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Algonkian Regional Park and Countryside Trails


We have moved from June to July here in Virginia and with this change has come an increase in temperature along with it.  For today's walk, I wanted to go somewhere different to keep it fresh, as we've been walking everyday, but not too far as I didn't want us to be out in the midday sun.  I, therefore, chose to go to Algonkian Regional Park.

Algonkian has many advantages: ample parking, wide open space, and many places to play and picnic. While Algonkian itself doesn't have billions of miles of trail, if you are just beginning to hike with your kids, if your children are younger, or if you'd like a flat (yay!), short(-er) walk, than Algonkian is the place for you.  If you'd like a longer walk, Algonkian is along/a part of the Potomac Heritage Trail.  To the west (to the left when facing the river) you can connect (behind the cabins or along the river) to Countryside's beautiful trail system, and to the east, you can follow the Potomac Heritage Trail all the way to Great Falls National Park, if you'd like (proud moment: I've run it before!)

Today I let my children choose what direction they wanted to go, and they chose to go into Countryside  (We saw a muskrat the last time we went, so I'm sure this inspired the decision to go west).  I myself had somewhat lower expectations in terms of animal sightings.  Not because we haven't been successful, but precisely because we have been so successful. I figured our luck has to run out at some point.  We'll see...



Well, good morning Young Buck!

Great Egret taking flight

Taking full advantage of the water being way out

Very contemplative


Bluebird

Great Blue Heron
(My son also took this picture.  I think I need to just relinquish the camera to him!)


We followed the river and the Potomac Heritage Trail west into Countryside.

Stone crossing in Countryside


A beaver dam in the top left corner and a lodge in the bottom right.
But no muskrat sighting this time.

Green Darner

Riverside picnic


All in all, it was a lovely day.  We saw more animals than I expected, walked along the river bank and enjoyed a picnic lunch.  We walked about 7 miles round trip and left as we were all starting to wilt.

But on the return from Countryside the following was, by far, the highlight of the day:


A skink was identified.

They are notoriously fast.  The 11 year old was not deterred.  He stalked it quietly.

Got it!

But that little guy was so quick, it wriggled out of his hand, up his arm, onto his back...

and eventually onto his head, where he gently scooped it off and placed it onto the ground.
Excited peels of laughter erupted.
Success!


Here is a link to Algonkian's web page, go check it out!
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