West Virginia is so beautiful in the springtime! Our host, V Lynn Moore, took us on hikes down to see falls, and up to see the views each day of this trip. The rhododendrons were just past, but the Mountain Laurel and lots of other things were blooming like crazy. Before I arrived at Blackwater Falls I only knew a handful of the women on the trip, and a few of them only through facebook. But as always, a sister trip is like coming home to the family you haven't met yet.
I missed the first day of the trip, Wednesday, because the van I rented came with a broken ignition key/key-fob thingie. I spent eight hours sitting in a parking lot fifteen miles from the airport where I'd rented the van, waiting for roadside assistance to come and tow me back to get another van. I talked two keys out of them this time, but the stress had done me in for the day. I went home, showered and went to bed. Thursday morning I was up crazy early, did my load-out, and hit the road.
I was eventually able to exchange one skyline for the other, and very much enjoyed the drive once I was able to get underway. After this experience, I'd recommend you all avoid using Advantage Rental Cars.
Early evening gathering at Camay's place.
My first evening at Blackwater Falls, Camay and her friends, Karen Reinhardt, Betty Bennett Ference, Tammy Witmer, and Stacy Bittner hosted us for "appetizers" at her trailer, and that turned into our first unofficial potluck of the trip. They made these amazing pizzas in The Big Green Egg smoker that she toted along. Totally Yummers!
The Big Green Egg. A most excellent accessory! And it goes with everything. Who knew?
Did I mention that we hiked UP sometimes to see the views? Some crazy person thought it was a good idea to photograph all their shoes seemingly dangling off the cliff. We didn't lose anybody. Actually, no joke. I want to thank all my sisters for keeping an eye on me, with my messed up knees. And for being patient with my slow pace. I really appreciated being able to go on the hikes I did. My sisters totally ROCK!
V could have added another W to the title of the trip, as we did see a little bit of wildlife along the way.
Just joking about the chicken. Someone painted that at the Paint & Sip afternoon. And the slug was trying to hitchhike a ride back to NYC with me as I packed up. That didn't work out so well. For the slug.
And speaking of wildlife, this was a very dog-friendly trip. Miley went on most of the hikes, and hung out with us the rest of the time. Bonnie visited once a day, she and the other pups stopped by to say hi while out on their walks. V's trailer is named Mad Hattie, a steampunk mad hatter theme, so she and Miley donned their hats for us one evening. Miley is a really good sport. (Pssst...We won't mention the surprise she got when V stood up from her chair...)
Here's some photos of the Paint-n-Sip afternoon. V is a really good teacher, and these are some very talented women! Sisters had fun, chatting, sipping and painting. Debbie Clemmons painted her RV window shade. What? SOT? Oh, of course SOTF! Well, I don't paint so I cooked some campfire castiron pan potatoes. What the heck, cooking is also creative! Haha! I need this sign.
After a few rounds of Flickin' Chickens, we had a most excellent campfire, and delicious campfire popcorn made by Deb Martin with support from Debbi Clemmons.
We love our campfires! Jen had a tennis racket type of bug zapper we thought was pretty cool.
On Sunday, after most sisters packed up and hit the road, there were four of us staying on another day or two. Jen drove us out to lunch, and then we went to see Rail Falls and Douglas Falls. And along the way V showed us the old ovens where the coke was cooked for the steel industry.
My last night at Blackwater falls after we went to the pool and the hot tub, we had our final unofficial pot luck dinner at Debbi's place, finishing up all the leftovers.
Early next day I was on my way to my crazy New York City home.
And as I drove onto my block I think I heard the umpire calling, "SAFE!"
If any of my sisters want to add updates or corrections, please do so in the comments section below.