It is getting pretty cold here, 28F overnight last night and we woke to a very heavy frost. We are glad for the full hookup site and a little heat. We dawdle heading out to explore until the sun comes out bright and the temp nears 40. Our destination is Blackwater Falls State park near Davis and it was 22F there this morning. Fall colors are pretty muted this year but it is still a beautiful drive and we spot deer along the way. We also spot a pile of snow in the median.
Our first stop is the WV Highlands Artisan Gallery in Davis. I could have bought a dozen things…pottery, leatherwork, textiles, baskets, woodwork…I settled for just one item. Lucky person whoever’s name I get this Christmas!

On to the park. Stairs lead to a dramatic view of the falls that is made all the more impressive by the roar of the falling water. In shaded areas icicles hang from vegetation and the decking is coated with frost. We are dressed pretty warmly but are soon moving on to more overlooks and falls with warming time in the car. Since we are here, we have to check out the rustic lodge. Since it is noon, we have to stay for lunch (those sandwiches in the backpack will keep till tomorrow). BBQ is their thing. Kent’s pulled pork was tasty and my tomato basil soup hit the spot.

We end the day with a walk down Main Street of Thomas WV checking out a sampling of the shops and admiring the old buildings. I am surprised to see that it is not Farmers and Merchants Bank here, it is Miners and Merchants. I should have guessed.

Had the opportunity to check in with Mike Ohlinger from HS and band. He and I ran together some during school and he went on to be part of the US Army band then settled in Baltimore. We met at his lovely house and talked about old times then out to dinner where we met one of his longtime friends in Baltimore and his son. After dinner it was off to the Ravens game with New Orleans. He is a long-time season ticket holder. Seats in the 3rd row are sure different than watching the game on TV. The final score was not what the faithful wanted as their “never misses” kicker missed an extra point and did not send the game into overtime. Still a good time was had by all and it was good to meet Tony and AJ.

Ricketts Glenn State Park PA