A Picnic and a Swim!

Yesterday, we needed a nature adventure. In the morning we packed a picnic lunch and headed toward Elkins. Our lunch was along the Shaver's Fork River at Stuart Recreation Area. Stuart Recreation Area is nestled within the Monogahela National Forest and was established in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps. As you see by the photographs below, Judy is ready to chow down and I am sampling summer sausage and cheese on crackers. (A very healthy treat!)





Canaan Valley State Park was our next destination. We love to swim in their pool. As we approached the pool area, this tower "thingie" was erected in front of the pool building.


It was a Euro Bungy Tower. Unlike traditional trampolines this latest new ride is actually Bungee Trampolining, - 4 trampolines,a steel frame, harness, and Bungee cords all add up to a great ride. At least that I was told by one of the teenage park workers. Bounce up to 7.5 meters into the air with multiple summersaults. Well, I wanted to try, but Judy thought that a trip to the emergency room was something she did not want to do this day.

We had a relaxing couple of hours swimming. The pool area was not crowded. It is a really beautiful location with the pine trees and a scenic view of the mountains.

Canaan Valley is famous for the wildlife. You can always find white tailed deer along the roads throughout the park. This doe was busy mulching veggies.

On the way home, we stopped at Bowden to take a photograph of the entrance to Bowden Cave. We noticed that earlier in the day, the cave was being visited by kids from a Baptist School. They were heading back to their school bus- muddy, but I am certain they were full of memories. As you know from earlier blog entries, this cave played a large part in my teaching of speleology.

As we approached the entrance, it was amazing to feel the 85 degree temperature drop to 55 degrees being tempered by the air coming from the cave.

We ate at Carmonas in Buchannon for supper - a great Mexican restaurant. Started raining when we got to Burnsville and we arrived home safely around 8:30 P.M.