Oct 15-16 First Baptist and Prince William Forest Park

Sunday morning it was “good” to be in worship at my home church on the East Coast, First Baptist Church Woodbridge! Greeted by folks that have become friends over the past 15 years and even making a new friend. The morning included attending the 8:30 traditional worship service followed by Sunday School where they are studying the book of Mark. Then a few hours at home before heading back to church for pizza and fellowship (it was here I met a new friend Deborah and heard a little of her story as she has a son 26 and is raising her nephew who is 12, yes all have been added to my prayer list…what a privilege to pray for others!), followed by a “family meeting” (business meeting as we heard an update on finances and various areas of ministry and reading their 52 page semi annual report), this was followed by a short hymn sing (shortened because the business meeting went so long). I did enjoy the meeting as it was a good summary of their ministries.

Monday started with a pick-up breakfast at McDonalds, then to Walgreens to get my flu and Covid booster! 

Then I googled a “place near me for a short walk”, which led me to Prince William Forest Park, a National Park. As I entered the Park Ranger suggested a couple of easy hikes. First I drove the scenic loop through the park, beautiful with the sunshine coming through the trees, a few leaves changing color but think I may have seen the best of changing colors already up in Michigan, across Canada and in Maine…but none the less it was beautiful. After my drive, I started on my 1.5 mile hike…it was Laurel Loop and really a beautiful park. 

Lesson learned for future hikes! Bring a day pack with extra jacket, whistle, KIND bar, water, extra charger for my phone. All of that just to “be prepared”! You see at one point on the trail it didn’t seem that well marked, I stayed on what I thought was the main trail but all the trails looked like main trails! And on a Monday there were very few people out on the trails, I’m sure on weekends it is very busy! I didn’t see anyone on the trail until I was climbing up the trail for about 15 minutes and asked the guy coming my direction with his dog if I was headed in the direction of the Visitor Center-yes I was, only about 10 more minutes to go! Pictures are from today’s hike. I did stop at the gate to thank the park ranger assuring him I would be back for his next recommendation!

Scenic drive: slight delay as I watched them fall this tree across the road! I thought I would be waiting awhile so started my stop watch. What a surprise that with in 5 minutes it was clear and I was on my way!