Traveling E ...

spring 2025

2025-04-06T00:30:00.029-04:00

hey there!! did you get a bunch done this week? i've been trying to help my parents, my mom hurt her knee / ankle ...no clue what she did, but it is taking some time to get over ...so laundry and such kind of errands, how don't forget this and that, LOL!!... amazing how they have such a routine but dad doesn't seem to know what mom does around there and now that he is having to help out more, he is shocked by all the additional work. LOL!! hope you are well. the leaves are all popping out on the limbs, it is funny how you think you recall what happens each year but it is a nice shock to see it happening each and every year. please remember to update your blog link to my blog as : "please click here" no longer the dot com ... GoDaddy is driving me bonkers say you no longer own the link ... DUH! i know that, guess some1 else can pay you for that domain ...why did i pay for that????!?!?!?!?! at the time i thought it was smart now i think ... i mean it was only a few dollars but still. oh well, you live and learn. right? i think so. have a nice week. leave me a comment with what you are up to? chat again soon. bye for now. Beth ( ;

Gulf gas station, TN

2025-03-30T00:30:00.017-04:00

Gulf Gas Station, Byrdstown, TN 1946

On front of the gas station it says "1946". The left side says "Byrdstown, 1917" ... when I search online multiple people speak of it not being open when they did visit. I know we were passing through so no real time to visit and it was super early in the AM. But we made a point to take a picture or 2. The hubs love a sweet looking ole' gas station. Do you go out and searching for ole' store, gas station and other suchness? Hope you are well today. Thank you so kindly for your visits and your comments, You ROCK!!! Take Care. Beth ( ;

York Mill, TN

2025-03-23T00:30:00.021-04:00

Sergeant Alvin York Mill State Historic Area, Pall Mall, TN

https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sgt-alvin-c-york

...pays tribute to one of the most decorated soldiers of WWI.

I know we have stopped here before, it does have a very clean restroom and a perfect stopping point to stretch your legs and enjoy the views. What's happening? Are you well? Good weather? Thank you so kindly for stopping by. I did check to see if I had past views of this beauty ...but no luck ...so I am guessing I didn't share them at that past moment?? Thinky face??! It was fun to see what views I took verses what the hubby did. Several photos he is in mine and I am in his. LOL!! I truly appreciate that the locals keep this area beautiful. This mill is treasured for sure ...most respect for that, I wish so many other mills were respected as this one. Have a blessed day. Take Care. Beth ( ;

Nov 2024

2025-03-16T00:30:00.000-04:00

The Paint Bank General Store

16071 Paint Bank Road

Paint Bank, VA 24131

540.897.5000

https://www.paintbankgeneralstore.com/

Before we went to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary we hung out with the in-laws in Paint Bank, Virginia ... stopping that General Store to celebrate the MIL's 80th birthday. So fun. We have been to this General Store before (they have the a store on the top floor with Christmas ornaments for sale and other bits ...we did take pics so the MIL could see without walking up the steep stairs) ... and knew they 2 of them would love it as well. They have a beautiful ole' mill in the back.

The Olde Mill Inn Bed & Breakfast

603 Pennlyn Avenue, TN, 37724

423.869.0868

https://www.oldemillinnbnb.com/

In November 2024 ...we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary on November 6th ...we took a trip to celebrate then ... to stay a few nights. Each breakfast was magically different, I must admit I was a bit concerned ...who would wish for a same ole' meal every day. LOL!! Each day was a different chef, helpers and folks staying at the B & B. So that was fun. A great stopping point for us to get around and check out some biking paths, hiking spots, views ... and other must see sights. The mill was all dressed up for Halloween, fall autumnal season ...very pretty. It was an adjustment to wait til 9 am for breakfast each morning ...the AM that we were leaving ...we had to be patient ....our neck for the woods part of VA ...takes a while to get home ...from this part of TN ...and being that November is in the later time of the year ... it gets darker ...quicker ...but it was so fun. Good memories.

Little Congress Bicycle Museum

807 Llewellyn Street, Cumberland Gap, TN 37724

423.869.9993

bicyclemusuem.net

When we got the B & B ... we noticed this bike place ...walked around, right out the door of the B & B, opened the door and walked in ...no 1 was around (open from 8 am to 8 pm) ...There are cameras ... a bit odd ...but so fun to check out and see all these beauties. FUN TIMES!! You can even go to this website and understand what each of these bikes are ...if you so desire ... found that interesting that they list them on their website. VERY COOL!! Thank you so much for stopping in today. Hope you are well. Take Care. Beth ( ;

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park

2025-03-09T00:30:00.016-05:00

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, 4605 Pickett Park Hwy, Jamestown, TN 38556

Gorgeous state park ...these pics did separate a bit ...but I believe you can tell where they are together ... several of the hikes were roped off from tree damaged ...seems it happened a long time ago ...we were there November 2024, but I am guessing that the repairs are not on their top of the list to get done?? No clue??! Made my hubby miss his Corvette ...there was a group of them visiting the park as well as the 2 of us. The bridge was kind of shaky ...we were walking back to the truck ... and a couple were walking their dogs ...the dog who was leading (their were 2 of them) was scared about the bridge ...I didn't really enjoy the shaking ...glad for steady ground. Thanks for enjoying the views with me. Hope you are well this week. Take Care. Beth ( ;

Cumberland Gap, TN

2025-03-02T00:30:00.031-05:00

Out of the room we stay at in "The Olde Mill Inn Bed & Breakfast" we have a view looking up to these mountains ...but this is looking down on the area of Cumberland Gap, TN. So fun to pick out each business ...very awesome! It always makes me laugh when you can stand spots where you are in multiple states, have you ever done this before?

Right down from the B & B ...is this spot to check out ... I enjoy how you can do and see so much in such a small area. Very quiet most of the time. Iron Furnace I do believe they were calling it. i find it interesting that Virginia, TN & Kentucky are all in this area ... at the tips of each of them ... very neat. check out the map if you are curious. ( ;

Have a great day. Thank you so kindly for stopping by. Beth

just words...

2025-02-23T00:30:00.028-05:00

wish for advice please...

has anyone in the bloggy world ever gone from a . com to just a blogspot again ...at the end of March 2025 I am not gonna stop paying for my . com any more in this foreseeable future??! i assumed way back when that it would go into something to make a bit of money, I might hook up with other travel folks or folks wishing to do as other blogger once did, but??! ... what a joke now that i look back on it. I have found it tough to get in with the other bloggers, oh well, "c'est la vie" is the saying i do believe, we all have dreams some happen, others are squashed to complete mush. wondering if you are able to keep your photos or what will be there when it is gone? it doesn't really matter, I will not be heartbroken they are gone if they are as such, but hope they will somehow stick around, some how, some way?!?

update in the real world, or daily life:

we had a tree fall on your house, nothing that problematic relatively speaking ...it will not be cheap (but what is this day and age, lol. humor is always the way for me, on how i try to keep positive and so on, gotta keep pluggin' along if you get down and out and get angry and other sad kind of feelings, what good does that do you or for your mental well being, not worth it.) ... gutter or 2, roof shingles, and some flower boxes are needed ...guess we will see? for now we are waiting on our neighborhood organization to decide will it be a joint thing or trying to decide who is on what side of the property stakes. theirs. ours. the hubs is hoping we will take care of our house repairs and they will take care of the tree removal??! that storm which fell right after Valentines day 2025, was lots of quick falling rain for us in eastern VA (had it been colder it would have been that nasty ice or maybe a huge snowfall, but they are still calling for other weather this coming end of the week? never know.) and then wind ...not a good mixture and sadly this tree didn't know the rules of knowing to fall away from the house not on it or to close to it. silly tree.

hope your lives are going well in February 2025. take care. drop me a comment. advice is appreciated or maybe you might know of someone else in the bloggy world who has done something similar?? thanks. - E.

Christmas Vacation

2025-02-16T00:30:00.020-05:00

On a weekend of errands in December 2024 ... right before the big change of New Year of 2025 ...we saw this beauty ... I would think you are familiar with the movie "Christmas Vacation", with Chevy Chase?? Too funny, right? Loved it. My hubby had seen it when I was not in the truck and we made a point to go by and get these photos. Do you have a favorite Christmas film you can watch over and over? This is one of those for us. Have a blessed day. Hope your 2025 ...is going well ... how is writing that going for you ... 2025 ...gotta do that a bunch. LOL!! This is the first Sunday I've had a moment to share these photos. Drop me a comment, tell me how life is, how the family, friends and you are doing??! Take Care. Beth ( ;

West VA Covered Bridges

2025-02-09T00:30:00.023-05:00

This one was off the beaten path as they say ... and not in the big parts (cities or towns) of West VA ... I'm seeing double (funny how so many bridges can start to look similar or have bits that are just so similar but not??! odd.) ... after looking at all the covered bridges, so many to pick from ... WOW!!! What was so kind a man (so many folks would just run on through, but he made a point to give us a chance to grab the photo, before he drove through) who lived a while passed this bridge took the time for us to take a picture ... so KIND!! I love kind humans. so COOL!!

Philippi Covered Bridge

Now I know we visited this bridge years ago ...but for some reason it looked more sad this time ... worn ...where as the last time it was more happy ...so maybe it has been recently painted back then or whatnot???!! A must see for sure ... it is a busy bridge ...so cool.

Indian Creek Covered Bridge (I think so? it doesn't show the sizing in any pics so I am wondering if I have the correct bridge?? not sure.)

When in West VA back in end of Sept beginning of October 2024 ... we saw these beauties. so PRETTY!!! What fun. Are there covered bridges you hope to see ... get out there at see them asap, always a blast. Hope you are well. Take care this week. Beth ( ;

North Bend Rail Trail

2025-02-02T00:30:00.020-05:00

"North Bend Rail Trail"

"72 miles across north-central and western West VA. wilderness path takes you across 36 bridges, 10 tunnels and is part of the 5,500 mile American Discovery Trail, which spans the length of the USA. #19 tunnel also called "Silver Run Tunnel" is haunted."

sounds like that in Cairo and Petroleum, West VA ....are both a part of this trail ... I shared Cairo on the 19th of January ...so if you missed it please catch up ... such a gorgeous area of West VA. so so so pretty. The leaves were starting to change, falling on the ground ...so the sounds were all around ... crunching, birds ... not to many people ... a few here and there. But not overly busy. Taking in Sept end of the month and beginning of October 2024. Just a week away ...takes a few troubles away, LOL!! Nice to just see something new to you ... and breathe. SO NICE!!! I will say that in #19 tunnel I felt some force, like it did wish for me to leave ... I believe in GHOSTS but I am not saying it was something wild like and such. No clue ...but it was not something or somewhere I wanted to stay forever ...I was ready to move on through, but it was kind of dark in there. LOL!! Hope you had a blast visiting today. Please come back again soon. Take Care. Beth ( ;

MON trail, West, VA

2025-01-26T00:30:00.003-05:00

this building was at the beginning of trail, there are restrooms if need be ...

This is called the "MON" river trail, West VA, along Monogahela River ... each day for 3 days beginning of October 2024 and end of Sept, we road on our bikes on 2 different trails, not sure which I prefer more, both are gorgeous areas of West VA and enjoyable rides ... we took time in West VA ... to just chill ... (please for more information "see here") if by chance I have messed up these photos in the order and so on ... I know so many of the bike trails we go on are RAILS to TRAILS paths and are so awesome ...so you will never be sad. Such fun. Great exercise and West VA is awesome always. Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you are well. Take Care. Beth ( :

Cairo, West VA

2025-01-19T00:30:00.009-05:00

We never thought to ask any one we met around here how you pronounce this towns name, so to be completely honest we are clueless on that. LOL!! If you are a lover of antiques this location had one ...we walked around a bit, the place was bumper to bumper filled with all items you can not imagine ...I always wonder when a place is that filled how do you ever find what you are looking for? WOW!!! We actually did do the bike trail and then traveled around Cairo, but I switched it up and showed it in reverse order ... for fun, I mean why not??! ENJOY!

The 1st four photos there are of an abandoned tunnel ... I truly have no clue why this was as such ... maybe it needed to my repair to be updated so the train folks just let it go ... and had the train path just a bit over ... so I mean they are so close to the similar trail ...but it was fun to see ... you can only go on and see the end ... but the rocks are blocking the exit ...so you will have to turn around to get out of there. It was fun to see ... I enjoy the photos the hubs took ... the bokeh i think they do call it ...VERY COOL!!

Matt Turner Memorial Gazebo "In Memory Of W VA State Policeman Lt. Matt Turner", we took a break at this gazebo and had a bite to eat and some water ... nice break for the day. SUCH A PRETTY SPOT.

North Bend Rail Trail

We were biking, a couple was hiking, we chatting for a bit and we agree to take their photo if they would take ours ... looks cute. Now don't we? I love it when folks are super friendly. SO KIND. Thank you friendly folks. SO COOL!! I wish I had taken out the flashlight in my pocket but it looks pretty darn cute ... considering we don't get our photo taken much any more. Do you?

I must say that knowing where the biking path goes is a bit difficult be sure to have your maps (a bit of time frame here, we did this trip end of Sept beginning of October 2024 ... when Hurricane Helene had come through so many locations and flooded them out. The blue skies there in the area of Cairo was so nice to see for a change, is it not amazing how BLUE SKIES are the best after a rain storm for many days. GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) ... maybe on your cell phone or whatnot ... we have always been folks who if a bigger vehicle is coming we get the heck out dodge as they say ... but a vehicle was coming on the bike path ...that is what i find odd ...it was not a work vehicle no clue what or who it was ...but makes you feel a bit like WHAT?? kind of wild. I think I got most of the photos in the right bunch ... fingers and toes crossed on that one. Joking there. LOL!! Have a great day. See you again soon. Beth ( ;

High Bridge Trail SP, VA

2025-01-12T00:30:00.043-05:00

High Bridge Trail, Farmville, VA

"High Bridge Trail State Park, Southside VA converted from a rail line last belonging to Norfolk Southern. opened 2008, most recent extension into the town of Pamplin completed in Spring 2024."

length: 166 miles

In Sept 2024, end of the month almost the beginning of October ... when the hurricane Helene (if you check out those pics above you can see the high river waters, wild how waters go, just take over the lands, wild times!!!) had just came through, shocked how it really effect the area considering we don't live on the coast, I wouldn't be surprised if the coast was even worse off ...which we knew would be the case ...but it's just amazing how rough it truly was ... lots of rain and wind (which caused accidents, power outages, lots of limbs and trees down, where my parents are, they had local school all messed up, some students were unable to get home because of down trees, the parents were really quite stressed over it all. can't imagine how the teachers felt with it all. just a time of things). 11 miles is what we did that day, round trip. There was much more to be ridden but we did enjoy the day either way! It was a busy day, lots of folks hiking, biking and just enjoying the beautiful weather day. Even stopped in to see a bike guy to work on my headset (the hand bar area of my bike, who knew what this or that is called, I was not in the know it all, learning always.) Thank you for stopping by. Take Care and see you once again next week. Be Well. Beth ( ;

Looking back

2025-01-05T00:30:00.070-05:00

100th anniversary 1920 - 2020 "Brightwell's Mill", Madison Heights, Virginia

"created in the early 1800s and was constructed a second time following a

destructive flood in August 1942."

I think we have visited this mill maybe 2 or 3 times ... now it has never been open ...but on the website it says it has "events", maybe when you visit be sure to check it out when it is available for a tour or Christmas / Thanksgiving time? That would be away awesome to see it during the seasonal time. This trip happened Sept 2024 ... end of the month ...we took a bike ride through Madison Heights and ate our Little Caesars pizza at this mill before going home. Hope you enjoy this day with me ...I hope 2025 will be awesome for us all ... What are you plans?

Galt's Mill Complex, Madison Heights, VA. check out the info you can find on Wikipedia ...shocked to see this beauty up and close and personal ... we saw it surrounded by trees and brush. Sad to see it needed some tender loving care.

"1813. 2 story brick structures. originally 5 1/5 stories, lowered to present height about 1950. Mill remained in operation until 1956. "

Next few photos are taken on the Lynchburg Trail System, this appears to be an old mil in disrepair ...sad to see it as such ...but what great bones.

I must say that this trail was fun but super busy ...you could have taken a chance to enjoy some food, shopping and just chill for a while before you get back onto you bike to enjoy the views. Lots of folks riding bikes, walking (running) and walking their dogs. All depends on what you are looking for, just get going. I hope you can zoom into this photo ... this is a creative art piece of a school bus ...very fun indeed!!!

Not sure if this is a bee? Mosquito? or what kind of critter but sure is fun. Get those kiddie poohs involved in walking at checking this area. There was a farmers market going on ... such fun!!!

"Amazement Square" is what they call this area, at the front of the store is a caterpillar ...so COOL!! "Be Kind, Be Thinking Be Safe are in their windows".

This 2 I'll keep together ...they were super close to each other, there was a man painting ...guessing it would be this waterfall ... several folks fishing, very interesting path.

I will always say that the way that google spaces out your photos is just NUTS!! This is the building that was right beside this first photo I did share ... Very interesting. Curious what did happen, it appears to have had a recent fire ... can't make out the notes?

These 3 photos above were together and very busy with folks ... kind of hard to dodge folks and not get all confused ... I am curious how they decided how to route this path ... apparently they have been working on the route recently with some construction, etc. ... hoping to make some approvements for all to enjoy. Not sure we will get back ...but we will see?!?!?!?

I recall this RED HIGH HEEL SHOE as a kid, my grandma Ruby ...would go there for shoes all the time ...not sure what they sell now??!? "Craddock Terry Hotel", is what it says by the red high heel shoe. I thought it might say something about it on their website ...it shows it as a bit but really not history or whatnot??! Curious.

On this building is a bunch of bees ...talking about pollinating. Very cool ...keeping those kiddie poohs learning and I guess if adults are clueless about bees ...it will give them a tidbit or 2. We had to stop and enjoy this view and take it all in.

Since the hubs is a Coke collector and I enjoy RED and WHITE we had to take a moment and enjoy this view.

A train tunnel ...very cool ... lights throughout to be sure you can see a-okay ... very cool. Amazing how chilly it was inside. ... I really enjoy seeing how the trains moved on through these amazing Virginian mountains. I know this was a long one but I couldn't decide how to break it apart ...so I did lump it into 1 post. How's life? What you know? Drop me a comment or 2 and tell me something going on in your life. Be Well. Take Care. Beth ( ;

VA Blue Ridge Railway Trail

2024-12-29T00:30:00.005-05:00

Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail

"6.5 mile gravel trail in Amherst County, VA that's open year-round for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Follows the path of the former VA Blue Ridge Railway, which was a short-line railway that ran from Tye River Depot to Massies Mill. The trail was completed in sections between 2003 and 2010. "

Not to far from our home ... hour or more ... is this nice slow or quick bike trail ... depending on how you are riding (driving, walking or horse riding??!!!) Bryan wished for a certain lunch spot but by the time we did the return trip it was packed with folks ... I joked that you should have taken it when you first went down but he said he didn't know if there was a better spot??!! Beggars can not be choosers ... is that not the saying??! Gorgeous farm land throughout the trails ... beautiful day ...not to warm or cool ... just right. We saw 2 snakes ... (1 black, Beth is cool with him but wishes him to move on ...the other one was trying to hide under a leaf or 2 ...but didn't know I saw him and I zoomed on by ... hubs missed him completely, no spots or design at all just a brownish 1 with a tan or orange-ish belly ... no pics were taken ... nope I am good ... just imagine them if you care 2???!!? LOL!!) Trip was during Sept middle part of the month 2024. Hope you are well. Take Care. Beth ( ;

Piece of HEAVEN

2024-12-22T00:30:00.029-05:00

This house in Dugspur, VA (we stayed for a week in end of August early Sept 2024) ... Carroll County, Route 221 ... such a beauty ... I think it was Air BNB or another such situation ... I forget all the names, the hubby is in charge there ...this was a location so quiet, off the beaten path (gorgeous gardens, enjoyed the decorative fencing, so well taken care of, the decor inside the home was so cute) ... surrounded by cows ... birds, all other critters. It such a nice time to just chill. Look at those views, those clouds ...the hosts were so kind, so friendly ... we have been so lucky to have found some of the best hosts ...really perfect ... she brought us homemade cake and tomatoes from her garden. We looked around her property ...so lucky are they ... glad they did share the views with us and what a blast!! A real welcome time to get there and just disconnect from the world and go to this heaven for the evening. After our biking trips and exercise it was nice to get out and enjoy it. Taking the time to open and close 2 cattle gates and just veg ..having our meals out on the patio. Having a nice cold drink, rocking in the rocking chairs. The hubs in the hammock, I have fallen out of hammocks in my earlier days so they are not my favorite seat. He can have those this day and age. What a good vacation. Are you ready for the New Year? What are you reading lately? Take Care and thank you so kindly for stopping by. See ya again soon. Beth ( ;

Stores from VA

2024-12-15T00:30:00.005-05:00

A.J. Owens ... wondering who that is? I am guessing that it once was a store ... on a trip in late August early Sept of this year 2024. ... we saw these "store fronts" so fun ... just had to share. We were in southwest VA.

Puckett's General Store,

2903 Julia Simpkins Road, Hiwassee, VA 24347 (540) 315-2166

not sure you can zoom in ...but the "open sign" does say OPEN ...but when I tried to google this store it says CLOSED temporarily? I wonder??!! They sell Guns and Ammo from a sign lower there on the left side of the building ...in case you might be in need of that service?

Didn't get a head on shot of this beauty ... I enjoy the RED roof ... so eye appealing ... wondering? Didn't see any shoppers stopping in.

This one when you zoom for me the writing gets really pixelized??! Oh well, Curious what the sell in there ... usually drinks and snacks. What do you find in local similar shops in your neck of the woods?

On the side of the road, just a families, some what look like store, not open to public but just a great view and too cute not to share!! ENJOY! Thank you so kindly for stopping in ... Hope you are well and Doing all you wish to do before the New Year. Take Care. See ya again soon. Beth ( ;

New River Trail State Park, VA

2024-12-08T00:30:00.047-05:00

New River Trail State Park, Virginia

"New River Trail State Park is a 57.7 mile rail trail and state park located entirely in southwest VA, extending from the trail's northeastern terminus in Pulaski to its southern terminus in Galax, with a 5.5 mile spur from Fries Junction on the mail trail to Fries"

Hey there, we took this trip early Sept 2024 end of August. Look at those gorgeous clouds, such fun days, several of them I could have taken a flannel but didn't and really was chilly at multiple spots on the trails, and when you arrived at the sunny parts I really had a chance to soak in the sun. So warm at those moments. Meet some great folks along the way, chatting about this or that. Meeting biking folks is always fun. There are several restroom stops along the way, no clue how or where they decide to put them but they are there for the important bathroom moments. So it wasn't too long ago. ... gorgeous temperatures. 3 total days, didn't take the whole trail in ... Southern part from Fries to Galax and back. Took Draper to just passed Hiwassee. Last year we took Foster Falls south to the Austinville trestle. This is not the total plan because you know how it is when you go only so far ... next visit we will hope to do more of the trail. FUN TIMES!!! So great, we took some sandwiches, waters and other small snacks in our bike pack and it was way awesome!!! Some section were more busy than others ...no clue why? & for what reason ... it was during the week ... after Labor Day??!!?!?!?!? So glad you stopped by, hope you did enjoy your visit. Thank you for your comments. Be Well and Take Care. Beth ( ;

Keeney's Creek

2024-12-01T00:30:00.016-05:00

Keeney Creek Railroad Bridge - Keeney's Creek Road

Going towards "Nuttallburg", West VA, you go through (on) this really dirty gravel road and going back out we noticed this gorgeous "moss covered" bridge, so picturesque, can you see it there? it is almost hidden? I just caught it out of my side of the vehicle and the hubs said let's turn around and grab the view through our cell camera, it was a well traveled road (you are at times having to give right of way to allow passing because it is pretty tiny of a road, maybe that is just a West Virginia thing, I know some of the back road in VA or similar to that, but it is not the norm.) but we were able to get it before some else came down the road again ... would have really enjoyed getting a great view for like a calendar or such for Christmas photos and such. So picturesque. What a great state West VA is ... amazing!! Thanks, for stopping bye. Hope you are well. Beth ( ;

Brooklyn - Southside Junction Trail

2024-11-24T00:30:00.008-05:00

2nd day - Brooklyn - Southside Junction Trail, West VA (6 miles long, below the Rend Trail)

Not this was a super easy ride, unlike the rails to trails rides here in Virginia ...now I guess it truly depends on what you are hoping for ...I don't mind some bumps ...but these trails in West VA are nuts. So bumpy and rough. I ached for days. Look at that switch for the train ... it could be moved ... said "Bethlehem" which was a nickname I had as a kid, I didn't make it so ... others for some reason called me that? No clue why? lol!! We had never been down trails that we can recall that actually have the rails left. Now some of the railroad ties but not the melt parts and so on. SO DIFFERENT. Have you had a chance to see this in person, the railroad trails before? Thank you for stopping by. Hope you are well. Take Care. Beth ( ;

Rend Trail

2024-11-17T00:30:00.032-05:00

Rend Trail, West VA ("Thurmond" view - 2 miles) first day of biking

W.P. "Paddy" Rend, a determined coal operator, financed the construction of this to his mines at Rend (renamed Minden after 1905). Started in 1901, 4.83 miles, 5 trestles, and $350,000 later this line was completed in 1904. Soon after completion Paddy Rend sold the rail line to the C & O Railway and his coal rights to another mine operator for $1,250,000.

Construction of this line was anything but easy, Blasting rock necessary to widen the roadbase for the railroad line. Look drill marks as you cross some of the trestles.

Last train in 1968 - a few years before the rocks separated from the hillside. today this trail serves in transportation corridor for determined hikers, bikers, and wildlife. Plants narrow the trail and gravity will always be in...

(Please realize the sign was kind of curved so some of the words are not there, hope this make sense to you, if not maybe add a word or 2 to make it all sink in correctly?)

(LORE - I share this because I found it kind of interesting, to take it as some what reality ... can you imagine?? after home and reading the signs that we did take pics of this was so cool. & to think how difficult it might have been back in the day, this picture of myself and this story make a bit more sense to think that folks didn't have bikes or whatnot to help (assist) them in daily life, make you think? right??!)

"Imagine hiking the trail in November, with no shoes or warm clothing. In 1755, during the time of the French and Indian War, early pioneer and settler, Mary Draper Ingles was taken captive from her home in VA and taken to Kentucky. She escaped and found her way home using river corridors. Her trip didn't come this high up the gorge but locals often refer to this trail as the Mary Draper Ingles trail in honor of her trek through the gorge and her determination to defy obstacles and return home."

"Legend has it that on September 6th, 1901 construction crew had just finished blasting a section of rock, when the dust cleared a perfect profile of President McKinley appeared on the cliff. Later that day a telegraph came in at Thurmond stating that the President had been shot in Buffalo New York. He died 8 days later. You can still see the profile."

(I can see that it has a profile but I am not seeing the President but it sure is a fun read. VERY COOL!!! Amazing how folk lore gets started, all the gossip, ideas and thoughts. wow!)

Now I don't normally like to pick photos of myself that the hubby takes that are not really flattering ... HINT HINT!! But the point being ...see that stair case ...we had to go up and down ... on both sides of that rock slide ... so up and then down (2 different stair cases, going up and down staircases is not a big deal, but add on there your carrying a bike lifting it a good ways, 'cause you don't wanna mess it up, so that was nuts!!) ... going and coming back ... my bike is probably (guessing here, I don't have scales to be able to weigh a bike, do you? lol!!) about 65 lbs. So I am breathing hard and trying to not die. (I was chatting with my brother Billy, who works with a lot of folks who mountain bike, but this seemed to him not to be the norm when it comes to mtn biking, so I'm curious why these paths we took in West VA were so rough, are they just needing some upkeep or what? If you know please let me know. Curious?? either way it kick our butt big time. We are so not use to this kind of path. LOL!! laughing even today, wild times!!!) Kidding but not. I was sweating. He was sweating. Now it was not as humid at Virginia ...but still it was late August 2024 so it was not the coolest weather. So fun but a work out for sure. Enjoy it. Have a great day. Thank you for stopping bye. Hope you are well. Stay tuned. Beth ( ;

Stone Cliff Trail

2024-11-10T00:30:00.017-05:00

Stone Cliff Trail - 2.7 miles

This was the 3rd bike trail we rode in West VA and let me tell you they are rough and make you bones and body ache!!! We did 3 different trails and 3 different days ...This was the most difficult or one which had us both going OUCH! It was fun but messed up my hubs bike ...he is working on it ... bringing it back to health asap, so we can ride again soon. Hope you are well. Take Care and enjoy the day. Beth ( ;

New River Gorge, West VA

2024-11-03T00:30:00.017-04:00

Thomas Burford Pugh Memorial Bridge

Stone Cliff Bridge, route 25

Tunney Hunsaker Bridge, Fayette Station Road, New River Gorge

We met the nicest couple on this Tunny bridge, from Georgia ...so friendly and we chatted for a good long while we were there. So fun. I really enjoy meeting like minded folks who just wanna see what you are up on your travels. Just a blast!! Fun times!! Hope you are enjoying these views from a trip we took in late August 2024. Thanks for stopping in ... hope you are well. Take Care. Beth ( ;

Sandstone Falls

2024-10-27T00:30:00.015-04:00

Sand Stone Falls

"found within the nation's 63rd national park, sandstone falls is the largest waterfall in the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. spanning over 1,500 feet wide, large series of falls is divided by a collection of small islands."

Such a gorgeous area, I know when we first visited this falls, it was not apart of the newly made national park ...so that is fun to see it now that the National Park is all fancy and so on. LOL! Really was a gorgeous day when we were there, a bit of a warmer day (humid) and we did get some water to drink ...but so worth the visit. amazing. Thanks for stopping bye. Hope you are well. Chat with you again soon. Take Care. Beth ( ;

Prince, West VA

2024-10-20T00:30:00.001-04:00

Prince, West VA

1870, 2 brothers, William & James Prince, purchased 300 acres of land. Brought from General Alfred Beckley would become the town of Prince. The brothers arrived in the gorge before the building of the railroad in 1873. The earliest business were the Prince Bros General Store and a ferry crossing. As the construction of the railroad began, their businesses flourished. The Stretcher's Neck tunnel construction and nearby bridge construction especially provided good business.

The C & O Railroad passed through the Prince Bros.' land ... sold the right-of-way agreement to the train folks ... agreement allowed C&O to pass through their lands so long as every train stopped in Prince.

Prince was never a mining town, one of the only few in the New River Gorge. No coal company ever own the town.

17 people call Prince their home today. Amtrak still uses the Prince depot as a stop three days a week with over 1,000 passengers a year. Although the Prince Store closed it's doors in 1984. visitors can still see the store building along WV-41. Both the railroad bridge and Stretcher's Neck tunnel are still in use by freight and passenger trains every week.

Amazing that there is a gorgeous train station in several towns you see in this area of West VA but the other parts of the town are just rundown. I may not get tourism but makes you wonder why they don't dress up the other areas, to perhaps bring in more tourism or local business and such???!!?!? Seems odd to have such a fancy train station if the other parts are not similar? right?! Weird. Have a super great day. Thank you for stopping by today. Take Care. Beth ( ;