Goose Creek

We finally managed to get in our group kayak outing, and the weather cooperated. We started off at the historic old stone bridge, site of a civil war skirmish on June 21, 1863 when the Union soldiers retook the bridge from the Confederate army. Just over six river miles later (and 3 hours, including several stops to jump in and cool off) we arrived at Fox Croft Road, tired, wet, but happy. Along the way we passed breathtaking scenery, vines as thick as my arm (reference my June 13 entry to see how incredibly thick my arm is) hanging from hundreds of feet high into the water, a suspended footbridge, great climbing rocks and many other sights that can only be experienced, not described.


Looking backwards at our put-in point and the old stone bridge (this photo courtesy of Kevin Schultz)


Arriving at our destination, 6.5 miles downstream


Our fearless crew!

More photos can be found at my Picasa web album and Kevin's Facebook album

Father's Day picnic at Cockerill's Creek

"Father" was behind the camera, so no pictures of the guest of honor.

Happy Father's Day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-lv8745InI

All packed up, nowhere to go

I had a big kayak outing planned today with nine guys from the neighborhood, but we've been rained out. Getting a little wet would have been fine, but there are downpours and thunderstorms expected all day.

What I'm reading

Two books by two first time authors. The Only Road North so far is interesting, if somewhat stilted writing. I haven't made up my mind yet if the Eagle Heist is worth finishing.

Upstairs: The Only Road North, by Erik Mirandette
The story of four young men who ride motorcycles from South Africa to Egypt to discover Africa.



Downstairs: The Eagle Heist, by Raymond Austin
An armored car is hijacked in Washington D.C., and a private investigator is called in to solve the case.

Incredulity

This is a genuine, live, in-the-moment look of disbelief as Jordan opened a gift. I love the raw emotion in his expression. The gift wasn't particularly incredible (IMHO), but Jordan had just been begging to watch the Star Wars trilogy and then opened this gift which is a fancy "coloring book" of Star Wars characters. His expression illustrates the shock and surprise of getting a gift of the very thing he was longing for but didn't know anyone knew about. Perhaps it's a little illustration of Grace granted when it's least expected.

Field Day

Running a water race, filling up a bucket with water using only a sponge


Staring down a classmate (I'm not sure what the context was!)


Cooling off after the races. Jordan's teacher Ms. Bossi is next to him. She's been a great teacher, much loved and admired by all her 2nd grade students.

Poison ivy is real!

What to do on a hot Monday evening

No, we're not praying towards Mecca. Any other guesses?

10,000 visitors!

We're celebrating at ben's kayak site, where we just passed 10,000 unique visitors since opening less than three years ago! If I'd been better organized I'd host an online party and have free give-aways. Meanwhile, feel free to stop by in person for a personalized kayak outing, or check out the site for new ways to get on the water in Northern Virginia this weekend.