Grandview Nature Preserve, Hampton, VA

This afternoon some friends and I went to Grandview Nature Preserve in Hampton.

First, you walk down a mile long path to the beach. Then you come upon a small opening in the reeds where you reach the beach. Bru is heading through the pass!

Then you are on the beach! And you can find all kind of interesting things. Horseshoe crabs, sponges, mermaid purses...

Fishing nets that have washed up on the shore. We were looking for sea glass.

Sammy is gazing out at the water. He wasn't very helpful to find us any glass!

About halfway down the beach is a pile of rocks which used to be a light house hundreds of years ago. Many people ask to go to the light house to take photos--and then are a little disappointed at what is there to photograph!

You will often see fishing boats out in the Bay. Sammy and PG like to chase the sea foam along the waves.

Beautiful, sunny, windy day at Grandview Nature Preserve! Bright blue skies and white sand!
Wish you were here,
Joyce
Sammy & PG

Buckroe Beach, Hampton, VA

 From September 15th to May 15th, you can take dogs to the beach in Buckroe.

Buckroe Beach used to have an amusement park right by the beach. The French planted grape vines here--but I've never seen any sign of them.

There is a big shelter where they have music and movies during the summer. There are lots of smaller shelters, too, if you want to take a picnic lunch along.

Sammy and PG like walking on the boardwalk.
Sometimes taking them on the boardwalk is easier than taking them on the sand--as they sometimes find things to roll in on the beach. But they even managed to find a horseshoe crab shell on the boardwalk!

Wish you were here!
Joyce
Sammy & PG

Matteson Trail, Hampton VA

Today we went to the Matteson Trail in  Hampton, VA. It's a 3 mile paved trail around The Hamptons Golf Course. It was a beautiful morning for a walk. Cool and breezy.

PG is getting ready to start! The trail has just been re-paved. So now there are no roots sticking out, no cracked parts or potholes.

Dogs on the path. We step to the side when joggers go past--so that we don't clothesline anyone with our leashes!

This is such a pretty walk. Through woods and then out in bright sunlight. There are a couple of ponds and plenty of squirrels.

You do have to be careful on some parts of the trail where golfers are hitting in the direction of the trail. These are not the pro golfers--their golf balls are flying in every direction!

At the end of the trail. 3 miles?? That's nothing to Sammy! Let's go around again, he says!

Wish you were here,
Joyce
Sammy & PG

Ken Matthews Garden Center Dog Days, Yorktown, VA

Today and tomorrow are Dog Days at Ken Matthews Garden Center in Yorktown, VA. Throughout the garden center there are various dog rescue groups and the Peninsula Pet Pantry. There was a silent auction. And lots of sales!

Naked butt PG at the sign, ready to go in the door. She waits patiently for the little black dog to come out.

Sammy enjoyed going through the garden center, looking into the gazing ball. Do you think he was telling the future or making a wish?

PG got a few drinks at the various fountains in the center. Maybe we need one of these in the backyard by the grape arbor.

Everyone at the garden center is very friendly and loved the dogs blingy collars. I think dogs are allowed and welcome in there at all times--but this one weekend every summer they invite in all the rescue groups and do the fundraising for local pet charities.

Wish you were here,
Joyce
Sammy & PG

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Fidos After 5, Richmond, VA

Once a month during the summer, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens opens up the gardens for people to bring along their dogs in the evenings. It's called Fidos After 5.

They also have wine tastings, serve food at an outdoor tent and have a band. Tonight it was California night and they were serving California wines.

They have free blankets for the dogs to lay on. Although Sammy didn't want to lay on the same blanket with PG!

We walked through the gardens after we finished eating and drinking. It was hot but there was a breeze and we really enjoyed the gardens.

Wish you were here,
Joyce
Sammy & PG

Sandy Bottom Nature Park, Hampton, VA

This evening we went to Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton. This is a beautiful park to take a walk in. There are a number of trails from about a mile long to five miles long--so you can take a short walk or a long one. We usually go on the Lake Trail--which goes around Sandy Bottom Lake for about a mile.

This is a nice shady walk with lots of interesting things to see. There is a wildlife rehabilitation area that is home to a blind deer.

You do have to watch for snakes. I've walked here for years and I've only ever seen one snake. It wanted to get away from us as much as we wanted to get away from him!

There are a couple little bridges. You can see turtles and birds in the lake. There is also a shady dog park at this park--but I'm not crazy about dog parks. So I usually just walk the dogs on the trails and skip the dog park.

There are some quirky things at this park, too. There is a little flower garden with some flower pot people!

And finally, Sammy and PG's favorite part of this park--there is a small "beach" where the dogs can wade into the lake. Sammy usually jumps and splashes like a little kid in the first puddles of spring!

Wish you were here!
Joyce
Sammy & PG

Williamsburg Farmers' Market

We went to the Williamsburg Farmers' Market this morning. It was a good morning to attend--a little overcast, not too hot and not very crowded. You can attend this market every Saturday morning from 8 till noon. It's free to park at the Francis Street parking lot.

Lots of corn, melons and tomatoes! Must be summer! Our van smelled like basil all the way home.

PG & Sammy found this wire and moss poodle who they thought was very interesting! She had many other wire and moss creatures, too--a little bunny rabbit that would have made an interesting display in a yard with a greyhound. There are lots of other real dogs at the market, too. And there is a stand at the market that sells home made dog biscuits. PG liked the tuna one--Sammy liked the peanut butter one.

 Lots of pretty sunflowers at the flower stand!

After walking through the market, I take the dogs on a little extra walk down Duke of Gloucester Street. It makes for a nice morning in Williamsburg.
Wish you were here!
Joyce
Sammy & PG