Shared by Monica Hoel, Volunteer, as Guest Blogger.

Posted September 21, 2015 | Updated February 15, 2019

Do you ever find yourself on the couch watching a Facebook video of people doing fun things in the great outdoors, and all you can think is, “I want to try that!”

But then you remember you don’t have even one piece of the equipment you need to try any of those things. No canoe. No paddle board. No kayak. No shirt, no shoes, no service. So, you stay on the couch and you promise that “someday” you’ll get around to trying that. Well here’s the thing: Hungry Mother State Park and many of the parks in the Virginia State Park system have the tools to try to pry you off that couch and try something new.

Hungry Mother State Park Lake offers a getaway from all your cares

You don’t have to go out and make a major financial investment because Virginia State Parks has the equipment that will allow you to practice being the adventurer your online dating profile says you are.

Recently, I was worn out by hearing all my friends talk about how much fun it was to go kayaking. So I did something about it: I went to Hungry Mother State Park in Marion Virginia. I rented a kayak for $8 bucks, clumsily climbed in, and paddled gracefully out into the middle of the lake. It. Was. Amazing.

A sense of freedom comes while gliding across the lake

I got to paddle where the ducks gathered at the amphitheater (I guess they were waiting for a show to start). I even paddled past the kids jumping off the high dive at the beach. I skirted the shoreline and looked for fish and watched the dragon flies and damsel flies. I paddled under the bridge while others watched me and thought “someday” I’ll get around to trying that too.

We all need time to relax

It was peaceful, and fun, and good exercise – and perhaps most importantly, I walked away feeling like I had done something I never thought I could do.

Now when I watch kayak videos online, it’s to learn a more graceful way to get in and out of the little boat or to learn steering techniques to try out next time I’m at the lake. I’m checking into classes at Hungry Mother State Park and other area parks that will teach safety or offer opportunities to go bird watching from the water. It’s a brand-new view of the water, the park, and all the natural wonders that lie within.

Alone or with friends, you cannot beat an afternoon kayaking on the lake

It's never too late to learn something new. For more information about paddling programs and rentals call the park office (276) 781-7400. For upcoming park events and activities, click here.

Thanks to the Virginia State Parks I’m up the creek: and I’ve never had so much fun, thanks Hungry Mother.

Posted September 21, 2015 | Updated February 15, 2019 

Now's the time to book that long weekend or summer vacation, and Hungry Mother State Park can help you get off the couch to enjoy outdoor recreation with or without a paddle. Click here to learn more about camping and cabins, or call 800-933-7275 during regular business hours.

You may enjoy this article "Why You Should Visit Hungry Mother State Park".