Busy day in the nation’s newest national park, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia. This is not a new unit for us as it was the New River National Scenic River and we had visited as well as rafted on the New River. But with the new designation we wanted to spend a bit more time. First thing in the morning, after a walk around the meadow we camped at, was to Babcock State Park. The area adjacent to the park has several state and local parks. Babcock is famous for the Glade Creek Mill and I wanted to photograph it even though (or because) it is the most photographed place in West Virginia. That done we went to a 3.4 mile hike to a Diamond Point on the Endless Wall Trail. It was a stunning view and the hike was in a gorgeous forest with just a little touch of color. Then after a stop at the VC we drove the Fayette Station Road Tour that winds down to the river and under the bridge and up the other side. This scenic drive is on a 100 year-old road and was an important link for the many communities that dotted the gorge. Finally we drove to Thurmond - again on a very narrow and winding road to the bottom of the gorge and across a one lane bridge to reach what was once the busiest town in the coal era here and a major stop for the steam trains. Two people still live in the town. We did not have time to explore much as we had to pick up the trailer and move to a state park and you don’t get anywhere too quickly in this area. This is a park with still a lot to explore and it is only four hours from Raleigh.
Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans
My new plan is to develop a full complement of support folks. Lets see, I’ll need a Muse Enforcer, a Personal Assistant, Chef, PR Team, Editer (can’t see why) Publisher, Accountant, Social Media Team, Artistic Team, Staff Photographer, Travel Agent, Ice Cream and Donut Research Team, Masseuse and, of course, a private Barista. That ought to do for the first few months. I wonder how many people will apply for these prestigious positions on the staff of a future Neustadt International Prize for Literature recipient.