Memories in the making and relived Today and yesterdays past Last week, I traveled a road of memories with my niece, Billie, who was visiting from Post Falls, Idaho. Kinship and Friendship I introduced my niece to the past and the history of the Civil War. I was first introduced to areas of interest in Pocahontas County when I moved here, so we visited some of my favorite haunts. Droop Mountain Battlefield – rich in history and emotion. There seems to be a presence of those who fought and died there. We followed the path that leads to the small cemetery and museum with their stories of yesterdays past, and gazed at the view of the mountains and the valleys from the tower. It was a perfect day for a picnic. We then traveled down the road to Beartown – a spectacular site with spectacular sights. We were struck with wonder at the huge rock formations and crevices formed in the yesterdays past. We walked the narrow fern-lined path at the base of the rocks, always in fear and trembling that we would meet up with a bear! We turned north on our journey and stopped to visit the Pocahontas County Historical Museum, where Joe Smith shared a lot of interesting information. The museum, once a beautiful, private home, now stores treasures of yesterdays past. We visited the Marlinton Depot and 4th Avenue Gallery. Our county is rich in history and talent. Another day dawned, and we crossed the mountain to the Scenic Highway. I remember the grumbling and protest at the beginning of this project – “a road to nowhere,” people said. Today, it is a favorite destination with its many picnic areas, overlooks and hiking trails. We enjoyed the beauty of the mountains dressed in green, and look forward to their fall display of rust, yellow, orange, red and amber. The view was breathtaking. My niece plans to come back in the fall. She said she couldn’t wait to see the display of colors. We stopped and hiked one of the trails and viewed the Honey Comb Rocks. I needed to stop and rest, but found that the benches are in need of repair. But the rocks and the information posted on displays gave a very good history lesson. It is a geological wonder. The next day was full, as well. Upward we went to the Island in the Sky – Silver Creek and Snowshoe. We even visited the beach! We shared memories of my son, Sam, through stories related by his friends on the mountain. Yes, it was a full day. We went to the Cass Country Store – todays’ pleasures, yesterday’s treasures. We missed the train ride, but got some wonderful photos of the trains at Frank. A stop at the Green Bank Observatory, and snap went the camera – more photos of memories in the making. There is so much to do and see. The shops in Lewisburg were calling with lots of treasures to ponder. We visited the Civil War Cemetery where 95 Confederate soldiers rest. The graves are in the shape of a cross – 40 feet by 80 feet on a mound, three-feet high. Mother’s sons and husbands lost in battle. They went, fought and died. Names unknown. The covered bridge at Locust Creek was another stop of interest. Today, it is a home to pigeons, but I remember when we could drive through it, but that was yesterday. Billie was impressed by the friendly encounters with each person she met. Thank you to the Carr family at Huntersville for the delicious dinner – the cobbler was fantastic! Our time together came to an end, but Billie traveled home carrying memories of today and yesterdays past.
