Harpers Ferry, WV

"The passage of the Patowmac through the Blue Ridge is perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature ... This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic ..."

Thomas Jefferson, 1783

Jefferson wrote those lines as he overlooked the river from a rock outcropping, high above the riverbed. Harper's Ferry is situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, from where you can stand in one place and almost throw a rock into West Virginia, Maryland, or Virginia. Home to John Brown's raid on the arsenal in protest of slavery and the largest surrender of Union soldiers during the Civil War.



Harpers Ferry changed hands between the Confederate and Union soldiers fourteen times during the Civil War. St Peter's Church built in 1833, was the only church relatively unscathed by artillery during the conflict. Reverend Costello is credited with this due to his decision to fly the Union Jack above the church during the conflict.

Harpers Ferry is maintained as a Historic National Park and is well worth the visit . . .

Oscar's Harrowing Halloween

Walking through the woods west of Gettysburg on Halloween, Oscar suddenly sensed an eerie presence he couldn't quite place . . .


Scooting away from there, he heard a witch's voice cackling "I'll GET you, you little DOG!"


He ran over tho this guy for help, but the fellow had problems of his own!


Oscar and his new found buddy, Duke, took refuge in a local cemetery only to find more mayhem. They both said "I didn't do it! I didn't do it."


With their world gone weird, they scampered to the cabin where aunt Michele consoled the whimpering pups.


Michele told Oscar if he'd simply sleep on it, it'd all be better in the morning. So he collapsed right there on the couch . . .


Next morning, Oscar was back to his smiley self, yelling "I AIN'T AFRAID OF NO GHOSTS!"

(yeah, right)

Wooly Worm Festival

What is a Woolly Worm?
a. The caterpillar or larvae form of the Isabella tiger moth.
b. A great excuse for a party
c. Both A & B

Banner Elk, NC hosts the annual Woolly Worm Festival, where folks gather for some good old fun and worm racing!

This fellow gets a bit carried away as he revels in the sensation of multiple worms crawling up their shirt . . . that's the spirit!

There are plenty of opportunities for some health conscious snacks.

Crowds gather for the multiple race events which eventually culminates in an overall winner of a $500 prize pot. GO WORM . . . GO!

Twenty worms compete per event. The race consists of placing your worm on a string and watching it creep upwards to the finish line. Here's "Coolie" crossing the finish line as the winner of his event, being pointed out by a Woolly Worm Festival official.
Part of the fun is watching the antics and hearing the calls of of the master of ceremonies.










We returned to camp and told Oscar and his new best friend, Sydney about it. Sydney was astounded ...












Oscar simply cracked up and told us we were nuts!






We fondly recalled the wonders of the Woolly Worm festival over brunch the next morning.

Valley Country Fair

On the 3rd Saturday of each October, a bit of Americana sprouts up at the height of the fall color season in Valle Crusis, NC. What began many years ago as a local church bazaar has grown into a "go-to" destination for folks from all over . . . all proceeds go to local organizations supportting those in need.

Fine musicians take the stages throughout the day much to the delight of the crowds. You may get a chance to enjoy a master at "Playin' the Saw" (which was amazing, by the way) and encourage younger talent as they pick out some old standards.

Step on up and get close with a real live llama . . . don't worry, the handler will let you know if he's getting ready to spit! LOL

Booth after booth will entice you with items such as these beautiful hand made nesting baskets.

Kim, Lois, Herm, Paul, and Sherry gave this fair a big thumbs up.

The next Valle Country Fair will be held Oct 15th, 2011. Don't miss it!

Eggs in the Fall!

Oscar & I've been outta range for a bit and have some "catchin' up to do" !!!!!

We spent some time with fellow "Eggers" up on a hillside east of Asheville, NC watching the leaves turn color. Here's the gaggle all lined up real close.

Oscar picked out our spot and I think he did a grand job! (Sherry, it's OK, just let him think it was HIS idea, it's easier that way)

Wandering along the winding Appalachian roads during the fall is spectacular.

We attended the East of Asheville Studio tour and saw artisans and their crafts in the making: pottery; blown glass; inlaid glass; wood turning; furniture makers; and my favorite - metal sculpture. Here's one of Aubrey, made by Dave Taylor of "Fire Steel & Rust" Great likeness!

Oscar loved Dave's works and while they were talking he told Dave all about our travels, so Dave made a sculpture just for Oscar's adventures. Perfect, don't you think?