“Our goal for Wandering Waters is to get people out and exploring our parks, either on a stand up paddle board, a kayak, or a canoe and seeing our parks from a different perspective. You can go to a park like Hungry Mother and hike up to the top of Molly's Knob and get that giant panoramic scenic view. But then you can come back down and either rent a boat or bring your own and get out on the water and see that park from a whole different view.” -Sammy Zambon, Virginia State Parks

The wandering waters of Virginia connect communities and people across landscapes and through time. From mountain streams and lakes to tidal rivers and bays, the waters of Virginia provide an endless source of exploration.

Sammy Zambon, an avid paddler and Visitor Experience Specialist for Virginia State Parks, introduces us to Wandering Waters Paddle Quest, a program that will have you exploring our state parks from a new perspective.

Tranquil lakes and lazy stretches of river await via self-guided and ranger-led adventures. From serene sunsets to exciting river rapids, grab your paddle and hit the water at a Virginia State Park. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Website I Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Advertisers:

Let’s Go Adventures at Virginia State Parks

Buy Me A Coffee

Explore Middlesex

Mentioned in this Episode:

Wandering Waters Paddle Quest

Virginia State Parks Trail Quest

Episode 56. Let’s Go Adventures – Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, Fly Fishing, Archery, and Orienteering with Diego Riffle and Sarah King, Virginia State Parks

Connect with Sammy: Sammy.zambon@dcr.virginia.gov

Support the Show.

“For us to get to Grey’s Point campground, we had to pass through Urbanna. So one day I made a left just to explore and I was like, 'Wow! It’s so beautiful!' The boats and the waterfront, dining and nice houses. It’s this vibe that you just have to experience for yourself.” – Rivah Sistah Patricia Clement

Welcome to the charming port town of Urbanna, in the heart of Virginia’s river realm.

Step aboard as we navigate Urbanna’s river lifestyle with Rivah Sistah Patricia Clement.

From fishing and boating, to paddling and crabbing, Patricia shares her journey from her first experience waterfront camping to getting hooked on this small town’s big adventures.

Together, we’ll share why Urbanna is a must-visit for seafood lovers and history buffs alike.

Whether you’re seeking the solace of a sunset paddle or hoping to reel in a big catch, get ready to shuck your stress and hit the open water.

This is your passport to Virginia's Adventure Towns. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Website I Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Advertisers:

The Chesapeake Inn

Mentioned in this Episode:

Explore Middlesex App

Visit Middlesex County

Boating Safety and Education

The Chesapeake Inn

Grey’s Point Campground

Bethpage Camp-resort

Urbanna Town Marina

Kayak Rental Kiosk

WC Sportfishing Charter

All Dining Options

Wake Beach

Waterman’s Park

Heritage Trail

Holly Point Nature Park (Deltaville Maritime Museum)

Dragon Run

Urbanna Oyster Festival

Support the Show.

"Everybody has a favorite place in Virginia like a trail, a sunset, a beach, a lake, or a river. Everyone has a place that's special to them and everyone is invested in trying to make sure that it's there for their kids and their grandkids. And that's such a unifier. When you're on the trail with people, you're not talking about politics, you're talking about the joy that you're taking in from the surroundings and that is so powerful. That is something about Virginia and Virginians - the unifying nature of our natural beauty and how it brings people together.” – Senator Tim Kaine

Discover the “faraway nearby” of Virginia’s wild landscapes in an intimate conversation with Senator Tim Kaine, who shares his introspective journey traversing 1,200 miles of our commonwealth by foot, bike, and canoe.

His story is an invigorating blend of history, nature, and community, as well as personal challenges that have enriched his life and helped him stay grounded as a public servant.

Senator Kaine’s humorous recollections, including his trail name 'Dog Bowl' and his affectionately named canoe 'Old Raggedy,' add a lighthearted layer to his profound reflections on a life outside.

We discuss how his new book, "Walk Ride Paddle," is a love letter to Virginia and a call for all of us to connect with nature. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Website I Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Advertisers:

Visit Campbell County

James River Association

FarOut Virginia Nature Triathlon

Mentioned in this Episode:

Buy the Book, find resources, and view the book tour schedule at WalkRidePaddle.com

Episode 27 Hiking, Cycling, and Paddling the Virginia Nature Triathlon with Senator Tim Kaine (March 2022)

Episode 47 Journey Along the James: Paddling, Camping, and Exploring Virginia’s Iconic River with Charles Johnson, James River Association (June 2023)

Virginia DWR boat access sites

James River Association camping and paddling resources

Support the Show.