Christmas Town, Busch Gardens Williamsburg

For years I've been saying one of these days we'll get to Williamsburg around Christmas.  I can't quite say we've made it to Williamsburg yet but we did make it to Busch Gardens last week.  This may become an annual tradition it was so much fun.  During the day the park was interesting, to say the least but when the sun went down and the lights predominated it was spectacular.  My son generally keeps his excitement in check.  Even if he likes something I usually don't find out about it until much later.  There was no guessing Saturday night as it seemed something special lay around every corner.  We rode the train, went on rides, sipped hot chocolate, had a fantastic feast in the Germany section of the park and took in the timed light shows.  The whole thing was spectacular.  I am still going to plan a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, hopefully even this year.  Here are some of the photographs we took:
 



Lake Anna State Park, Virginia

If you're from the Washington DC Metropolitan Area it is likely you often hear advertisements about the development of the land surrounding Lake Anna.  Between the nuclear power plant and the commercial developers we can all appreciate the fact Virginia sequestered a wonderful section of land for the state park.  In doing so Virginia showed the same dedication in preserving it's commonwealth treasures as the federal government in the development of our national parks.  This land has been set aside for everyone to enjoy.  When I go to a park like Lake Anna the concept that we all own the land is reinforced by the multitude of activities we can do there.

Nice Day for a Triathalon

Lake Anna hosts several events in the Virginia Triathlon Series because of the pristine lakefront beach which is ideal for recreational swimming.  It has several miles of paved roads for road biking and is situated in an area boasting rolling hills and scenic paved backroads suitable for a variety of training routes.  The multiuse trails are fantastic for everything from beginner single track to cross-country running; even a leisurely stroll.  On a routine training day I've swam laps in the roped off section of beach, rode my mountain bike to the farthest trail and ran several loops.  Once your done training, expecially if you're staying in the well maintained campground, you can take a more relaxing evening swim.  The lake is an hour-and-a-half from Washington DC and is half freeway and half scenic drive through the countryside. 

I'm fond of camping so haven't spent a night in one of the cabins but have ran by them often enough to be curious as they are aesthetically pleasing and have great views of the lake.  I have stayed at the campground several times though and have never been disappointed.  The staff has always been friendly and accomodating, sites are well proportioned, and there is a moderate, comfortable hike to the beach.  The trail goes by a generous pond suitable for kids to explore and a group campfire and amphitheater.  Aside from swimming, biking, running, and strolling  in the park, I've also kayaked from the boat launch and enjoyed peaceful nights under the stars in front of the campfire.  Follow the Glenora Trail to the end to find a secluded bench in a peaceful part of the lake.  On you way you will pass a smokehouse that was built in 1832.