Friday we took the day off to visit my family who were spending the week in Blackwater Falls. The skies were grey, and it was rainy, but we were there to see my family, so that didn’t much matter.

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It was grey and rainy, but we still got a short hike.

Lindley Point

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It was strange to go out to the Cheat Lake Park, to see a place that used to be a secret, exist as a public park with a playground and a public boat launch.

I can’t say I have much desire to go back any time soon. The rail trail is relatively short and blocked at both ends.

But it was pretty.

Cheat Lake is the “expensive” area of Morgantown, where the doctors and lawyers and other well-to-do live. The trail runs along the access these wealthy home owners have to Cheat Lake.

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We went a little further south on the Mon River rail trail this weekend, but as temperatures were in the high 90s, we didn’t go all the way to Fairmont.

Oh, we got a new toy–a Garmin Oregon GPS. It has a camera, which I’m excited about not for the pictures it takes, but because of the precise GPS data attached to that pictures. When I upload the GPS pictures to Flickr, it automatically puts those pictures on the map. I can then drag other pictures taken at that spot onto the map in the same place. So if you have a GPS you can now find a specific spot, which is fun.

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We took another ride along the Rail Trail this afternoon. This time we took the trail north to the Pennsylvania state line.

There are lots of day lilies along the trail.

I don’t know what this is, but it must be from when this was a rail line. (There are a few other pictures of the structure if you click through to Flickr.)

W. Looks to be the same age as the above structure.

There are abandoned power/telephone lines alongside the trail. They’re not visible the entire time, but are visible for long stretches.

Tips of the stacks of the Fort Martin Power Plant.

Your greeting at the PA state line.

Yesterday continued the week’s weather of thunderstorms punctuated by periods of gorgeous sunshine, so we decided just to take our bikes out on the Rail Trail.

We biked from the park in Star City to Hildebrand Lock, stopping off at Mt St Brewing Company for lunch, and at Wamsley Cycles to get our bikes checked over, and to get a kick stand mounted on my bike.

The kick stand seemed a better solution than having Michael hold my bike every time I dismounted to go take a picture.

It was a gorgeous day, and we had a lovely ride.

Although I have three walking sticks, I’m considering getting one that collapses even smaller than the ones I have, that I can strap onto my bike. I wanted to get further off the trail to get a closer look at some of the water runoff areas (water falls when it’s been raining) but don’t trust my ankle enough without a stick.

And I think I just talked myself into it. :)

And if anyone is interested, this is the case I got for carrying my camera while biking. I chose a handlebar case, because it seemed the most protected if I took a spill.

My cousin Eric and his family are preparing to leave the country for three years.

We did have a good time, on my last visit with him before they leave.

James does NOT enjoy group pictures.

But he wasn’t All Grumpy All the Time.

Sally will turn two momentarily. And in another blink of an eye she’ll be five.

But, this is not a goodbye, this is a see you later…

Happy Birthday West Virginia!

Berkley Springs (11/5/2011)

Blackwater Falls (7/14/2012)

New River Gorge (10/13/2012)

New River Gorge – Bridge Day (10/20/2012)

Babcock State Park (10/20/2012)

Seneca Rocks (5/26/2013)

Coopers Rock (7/5/2010)

I just want to note that all of these places are free to visit.

Actually have pictures scanning a couple weeks here.

May 27th

Sunnyside

Looking South West

Looking West

May 30th

Sunnyside

Looking South

Looking North

June 8th

Sunnyside

Looking South West

Downtown

Willey Street & North High

I forgot to post these pictures of the AMAZING parking job we saw by the Farmers’ Market yesterday.

Poor parking meter.

Michael and I decided that moving along at the fast clip of a bike ride would be a much more pleasant way to get exercise today, than walking anywhere (It was 89 when we were coming home.)

We decided to ride the rail trail, riding from Star City, out to Marilla Park, then back to town and out to Greer Limestone, then back to town for lunch at Mountain State Brewing Company. Then, after we’d rehydrated and eaten more than we should, back to Star City.

Next ride, we’ll most likely ride past Greer, out to Hildebrand Lock & Dam. Maybe.

One of the first things I bought for my bike was a camera bag, because I like having my camera with me. (Duh.) We stopped a couple times so I could take pictures, but most of what we went past was familiar ground, areas we’ve walked multiple times. But that didn’t mean there weren’t interesting things to see.

This is by Seneca Center. I’ve photographed these windows before, and remain fascinated by them.

Poor, unloved, crane.

How did I not know there was a major construction project by Marilla Park?!

The entire section of road is blocked, which means you have to take the long way around to get to the DMV.

Sunday we went up to Coopers Rock and hiked around. Nothing strenuous, just getting out of the house and moving.

A birthday party for Jules turning 3 and Brian turning 38.

Guess who got all the attention?

If you’ve ever considered getting a waterproof camera, here are some possible reasons why you should do so.

I also recommend getting a float for your waterproof camera.

Oh, OK. Fine. Here’s a picture of the birthday boy as well: