Dismal Swamp State Park

During a recent conversation I had with Yasuko we both agreed that we were in the need of some nature in our lives. We had the need to be amongst the trees, fresh air and could use a good hike. So, with this being said, we made plans to go to the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center in North Carolina. This was Yasuko and Yuki's first time there and they both enjoyed it very much. However, before proceeding with our hike we started out with a picnic lunch under the trees in front of the beautiful canal. The water was so still, it was like looking at a gigantic mirror.

Once we got fueled up with food, we hit the trails. However, after crossing the canal bridge we came across the information building and decided to check it out. Steve and I have been inside before to get answers for a cache we did. It's a fantastic place for children to learn about the local wildlife and the swamp in general. After gaining some knowledge, we finally started what we came there to do...hike! The first trail we ventured on was the boardwalk. This is my personal favorite. It well shaded and I love the different kinds of plants located in the area. Yasuko even pointed out an abundance of Japanese basil that they use for cooking.

 

After completing our first trail, we decided to check out another one close by. We didn't make it down the trail very far though because it was much more enclosed and it was muddy. We did, however, make a cool discovery while on the trail. We found a paw paw patch and some grapes growing nearby. Yasuko opened up one of the paw paws and it smelled similar to bananas. So, we returned once more to the main grounds of the park where we had a little snack and let the kids rest a bit while Yasuko and I chatted. It was such an amazing day; definitely a perfect day for a hike.

So, we eventually got back on track again and started up our hike one more time. This time, we hit yet another trail. This trail is part of a much larger trail that starts in Maine. Steve, Tyler and I completed the entire Dismal Swamp section of it in Virginia while caching. It is an old paved section of highway. You may recall that I also took my mom here for a walk when she came to visit last month. Anyway, along the kids wanted to stop to sit on a bench and while we were there, Yasuko noticed some bamboo growing. She told us that she used to make boats out of the leaves. The next thing I knew she picked some of the leaves and demonstrated how to make this awesome boat. We each had a boat that we kept until we came to the bridge on the trail. Then we dtopped our boats in the water and watched as they floated down the stream, under the bridge, and through to the other side. At this point, it was starting to get late in the day and so, we decided it was best to head back to the car. What an incredible afternoon we had though. Both Yasuko and I both agreed it was definitely what we needed. The boys wore themselves out with all the hiking. We promised we would try our best to do it again someday soon. Tyler and I are very much looking forward to it.