Every year our whole family goes on an annual vacation to a Virginia State Park, and this year we went as soon as my sister graduated high school.

My parents made a big deal out of that, and said that "the world is her oyster" which I didn't really understand, I have seen oysters and they are not that fun to chew on, or to fetch.

Mum said it was high time we headed back to Chippokes Plantation State Park along the scenic James River. We rented a cabin there and spent our days riding bikes, grilling and chilling, kayaking and even swimming in the river. We had a pretty good time together, I was allowed on the beach, and there were even crabbies to chase over near the creek at what Mum called "low tide."

Paddling the scenic James River was one of my favorite pastimes on our vacation at Chippokes State Park

My sister thought it was gross to put sunscreen over Dad's fur; I guess if he had more fur he wouldn't need to put that gunk on

Here I am ready to lead Dad to where I saw those crabbies earlier when the tide was low; I hope he can get us there 

I reminded Dad that it is wise to wear a lifejacket when paddling the kayak and it is mandatory when you rent one 

We saw these nesting platforms along the James River and kept our distance to provide a secure place for the birdies and the chicks

Other big birdies we saw while paddling the scenic James River, Dad really loved seeing these fly overhead

This is why I love to lead the way in the kayak as you can see more wildlife from the water

We even kayaked the creek and went under two bridges at Chippokes State Park

Mum took all the photos from her kayak; she loves to paddle almost as much as I do!

When I'm not out in the kayak, then you can find me chillaxing with my sister in the water near the beach

My family likes to argue over who won Phase 10, which I didn't play, ever since I beat them at Yahtzee at Westmoreland State Park they won't let me play dice or card games anymore

If you want to learn more about Chippokes State Park, then click here, or you can even click here to search for events at this park. Mum asked me not to share any more cabin photos as she will do that on a featured cabin blog in the near future, so wait for that.

The words below are from the Virginia State Parks website:

ABOUT
Just across the James River from historic Jamestown in beautiful Surry County, Chippokes is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country.

A working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and a glimpse of life in a bygone era. Visitors tour the historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens, and view antique equipment at the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum. A campground and four overnight cabins allow visitors to stay on the historic grounds. The park has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a visitor center with a gift shop. It also provides opportunities to bike, hike, ride horseback and picnic. Chippokes also offers wedding packages and meeting facilities.

PARK SIZE
1,947 acres

LOCATION
Surry County. From I-95 and I-295, take Route 10 towards Hopewell. Follow Route 10 East for approximately 40 miles to Surry. Turn left at the intersection of routes 10 and 31 (this continues on Route 10). Turn right at the stop light. Turn left at Route 634 (Alliance Road), and the park entrance is four miles on the left. Because of weight restrictions, those heading east in vehicles weighing more than 3 tons should avoid taking Highgate Rd. off Rt. 10.

Chippokes State Park address is 695 Chippokes Park Rd., Surry, VA 23883 (go here for a map).

DRIVE TIME
Northern Virginia: 2 - 3 hours; Richmond: 1.5 hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach: 1.5 hours; Roanoke: 4 hours.

Remember, paws were meant to get muddy!

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