Our Fabled Nest

Date nights and hikes have taken more of a backseat over the last few months… lots of yard work and enjoying our little piece of paradise! This is gonna be worth it though! I am so excited for springtime here with all of the gardens, chickens, goats and hopefully a donkey!

We are getting our land ready for where everything is going to be set up… five zones for gardens sounds insane but I am determined! One herb garden and then a medicinal garden too! A pumpkin patch, watermelon patch, potato patch plus a few raised bed areas. Two chicken areas… one for laying chickens and the other group will be processed after ten weeks. We are trying to close the loop of constantly being in need of things from the market. We want to be sustainable; producing and harvesting our own meat is on the top of our list. At least we will know the animal was loved and cared for even though it sounds rather depressing. The goats will be housed in the little barn we have… just fencing is all that’s needed, and we need to repaint and waterproof the floor of the barn. I am personally really proud of us and the progress we’ve made! I am proud of us! We have been on a few nice short hikes as of late and I can’t wait to share our beautiful mini trips with ya’ll!

Our first hike in northern Virgina was at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. In the past, we have found a few excellent trails that are dog friendly surrounding a museum… this place was just like that! It turned out to be a rather warm day, so we only hiked half a mile in and back to the truck. Much too warm for huskies! The art we saw on our little excursion was so neat and interactive. There were benches along the trail and plenty of views! The trails were either hard packed gravel or paved – all were ADA safe but be cautious of the hills which were fairly steep. Our favorite part was a massive tree that was sort of on its side, shaded and perfect place to stop for a little water break!

Another gorgeous place we visited was over in Strasburg, Va. The Strasburg Town Park is an easy walk! Level, hard packed gravel and pretty views. The views heading back to the truck were better than going in… the mountains are more visible this way! Under two miles in and out type of hike. 100% ADA safe and the parking lot was decent sized! Forrest was able to ride in his backpack while the other three wandered and enjoyed a nice morning out! The river is easily accessible, literally walk right in. We didn’t play in the water since we didn’t bring towels. The levels were low, and the river was calm enough that I know we will be back for the kiddos to splash around!

Our latest hike was over in the town of Woodstock. W.O Riley Park is a little gem! Easy parking, flat walking trails, playground, clean bathrooms, picnic tables and shelters with charcoal grill. A little something for everyone here even a dog park nearby! A short four tenths of a mile meant Forrest was able to utilize his wheelchair and walk along his sibbies! ADA safe for both paved and hard packed gravel trails. A very nice place, I can’t wait to visit again!

On to the list of places we can’t wait to check out! First up is Jim Barnett Park in Winchester, VA. It has been on our list for a hot minute! From the paved trails, and easy to follow routes to the expansive parking lot this little place sounds like a dream hiking destination! ADA friendly and under two miles, I know our crew will love this place! Another place is Rockland Park in Front Royal, VA. Specifically, the William E Carson Trail. At a little over two miles this short hike is mostly packed gravel. Easy enough but from reading it looks to be relatively steep in sections. Forrest will be in his backpack for the duration of this hike just to make sure it’s safe for him to enjoy with us! Lastly on our must-see short hike list is a little greenway over in Luray, VA. We love a good greenway destination! They are most always ADA accommodating, paved, cleaned and maintained! Plus, the parking lots are decent sized and typically have bathrooms. Luray Hawksbills Greenway is a little over three miles out and back but there are plenty of benches to sit for a spell if needed… a cookie break, as we call it! The other beauty of greenway trails are multiple entry points and parking areas so it’s easier to customize your hike.

Cheers to our next adventure!