Walking Path in Virginia

Last week we took a ride to visit family members in Virginia. It's a four hour ride by car and is always a very pleasant journey. Gone are the obnoxious drivers and congestion. We had a few opportunities to walk - in the downtown area; on the property that was just bought down by the James River for an alternate living space for fishing, boating and hiking; and along the walking path near their home. The weather was actually nice - it usually rains when we are there. Along the way we found a gigantic leaf; walked by streams and brooks and dams; an old railroad tunnel; and train tracks way above ground with a stationary train sitting on them. Anyone we saw along the way greeted us with warm southern charm - something definitely lacking in DC - but more familiar to our Midwest taste. I think we learned we should stay on the path rather than venture off - too many slips and slides for older folks! I know I would never want to live the in the sticks, but I'm not really a very urban person. Our tiny place on Capitol Hill feels very suburban - especially on weekends and holidays. The place clears out! So every once in awhile it's nice to see another side of living. Probably because we have family there makes a lot of difference.