7 islands wildlife refuge trails then off to tuckahoe market for lunch

 Seven Islands is such an interesting spot for a hike, and the dogs just love going out there.  It is off kodak road and most folks get there by going interstate and get off Midway exit and follow signs to Wildlife refuge area.   There are some new signs and at the parking lot before heading up the hill you can see list of all the birds who inhabit this sanctuary.   The mowed trails are easy to follow and up 300 yards there is a great spot for views and new sign showing you which mountain is LeConte etc.  We headed out a loop then by Shumperts pond.  Looking down to the fields below we could see a planned burn with workers down below.  We could still head out the short trail that goes to a point where at one time you could see an Eagle nest, but today we didn't find it.  We cut our river trail short due to the controlled burn, we headed across to refurbished white farm house and cut to dirt trails thru the woods back down to the water.  After coming thru the woods we walked along water to the boat launch where buddies like Ed McCalister often take paddlers down to have some fun on the French Broad.   AFter our 4 miles we headed to Tuckahoe market on Kodak.  It is a little store with a grill in the back and good home cooked food.  www.legacyparks.org has links to parks/wildlife refuges around the area.  Next time I need to brush up on my bird knowledge as there are hundreds of different types out at Seven Islands.