It is Tuesday and time to write a 'Slice of Life."
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To celebrate my oldest son’s birthday, we had a family getaway to New River Gorge National Park – a weekend of hiking and autumn leaf viewing. This West Virginia park is only about a five hour drive from our home in Maryland, and made for a wonderful location for a few fun days.
Our Friday was misty and chilly, yet quite beautiful for hiking. Let me share just a few of photos –
Much to our surprise – and good fortune – we had an even more special Saturday. We had no idea when we booked our travels that October 21st was the annual Bridge Day. The New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville, West Virginia is the longest single-span arch bridge in the western hemisphere, measuring some 3030 feet with the arch alone measuring 1700 feet. The bridge was completed in 1977; since 1980, there has been an annual festival in its honor.
On this single day, the bridge is closed to vehicular traffic. There is an enormous festival on the bridge, with vendors hawking food and crafts up and down the entire expanse. In the middle of the bridge, gutsy folks base jump off the bridge – which, seriously, has to be one of the most terrifying sports I have ever witnessed. It was wild to watch. Can you find the base jumper /parachute in the photo below? Who would dare to jump from such a height?
We spent a beautiful fall morning walking the bridge and enjoying the sights. Plus, of course, eating – yummy funnel cakes, barbecue, cotton candy, and pizza. Festivals demand that one partake, yes?
Later in the afternoon, we hiked Long Point trail, which allowed us to have a breathtaking view of the bridge from the side. We also enjoyed the surrounding fall foliage and we watched more of the daring base jumpers perform, from a much farther distance.
It was a fabulous weekend!
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Beautiful! I love the pictures – and so fun that it was a festival!
It was an extra special family time!
Maureen,
These photos are spectacular. My favorite is the one w/ Frog and Bird at the window looking out on the gorgeous fall colors. I’m putting the park and festival on my bucket list. BTW, we see base jumpers off the Perine bridge over the Snake River in Twin Falls. It’s the gorge Evil Kineavel jumped on his motorcycle back in the 70s.
I cannot imagine having the courage to jump off from such heights, oh my. I would have to be pushed – and I would pass out, I’m sure. It is a fabulous park – we will be returning, I have no doubt. Just gorgeous.
Maureen, what an absolute thrill of an adventure! I love the way you are always making memories with your grandchildren – they are so precious! That gorge is breathtaking,
and what a way to celebrate your son’s birthday! I know that is an unforgettable journey. The photos are stunning and make me want to visit there!
I think you may be about five hours drive as well, Kim. It was about halfway to our more typical destination – Atlanta, to visit family. It is a wonderful park – you should visit!
Maureen, wow. That was perfect. I’m so glad you were there on that particular Saturday. It makes me want to go to this festival too. So breathtakingly beautiful. I wasn’t sure if I saw the jumper but was it on the right, a blue and white parachute?
Yes, you are right! We were standing on the bridge, watching them jump – that’s how crazy high the jump was. It was a super fun festival!
How exciting for you to be able to visit in the fall AND be there for the bridge celebration. We visited in the summer and thoroughly enjoyed this new national park! Love and thanks for your story and photos!!!