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<\/a><\/p>\nImpulsively, we turned on Rt. 655 just after Colleen in order to follow the sign towards Lake Nelson.\u00a0 \u00a0We’ve been curious about this lake, and there was also a camping sign, so it seemed like a good opportunity to check them out.<\/p>\n
We discovered that Lake Nelson is just past the community of Arrington.\u00a0 It’s a nice-sized lake, and aside from some ducks, we were the only visitors.<\/p>\n
The campground–or former campground–was on the shore of Lake Nelson.\u00a0 I have no idea when it closed, but at one point there were at least 30 campsites, with water and electric hookups.\u00a0 So sad to see it all abandoned and in poor shape!<\/p>\n After stopping by the lake, I thought we’d go back to Rt. 29, but the GPS suggested that we continue driving on Variety Mills Rd.\u00a0 Always open to the exploration of new back roads, off we went.<\/p>\n And apparently this is what the road was named for: an old mill! I don’t know anything about this wonderful old stone structure, but it must have been magnificent in its day!<\/p>\n Further down the road, we crossed the Tye River just before its confluence with the James River.<\/p>\n I call this picture “Winter Colors.”\u00a0 I kept seeing the bare trees as almost a lavender color against the deep greens. Beautiful!<\/p>\n The road we were driving on came out on Rt. 60, and we followed it a couple of miles east to Gladstone, VA and the turnoff for James River State Park.\u00a0 The river was very high after all of the rain we’ve had!<\/p>\n The park is 7 miles from Rt. 60, and we always enjoy driving along the winding country road that leads to the park entrance.\u00a0 We spotted a kestrel on top of a telephone pole, and right as I’d zoomed in to take a picture, it flew off.\u00a0 It landed further away, so that really pushed the capabilities of the zoom lens on my new camera.<\/p>\n When we got to the park, we were surprised (and delighted!) to see all the cars at the visitors center!\u00a0 It makes me happy to know that so many families enjoy Virginia State Parks on New Year’s Day. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n Before going inside, I took some pictures of thistles and more of the “winter colors” trees.<\/p>\n When we were at James River State Park last spring, Wayne bought me a windbreaker in the visitors center.\u00a0 Today I returned the favor and bought him<\/em> one. \ud83d\ude42\u00a0 While the sun was warm, the breeze along the river was cool, so he put it to use right away.<\/p>\n Time for a quick “selfie” on the banks of the James River….<\/p>\n Time, also, to “bless the James River….”<\/p>\n ….And then wonderful, unstructured time to simply sit, relax, and savor<\/em> the multi-sensory sights and sounds around us.<\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0 <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n