Reasoning In Virginia

 

Fleeing from a hurricane has recently become a way of life for residents of Vero Beach, and this year we decided to skip the step where we have to quickly board up the house and run for it. Only to join a huge traffic jam on any of the roads leading out. Then after a week in a distant motel, make our drive back. Usually waiting an extra day or two so that we drive in less traffic. And that has been how we have reasoned with hurricane season

This year Ellen decided that the time had come for me to meet her relatives in Ronceverte, West Virginia. Bonus being out of town for hurricanes, at least for one month .This led to that, something else led to the other. We wound up about a mile outside Hot Springs, Virginia. Taking scenic routes, we can be in Ronceverte in a couple of hours, easy. 

Ellen made a direct shot to Hot Springs. I drove first to West Lafayette to celebrate my mother's 100th birthday.

This is a test run. So we are here for only a month. We didn't hate it. Next year, now that we know the area better, we plan to stay longer. Our little house is around the corner from Sunoco and the IGA. Big city stores like Walmart and Food Lion are about forty minutes away and involve twisting roads and climb + descent through mountains on a narrow road.

This trip we have been hitting some high spots and must-sees. The first high spot is simply stepping out the front door. Hills and mist in the morning. Gorgeous clouds. We marvel at the distances we can see. A trip up any of nearby mountains gives spectacular views. Though on our second day, on a visit to the airport, we decided to take a highly-rated Nature Conservancy trail. About the time cold rain hit, we realized that we hadn't seen a trail marker for quite a while. We back-tracked and got out needing nothing more than hot showers.

Looking toward West Virginia from about 3,700 feet. Above Homestead Resort. This appears to be a home site. The lighter spot, about center picture, is where Ellen was painting at the time I was taking this pic.

Short trips, day trips - Cass, West Virginia to meet a friend of mine from Purdue who now lives in Charleston. A couple of trips, or was it three, to Ronceverte. Bought three used books at a small shop in Lewisburg. And, back in Virginia, Clifton Forge just down the road only forty miles away. More pics, and more words later.

On a sadder note. While my mother lived to be 100 years old, she died on August 24th. I believe that she got done what she came here to do. And we can remember her with joy. Mixed with sadness of knowing that she's gone.

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