Dragon Run Inn

Paddle Trips are scheduled every day from Saturday, 7 April through Sunday, 7 May.  You will be accompanied by a leader famliar with the ecology of the area and may see eagles, nesting waterfowl, prothonotary warblers...who knows? 

Kayaks and gear are provided.  If you are not an experienced kayaker, trip leaders will help you learn.  Trips begin near Saluda, VA at 9:00 a.m. and usually last till 1:30 or 2:00.  Bring a picnic to eat on the river.  You may sign up either as an individual or a group.  All participants must be at least 18 years of age.  Trips are free of charge, however they are the major source of fund-raising for the Friends of the Dragon and donations are appreciated.  to make reservations or receive more infomation, contact Marth Graham by email mgr8040@verizon.net.  Trips are limited to 12 participants, so this is the time to get your name on the calendar.  the Dragon Run Inn www.dragonruninn.com is just about six miles from where you will meet for this great paddle trip.  For more information on Friends of the Dragon and the Dragon Run Swamp go to http://www.dragonrun.org/.

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Look for bald eagles at the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge located at 336 Wilna Road, Warsaw, VA.  This is one of four refuges that comprise the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex.  It protects 20,000 acres of wetlands and associated uplands along the river and its major tributaries.  Archeological and historic sites are abundant.  At least four federally-listed threatened or endangered species may be found, including the American bald eagle, peregrine falcon, shortnose sturgeon and sensitive joint vetch.  Virginia's largest wintering roost for bald eagles is located within the refuge.  Shorebirds, neotropical migrant songbirds, raptors, and marchbirds rely on the  Rappahannock River's corridors during the spring and fall migration periods.  The Refuge hosts three sites on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail.  Picture of the eagle was taken by Tina Phillips   http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=503nnock.

For more information on the wildlife refuge check out http://www.fws.gov/northeast/rappahannock/.  Plan a getaway weekend and stay at the Dragon Run Inn in Church View, VA and explore the nature that abounds.

 

Tags: eagle, Rappahannock River

Visit Stratford Hall Plantation, this is a great time of year to enjoy the backcountry of the Northern Neck of Virginia and discover how the leader's of the south lived.  Experience plantation life as lived by the Lees of Stratford - colonists, revolutionaries, nation builders and secessionists. Stratford Hall offers a tranquil setting with leisure activities for families.  Check their website for a list activities such as wine tastings, concerts, fairs, war reenactments, classes lectures and beach combing for fossils.  Take a tour and hear the "back room" stores of the Lee family and how they lived almost entirely off the land in the first half of the 18th century.  The family occupied the main floor of the 10,000 square-foot home, which is still fully furnished and includes the baby crib of Robert E. Lee.  Plan a week and enjoy the accomodations at the Dragon Inn as you enjoy stepping back into history.

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When was the last time you rode a ferry arcross the river? In the Northern Neck of Virginia you can still enjoy that experience. The Merry Point and Sunnybank car ferries carry their passengers on a leisurely trip. These two vessels are the last two free powered, cable car ferries in Virginia and carry about 30,000 vehicles a year. The Merry Point ferry is at the end of Merry Point Road, Route 604, and operates from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Sunnybank ferry is on Sunnybank Road, Route 644, and operated from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. These ferries save drives about a half hour on their trip. Come and enjoy a day in the country and explore the Corrotoman River in Lancaster County or the Little Wicomico River in Northumberland County. Make plans today for a day of relaxation and a step back in time.

Tags: Merry Point Ferry, Sunnybank Ferry

You'll never know what you'll discover exploring the uniquely beautiful waterways of the Middle Peninsula.  Enjoy an extraordinary sunset, wild life or a beautiful home just around the bend.  This is the ideal way for a family to enjoy an afternoon or sunset cruise.  Get a group together and call 804-366-1778 and they will help you plan a cruise suited to your special interest. 

Visit them at www.UrbannaCruises.com for rates.  The Dragon Run Inn would love to also host your group at our B&B just six miles from Urbanna.  www.dragonruninn.com

Tags: Rappahannock Rver, Urbanna, Cruise charter

Experience the thrill of feeling the air rush by as you take a ride in our beautifully restored 1943 Fairchild PT-19.  The Fairchild PT-19 was designed as a replacement for the PT-17 biplane primary trainer.  This aircraft offered flight characteristics more similar to the combat aircraft those aspiring pilots would later fly in the war.

This Pt-19, N323CJ was built in 1943 and went through a full 11 year restoration that included an upgrade to the 200HP Ranger engine and an electrical system.

Michal Kuhnert, pilot, is originally from Germany, has logged over 4,000 hours of flight time.

To arrange for a flight or flight training check out Mike's website at
http://www.bayaviationonline.com/

Come plan a getaway weekend at the Dragon Run Inn and enjoy a flight over the Chesapeake Bay with Mike.

Tags: PT19, World War II, flying, pilot

Enjoy the splendor of exploring Virginia's River Country with Captain Laura Lohse aboard the Schooner Serenity for a 2 hour afternoon or sunset sail on the Rappahannock River.  The cruise will depart from the Town Marina in historic Urbanna, tickets need to be purchased in advance to make you don't miss this special event.  The Serenity is a 65' gaft rigged schooner certified to carry 30 passengers for daysails.  You feel like you've stepped back in time to the old sailin ships.  Six and relax and enjoy the breath taking scenery with your favorite beverage or become a sailor and lend a hand at setting sail.  Each cruise is different with the possibility of sighting dolphins, osprey, or watermen working the River.  Have a special occassion coming up call 757-710-1233 and make plans for a private charter, what better way to enjoy your birthday or anniversary with friend.  The Serenity will begin running the end of May or early June call (800)979-3370 or (212)209-3370 for tickets.  We at the Dragon Run Inn would love to have you stay with us while you enjoy your special weekend.

Tags: Urbanna, sailing, Serenity, Chesapeake Bay

The unique character of the Dragon wilderness and its awesome natural beauty exist primarily because it is remote. Several highway bridges cross its 35 mile run to the Piankatank River. Most access points are, however, only reached by way of nearly a mile trek over rugged back country. This natural protection of the million year old swamp has contributed to its abundance of wild life.  Concerned land owners, who over the years have exercised good land use judgment, can be credited with the conservation of this threatened gem.  Learn more about the Dragon Run at http://www.dragonrun.org/.

Wildflower Walk on May 8

Mark Chittenden will lead a wildflower walk on the Big Island Preserve,  Saturday, May 8.  Meet at in the Food Lion parking lot, Route 17 in Saluda, at 9:30 AM.  Bring a lunch and something to drink.  There are about 3 miles of forest roads and trails in this preserve.  To sign-up contact Mark at (804) 642-6060, or email markc@vims.edu

Tags: swamp, cypres