Single mom, single income, endless possibilities

Calvert Cliffs State Park, Lusby Md

For most single moms and grandmoms, finding things to do on a limited income can be a bit challenging. Let me introduce you to the world of State Parks.  I had no idea how cool and inexpensive they can be!  The National Park Service has a great website, http://www.nps.gov/index.htm which allows you to look for parks near you.  I happen to live near Calvert Cliffs State Park, so I packed up the kids, a picnic, a few essentials and off we went!

Katie is very excited about this hike,
 no really!

Calvert Cliffs State Park is located in Southern Maryland and is well known among the locals for its fossil hunting. Visitors are encouraged to hunt for fossils along the beach area and they can keep what they find. Calvert Cliffs State Park charges $5.00 per vehicle and is open from sunrise to sunset.

There are several hiking trails, all nicely marked for us novice hikers.  We selected the 2 mile hike to the beach. The marked paths are well maintained and the path was stroller friendly. There were a couple of areas on the trail where tree roots and sand pits became a minor encumberance.  But Katie and I  managed easily around them.  Zoie enjoyed the adventure!

Along the path, there is plenty of scenery, beautiful flowers and trees, and pretty little streams.

Look Mom, flowers!

 

Pretty little stream!

After the short hike, pushing a stroller and herding a somewhat grumpy eleven year old, we finally made it to the beach (about 45 minutes).  The wind was whipping and the Chesapeake Bay was at high tide, which made it a little difficult to dig for fossils. Highly recommend checking the tide tables before going to this park. I understand prime digging time is at low tide. We dug around for about 45 minutes, the most exciting find was a dead bird (I don't understand kids and their attraction to dead things). Anyway, we headed back to the park for our picnic and some playground time.

Considering the cost of gas, $5.00 park fee and the PBJ picnic, I'd say the entire trip cost us less than $25.00, but well worth every penny!!  If you are considering hiking, don't make it too fancy. Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. A hat  and sunshades are a good idea. Pack a sweet little picnic, small and affordable: PBJ sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruit, juice and water.  Believe me, after a long walk, that picnic was like manna from heaven!!


Chesapeake Bay shoreline


For single moms/grandmoms new to hiking, I highly recommend packing the following items (especially when traveling with a toddler) and take it with you on the hike:
Water - carry at least two bottles per person
Wipes (and extra diapers)
Snacks (we were so hungry and I left the picnic in the car!)
Towels to sit on and wipe down sandy faces and feet.
Sunscreen, Insect repellent.


Calvert Cliffs State Park is located at:
9500 H. G. Trueman Road
Lusby, Maryland

Neat little playground, with plenty to do for all ages!