Whether you're a long-time Richmonder …
… or a first-time visitor, a fast-moving energizer or a slow-moving relaxer, a devotee of art and history or a lover of woods and waters, a wise-eyed 80-year-old or a wide-eyed 8-year-old – no matter what or who you are, this book is your guide to a cityload of fascinating experiences in, on, and along America’s best urban waterway: fast-water kayaking and calm-water swimming, lively walkways and secluded woodsways, provocative history and evocative art, granite-wall climbing and mountain-trail biking, wheel-friendly pathways and family-friendly festivals.
KEEP READING FOR: Treasure Clues, Strangers on the River, Book Events, Purchases and Discounts, Contact the Author.
This book is a philanthropic project with all net proceeds going for good causes. Special thanks for major funding from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, as well to other financial supporters including Brooks Smith, Jayne and Bobby Ukrop, David Robinson, and the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. (Additional gratitude in the “Special Thanks” section in the front pages of the book.)
Strangers on the River
Every 10 days or so, another "stranger" encountered on the James will be featured here.
PICTURED ABOVE: Nicole Ragland, an MD at Richmond VA Medical Center (formerly named McGuire) and children Trevor (13) and Raediance (11) participated in the 2023 Wood River Run – an annual 5K fundraiser for Friends of James River Park. Nicole grew up in Massachusetts, graduated from medical school in California, and did her residency in Richmond at VCU Health Center. Her specialty is one that was new to me: she’s a nocturnist. “Nocturnists are unique among hospitalists because they are often the only doctors on the floor after all of the other physicians have finished their rounds and gone home.” Nicole works 12-hour night shifts for 7 days in a row and then has 7 days off; she’s been doing this for 14 years.
Treasure Clues
The author has hidden a treasure somewhere along the James River within Richmond’s city limits. Finding it requires no digging, no climbing, no boating, no swimming or wading, and no moving of objects. The treasure is accompanied by a history-laced mystery and has immediate financial value. A new clue is posted here every 10 days.
CLUE #1 – January 20th: The treasure is mentioned 6 times in one article in The James River in Richmond.
CLUE #2 – January 27th: The treasure is small enough and light enough to be carried in one hand by anyone.
CLUE #3 – February 6th: The treasure was created in 1853.
CLUE #4 – February 16th: The treasure could be purchased for one dollar in 1853.
CLUE #5 – February 26th: The exact shape and color of the treasure can be found on the cover of the book, The James River in Richmond.
CLUE #6 – March 8th:The treasure was designed by James B. Longacre.
CLUE #7 – March 22nd: The treasure’s hiding place is low enough that the author’s six-year-old granddaughter can reach it.
CLUE #8 – March 28th: The book contains a photo that was taken from where the treasure is hidden.
CLUE #9 – April 7th: The treasure site has its own listing in the book (much more specific than “James River Park” and such).
CLUE #10 – April 13th: There is one photo in the book that clearly shows the general location of the treasure.
CLUE #11 – April 20th: On any sunny good-weather weekend you’ll see persons of all ages going by the site where the treasure is hidden.
CLUE #12 – April 30th: Although you can find some litter sprinkled along the urban James, it’s unusual to see any at the site of the treasure.
CLUE #13 – May 14th: Although the treasure site is visited often, daily during good weather, it is rarely crowded.
CLUE #14 – May 22nd: The general “place” where the treasure is hidden has a two-word title (e.g. Bosher’s Dam).
CLUE #15 – June 2nd: The treasure site is mentioned in the “99 Most Asked Questions” section of the book.
CLUE #16 – June 7th: You can see the James River from where the treasure is hidden.
2023 Book Events
Book-Signing/Sales:
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June 1, 11am - 7:30 pm, PlanRVA Day, 424 Hull Street, Suite 300, free, Click here for additional info and registration. (Author present with books/display)
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June 3 4pm, “AGUAS” performance (inspired by the book, The James River in Richmond) by the Latin Ballet of Virginia, author and books present, Ancarrow’s Landing, 1200 Brander Street.
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June 10, 11am-5pm, Richmond Multicultural Festival, Dogwood Dell, Free, vendor tent with books and author
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From time to time through September 30, display tent with books, maps, info and author, Pony Pasture Park, 7200 Riverside Drive.
Deep discount price of $16.50 (includes tax and shipping) for the following categories:
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IF YOUR PHOTO IS IN THE BOOK (If the author photographed you and you signed a Release Form, you are included.) Use code INTHEBOOK
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IF YOUR PHOTO IS ON THE WEBSITE – Use code ONTHEWEB
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If you are ordering books for a NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION or GOVERNMENT ENTITY. Use code NONPROFITS
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If you are ordering books for your COMPANY’S EMPLOYEES. (minimum 10) Use code FOREMPLOYEES
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If you are ordering books for members of your BOOK CLUB, RECREATION ASSOCIATION, EXERCISE GROUP, CHURCH CLASS, ETC. (minimum 10) Use code FORCLUBS
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If you are ordering books for students/families in YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL. (minimum 10) Use code STUDENTS&SCHOOLS
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If you are ordering books for a PERSONAL EVENT or gathering: birthday party, vacation group, picnic group, family reunion, etc. (minimum 10) Use code FUN&EVENTS
Purchases & Discounts
Regular-priced books can be ordered by clicking the button below, or by sending a check for $26.50 each, made payable to Bryan Bunch LLC, to: Bryan Bunch LLC, P.O. Box 27471, Richmond, VA 23261. (Price includes $19.95 retail price, shipping, and taxes.) Please be sure to include your shipping information.
Contact the Author
Author John Bryan welcomes comments about typos and mistakes, important things that he should have included, suggestions for a next edition, and general feedback. He also welcomes comments about this website. Contact John by e-mail here, and/or by snail mail: John Bryan, Bryan Bunch LLC. P.O. Box 27471, Richmond, VA 23261
¡ESPAÑOL!
El libro presenta una sección especial en español, y 1,000 libros gratuitos están disponibles de forma gratuita para los residentes de habla hispana de la región de Richmond. Comuníquese con el autor a jbryanfish@aol.com para obtener más información.
TRANSLATION: The book features a special Spanish language section, and 1,000 free books are available free for Spanish language residents of the Richmond region. Contact the author here for more information.
Reunión de quinceañeras en el puente T-Pott: aparece en el libro en la página 185.
TRANSLATION: Quinceanera gathering on the T-Pott Bridge – featured in the book on page 185.
Meet author John Bryan — named a "ParkStar" by Friends of James River Park
Where to Purchase Books in Greater Richmond
Book People – 10464 Ridgefield Parkway
Computerology – 1925 West Cary Street
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – 1800 Lakeside Avenue
Plan 9 Records – 3017 West Cary Street
Richmond Canal Boat Tours Kiosk – 139 Virginia Street
Trail Hut – 114 N. 2nd Street