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Hiking Pocomoke River State Park

January 21, 2020January 14, 2020 Hollie

Pocomoke River State Park (Pocomoke, MD)

On my many drives from New Jersey to Virginia, I’ve seen Pocomoke River State Park near Pocomoke City and Snow Hill in Worcester County. I’ve always wanted to stop at Pocomoke River State Park, but for whatever reason, weather, timing, it just didn’t work out.

A couple of weeks ago, my legs were feeling restless, so I decided to stop. I was not disappointed!

Pocomoke River State Park is located right off Route 113, just before connecting with Route 13. There are plenty of hiking trails. Plus, if you are looking for camping, they have an electric hookup, camp store, picnic area, nature center, bathhouse, dumping station, swimming pool and even large boat launch. There are several areas to camp, including Shad Landing and Milburn Landing Areas

I went to Shad Landing which is on the south side of the Pocomoke River near Route 113. I didn’t realize there was a whole separate section called Milburn Landing. It’s 25 minute drive between the two sections of Pocomoke River State Park. I can see how they host an 50k ultra race at Pocomoke River State Park.

Located within the 15,000 wooded acres of Pocomoke State Forest has about 15,000 wooded acres. Pocomoke River State Park is famous for its loblolly pine and for its cypress swamps. The Pocomoke River originates in the Great Cypress Swamp in Delaware and flows south 45 miles to the Chesapeake Bay. Cypress Swamp and upland is home to plenty of plant and animal life, including otters and bald eagles, and over 50 species of fish.

Even though it was a beautiful 60 degrees in January, the seasonal things were obviously closed.

I didn’t plan to stop at Pocomoke River State Park, so I didn’t have any ideas of trails. Several trails hike through the Great Cypress Swamp in Delaware and Maryland. Plus, you can hike by the Chesapeake Bay as well as areas of the Pocomoke River.

Here are a few photos from the stop. I was only at Pocomoke River State Park for an hour, but it was a great stop to get out and stretch my legs. I find I’ve struggled to sit still on the 6-hour drive.

You can see all the hikes here.

Questions for you:

Have you ever been to Pocomoke River State Park?

Do you sit still well in car rides?

Walking Dunes Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park

January 14, 2020January 4, 2020 Hollie

While in Delaware, I wanted to check out Cape Henlopen State Park. It looked beautiful. With the exception of traveling through Delaware, I haven’t spent a lot time in Lewes, Rehobeth Beach, or Bethany Beach. I’ve heard Delaware State Parks are beautiful, so I’ve always wanted too. When the opportunity to visit Cape Henlopen State Park presented itself, I decided to go. Why not?

The Walking Dunes Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park is a natural, flat trail. While there isn’t much elevation change, it’s a great option to walk your dogs, get outside, or relax. You don’t need hiking shoes or hiking boots.

Cape Henlopen State Park has several things to do, including the surf, fishing pier, hiking, cycling, or just relaxing at the beach. There are also campsites and bunkers if you want to spend a few days there. Near the parking lot and trailhead for the Walking Dunes Trail, there is a seaside nature center and park office. Towards the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, you can find a bait and tackle shop.

When we were down towards the shore, people were looking at horseshoe crabs. Several loop trails are depending on the distance you want to go, but the Walking Dunes Trail was perfect for us. We saw several people out too!

Plus, on the Walking Dune Trail, there is also Fort Miles, which is cool to see some historical sites.

Walking Dunes Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes Delaware) — Like this bunker!

In all, it was a great time.

You can see more hikes here.

Questions for you:

Have you ever been to the Walking Dunes Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park?

Do you prefer hilly hikes or sandy beach hikes?

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Vest Review

Gear Review, Running

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Vest Review

January 8, 2020January 8, 2020 Hollie

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Vest Review (Also known as the S.A.S.)

Recently I’ve been looking for a lightweight hydration pack that I can use for 1-2 hours of hiking. I don’t need anything heavy-duty, but something to keep water and maybe a snack on the go without holding it.

The Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration seemed to meet those requirements, so I decided to try it.

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Vest Review

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration (S.A.S.) Features:

Minimalist vest designed for fast, ultrarunning, trail running or short hiking
Soft Flasks vital kit sits tight and close
The fabric is lightweight, breathable and chafe-free
Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration uses SensiFit system molds to the contours of your body
It also has front hydration pockets allow for easy access
Additional storage with front pockets and side zip pockets.
The Chest stretch pocket with silicone grip makes it easy to forget you’re wearing a pack
Plus, reflective details and a whistle. I’m not hiking at night but good features if you’re doing a 24-hour ultra or night race.
Sizing small, medium, large

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration (S.A.S.) Thoughts:

The greatest importance for me was to wear a pack but forget I was wearing a backpack. I wanted a pack that was lightweight and minimal and it didn’t feel like “another thing” I was carrying. That’s precisely what the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration is. It’s perfect for a short run or hike.

I’m looking forward to using it more.

I appreciate the flasks are easily washable and I don’t have a giant bladder to clean out routinely. This pack isn’t meant for an all-day event, but something shorter. I appreciate the soft flasks and front stretch pockets for an ultimate gear stowing solution. I’ve used on several hikes less than 3 hours and never had an issue with chafing or feeling like it was bulky.

The Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Pack isn’t a “one size fits all pack,” and I wear a small (I wear a small top too). Think unisex sizing, and whichever unisex top you typically wear should be reasonably comparable. Of course, I would try it on, if possible.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.

Questions for you:

Have you tried the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration (S.A.S.)?

What is your favorite pack?

hiking

Hiking Pocahontas State Park

January 7, 2020December 29, 2019 Hollie

Hiking Pocahontas State Park

On our way from Virginia Beach to Charlottesville, my husband and I drove through downtown Richmond, the capital of Virginia.

Pocahontas State Park is only 20 miles from Richmond. Even though I grew up 90 minutes south of Richmond, I haven’t spent as much time in the city as I would like. On our drive, it was a beautiful day so we decided to stop for a short hike at Pocahontas State Park. You don’t get many 50-60 degree days in December and I like to take adantage of all of them.

A quick google search found Pocahontas State Park on our route and it has 64 miles of hiking trails. There is single track, mountain bike trail, and hiking trails.

Pocahontas State Park offers plenty to do including hiking, boating, picnicking, camping, camping cabins, and even nature programs. If you want to host a wedding or special event, they have banquet halls too. Plus, like most parks, there are cabins and lodge, and boat rentals that are available seasonally. It didn’t look like anyone was boating on Beaver Lake or Swift Creek Lake, so I assume it’s seasonal only.

There is also an Aquatic Center with a toddler pool, fountain wet deck, pools, and slides. I don’t know if I have been to a Park with an entire Aquatic Center, but the swimmer in me loves it.

The other unique component of Pocahontas State Park is the 2,000-seat amphitheater, which hosts concerts.

As you can tell, I’m fascinated with everything there is to do at Pocahontas State Park and I would love to explore the area more. I might be biased after growing up in Hampton Roads, but Virginia State Park System does a beautiful job with their State Parks.

When we went to Pocahontas State Park, we didn’t have a plan or even what trails we were going to hike. We kind of walked around and saw what we saw. It would be a lot of fun to spend a day or two in Pocahontas State Park.

In all, we had a great time at Pocahontas State Park and I can’t wait to go back again sometime soon.

You can see more hikes here.

Questions for you:

Have you been to Pocahontas State Park near Richmond?

Do you have a favorite spot to hike near you?

hiking

Hiking Stephens State Park

December 24, 2019January 3, 2020 Hollie

Hiking Stephens State Park

(specifically the Orange, White and White Rumbly Climb Loop trail).

I think I typed this entire post and then the internet ate it or it got misplaced somewhere.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I went hiking at Stephens State Park. The trail name is called: “Orange, White and White Rumbly Climb Loop. ”

The Orange, White and White Rumbly Climb Loop is roughly 8.3 miles. We cut parts out and went on the “Fuzzy Things” trail, which ultimately made our adventure 7.5. The Orange, White and White Rumbly Climb Loop is typically moderately trafficked, but because we went on a cold day, we didn’t see anyone. Just a fisherman at the beginning!

All of the trails for Stephens State Park start near the Musconetcong River. Apparently, it’s a tremendous freshwater trout fishing spot. At the trailhead, there are a fishing spot, picnic tables and picnic shelters, park office (open in April) and a restroom with flushing toilets. There is even a playground within walking distance. The rest of Stephens State Park is great for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, or even horseback riding.

There are trail markers (red trail, white trail, and orange) and trail loops that range from 1-8.3 miles.

Depending on which way you do the loop, the Orange, White, and White Rumbly Climb Loop is either

steep in the beginning followed by a long gradual downhill for the last several miles

long gradual uphill oer seeral miles followed by a and steep downhill

Hiking Stephens State Park (specifically the Orange, White and White Rumbly Climb Loop trail) — At the start

We decided to do the Orange, White and White Rumbly Climb Loop backward, so we were climbing most of the time and a steep 1 mile downhill for the last mile. I don’t like steep downhills, but it wasn’t too bad.

In all, it was a fun (but a cold day). If you are ever in the Hacketstown area, I will check it out (and also the River Star Diner).

Tag: hike