Shared by Terrod Dillard, Visitor Services Intern, as Guest Blogger.

In this modern electronically connected 21st Century, a lot of my friends rarely venture out into the outside world for outdoor activities.  

As an Old Dominion University student that has never taken the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, I eagerly applied for and was accepted as an intern with Virginia State Parks to help hone my writing skills. I invite you to join me on my summer tour and follow in my footsteps as I venture outdoors.

My first foray into the wild was at Kiptopeke State Park which is situated on the beautiful Eastern Shore. I'm a city dweller so "OMG" were the first three letters I texted to my friends after we parked the car. Kiptopeke State Park is located only 25 miles from the university, I never knew this park was so close and so very beautiful.

Dolphins often frolic near the concrete ships that create a breakwater near the swimming beach

A native of Danville, Virginia all I knew about was northern metropolitan cities, middle mountains ranges, and southern country hospitality. I did not know about Virginia's tropical coastal flair. Imagine an untouched Caribbean beach, right here Virginia. 

The natural beauty of the Eastern shore offers opportunities for a quick day trip or a full week of exploration. The fishing pier at Kiptopeke State Park that juts out into the Chesapeake Bay and overlooks WWII concrete ships are great for fishing and kayaking. While the seagulls were gliding elegantly along the shoreline, I saw an osprey take flight from a buoy and heard a cacophony of song birds in the background.  

A Pelican glides along the water of the Chesapeake Bay

The surrounding beaches were filled with laughter, smiles, dogs, children, and even a mini goat by the name of Princess Mia (yes, you read that right), a beach going miniature goat. Virginia State Parks allows pets as long as they are on a leash 6 feet in length or shorter and kept under control at all times. 

Here are some highlights from my trip: 

• I kayaked for the first time in the waters of Kiptopeke State Park and paddled out near the WWII concrete ships. I cannot fathom the lives, the memories, and the hardships of the service members who sailed these ships in the 1940s. 

• I hiked on winding trails and reveled in the sounds of wildlife. I stood on the Hawk Observatory platform and looked for soaring birds of prey and then I hiked down the trail to the sound of song birds as they flitted from limb to limb.

• I drove across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel--a 17 mile adventure across and under the Chesapeake Bay. Considered an eighth wonder of the world, I can now check that off my bucket list.

Bring a drybag for your camera if you plan to bring it out on the water. I dropped mine in the water so this is a picture of me from Belle Isle State Park, but kayaking at Kiptopeke is just as fun!

As I was leaving the park I saw a family of five pull in to the beach area. I wish I had found this place when I was younger, I wish I had had more outdoor opportunities as a child, but I know I'll bring my parents, and someday, my own family here.

I want them to feel the coastal breeze on their face, listen to the birds sing, and marvel at the nature of Kiptopeke State Park

From my internship I've learned about the Children and Nature movement, Outdoor Afro a group that is helping reconnect African Americans with the outdoors, and about the 1,000 Hours Outside group encouraging people to spend 1,000 hours a year outdoors.

Bring the whole family for a day of outdoor hiking, biking, and beach time

You can make reservations for camping and cabin stays by calling the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-PARK.  Kiptopeke State Park has a full service campground and five 6-bedroom lodges--great for family reunions.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my Virginia State Parks Tour as an intern

Where I try to hone my writing skills...