Sunday, February 14, 2016

Out and About in the Bitter Cold

Ward and I decided to get away this past weekend to celebrate our anniversary.  After several ideas, we decided to visit Cacapon State Park in West Virginia. Here's a few pictures from our trip.



There wasn't much snow on the roads, but it was sticking because of the low temperatures and what wasn't sticking was drifting making driving iffy. But it was pretty all the same.
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There are lots of things to do at Cacapon--if the weather is good. While we were there, the temps were in the single digits with winds 20-30 mph. Besides the obvious closed warm-weather activities, most of the trails and some of the roads were closed.
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Luckily, we were staying in the nice, warm lodge. It was full of friendly people, and as an added bonus, Ward got to work on a couple of jigsaw puzzles that were set up in front of the fire place in the lounge.
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We also visited the nature center where we attended a program about the CCC (Civil Conservation Corps) in West Virginia. There was a CCC camp located where the nature center is today and the CCC built much of the original park. We got to ask all the questions we wanted because we were the only ones there.
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This is the original lodge in the park that the CCC built. Today it is rented out to large groups.
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The next day we explored the area. This was our first stop. It was cold here. Bitterly cold with fierce winds. I only lasted a minute or two outside the car. Not much longer than it took to snap this picture.
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We drove by this castle, in Berkeley Springs, WV, which was finished in 1891. It was built by Col. Suit for his young bride. It has been auctioned off in bankruptcy twice since then and has served as many things including a museum. In 2002, it was bought by Andrew Gosline for his personal residence. He has to keep his doors locked and the gate closed or people just wander in thinking it's still open to the public.
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The area is most famous for its warm springs. The springs are one reason the castle was built here.
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I dipped my freezing fingers into the warm water from the springs. Boy, did it feel good. However, as soon as I took them out, they were frozen again. Literally. The water froze almost instantly in the cold air.
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The next day, we visited the Belle Boyd house. According to our guide above, Belle was quite a character. Not only was she a Civil War spy, she was also a stage actress. Once again, we were the only ones there, so we got to ask all of the questions we wanted.
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We came home to three noisy cats and Theo who was taking care of them. Now it's time to prepare for the snow and ice storm that starts tonight.


8 comments:

  1. What an interesting trip! Glad you had fun things to do even though it was bitterly cold out. It's the kind of trip my husband and I would enjoy. History and conservation and outdoors is right up our alley (the conservation would be of more interest to hubby, but I like to learn new things, too).

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    1. I think it was a good combination for us too. A bit of the outdoors and history and not a lot of crowds. We also spent a fair amount of time reading and watched a movie. Yes, a good time was had by all.

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  2. What a beautiful trip. With those temps I am afraid I would have only enjoyed the beauty from inside the car!

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    1. I always seem to be cold. At least colder than my husband. However, I'm trying to force myself out more these days so I'm not always saying no thank you when there's something to do. However, Ward was cold also this time.

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  3. What a lovely place to spend a long weekend. I hope you have a trip planned to return in nicer weather so you can enjoy some of the attractions without freezing.

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    1. I'm trying to think of a good time already to return. I think the next time we'll get a cabin or camp and invite more people.

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  4. That is so beautiful and that castle, what a history and one would think it would be a museum piece not a residence and wander in. Glad you were able to get away.

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    1. It was a good trip and overall very relaxing. I'm sorry we couldn't see in the castle. When I mentioned I was going to the area, several people said it was too bad the castle wasn't open any more.

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