POSTCARD: Pipeline Rapids || James River Park System

The eastern edge of the Pipeline Rapids.

I regularly rely on parts of the downtown trail system for my morning workouts, and I am fortunate to have access to the James River Trail System. These downtown trails create an urban wilderness, offering endless routes that blend concrete paths, greenspaces, and dirt trails into a seamless network.

Like most people, I’m a creature of habit, often sticking to the same routes for running or rucking. While the effort is consistent, the repetition has kept me from progressing toward the goals I’ve set for myself.

One cold morning, at the last minute, I decided to switch up my usual path. About 15 minutes into my ruck, I found myself crossing the eastern edge of the Pipeline Rapids on the James, near one of the many bridges that cut through downtown.

I’d crossed this section of the river countless times before, but never from the direction I took that day. The water level was higher than usual, and the trees along the riverbanks made the scene feel colder than it truly was. The downtown skyline gleamed with a warm, orange glow as the early sun kissed the buildings. Looking back up at the river, I was struck by a breathtaking view that demanded to be captured.

The image at the beginning of this post came from that change in direction. Had I stuck to my usual routine, I would have missed it. That moment reminded me how even a small shift can yield unexpected results. I realized that I am the only one who can choose to make that change.

Navigate over to our related Postcard Series posts at:

 

• Postcard Canal Walk James River Park 
• Postcard Flatwater Kayaking James River. 
• Postcard Night Sky Festival Shenandoah National Park
  

To see more photos in this series, navigate over to Navigate to Your Adventure on Flickr.