Discoveries at Texas Beach

Yesterday I realized something pretty profound about myself — I don’t hate the outdoors, after all.

Being a minimalist, one might think, “Obviously, she likes the outdoors.” Hello, Henry Thoreau? Walden? Nope. When I was a little girl, I had several negative Girl Scout camping and hiking experiences that have lead me to believe in my adult life that I dislike outdoorsy activities (with the exception of things involving water and and lounging, of course). I kind of like skiing, but not really. Playing in the snow has always been cool with me. But hiking? Camping? Being in the woods? No way!

I’ve always disliked this aspect of myself, because everyone I enjoy spending time with seems to like the outdoors. After yesterday, I realize I do too. I finally understand the draw.

It all started last week when I was meeting up with my friend Chase at Texas Beach. It was a crowded, sunny day and he had hiked pretty far through the woods to find a good rock without lots of people. I was so intimidated by the rocks I had to scale, and various precipices I had to maneuver. I found myself pouting out loud at several points during the hike. During our trip back, I slowly became more confident in my abilities and began to enjoy leaping from rock to rock and loved the feeling of success from conquering the landscape. It reminded me of my days as a gymnast way back when.

Yesterday sealed the deal. Another friend, Alida, and I hiked out to that very same spot (no whining this time). Chase, Emily Smith and our friend Dan met up with us. After a few hours, we were thinking about leaving when a somewhat sudden rainstorm blew through. We quickly packed up our things and raced back to shore. In the past, I would have been very uncomfortable getting wet. Yesterday I just let go and embraced it. It was an amazing, liberating feeling like that of being a kid again. I raced ahead of our group and leaped from rock to rock and across tree roots with agility. It felt like we were in some kind of tropical rain forest.

The key to my most recent discovery was letting go of certain self-perceptions. We’re all capable of a lot more than we think. Once I decided I could enjoy the outdoors, I did.

Gungho Guide

I’d like to present to you Richmond’s new Gungho Guide — “the definitive guide to where you should be.” From their new site (which just launched on Friday):

“GunghoGuides.com is a place to celebrate the best things we love about Richmond. We picked the top hundred or so places that we feel contribute to the pride of living in this city. We wanted to create a site that presents these unique experiences and JUST these experiences as places you absolutely SHOULD patronize.”

You can find info on food, museums, galleries, entertainment, apparel, beauty, retail and of course, events! We love the idea of consolidating all of this information in a city guide that’s easy (and fun!) to search through. And oh hey — Minimalist is a featured blog. Thanks GG! You can find their free pamphlet/map in participating locations around town.

Side note — Anne Marie told me that a random guy on the street asked her if she wrote for Minimalist and then gave us a big compliment. Thanks guy on street, we like you too!

Texas Beach

Photo credit Cameron Lewis

For those of you who haven’t yet, you must have a visit to Richmond’s Texas Beach! It is one of the many public access points to the James River in Richmond (and personally, my favorite). Belle Isle can get a little crowded and rowdy at times, whereas Texas Beach is much quieter and lesser known. And of course, in true Minimalist spirit, it’s free! Just park your car or bike here and follow the short path through the woods. I have spent many a Saturday and Sunday lounging on a rock or swimming in the river this summer. I just discovered that there is a Facebook fan page for the spot as well!

Favorites

Lately I have been entertaining the idea of leaving Richmond, largely for career-related reasons. Actually, it’s a thought I’ve had off and on for the past four years since I’ve been here. The longer I live in this town/city, the more I dig my heels in and want to stay. I feel at home — Richmond’s an easy place to love.

In that vein, I asked everyone at Emily’s backyard Fan potluck tonight to name at least one of their favorite things about Richmond. We’ve all lived here for varying lengths of time, but have a common excitement and affinity for the place.


Clockwise from top — me, Noel, Evan, Christie, James, Chris, Chase and Veronica


Sir James Hill

Shared around a circle and documented via iPhone, here is our {list}.

James Hill
1. Scuffletown Park
2. Proximity to beach/mountain/lake within two hours

Emily Jones
3. Backyard Fan parties
4. Personalities at Shields Market
5. Shows at Balliceaux
6. Richmond’s Marathon Training Team
7. McSorley’s on tap at Bogart’s

Chris Holmes
8. China Panda
9. New York Deli’s multicade and photo booth

Chase Goitia
10. Houses with place names (“The Dallas”)
11. Eight places to get coffee in any given area
12. Restaurants with proper outdoor spaces
13. Quantity of trees in the city

Veronica Park
14. $2 movies at The Byrd Theatre
15. Free stuff in alleys

Kristen Ziegler (me)
16. Local art and music scene

Noel Ives-Rublee
17. James River (we all say, “Ohhhh yeah. Duh!”)
18. Retro-ness via Plaza Bowl, dodgeball leagues and rollergirl teams

Evan MacKenzie
19. Adult soccer scene via CVSA, SCOR and RISE
20. Beer culture at bars compared to other cities
21. Bicycling culture and local shops

Christie Thompson
22. Vegetarian/vegan friendly dining options
23. Awesome dance parties

24. And the obvious one — our friends! (Cheesy, but I had to.)

Photo credits to the always awesome Miss Emily Jones.