Camping on the Roanoke River

For the past few weeks, Nick has been craving an adventure.  He started researching new places to camp fairly close to where we live.  Last weekend we decided to try out the Roanoke River and headed to eastern NC.  We went to Halifax Co which was very rural but full of cotton farms and American history.  Turns out, it was the sight of the Halifax Resolves which paved the way for the American Revolution.  It is only about 1.5 hours from Raleigh, so we had plenty of time to explore when we got there.

Nick discovered these platforms along the river.  You can travel down the river by canoe, camping along the way or just drive to one for the night.  We had to drive through this cotton field to get to the spot.  The platform was up on a bluff overlooking the river.

our home for the night

view of the river

steps to the river

When Nick and I go camping, we have a certain routine that we do (which I learned about when we first started camping together).  First you gather all your fire wood and then organize it into piles according to size.  Here is the first pile which I (thought) was organized by size-

A little while later I came back and saw that Nick had reorganized it.  If you know Nick this should make you laugh.

 Anyway, the pile turned into this relaxing fire, where I lounged and read for the afternoon.

Even though it was pretty rainy we had a great time.  The spot is a keeper and I am thankful for an adventurous husband!

Backpacking at Cold Mountain

Last weekend Nick and I decided to go backpacking at Cold Mountain, VA.  It's right up 81, not too far from Blacksburg so it made the perfect overnight trip.  While we have our old favorite camp spots, it was really fun to try something new.  We hiked about 5 miles in before finding the perfect spot.  The sweet part about this is that the trail makes a loop, so we only had about a mile to hike out the next day.

The trail was beautiful and the weather was perfect- 70's and no humidity!

Our reward for hiking- beautiful views and high alpine meadows!

We took our time setting up camp, making a fire and getting our food ready.  Camping is so relaxing to me because you don't have anything to worry about except your basic needs- food, water, shelter.  We brought books and just enjoyed being together.

I experimented with some new camping meals this time- they were delish.  Nick and I both agree- we would rather carry a little more in and have yummy food.  I made foil packets with chicken, potatoes, onions, carrots and herbs.  You just combine it all together with olive oil, then wrap it tightly in two layers of foil and cook it in the campfire for about 25 minutes.  The best part is there are no dishes to wash.

Oh, and this sign we saw on the way out of town cracked us up.  Hilarious.

Our friends told us about this website which is an awesome resource for finding great hikes.  You should check it out if you are looking to hike around VA.

Nick's Guys Weekend

While I had the girls in town for the weekend, Nick decided to go on an adventure of his own.  Evan, one of his best friends and college roommates is working in Richmond for a few weeks.  They decided it was the perfect opportunity to meet up for a camping weekend.  They met on the Cow Pasture River in George Washington National forest in central VA.  Nick was able to rent a canoe from VT.  They spent the weekend fishing, swimming and camping.  It was a perfect weekend besides a run in with a crazed man who Nick and Evan affectionately called "Old Man Crystal Meth."  You will have to ask Nick for the story behind that one.

Camping on the New River

A couple of weeks ago, Nick and I met my dad, my sister Laurie and her bf Pat in Sparta, NC.  We wanted to squeeze in one last mini-vacation before we all started back to school.   My dad and his friends have been camping on the this part of the New River since they were in college.  One of my favorite memories growing up was when my dad would take us camping, close to this same area.  The first summer Nick and I were married we went on a canoe trip with my dad and one of his friends.  So, we have had lots of fun times here. 

We left on a Thursday around lunch and got there in time to enjoy the afternoon on the river.  Thursday also happened to be Laurie's 23rd birthday!!  Happy Birthday Laurie Kate!  We decorated a little bit for the occasion.

We enjoyed a delicious birthday dinner cooked over the campfire-  bbq chicken, potatoes, watermelon, and strawberry cake with cream cheese icing for dessert!  Pretty high class camping.  The next day we decided to tube on the river.  It was the perfect way to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather.   It was another relaxing, wonderful weekend on the New River.