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Date published: 2/22/2009
Local hike was an eye-opener
These days, we are taught to think global--maybe. Buy global--perhaps not. So, tour local? Yes. You see, the chance is that a jewel with unexpected pleasure is just outside your back door. What a terrific warm Sunday treat it was, despite the January dead of winter, right here at Gari Melchers' estate, to be led on a hike of 25-plus acres through Virginia land. At Belmont (which is also the Stafford County Visitor Center), the two guides, Beatta and Diane, were knowledgeable and enthusiastic. They were real troupers. We had a bunch of little old ladies who jumped rocks riverside, climbed forest paths, and added lots of fun to the group, along with the younger and much more cynical, who thought they had seen it all. The Visitor Center and estate are such huge assets to the local community; and sadly, it would not surprise me that most locals never turn them to their advantage. I am guilty of the same thing, having moved here from Chicago and now regret not having visited neat places there. Just do it. No questions asked. This is definitely one of the best things going on around here for a nice weekend afternoon. You will learn much and perhaps truly appreciate why this area of the North American continent spawned such great thinking. Michael Savich Stafford
1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
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