Ivy Creek Natural Area, Charlottesville, VA, 6/29/15

After spending a week at Dewey Beach, DE, we traveled south, across the Chesaspeake bridge, into Virginia and stayed one week in Charlottesville, in Albemarle county, exploring the town and surrounding areas.  Charlottesville is a small town (42,000 inhabitants) and not particularly pedestrian friendly, except for the Rivanna trail, that circles the town and the numerous state and county parks.  Our host generously offered to take us to the Ivy Creek Natural Area, with about 6 miles of hiking trails.  It was hot and humid but very tolerable.  Our host consults for the Nature Conservancy and gave us a primer on trees in Virginia.  Covered 3.6 miles in 2 hours 45 minutes. Fun hike in great company!