Read Our Blogs
Insanely beautiful scenes of sunshine that will inspire you
What do all 37 Virginia State Parks have in common? Sunshine, and plenty of it. When we asked you to #OptOutside on Black Friday, we saw a common thread in many of the fabulous photos you submitted: THE SUN.
You shared her rising, setting and doing the glorious thing she does best "illuminating our lives."
On our Facebook page we asked if you preferred the sun rising or the sun setting, and we got the following comments:
- Sunrise. It is full of hope and expectation for an uncharted journey in less than 24 hours.
- Love sunsets over the water there (Occoneechee), and at Kiptopeke!
- Each one different each one unique! However, I do love a sunset!
- Oh sunrise for sure. It's a brand new day!
- Sunrise! It's so fresh, and witnessed by so few.
- Ooh, that's tough. Sunrise. Sunset. Sunrise.
- Sunset. I'd have to wake up too early to see a sunrise!
Whatever your preference, there is plenty of warming sunshine in all seasons at your favorite Virginia State Park.
Let's explore some of the inspiring scenery that you discovered and shared with us when you decided to #OptOutside:
The last light of day setting on the Chesapeake Bay, the sun is split by the horizon at Kiptopeke State Park
Fishing on the pier next to boat landing while watching a November sunset at Smith Mountain Lake State Park
We all can help to preserve our nature and keep parks beautiful and clean. This sign by the Beaver Lake at Pocahontas State Park reminds us about it.
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine -
and shadows will fall behind you.”
-Walt Whitman
Reflections in the pond, taking a break after a walk at Lake Anna State Park
King of the Mountain on a sunrise run at Douthat State Park
“A day without sunshine is like,
you know, night.”
-Steve Martin
I started my day at Hungry Mother State Park. Fog on the Lake created a serenity to the Park. There were some remnants of fall color reflected by the morning light.
Sitting along the shore at Leesylvania State Park
Looking up at the trail from the river bottom under the substructure at High Bridge Trail State Park
“How glorious a greeting the sun
gives the mountains!”
-John Muir
I was walking the canoe landing, early morning in search of a small mouth. Rod in hand, I looked up river through the thick fog that had set in overnight and saw this view of the sun peaking over the hills, at James River State Park
"Shift Change" at the River Bend Campground in Powhatan State Park
Love is in the Fresh Air at Virginia State Parks
If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.
