That time we went to Weston WV June 13th 2017

Hello All,

After we left our beautiful hotel in Elkins WV we headed about 40 minutes NW to the little town of Weston WV.  I later learned is a coal mining area and is just a gem in the middle of nowhere.  The architecture there was amazing and I would love to go back someday.

This was the local library (check out my other blog travelinglibraries to see more pictures)

After having lunch we found this beautiful bank.  I was so taken by the outside I wanted to go in.  I was not disappointed.  It was amazingly beautiful inside as well.  So much detail and care went into this building dating back to the 1800's

This part of the bank made me think of the set of Madmen.  I could just see Don Draper coming down this winding staircase.  This section was built in the 1980's

Next we went to the reason why we came to Weston-- The Tri-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.  We arrived just in time for a 1pm tour.  It was creepy with the tour guide dressed in a vintage nurses uniform.  We had a private tour since we were the only ones in our group.  It was very interesting to hear the history of the place.  By the end I felt so sad for some of the people who lived there. 

 Back side of the asylum-

 Ashton always wanting a sodie pop! 

 Front

This is when we were getting ready to leave-  Ashton doing his famous "vape- nash" signs.

We left a little over an hour after we arrived here-- just in time for a serious thunder storm to hit.  We had a long 3 hour ride home going on the interstate this time instead of our original plan to back track.  We had had enough of mountain driving back then.  I'm glad we decided that- I wouldn't have wanted to be on those mountains in that rain! 

It was a great little trip.  We hope to go to NYC next year- but we'll see. 

A wonderful time in WV-- seeing more of our state.  We were only 100 miles from Charleston. 

Maybe next time.

Until Next Time.....

June Adventure! Hiking at Greenbrier State Park Boonsboro MD June 26th 2017

Hello All!

I was just itchin' to get back out into the woods after a fun experience at Annapolis Rock- so I decided to go to Greenbrier State Park. It was very nice out- not too hot and clear skies.  My original thoughts were to do the Big Red Trail- supposedly 4.5 miles at moderate level-- but when I got there and read the trail maps and descriptions from the park it was marked strenuous.  What?!  Better not do that.....

So.....

I decided to start with a much smaller trail- marked "good for beginners" :)

At only 0.8 miles it was a good way to warm up since I hadn't been on a long walk/hike it a few weeks.  It was exactly what I needed-- to get out into the woods and enjoy the peace of nature.  It was stunning.

 The first thing on this trail was going what felt like straight up and I was shocked at how my heart was pounding- but once I got to more level ground I was met with an expanse of ferns.

 This trail wasn't as clear as the one at Annapolis Rock- so using the blaze on the trees really helped. 

 This trail was perfect for teaching a beginner to follow different blazes.  I had my map with me but it was perfect to learn these skills on this little trail.

 At the half way mark of the trail I came upon this little seating area.  I sat and enjoyed the scenery for awhile before moving on. 

Some crows were calling in the later part of this trail- making me look into the high tree tops- what I saw was gorgeous. 

I didn't see anyone else on the trail and no bear!  I felt much more relaxed on this hike.  I think because I was in a state park and I could just barely hear the chatter of the people at the lake it made me feel safer.  The chatter did fade the deeper I went into the woods. 

Feeling good and not tired yet, I decided to do another trail--  I sat down for a snack while I decided my route.

I decided to do a portion of the Big Red Trail to get to Copperhead Trail.  I would practice following my map and following blazes.  It wasn't hard at all.  I saw two deer and had a great time.  I will baby step to the full Big Red Trail.

I didn't take pictures on this trail.  It was a wonderful hike and I'm looking forward to going back.  I have set a goal to hike all the trails in the park. 

All in all I only hiked alittle over 2 miles.  It was great and I felt really good and confident when I finished.  My drive home was relaxing and my soul had been filled back up to the brim!

Next month I go camping!  Woohoo!

Until Next Time.