Crystal Springs

We were blessed with a gorgeous fall day today, partly cloudy and mild, perfect weather for leaf peeping. My wife, Frankie, had the day off so we climbed in the truck, picked up Frankie’s sister, Pat, and her husband, Barry (better known as Fish Hook), and headed out of town to investigate the newly opened recreation area at Crystal Springs.

This area has long been used by hunters who were required to obtain a special permit from the town. The springs this area is named for also served as part of the town water supply for several decades. This year the town parks and recreation department obtained adjoining property which has been designated as a hiking, biking and camping area.

I have no idea why there is an old milk can on top of this stump but it does seem to belong there.

The deck for this bridge, one of many on the recently built hiking trails, is made of split logs topped with planks.

Picnic tables and fire pits can be found at several areas along the trails. There are also several areas designated for camping. We will definitely be back for family picnics!

Signs, signs, everywhere are signs……

 

…….pointing the way to different trails, to the restrooms……..

……even a sign reminding Frankie to put those chipmunks she had in her camera bag back where she found them! I’ve been in several state and national parks and recreation areas that sported signs saying “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.” This is the first time I’ve seen one reading “Please replace all borrowed items and wildlife where they belong.” 

There are boxes, like the one below this sign, at several places along the trails containing binoculars, magnifying glasses, small nets, and other items for guests to borrow as they explore. Brochures describing flora and fauna as well as maps of the trails are also available at each stop.

There are even signs telling you to yield to BEARS! If a bear decides to climb the same tree I’m in I ain’t about to give the critter the right of way! The game warden will just have to write me a ticket!

That’s all I have for this post and the girls thank you for joining us on our hike. We hope you’ve enjoyed it so far and invite you to see more photos from today’s adventure on my other page, Virginia Through My Lens.

PS: Note Frankie is carrying a camera today and not a frying pan.

About these ads