We hosted a beginner bird banding class last week, limited to 8 people, and sold out early. These folks spent an intensive week learning how to net, identify, band and release birds safely.
Some birds are well-named. This is one. Many have names that have nothing to do with the bird, but that is its own rant I will save till later. This is a yellow-throated vireo. To hear his song, click here.
When I saw this sticker, I knew it was going to be a good week. This is the organization the oversees and provides the training for banders. Edye Kornegaywas the banding instructor that made it come true. She was amazing.
Keith in the hot seat learning the Tools of the trade. Serious work. Big heavy books not only identify, but collect a lot of information on these tiny little birds.
Opossum Creek Retreat provided lodging, meals and a great family feel for the whole group for the whole week. We love hosting our fellow bird lovers.
Quilting bee? Book club? Yoga? Bible study? Writers’ workshop?
Whose idea was June anyway? It is crazy hectic. Too hectic. Or maybe that’s what makes us really appreciate summer vacation even more.
busy-june
Yes, hectic non-stop events and special occasions. Just look at this line up.
First, school is not out yet for some poor unlucky saps. They are strapped down till mid-month while siblings and friends at another school or grade are basking in the glory of SUMMERTIME!
This alone can rip a household apart. I am used to getting everyone out the door by 7 a.m. and having an hour to clean up the kitchen, start some laundry, check emails and the like before I have to get going on writing a blog. Who are all these people in my office? Be quiet, I am working! Better yet, just leave!
Hey, that worked!
Now we add the high-flying act of commencements (Yes, for the one I just kicked out of the house… I mean, my office.) Oh the freedom! Out the door, love you, bye! AND get a JOB!
Commencement. This is amazing to witness for the first time. I have been at all the big games and never experienced the passion and fervor that was poured upon the graduates of our local high school. Some are the first-ever in their family. Let that sink in for a while.
Some kids got cheers from their clan, some from the other students, some from the band, some from the teachers, and some felt the roar of the whole crowd. It was contagious, exciting and fun. And yes, everyone went wild for the kid who, even in this day and age in the USA, was the first to graduate from high school in his family! Ever! His family was unhinged, tattooed, clad in wife-beaters, cheering and sobbing for joy, and we cheered with them. I could turn this into a rant about our failed education system, but I wont.
Wow, I am glad that is over for a couple of years, and I know what to expect next time.
Next up, the June Bride. This is so cool. We have several weddings each year, some big (like 150 people big) and some small. Or maybe you would say tiny, just 30-40 people. No matter the size, the sentiment is amazing. Always filled with emotions— loving, fun, exciting, hopeful emotions. We get to see some very unique weddings that say a lot about the individuals involved.
And this brings me to the next thing: my anniversary. Yes, I am a traditional June groom. Even wore a suit. Searsucker, thank you.
So let’s not stop there, and drop a couple of really big birthdays in the mix, like my Mom’s AND my wife’s.
SO, with all this going on, the build up, the planning, the scheduling and having many years of practice… how could I forget?
I know, right? Pure you-dumb-shit, smack-to-the-forehead, “Oh nooooo not again!!!”
Yes, it is not the first time, so I know the weight of this mental malfunction. And it can persist for years.
Nothing fixes it,except when your betrothed forgot, too! Yep, we both totally spaced out on our anniversary.
Thank God!
This is what I am talking about. It’s just too much going on all at once. Can’t we give some of this to July or August? The weight is cast off and I can soar for another year. What? It was my mother’s birthday?
Oh boy.
I need June to calm down. There is just too much happening for me to keep up. Now, the 4th of July marks the real beginning of summer. Nothing but fun for the whole month.
Relax, it is finally summer fun family vacation time.
Timberdoodles are liars. I love them dearly, but they lie.
Liars and the false hope they bring.
Daffodils: beautifully deceptive liars.
These dang daffodils are liars too!
Why do I believe them every year?
When will it end? Our last frost date here in The New River Gorge is mid-May. That is, if you are on top of the gorge. Oddly enough, down in the bottom, some 1,000 feet below the cabins in elevation, the final frost days come a few weeks earlier. And so do the buds and birds and flowers.
We are really lucky that way. We can jump ahead of, or back in time depending on our mood. Well, most days anyway. On some, Mother Nature just covers every bet and clears the table.
Robins are liars! Heck, sometimes they show up in January, obviously clueless about when spring will really arrive. Timberdoodles (AKA Woodcocks) are liars, because they will sing and dance and fall from the sky with that magical, other-worldly sound long before nice weather arrives. Snow drops are liars, but everyone knows that because of the name. Red-shouldered hawks are loud and persistent liars, as they circle and glide, circle and glide, day after day in a courtship ritual that is beautiful and misleading. She will sit on the nest for about 4 weeks after they mate before she has to worry about those little fluff balls being exposed to yet another blast of arctic air.
I walked barefoot in the yard on the first day of spring. I had been listening to all those lies, you see. And it hurt! The ground is COLD and WET. Worse than barefooting it in snow. Man, that was stupid, to listen to all those liars.
While winter and spring battle over who is in control, we suggest a quiet cabin tucked in the woods with a fireplace, a hot tub and a front row seat to enjoy the show.
I recently heard something pretty shocking, and I wonder if you guys agree?
Our pristine river, unaffected by the spill.
I shared a chair lift with a guy and his son from Roanoke, Va., while skiing at Snowshoe. He stunned me by asking if we are in the area affected by the chemical spill.
Why, no. That is on a different river, way downstream.
Not many people know that. We never saw (or smelled) any of that contaminated water. But it seems we’re not immune to the fallout, if people still think we were affected.
They say there is no such thing as bad press. But is that true?
Does the news about the Chemical spill in WV give you pause about coming here for a vacation?
West Virginia truly is wild and wonderful, with so much to offer. It’s a tragedy that the spill might keep anyone from visiting. Especially areas that weren’t even affected.
So what can we do? Is this our new reality, a challenge we have to continue to battle? As a small business, let me tell you, that’s a really scary thought.
You’d really help us out if you could give us some insight. Let us know: does the spill make you hesitate about coming to OCR, or the New River Gorge? To West Virginia?
Send us your response, and we’ll give you some OCR glasses as a thank you.
As always, we appreciate your help!
Does the news about the Chemical spill in WV give you pause about coming here for a vacation?
Valentine’s Day and New Years Eve are similar holidays— they are both for amateurs.
The pros are doing this stuff year-round.
Love starts with communication. Be blunt!
I am not saying we should blow them off, because they are great and serve a wonderful purpose, like New Year’s lets people who are not celebrities get out and have a big night. Hopefully one that does not involve driving.
Valentine’s Day helps those of us who are not adept at romantic things, like being romantic, some help. I need that.
My guess is most guys do. So we consulted some women to make it downright easy for us guys to pull off a romantic weekend.
Ladies! I am giving you a hint. If you see something, here or anywhere, that you like, print it out and hand it to your man. I know that seems too obvious, but we need it sometimes.
Guys, if your wife hands you, or even mentions, something like, “Oh, look, a romantic weekend at a cabinwith massage and hot tub and….”, you get over your fear of massage. Take one for the team.
So if you are lucky enough to feel your spidey senses tingling, you pay attention. She is trying to help; act.
I said that we are not in the area affected by the chemical spill.
This powerful response to the chemical spill was shared far and wide on the web. It’s worth a read.
The whole country is affected by the Freedom Industries chemical spill into the Elk River.
We all knowthat industry is like a child. Pushing the limits, testing the boundaries, getting away with whatever they can in the name of higher profits.
We all knowthey can do a better and safer job. We should demand it.
I have struggled with what to say about this issue. These are two very well written pieces by born-and-raised West Virginia natives that tell the story much better than I can.
What I can add is this: Having lived all over the country, I have seen this in your backyard, too. This is not unique to “poor old WV” or Appalachia. It is everywhere. We deserve better, safer, cleaner neighborhoods, home towns, rivers, lakes, places to work and industries.
I lied. We are all affected and we are all responsible.
Free to: Any Veteran
2 free nights, Nov. 8 & 9 or 10 & 11, 2013
Yes, it is free.
The Deal
Veterans: our doors are open to you. Our Treat.
For the past few years, we have been giving a free cabin to veterans on Veterans Day in honor of our friends and family who have served.
Not the whole cabin. Just a couple of nights in the cabin.
Some gave all, all gave some. We are only able to give a cabin for 2 nights. It is our humble gesture of thanks to those who have served our country. Thank You.
We don’t care if you are homeless. You won’t be for two nights.
Heck, bring the whole squad, we have cabins that will sleep up to 20 people!
The Details
We ask that you share this deal with others. Tell a friend, post on Facebook, “like” us on Facebook, review us on Trip Advisor, or other such stuff.
We do require you to fill out the contract using a credit card, just as a security measure.
Please only take advantage of this annual offer once. We want every veteran to get a chance to enjoy this deal.
There are limited dates and spots available, but if we fill up, be sure you’re signed up to receive our e-mail newsletter and Like us on Facebook. We’ll continue sharing our gratitude for Veterans Day year after year.
We hope you understand when we ask each Veteran to take advantage of this offer only once. Please spread the word and let others enjoy.
We also offer a 10% discount for Veterans all year long.
What to do during your free stay
You don’t just have to come sit in the cabins all weekend! There’s more to do around the New River Gorge.
Know what you want to do? We have some ideas. Lots! We’re local experts, so whether you want to see the sights or get off the beaten path, we can show you where.
We have our favorites, but some things you vets might enjoy:
Adventure & explore:
The New River Gorge is a natural playground. Hit the trails for a stroll or bike, and let them lead you to beautiful overlooks. A little less adventurous adventure, maybe? Ok, try our shopping and culture guide.
Relax:
Of course, you don’t have to leave the cabin. Get a massage, or a spa treatment. Then slide into the hot tub and enjoy the beautiful rolling backdrop. We have a relaxation guide so you can get the most from your vacation.
Did you know Fayetteville has its own war history? It was an important strategic site during the Civil War. It was the first place that indirect fire was used in battle. A Halfway House in nearby Anstead was used as a Civil War headquarters. The bridge for which the town of Gauley Bridge was named was a strategic aid during the war as well.
Pay respects to fallen brethren at the War Memorial Building honoring World War II Veterans, the Veterans War Memorial for Civil War soldiers in Smithers, or the grave of General Thomas Stonewall Jackson’s mother in Anstead.
We hope to see you around Opossum Creek, so we can say thank you.
Okay, we need your help. Well, WVU needs your help. Well, WVU and New River Gorge CVB. We all need your help.
Free night? In one of our gorgeous cabins? Awesome. Win it for yourself.
We will bribe you to help us, too.
It is easy; it will take a few minutes. It’s just a quick survey. And if you are like me, you will get mad at one or more of the questions because some PHD can’t speak English, and the question becomes, well, weird, confusing and/or stupid.
But all that aside, it is good stuff they are doing, and I (we) hope you will play along.
If you do play along, we will put you in a drawing for a free nights’ stay with your next reservation. There are some hoops, but, hey, it’s still free! This offer has a maximum value of $250, and requires a minimum 3-night stay (So, you could pay for two nights and get the third night free, up to a $250 value).
Pretty cool, because we know not everyone will spend the time to fill out a survey. Which means you have a greater chance of winning!
If you are on-site and seeing this, we will hand you a free T-shirt in exchange for the completed survey. (And give you bonus points for adding comments in the sidebar about better wording options for the question.)
They are not trying to talk down to us, they just can’t talk any other way. Maybe they could hire a 5th grader to translate? Next time.
No, this is not really about our cabins, but some things are worth talking about, even if you won’t get any cabin bookings from it.
I really did not pay any attention to the planning, as I was going on this end-of-summer family trip regardless of what was happening. We head up with a group of 12— 6 adults and 6 kids. I am not the oldest in the group, but definitely the roundest. We have been adventuring together for 18 years. That makes it easier somehow.
Let me start by saying I have no fear of heights. In fact, I was one of the first kids to have a leash. Pretty sure someone saw my mom tie rope around me and clip the dog leash to me and turn the dog loose when we got out of the car at some overlook some where in the midwest in the early 60’s, and then they watched as I realized there was a cliff and ran for it, only to be yanked off my feet at the end of the line. They saw this, and the lightbulb went on. You can buy them online now days.
That happened a lot, I think: me dangling from the end of the dock in Canada, pissed that I did not hit the water some 20 feet below and over and over again until at some point (I do not know when), I stopped at the edge.
Looked first, then jumped. That’s when they took the leash off.
Once, much later, I sent a picture to my parents of me flying off a cliff with skis on. She asked I not do that anymore. Send the pictures, that is.
I still get the urge to jump even now, but something has changed. Kids of my own, I guess. Maybe my body remembers some of those landings, and deep in the subconscious, it says “lets talk this over” to that part that just wants to fly.
I climbed a little one summer when living in Estes Park, Colorado. So I was not concerned about the idea of climbing steep rock with hundreds of feet of exposure.
Scaling the Walls of the Via Ferrata
I was thinking about the “walk” to the rock. I could see it way up there.
As we started out after getting geared up, I was wondering why we were not taking the bus. WTF, walk up a road? If there is a road, and a bus??? Then it dawned on me: this is by design, to weed out the round ones like me. You better get a head start, I heard a voice say (I think it was in my head) a few minutes in. The rest of the group scampered past my head start, and then they disappeared around a bend in the road.
I was not alone, though. One of the guides, Justin, was keeping a close eye on me as I plodded up the hill to the base of West Fin of Nelson Rocks. I am sure he was guessing how long I would last.
He kept asking questions so I could not breathe. I had to talk and breathe and hike. DUDE! Please, I am sucking wind, here. Let’s chat latter!
This inquisition went on for some time as we left the road and started switching back on a trail. Then, as we came around a switchback in the trail, the whole group was standing there waiting for me, so they could start the safety speech.
Blah, blah, blah, “1 in 10 will not make it to the end.” What ? F…, we have 12. Who is not going to make it? Everyone looked at me. Did I mention it was hot and sticky? Even the skinny little shits where red-faced and sweating.
We stood looking straight up. I was so glad this was the last of the hiking and we could start climbing. If for no other reason than to get to the first evacuation point so I could bail!
Swinging Bridge during the climb
Then I stepped onto the rock, and to my delight, the Via Ferrata was a breeze once I stepped up off the ground onto the rock. I was happy— inexplicably, positively giddy. The guide even stopped worrying about me and stayed back to coach others along.
I felt like a goat scampering around on the rungs and rocks. Wow, this is cool. Pretty and beautiful. What a view, and why have we not done this before? And how is this in the winter, when it’s not hot and sticky? I want to do it again, and we are not even all up off the ground and on the route yet.
I will save you the details. Suffice to say, you should go and try, even if you are one the people that takes the early out option. I did not made it all the way and loved it.
The part that really struck me is the attention to detail. It was exquisitely laid out, like a well crafted story. Ebs, flows, surprises, and did-not-see-that-coming and take-your-breath-away moments.
They said it took a special kind of crazy to lay out, come up with and pull off the idea of the Via Ferrata. I would like to meet him someday. And I am sure glad he is.
The whole crew had a great climb.
Making the climb
“Are you making fun of me? Again?”
On Top of the World
Clicking on the BOOK NOW tab provides cabin availability. It DOES NOT mean you’ve booked a cabin. After you confirm availability, there are several additional steps required regarding potential dates, minimum stay times, group size, and of course payment information.
If you prefer the peace of mind of speaking with someone to book your stay, Anna is amazing!
