urge.

Instead I bouldered across to our usual rock-slide and briskly swam across the currents to the other side (3 metres!) and then decided that was enough adventure for the day. It turns out I was not alone, though thankfully did not bump into the off-set friends who bathed downriver, as my attire was a tad unseemly.

Back to Belle Isle, RVA

The river is low and gungey but that didn't stop this paddler... The middle of a fab grey, damp day of reconnections and late night southern grits & fries with local beer & a pina colada!

The Ice Bucket Challenge on Floyd

Yup, we did it too, thanks to our lovely house guest... Here goes!

River City Magnolias, Ancarrow Landing

No really those are ladies legs and this is synchronized wild swimming...

We picked litter along the riverbanks, moving into dense undergrowth as we got braver and absorbing the slave path history along the way, before sitting in the evening sun alongside fishermen and pondering the crazy that was the ladies grinning and flipping in the water.

Charles Mears State Park Beach

After 15 hours of road-tripping we hit the shore of Lake Michigan with open arms.

M & J were here...

Cocktails on the James

On a hot summer's night... how could you refuse an iced G&T on the river?! UK colleagues wade in and live the dream for a few hours.

Over-baked pasta and M's famous fruit salad with mosquitos for afters in our yard.

Great Shiplock Park, Richmond

Just a bit of post-donut downtime on some amazing tree trunks out over the river and above the thick mud beach of Trigg Cove.

The Pipeline, Deep Creek Ridge, Mineral

Mud, mud, glorious mud... of the Virginian red clay variety. We crossed a few streams in the woods, hurled large things and headed out along the pipeline without any waterproofs.

Headed back drenched to the skin, to be re-clothed entirely by the lovely Phil. There had been a weather warning.

St Patrick's Day, Richmond

Hard to believe the level of chill this Monday morning, the leprechaun-trap had to be dug in the permafrost and then a hike down to VCU for more felting whilst the kids clutched the final Birthday gift - a Little Miss Pet Shop scene - for sharing.

Yorktown in January

After a polar vortex - a day at the beach... first footprints on the sand and first teepee of the day, then a shell and sloppy seaweed garden. Cold toes for the gathering but enough warmth to dry on the crunchy sand - amazing and so quiet.

Bradgate Park, Leicerstershire

Stone walls stretched into the distance to Lady Jane Grey's abandoned Castle, that despite hordes of people, was a place of absolute beauty and loveliness.

The tumbling stream was a tad chilly for those who ended up dunking themselves in it.

Croome Court, Worcestershire

A second National Trust property in a week - this is the perfect trip! Detoured around the flooded Severn and across the M5 to Croome. Made it out to a giant puddle and then up the hill to the Rotunda, full of soft, leafy cream mouldings on grey plastered walls - so subtly lovely in the winter sunlight.