A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day...02-06-04....WVNan's West Virginia

WVNan, Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997. Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, dansangel, dutchess, Aquamarine ~

Please join us as we make a cyber-visit to another great state in this Union of ours. Today, WVNan is presenting her beautiful state of West Virginia. She has provided all the research, text and photos for this presentation. Thank you Nan, for showing us around your Fine state.

Over the past year each "Finest" hostess has profiled her home state and I have been presenting the other states in random order. Please FReepMail me if you would like to participate in spotlighting your state. I would love to have your input on what you would like to see highlighted.

These are the states we have presented to date:

05-23-03 Alabama 06-27-03 Maryland 07-11-03 Vermont 07-25-03 Utah 08-05-03 Texas 08-22-03 Nevada 08-26-03 Wash DC 09-05-03 Tennessee 09-17-03 Florida

09-19-03 Minnesota 10-03-03 New Mexico 10-14-03 Georgia 10-17-03 Louisiana 10-22-03 Michigan 11-04-03 South Dakota 11-14-03 California 01-09-04 South Carolina

As we present each of our 50 states we also salute the proud FReepers who call their state 'home'.

The Great Seal of West Virginia was adopted by the Legislature on September 26, 1863. The seal bears the legend, State of West Virginia, together with the motto, "Montani Semper Liberi" (Mountaineers Are Always Free) A farmer stands to the right and a miner to the left of a large rock bearing the date of admission to the Union, June 20, 1863. In front of the rock are two hunters' rifles with a Phygerian Cap, or "Cap of Liberty", resting at the cross of the rifles.

Click HERE to explore the eight
geographical regions of West Virginia.





The golden domed State Capitol in Charleston, WV.

West Virginia’s history is all about people – the ones who made their mark on the Mountain State, and the caretakers who have preserved their memories. The caretakers of West Virginia’s rich history bring the past to life for visitors through the reenactment of Civil War battles, the dramatization of historic events for theater audiences, the repair and reconstruction of important sites, and the careful retelling of events that have affected the state and the nation. Every region of the state has, in unique ways, captured moments in history, making it possible for visitors to step back in time. Many key sites are connected by easy-to-follow heritage trails that link places and events. You can walk the cobblestone streets of a town that looks as it did during the Civil War, tour a coal mine that was active in the 1890s, ride antique trains that once hauled timber from the hills, or visit the restored homes of world-famous West Virginians. History here is close, it’s personal and it’s accessible to anyone with a thirst for knowledge.

The pioneers of Western Virginia were a proud and rugged people, yet they are also a very religious people.

Baptizing in the river.

When the New England coal barons came to the mountains, many of the mountain men sold their soul to the company for empty promises. The exploitation kept most West Virginian families in poverty.

Along with the coal mining came the rape of the forests.

A typical coal town in 1920.

More than 200,000 acres of this great state have been set aside as state parks, forests and wildlife management areas. These sites offer West Virginians and visitors areas of pristine, scenic beauty, natural wonders, and historical significance as well as recreational enjoyment.

West Virginia State Park Tours




West Virginia is one of the premier states in the Eastern United States that offers all types of wilderness and outdoor adventures. World class whitewater rafting is found on the New River and the Gauley River. The lower New River is called the Grand Canyon of the East.

Seneca Rocks and the New River Gorge offer extreme rock climbing challenges. There are seven ski resorts in West Virginia that offer the finest skiing in the East, as well as Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding, Sledding and Snow Tubing. Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding are popular, and who can resist the thrill of Base Jumping from the New River Gorge Bridge on Bridge Day?

Do you long for tamer pursuits? Check out the hundreds of mountain lodges, resorts, golf courses and fishing spots. Pamper yourself at the famous Greenbrier Resort. And, on your way home be sure and stop at the Tamarack near Beckley, WV and feast your eyes and your palate on West Virginia crafts and food, all under one roof.




West Virginia has been depicted as "hillbilly" country, and that is certainly true. We take those criticisms with humor and play into the stereotype when it benefits us. In that vein here are some pictures of the "other" West Virginia.

We hope you have enjoyed your brief trip through our beloved state. There are more adventures awaiting you in West Virginia. So pack up the car and the kids and plan the vacation of a lifetime in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia.

Have a nice FRiday and a great weekend!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 02-02-04...Military Monday 02-03-04...February is Funnest at the Finest 02-04-04...Meet GailA's Freedom's Rocket! 02-05-04...JohnHuang2 - John's Two Cents

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45MAN danbh59@yahoo.com
and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

[Mama_Bear]

Open invitation and free lodging Lori.

How nice of you, that's a offer too good to pass up! (You better be careful, you may end up with a full house AND a waiting list. LOL.)

[WVNan]

SISTAH!!!!! Wouldn't you know it, you show up just about the time I have to leave. I will have to get off here at 3:00. Have to shower etc. I hope you will be here tonight when I get back. Considering all that you had to do this morning, you are forgiven. Thanks for the oatmeal. Have you seen my beautiful state?

[WVNan]

I'm only about 45 min. from I-64. Would make a good stopover.

[WVNan]

LOL. I keep offering, but so far everyone has passed me by. I think JustAmy may get through here on a trip East.

[The Thin Man]

Nice spin, there's a job waiting for you at the DNC. lol!

Ouch! Being the perfect gentleman I am, I will not respond in kind.

LadyX, if you have the time please give Aqua the strong rebuke she deserves! LOL!

[Mama_Bear]

drive through WV on I-64. It will take you to N.C.

Well, the only part of the trip we have planned so far is to fly into Charlotte for a visit with my niece and nephew (and Mr. Bear wants to drive one of those NASCARS while there.....that is the only "must do" on his list, LOL). Other than that, we don't know what we are going to do or see. Only have about 10 days, so I don't know how we are going to decide where to go and what to do. We will need at least a month!

[LadyX]

"Have you seen my beautiful state?"

Yes, Nan, I have, and you are making me homesick for beautiful North Carolina...:(

Loved to get over to the Blue Ridge Parkway and meander on and off...there's even a Maggie Valley...:))

It, too, has those foggy, misty vistas, and dramatic thunderstorms viewed from the top of mountains, way below you, obscuring the tiny towns in the valleys.

Need to check out a while, too, and will leave mail for you, either here on e-mail, for tonight.

[Mama_Bear]

I have to shower and be ready to leave at 4:00.

Don't worry about a thing. We'll be here when you get back. Have a good time. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Hi Maggie! Just love to have both you and Nan on the thread at the same time. You two are so much fun!

[GatorGirl]

��5{��������y prayers as well.

Everything is wonderful, except for a child home sick today. She's resting and I'm sure will be ready to play soccer tomorrow!

Going to pick up the other one in a few minutes....thanks for sharing your lovely state today.

[LadyX]

"LadyX, if you have the time please give Aqua the strong rebuke she deserves! LOL!"

Aquamarine, "Pleez - you no mess weeth Meester Thin Man - ya heah me?!!"

Howzat??

[Mama_Bear]

Mornin' Dave. Doesn't West Virginia look Wild and Wonderful? I love trees........and there are trees EVERYWHERE!

[dixie sass]

Uh oh, they are off and running. Best thing to do when my 'cuzzzzzzzzzzzz's get going is to just sit back and watch and take notes!

[GatorGirl]

Thanks Mama!

Sounds like a wonderful trip! Good to see you too. I'll try to hang around more often.

Take care! GG

[LadyX]

Hi, Lori!

Would you believe I was held hostage this morning during a rob - - no???!!

Oops - will be back after dinner..:))

[WVNan]

Okay hon. Later Gator.

[Mama_Bear]

Aw, shucks. Too bashful, sorry. :-)

Well, phoooey. No point in twisting your arm, huh?

BTW, you have some very interesting quotes on your profile page. Someday when I have lots of time, I might just ponder on a few of them. :-)

[WVNan]

Looks like both of us will wait until tonight to carry on. Too bad. It would have been fun to have the whole day free.

[LadyX]

Hi, Cuzzin Sass....wasn't it wonderfully warm today for a brief change before the hammer falls again?!

At least our version of 'winter' is short, and in a couple of weeks we'll have forsythia blooming, and daffodils and snowbells and then the glorious white 'snowfall' of Bradford pear trees in bloom!

Be back this evening....

[WVNan]

I saw those also MB. Sounds like my neighbor has a mind for metaphysics, which is something near and dear to my heart. I see archetypes in almost everything. But if you talk about it, people look at you with raised eyebrows.