A slow day at work this week gave me the chance to visit Crump Park
which is the site of historic Meadow Farm. The farm is one of the
last remaining 19th-century farms where today a museum and farmhouse
offer glimpses into the past.

Meadow Farm is 12 miles north of downtown Richmond. Take I-95, exit
84 to I-295 west. Take the Woodman Road South exit to Mountain
Road. Turn right. Follow the signs on Mountain Road.

The Meadow Farm Letterbox is on a short easy trail in the woods on
the farmland. Park in the museum parking lot and follow the paved
path towards the farmhouse. At the red brick path leading to the
house, go left towards the horse corral. Pass the blacksmith forge
to the hiking sign. Follow path passing the sheep to enter the woods.

Cross the first footbridge and go straight, which takes you onto the
trail at the back end of the loop, over one more foot bridge. The
loop is short and it's hard to ignore the sound of the traffic so
closeby. The birds and scampering squirrels do try to compete and
add a little atmosphere to the walk. Follow trail left passed sign
post 14. Pine needles and fallen leaves at some points camouflage
the trail, but if you pause and take a good look, the way is apparent.

At signpost 10, you're practically in the backyards of the
neighboring houses, something I'm sure no Civil War soldier could
ever imagine as he travelled through these woods.

Crossing the 3rd footbridge over the creek, you'll be winding back
towards the farmhouse. At signpost 4, leave the trail to the left
and walk towards the segment of fence at the edge of the wood.

The Meadow Farm letterbox is behind the fence posts lying on the
ground. Recover with leaves and piece of log keeping it from view.

Finding the letterbox won't take long, and if the museum and
farmhouse are closed, the grounds are nice to explore. The animals
are usually out, and you may even see the cow who posed for the
Meadow Farm stamp.


Have fun and be safe,

Ladybug