|| Belle Isle

Several people have mentioned Belle Isle to me, located in downtown Richmond, this is an outdoor haven that is rich in both history and nature experiences. The one-of-a-kind pedestrian suspension bridge starts under the Lee Bridge on Tredegar Street to get visitors to the island.

Then there is one-mile trail around the edge of the 54-acre island with stops like an old quarry, ruins of a hydroelectric plant and plenty of rocks, all along the James River of Richmond.

The little island appears to be moody and raw, hardly any signs of active maintenance. The rapids have a salty smell like that of a fishing market. Rocks are oddly shaped and grim looking. A few pathways in the old power generator factory are rotten and therefore have to be closed. I wonder why people have not turned this place into a more enjoyable and upbeat venue, could be because of the prison history, see there is still that site to be remembered for the hundreds died either in prison or because of civil war. The history is not exactly easy to forget. However, the trail is relaxing, watch the river flow by, birds, downtown Richmond skyline.

Coming back, we ran into five teenages, four boys and one girl, very good looking. We followed them to a bank where the water is more accessible. Ignoring warning signs not to swim in the James River, these young men and girl stripped themselves to swim suits, started rope jumping and diving, it was a scene to watch, the teenager fun that only a teenger would ever understand. I especially admire the girl, she looks awesomely healthy and well maintained, and wearing a black biniki, she did all the stunts like the boys, and they were such a group of good looking people ....

We drove back to the short-pump Chipotle, sitting outside along the driveways in front of the mall, Spanish speaking songs, light breezes in the midst of heat, tasty food, ice cold water, a good day.