May 25th. @ 1:00 pm: Hike Henricus/Dutch Gap

This is a peaceful 800 acre park nestled between South Richmond and Chester VA., not far from I-95. Come join your fellow J. R. Hikers for a stroll along shaded paths. We will meet at the picnic tables at the end of the parking lot. From there we will walk over to the bluffs and see a magnificent view of the Varina-Enon bridge. We will also take a few moment to admire the "Dames" obelisk. Then we will head out on the 4.5 mile Dutch Gap Loop trail. Besides peace and solitude this hike offers abundant wildlife, views of the James River, a Tidal Lagoon and a graceful footbridge across a canal. This hike will begin promptly at the start time listed. If you are a first timer add a few minutes to your schedule. You will drive through the Dominion Power Dutch Gap coal plant this is the right way, keep going and you will come to a sign indicating a right hand turn into the park. Bring sturdy boots, water bottle ,and a snack (energy bars are good) and a positive attitude. Dogs are welcome, humans are tolerated. Even though this seems like an easy hike I encourage you to bring a water bottle and a snack. Dog Policy; 1. Your dog will be on a leash and under your control the entire time of the Meetup. 2. You will ensure that your dog keeps a distance from all the other hikers such that neither your dog nor its leash will become entangled with any of them. That’s another way of saying you and your dog will not be allowed to hike either adjacent to nor either closely directly in front of nor closely behind any of the other hikers. 3. Your dog will not become the center of attention.