Wild and Wonderful

I would never have thought that this would be an appropriate tagline for WV, but i do now.

We started our day off heading south, with no particular destination in mind. Off the second or third exit we saw a sign for a glass factory tour. We pulled over and after enjoying a scenic detour (took a wrong turn), we pulled up to what looked like a hollowed out elementary school. We drove past it once, trying to find what they would consider a parking lot (gravel road counts in this case) we unpack the wheelchair and head up to the door. The inside looks quiet, but it is around lunch time. After trying to get into the joint with no success, and rereading the hours sign for a third time, a woman comes up behind us with keys saying she is the only one in today, everyone else is on vacation. So much for that stop. Now why she couldn't have stopped me when I was outside her office window getting the chair and Ma ready to make the walk to the front door, I don't know. Apparently she wanted to see if i really could get everything back into the car.

We then used our Magellen to find a place to eat - I am loving this feature. We rode about 5 miles through some of the most scenic streets and had lunch at the Second and something Corner Cafe in Weston. The staff was so nice and the food was great. Our waitress made a suggestion as to where to head next - the WV Wildlife Preserve.

On the way we passed a WalMart and yes, I did go in. I have confirmed that they do sell water and snacks south of MA, so I will know and hopefully pack appropriately for next time.

The Preserve is a 1.5 mile loop with animals from all over the states in habitats. We saw elk, river otters, a bald eagle, wolves, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, a fisher, black bears, wild boar hogs (which STINK), and some owls. It was amazing that all of this was tucked in off one of the main roads. We had beautiful weather and enjoyed a little hike into nature.

Then we were off further south and west and I have to say WV is a little like CT in that it takes a lot longer to get through it than you would think. Our drive however, was spectacular. The blue ridge mountains surround you and everywhere you look is another breathtaking view; except for the rest stops where you can take pictures, then it is just so so. Why they don't have scenic overlooks to people to pull over is beyond me.

Along the way we ran into a line of thunder and lightening storms that were so cool to watch roll in over the mountains. We ran in and out of them all the way through Frankfort, KY, which is where we have landed for the night.

And while I would love to share the pictures from today, they are in the car outside where it is still thundering and lightening, so I will share later.