THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 4, 1996 TAG: 9608020203
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: SUMMER SUN DAYS
A weekly suggestion on something fun that you, your friends and family can
enjoy this season at the beach
SOURCE: BY LORI A. DENNEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 64 lines
Believe it or not, one of the most exciting things about participating in a False Cape State Park program is the modern-day bus ride through the pristine 4,321-acre site.
``The ride is quite an experience,'' said Gary Williamson, the park's chief ranger and interpreter.
``You'll likely see deer, herons or egrets, nutria or an occasional wild pig or red fox. It's part of the overall experience of the park.''
Round-trip bus rides are a routine part of the park's many scheduled events.
When patrons sign up for a walk or canoe trip, park officials drive a green school bus to shuttle folks in and out of the area's delicate wilderness.
False Cape, a barrier spit adjacent to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, is one of the few places in the city where wild animals still roam free and that, in part, is due to restricted park access.
Vehicular traffic is strictly prohibited while hiking, biking and walking the 10 miles round-trip along the beach or through Back Bay is encouraged to reach the remote area.
The park offers an array of programs throughout the year that include the free shuttle service.
Among the most popular events this year, Williamson said, are the sunset and moonlight canoe trips.
For $5 a person, park officials guide eight canoes with three people in each through the park's delicate eco-system of marshes and forested wetlands.
The trip takes about 1 1/2 hours and life jackets are provided.
``The trips have been very successful,'' said Williamson, a state park ranger for 20 years.
``It's just beautiful on a full moon and at sunset, when things cool down, it's a great time to see all the wildlife.''
The park plans to offer sunset and moonlit canoe trips through the fall.
August canoe excursions are already booked, but within the next two weeks park officials hope to have a new schedule out that will feature canoe trips possibly through mid-November, Williamson said.
The park also offers a wilderness walk where folks hike from Back Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, all the while hearing information given by park employees on the flora, fauna and history of the park.
The cost for the walk is $3 per person. A wilderness walk will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 31.
Williamson is also hosting a ``Snakes Alive!'' program where he gives visitors an up-close and personal look at several snakes indigenous to the area, including poisonous and non-poisonous varieties.
Williamson's next program will be held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. next Sunday. The cost is $3 per person.
Participants in all the False Cape events are encouraged to bring drinking water (the park has none), wear appropriate clothing and bring insect repellent.
Reservations are required for all events, and those interested are encouraged to reserve a spot early.
Participants of all programs catch the bus at the Little Island City Park, 3750 Sandpiper Road, in Sandbridge.
The park's office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. MEMO: For information or reservations, call 426-7128. by CNB