Parsons to Canaan Valley State Park; Distance = 25 Miles; People Met = 13
As we were leaving Parsons we noticed that there was a bike trail that connected to Hendricks. If that was in existence when the American Discovery Trail, the bike trail surely would have been chosen instead of following the road. We took the bike trail on an old railroad bed and continued to follow it beyond Hendricks along Blackwater River canyon and up to Thomas.
Ben, Caroline and Rachel on the bike trail in Hendricks
That was a wise choice. The canyon was spectacular, as was the picture perfect day itself. Here is a podcast of how we felt about this day.
Since we chose a different route that was off our guide and even the maps I had, much of the kindness we benefited from was in the form of people helping us find our way. Dennis in Hambleton first informed us of the railroad bed going up to Thomas. In Thomas we got directions for Davis and Blackwater Falls State Park from highway worker Ed. Ed let his fellow workers know what we were up to via radio and as we hiked on we got beeps and waves from other highway workers driving by.
Dennis from Hambleton
OK, Ed, don't rub it in
After a day spent walking up Blackwater River canyon we took a side trip to Blackwater Falls on the second day. This entire stretch has reminded us of the mountain beauty of West Virginia.
Dave, Gina and Scott at Blackwater Falls State Park
Capping off the stretch was a rendezvous with Gwen Jones, who booked a room at the Canaan Valley State Park Lodge and hiked out to join us for the last few miles. In effect she is escorting us through the state. We should see her one more time before we move on to Maryland.
Gwen and Cindy
Other Photos
Charlotte and Sylvia at Parson's Dollar General
Melody and Angie of BFS station in Davis
Donna assisted us with directions
Kirk: my students wanted me to look up your progress and give you a quick hello. Hope all is well and you are both staying safe. Take care, Kurt
Greetings Kurt!
We think back to our time there fondly. Unfortunately, the other high school we gave a talk at in Indiana was destroyed (Henryville). Hope you all fared much better through the winter. We are definitely in the midst of spring now as we hike on the C&O towpath, heading for DC.
Kirk