Tales From West Virginia

We're back in Wisconsin after a 6-day trip to West Virginia, where we visited with Susan for three days before bringing David back with us for the summer. We were fortunate to have some great weather and no trouble with the old red van, which has served us well over the years (we've had the van as long as we've had Michael). The trip was fun for all and we'll definitely do it again someday!

We left Eau Claire on Saturday morning and made it as far as Kentucky on the first day. After spending the night in a motel, we finished the journey to Beckley, West Virginia by early afternoon the next day.

We knew Susan and David lived among mountains, but were still impressed as the countryside changed from Kentucky's fenced fields and horses to the towering cliffs and thickly wooded hills of West Virginia. Every bend of the highway produced views more spectacular than the last! I was very glad to see the state again as an adult, and very glad to show Michael and Emma a place like that.

Susan had a few classes to attend during our stay, but still found time to show us all around Beckley. We met her best friend, Jessie, and the two girls accompanied us on a sight-seeing tour of the area. We went to the caverns in Lewisberg, toured an historical museum, gift-shopped and lunched, and hiked to several scenic overlooks, including a view of am amazing highway bridge that spans a deep river gorge and is actually taller than two Statues of Liberty and the Washington Monument put together. We also saw David's highschool and Susan's college campus. Their little brother Logan, now five, spent a lot of time with us during our stay in Beckley, as well. Michael and Emma had a great time playing with him in our motel pool and also at several different playgrounds around the city.

It's strange not having Susan here for the summer, but we're glad that she's committed to school and working so hard. At age 19 she's half-way through a physician's assistant program. She will be able to start making good money right away after graduation, but hopes to eventually attend medical school in Madison (Wisconsin). She's a very bright, motivated girl, and we're proud of her accomplishments.

Still... as great as the trip was, we were very glad to get back to Eau Claire and all the little comforts of home.