Virginia Beach to Richmond

This morning I drove back inland to Richmond. I’ve actually spent a lot of time in Richmond for work during the period that I was on the Scientific Advisory Committee for the VA Department of Forensic Science. But all I saw during those visits were the inside of a hotel room and the inside of a conference room. I was quite interested to see what the city actually had to offer.

I arrived midday, so had time for an outing this afternoon. I decided to walk over to Belle Island . This is a pedestrian only island, connected by a pedestrian bridge suspended from the freeway overpass. My hotel is conveniently close to the entrance to the bridge, so I was able to leave my car parked in the garage.

It was still very windy when I left, so even at 65 degrees it felt chilly enough to, once again, drag out my light down. Although obviously well used, that bridge is not for the faint of heart. It is suspended quite high above the James River and the cars driving above sound like explosions every time one hits - something. And, as you will see in a bit, the river is flowing vigorously after the recent rains.

Of course the land was originally occupied by Native Americans, who fished the James River for giant sturgeon and other fish. During the Civil war, Belle Island housed Union POWs , many of whom perished during the winter due to harsh conditions. Granite was quarried from the Island during the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century. In 1923 workers struck a seam that allowed waters from the James River to fill the quarry, which is now a small lake. A hydroelectric plant , powered by the James River, operated on Belle Island from 1904 up until 1967. It ceased operation when operating costs rendered it unable to compete with less expensive fossil fuels.

Eventually, the Island was allowed to return to its native state and it now hosts native forest and vegetation, that also support a variety of wildlife. It is clearly enjoyed by both locals and tourists as an urban green space.

As I walked off of the bridge onto the mainland (now comfortably in shirtsleeves), I was met with a plethora of police cars, fire trucks, rescue vehicles and the requisite news crews. Apparently, while I was hiking the island, several people had defied the recommendations and decided to raft the James River. The news reports conflict with the information I was able to glean from those on scene. I imagine the information will continue to be updated. Apparently this happens ever year when people fail to respect the raging waters of the river after spring rains.

Tomorrow I will continue to explore Richmond.