A Walk Along the James River

It was with a great deal of enthusiasm that we drove to central Virginia to visit our family for Christmas. We haven’t been there - for Christmas - since 2019 because of the pandemic. So it was so nice to do all the traditional things we always did. One of those things included a drive to the “cabin” on the James River and a crazy eight circle walk around the property. We do this every time we visit, but it’s always different at this time of the year. The landscape and color is so different, but the walk and the steep inclines remain the same. It’s also a great stress test. If you can walk this path you must be okay! It’s just so scenic and picturesque there - and so very quiet compared to our usual environs. Every time we come another project is being worked on. This time more trees are being planted so as to hide the view of the nearest neighbors - who are some distance away. The road to the “cabin” is wide enough for one car and quite deserted when you turn off the Main Street, off another Main Street. This land has been occupied since the 1700’s with proof of Washington’s army activities near the site during the revolutionary war. And through the years evidence has been found for a variety of curiosities. I’m not sure I’d want to stay there at night. My husband and I prefer being in the land of the living. But it is always a wonderful visit. 

The James River Cabin

Our son and his family moved to central Virginia from Capitol Hill about eight years ago. They bought an 1800’s warehouse in the downtown as their home. The building was a total disaster but it has been transformed in to a lovely living space. Then about three or four years ago they bought some land along the James River about a half an hour from the warehouse in downtown. There was nothing on the land - just another dream of a future “cabin.” Every time we visit our family for the holidays and otherwise, both of these locations continue to change. But the “cabin” is now completely finished - by that I mean it can be used and all of the appliances and things work. The lower level houses all of the watercraft - canoes and such. The upstairs is two bedrooms, a bathroom, a lovely great room with fireplace and a kitchen/dining room. It is quite a modern structure in this wilderness. Our son is still continuously improving the land, the paths, the landscaping, and all of the stonework. They even have a full time Mason building whatever stone options they need - including a fire pit next to the house. And the end result is a one of a kind place to go and do whatever you like. The dog loves it and looks forward to the daily trek. So when we were visiting over thanksgiving we were driven there every day to walk about and enjoy the scenery. Every season has its own special look and the river is a primary component. It was a good choice to build something close enough to home to be able to enjoy it every day. And we get to enjoy it too whenever we visit. 

Central Virginia Weekend Adventure

We haven’t been there for six months. So we finally decided to bite the bullet and visit the family in central Virginia this past weekend. If we waited for the pandemic to settle down we would be waiting forever. Since my husband and I received our second boosters last month we’ve done everything we can within reason. We really love going there for a visit because we don’t have to think of or about anything. We get driven around, have wonderful meals made for us, and just get to sit around and chat and relax. This time was a bit different because the “cabin” by the James River - that has been under construction for the last few years - has been completed. There is of course work that continues on the exterior grounds and surrounding area, but we can now go inside to a fully furnished place. And it is beautiful. But we spent more time sitting along the river enjoying the view. The predicted rainy weather never materialized so it was just perfect. Avoiding ticks and such in the wilderness is something we usually don’t have to think about. But we were in a different environment. All in all it was just a wonderful time. We need to do it more often.