A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day...02-06-04....WVNan's West Virginia

WVNan, Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997. Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, dansangel, dutchess, Aquamarine ~

Please join us as we make a cyber-visit to another great state in this Union of ours. Today, WVNan is presenting her beautiful state of West Virginia. She has provided all the research, text and photos for this presentation. Thank you Nan, for showing us around your Fine state.

Over the past year each "Finest" hostess has profiled her home state and I have been presenting the other states in random order. Please FReepMail me if you would like to participate in spotlighting your state. I would love to have your input on what you would like to see highlighted.

These are the states we have presented to date:

05-23-03 Alabama 06-27-03 Maryland 07-11-03 Vermont 07-25-03 Utah 08-05-03 Texas 08-22-03 Nevada 08-26-03 Wash DC 09-05-03 Tennessee 09-17-03 Florida

09-19-03 Minnesota 10-03-03 New Mexico 10-14-03 Georgia 10-17-03 Louisiana 10-22-03 Michigan 11-04-03 South Dakota 11-14-03 California 01-09-04 South Carolina

As we present each of our 50 states we also salute the proud FReepers who call their state 'home'.

The Great Seal of West Virginia was adopted by the Legislature on September 26, 1863. The seal bears the legend, State of West Virginia, together with the motto, "Montani Semper Liberi" (Mountaineers Are Always Free) A farmer stands to the right and a miner to the left of a large rock bearing the date of admission to the Union, June 20, 1863. In front of the rock are two hunters' rifles with a Phygerian Cap, or "Cap of Liberty", resting at the cross of the rifles.

Click HERE to explore the eight
geographical regions of West Virginia.





The golden domed State Capitol in Charleston, WV.

West Virginia’s history is all about people – the ones who made their mark on the Mountain State, and the caretakers who have preserved their memories. The caretakers of West Virginia’s rich history bring the past to life for visitors through the reenactment of Civil War battles, the dramatization of historic events for theater audiences, the repair and reconstruction of important sites, and the careful retelling of events that have affected the state and the nation. Every region of the state has, in unique ways, captured moments in history, making it possible for visitors to step back in time. Many key sites are connected by easy-to-follow heritage trails that link places and events. You can walk the cobblestone streets of a town that looks as it did during the Civil War, tour a coal mine that was active in the 1890s, ride antique trains that once hauled timber from the hills, or visit the restored homes of world-famous West Virginians. History here is close, it’s personal and it’s accessible to anyone with a thirst for knowledge.

The pioneers of Western Virginia were a proud and rugged people, yet they are also a very religious people.

Baptizing in the river.

When the New England coal barons came to the mountains, many of the mountain men sold their soul to the company for empty promises. The exploitation kept most West Virginian families in poverty.

Along with the coal mining came the rape of the forests.

A typical coal town in 1920.

More than 200,000 acres of this great state have been set aside as state parks, forests and wildlife management areas. These sites offer West Virginians and visitors areas of pristine, scenic beauty, natural wonders, and historical significance as well as recreational enjoyment.

West Virginia State Park Tours




West Virginia is one of the premier states in the Eastern United States that offers all types of wilderness and outdoor adventures. World class whitewater rafting is found on the New River and the Gauley River. The lower New River is called the Grand Canyon of the East.

Seneca Rocks and the New River Gorge offer extreme rock climbing challenges. There are seven ski resorts in West Virginia that offer the finest skiing in the East, as well as Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding, Sledding and Snow Tubing. Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding are popular, and who can resist the thrill of Base Jumping from the New River Gorge Bridge on Bridge Day?

Do you long for tamer pursuits? Check out the hundreds of mountain lodges, resorts, golf courses and fishing spots. Pamper yourself at the famous Greenbrier Resort. And, on your way home be sure and stop at the Tamarack near Beckley, WV and feast your eyes and your palate on West Virginia crafts and food, all under one roof.




West Virginia has been depicted as "hillbilly" country, and that is certainly true. We take those criticisms with humor and play into the stereotype when it benefits us. In that vein here are some pictures of the "other" West Virginia.

We hope you have enjoyed your brief trip through our beloved state. There are more adventures awaiting you in West Virginia. So pack up the car and the kids and plan the vacation of a lifetime in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia.

Have a nice FRiday and a great weekend!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 02-02-04...Military Monday 02-03-04...February is Funnest at the Finest 02-04-04...Meet GailA's Freedom's Rocket! 02-05-04...JohnHuang2 - John's Two Cents

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45MAN danbh59@yahoo.com
and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

[GatorGirl]

Thanks ladies for a trip to a beautiful state. The first and only time I've been there was last summer on my way from picking up the kids in Pennsylvania. I drove right through on my way to catch I-95 in South Carolina. I didn't get off the highway, but it was still breathtaking.

My Florida born and bred kids couldn't believe the mountains. Of course, being a Western girl myself, I felt right at home.

We definitely need to get up there to spend some time.

Recent events have made me realize how much I miss my FRiends. (((((Nan)))))

[Mama_Bear]

Glad you could make it lady mountaineer (I'll never make THAT mistake again, LOL)........I knew you would want to participate on this thread with Nan celebrating your beautiful West Virginia.

[WVNan]

Spring is beautiful in WV, but you have to pick and choose your spots and times. As you know, because of the deep valleys we are prone to flooding. Summer is great and cooler than most Eastern States. Fall is breathtaking. Winter is wonderful if you like winter sports, or spectacular scenery. dutchess, you know I live only two hours from you. You can come down any time and we can explore my area. It's the Metro Area on the area map at the beginning of the thread.

[WVNan]

I'm glad you got to drive through WV GG. I pray that things are going better each day for you and your family.

[mountaineer]

The more I think about all the beautiful places to see in W.Va., the more it occurs to me that I need to gas up the car and get going! Oh well, I'll wait till the weather warms up a bit.

[WVNan]

mountaineer lives in the Northern Panhandle. We are not real close to each other. I'm close to Taliesan who also lives in the Metro Area.

[Mama_Bear]

I would love to see your work.

As would I. I just know you create beautiful paintings, you painted a lovely word-picture of your time at the B&B.

I am convinced, I must visit West Virginia someday.

[WVNan]

That is so true mountaineer. I get frustrated knowing how many things there are to do and how little time I get to do them. Once in a blue moon I go up to a Methodist Camp north of Spencer and stay in one of the lodges, sit by the fireplace and watch it snow, or in the summer/fall I go there to hike the trails.

[Taliesan]

Aw, shucks. Too bashful, sorry. :-)

[WVNan]

Open invitation and free lodging Lori. My guest suite is just like a B&B with private bath and outside entrance.

[jwfiv]

Hello to you, Miss WVNan...when I think of West Virginia, natural beauty and a proud history and tradition come to mind.

Wishing you a most wonderful day...)

[WVNan]

Well then, do you ever have a show or display at craft shows where I can go see your work?

[Mama_Bear]

GatorGirl! Long time no see. So pleased that you stopped by today.

West Virginia sounds just lovely. I don't know if I have been there or not, we traveled through many states growing up in the Navy and being transfered back and forth across country so many times. But, even if I have been there, it doesn't count because I don't remember it.

We are planning a trip back to North Carolina this spring. Might just take a little side trip up to WV. Gosh, there is just so much to see and do back there. Trying to get everything to fit into a 10 day trip is going to be difficult.

[WVNan]

Thank you my friend. I'm going to have to check out before long, and won't be back until later tonight. Wedding rehearsal and dinner. Don't know how long that will last. mountaineer will have to take over for me while I'm gone.

[WVNan]

If nothing else, Lori, drive through WV on I-64. It will take you to N.C.

[WVNan]

It connects up with I-77 which takes you to N.C.

[mountaineer]

It occurs to me I've never visited Blackwater Falls. Mr. M wants to go to Lakeview, near Morgantown, for a spring golf trip (we did it a couple of years ago), so maybe we can take a little side trip to see the falls. I hope so. My favorite place is still my uncle's little hunting cabin outside of Elkins. Dirt road, no plumbing, potbelly stove - that's the life!

[WVNan]

Sounds like a plan. I know what you mean about the cabin. Hey girl, do you think you will be able to check in here and answer questions while I'm gone? I don't know how late I will be. I have to shower and be ready to leave at 4:00. I'm hoping the whole rehearsal/dinner will not take too long.

[LadyX]

"To: LadyX
Sistah, I hope you can hang out with me today. Get up girl! Mama told you not to lollygag in the nawning."

WHAAAAT??!!
Why, I'll have ya know I was up before the sun rose!

- fed the chickens and gathered the eggs
- got buckets of water, built up tha fire and heated some to do the laundry
- scrubbed the dirty clothes on the washboard in the tubs, and hung 'em on the line out in the cold, freezin' stiff as a rock before I got the wooden pins on 'em
- then walked four miles to tha store to get the oatmeal for your breakfast Mama said you wanted.

By then I was so tuckered I went back to bed.

You'd better 'pologize....

Okay - wanna hear the Other Excuse?
Had to hitchhike to get to where you are in West Visginny, and on the way.....

:))

[mountaineer]

Actually, I need to log off and run some errands (assuming I don't get washed into the creek en route), so I may not be back for a while.