May 16, 2012
Mountain Times
The Great Greenbrier River Race

Ask long-time Greenbrier River Race participant David Broyles about his first experience of the race, and he'll tell you of his water baptism into the triathlon. When the 55-year-old Charleston jeweler saw a newspaper ad for the run-kayak-bike event that takes place along the ...
Tune into nature with fly fishing

Fly fishing is more than a sport. It is an art, therapy and a way to get connected with nature. “Fly fishing in general is super relaxing,” Elk River Touring Center owner Gil Willis said. “There’s really not any better way to spend the afternoon on a Saturday or Sunday, or after ...
Opera House showcases music, dance and storytelling

From bluegrass to gypsy jazz, the second half of the Pocahontas County Opera House Performance Series offers something for everyone. The Pocahontas County Opera House Foundation presents six performances between March and June, featuring the contemporary dance of Attack Theatre, the ...
Retired teacher makes fly-tying his hobby habit

Mike Burns' workshop serves a couple purposes. Neatly stacked banjos and fiddles, in various stages of repair, occupy one area of the upstairs room of his family's Browns Creek home. On the other side of the room sits a workbench with neatly stacked plastic organizers full of ...
Opera House season heats up this winter

You can shake off the winter-time blues with a pair of exciting performances at the Pocahontas County Opera House this December and February. The Rivers Rockabilly Trio will perform classic hits of the 1950s in a Christmas-themed concert December 10. Opry Night will then bring some ...
New life for old trees

Woodworker Eddie Fletcher jokes that he has a difficult time burning firewood; he sees potential in every piece of wood he picks up. His love for wood and working with the material recently materialized in his "church of wood" that occupies the century-old chapel that was once New ...
Full steam ahead on 1919 locomotive

Lawyers, mechanics, retirees and an assortment of other workers arrive at a machine shop at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park every other weekend, where the Mountain State Railroad and Logging Historical Association (MSRLHA) is restoring a vintage locomotive. Climax number 1551 was ...
Fly fishing school moves to Pocahontas County

A leading conservation group relocated its annual fly fishing school to Pocahontas County. The West Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited (WVCTU), a non-profit organization with the mission to conserve, restore and protect coldwater fisheries, conducted its 34th annual fly fishing ...
Pocahontas paradise for dual sport bikes

In the world of motorcycles, there are different breeds. Between sleek street cycles and rugged dirt bikes is the dual sport bike - designed to go both on and off the road. Dual sport bikes have heavy-duty suspensions and high fenders, like dirt bikes, but more comfortable seats and ...
People You Meet: Mike Holstine

Age: 53Occupation: Business Manager at National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green BankHometown: Campbells CreekFamily: Daughters: Christina, 28; Danielle, 24; and Michelle, 22. Granddaughter Annalee Peyton, one-year-oldPets: Two goatsFavorite Book: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the ...
April prime time for ramps

A three-man team of hunters scoured steep mountain slopes near Slaty Fork on Thursday, in search of the elusive Allium tricoccum. The species is known to hide under leaves in the early spring and give off a pungent odor when captured. The hunters successfully captured several Alliums ...
Getting spicy at the Snak Shak

It would take a lot of ink to chronicle the changes that have taken place at the Snak Shak on Third Avenue in Marlinton since its grand opening in June 2009. Originally advertised as a Tropical Sno dispenser, Jonathan Gibson and his "silent partner," Chuck Kettler, of White Sulphur ...
Webster County Woodchopping Festival

Paul Bunyan may be the most notable lumberjack in history, but he’s got nothing – except size – on the men and women who compete in the Webster County Woodchopping Festival every year. Strength, endurance and skill are tested as competitors wield their axes, saws and chainsaws in the ...
Winter hike in Cranberry Wilderness

For a long time, I've wanted to visit the Beechy Run waterfall in the Cranberry Wilderness during winter. I thought it would look nice with lots of snow and ice. But I've been discouraged by the difficulty of reaching the area during the winter months. In good weather, you can park ...
Hop, Skip and Jump Away

Located in the former St. Brednan’s Catholic Church on the corner of Park Street and Randolph Avenue in Elkins, the Randolph County Community Arts Center is a haven for all things art, music and dance. The 83-year-old building became the arts center in 2001 when the Catholic church ...
Flour Girls has all the right treats

Whether you have a sweet tooth or you’re jonesing for a good cup of coffee, the Flour Girls Bakery and Cafe at the intersection of Routes. 219 and 66 at Slaty Fork has what you crave. The “girls,” consisting of Stacy Beckwith, Whitney Beckwith, Tina Beckwith, Teresa Sharp and Doris ...
Father's gift keeps on giving in Green Bank woodshop

Years ago, Wood County woodworker Ken Jones, III taught his young sons how to hammer a nail and saw a board. As the boys grew older, their father taught them more and more about woodworking, metalworking, carpentry and an appreciation for the gifts of nature. When the boys were old ...
Winter birders, flock together!

Taking a drive or a walk on any given snowy day, you might see a small, feathered flash of color flit across your path. While Pocahontas County is a favorite spot among area bird watchers in the spring and summer months, there are quite a few to see during the winter, too. Snowy ...
Chestnut Ridge Country Inn - a trip back in time

There's a signpost up ahead ... In an old episode of the Twilight Zone TV series, a stressed out executive takes a side road and travels back in time to the quaint, bucolic village where he had grown up. The executive enjoys a short stay in the old-fashioned homeplace, but has to ...
Let's make some beer!

Beer making is a fun and inexpensive hobby that's perfect for wintertime in Pocahontas County. Many drink beer, but few know how it's made. Making a batch of home brew is fun and educational. Anyone who likes to cook or who played with a chemistry set as a kid will enjoy the beer-maki...
People you meet: Deb Goodwin

Age: 56Occupation: Owner/realtor, Mountain Valley Realty at SnowshoeFamily: One daughter and three grandchildrenPets: Chico, a Chihuahua and Millie, a miniature dachshund/ miniature Pinscher mixFavorite Movie: Honeysuckle Rose, with Willie Nelson and Dyan CannonFavorite Book: The ...
Get crazy for Mexican Cuisine at Haurache Loco Restaurante

Looking for a place to eat with a little extra kick? Haurache Loco Restaurant, at the intersection of Rt. 219 and Rt. 66, has the right blend of spicy and savory Mexican food to set your palate aflame with flavor. Decked out in traditional Mexican decor, the restaurant has an ...
Almost Heaven on Gaudineer Knob

I've read accounts of the ordeal faced by Confederate soldiers climbing up Cheat Mountain, through a spruce forest in the dark, but I didn't really appreciate what those soldiers went through until I visited the Gaudineer Scenic Area (GSA).Just a short piece north of Durbin lies the ...
Spectacular Cass Railroad - now with live music

Cass Scenic Railroad is one of the coolest places in the world. Not only can you ride an historic steam-powered train through some of the world's most beautiful mountains, you can get a great meal and listen to live bluegrass music at the same time. Cass is home of the largest ...
The Old Time Office: window to the past, gifts from the present

  The Pocahontas Times moved from its century-old home on Second Avenue more than a year ago, but the lights are still on in the simple grey building that sits behind Marlinton Presbyterian Church. Step inside and you'll find that the old office has a new lease on life. Jane ...
Local artist creates with a spiritual paintbrush

Always, resident Gary Wood knew he was destined to be an artist. Now, with more than six decades of an art career behind him, Wood reflects on his influences and the ways his art has evolved with society. Growing up in California, Wood did what most young boys do, he became a ...
People You Meet

Jim Ed RoushAge: 26Occupation:  Manager at The Boathouse, Shavers Lake, Snowshoe Mountain ResortHometown: Stony BottomEducation:  Degree in Management, Minors in Economics, Education and History,West Virginia State University, CharlestonHobbies: Travel, History, especially West ...
A wonder of nature at Honeycomb Rocks

According to geologists, the Appalachian Mountains were once the centerpiece of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea, towering as high or higher than the Himalayas. Eons have rounded off the old mountains and replaced glaciers with trees, forming a range as beautiful as any in the ...
Celebrating a Century: Durbin’s Climax #3 engine turns 100

As anyone prepares to celebrate another birthday, especially a special one, they look back and reminisce on the times they have had and the stories of their lives. This holds true for everything, including the Climax #3 engine in Durbin. As her 100th birthday slowly approaches, the ...
Through hike on North Fork Trail

Late spring/early summer and late summer/early fall are great times to go hiking. Mid-summer heat is uncomfortable, makes the bugs really bad and there's not a lot of water flowing. Now that it's late summer in Pocahontas County, I'm ready to get back to my favorite place in the ...
Why bikers love Pocahontas County

Lots of motorcycles rumble through Pocahontas County in the summertime. Anyone  living along a main road sees and hears dozens of bikes pass by every day. On July 15-17, hundreds of cycles cruised through the county on their way to Freedom Fest, a three-day biker convention and party ...
Rob Taggart turns love of music into a hobby

At an elementary school in a small town in southwestern Pennsylvania, Green Bank resident Rob Taggart was introduced to musical instruments and from that point, he became a musician. “In third grade, some of the older kids came into my class with their instruments and I said, 'oh, ...
Bill Hefner makes music

Mention the name Hefner in Pocahontas County and it’s automatically associated with music. The Hefner family is blessed with exceptional musicians who have mastered the art of playing guitar, banjo, mandolin, autoharp and bass. Taking his love of music and guitar to the next ...
Don’t miss Camp Barefoot

Forget Ozzfest and Warped Tour. Camp Barefoot 4 Music and Art Festival offers days of entertainment in your own backyard. The festival is August 19 through 21 at Camp Hidden Meadows in Bartow and features more than 37 top rated acts in independent music, including Lotus, Perpetual ...
Down home cooking with a touch of history

Long before Boyer Station became a restaurant, motel and campground, it was a general store and post office for the town of Boyer. Owner Frank Murphy said he remembers going to the store as a child. “I remember coming in and getting a pop every once in awhile,” he said. “They had ...
The scoop on the ‘scopes

In the 50s, the United States entered a race. It may not be as famous as the race to put a man on the moon, but it was a race that left a lasting impression on Pocahontas County. The race was to dominate in the exploration of radio astronomical research, a field the U.S. feared it ...
Durbin area rich with Civil War history

During late 1861 to spring 1862, residents of northern Pocahontas County found themselves in a 10-mile wide twilight zone when Union troops occupied Cheat Mountain and Confederates dug in on Allegheny Mountain. After the outbreak of war, the U.S and C.S.A. fought for control of ...
Walking in the footsteps of West Virginia infantry

Droop Mountain dominates the wide, beautiful plain in southern Pocahontas County known as the Little Levels. The mountain and the plain were the scene of a significant military action in 1863 when a large Confederate brigade attempted to stop a larger United States brigade from ...
Where to stay when visiting the Little Levels

When visiting a place with a rich history, it only seems right to seek lodging at a place that is part of that history. When visiting the Little Levels area, it’s hard to turn a corner without finding a piece of history standing before you. Places like The Hillsboro House Bed and ...
Ring the alarm: Station 2 will extinguish your hunger

What do you get when a firefighter decides to open a restaurant? A firehouse themed eatery with a great view and even better food. Buster Varner took the empty DMC Company building in Durbin and turned it into a place where people can grab a sandwich, salad or custom pizza and ...
Brick’s Haven Cabin Rentals: A home away from home

If you’re looking for a place to stay while visiting Pocahontas County that feels like home away from home, Brick’s Haven Cabin Rentals LLC in Dunmore has just what you need. Owned by Barbara Ulbrich, the two-cabin facility is nestled in the hillside of Dunmore on Laurel Run ...
Springtime hike with a new buddy

I made a new friend recently. He's got big feet, floppy ears and long, black fur. A former resident of the Pocahontas County animal shelter, Smokie came to live with me about a month ago. He was a bit uneasy at first. After being cooped up in the dog pound for more than two months, ...
May Events in the County

MayAround the CountyThrough May 15 • In the House Trout Special • Cass Scenic Railroad State Park • 800-CALL-WVA or 304-456-4300 • cassrailroad.com. Anglers interested in  spring tout fishing can enjoy 20% off their stay. A weeklong stay earns  2 free tickets for the upcoming train ...
Maple syrup makes life SWEET for the Taylor family

Carrying on a tradition that spans four generations, the Russell Taylor family, of Dunmore, gathers on the family farm to tap the trees and make maple syrup.Linda Taylor said that maple syrup has always been a part of life for the Taylors.“This home place belonged to Russell and ...
Gone Fishin'

Virginia is for lovers, but wild and wonderful West Virginia is for people who love to fish.The best fishing streams in the state are found in Pocahontas County, the birthplace of eight rivers. The Greenbrier, Elk, Gauley, Cherry, Cranberry, Tygart, Williams and Shavers Fork of the ...
He’s a Magic Man

An eleven-year-old Chet Shifflett went to the traveling carnival expecting to see the standard elephants and games but instead found a surprise that would inspire him for years to come.  A magician happened to be with the troupe and gave multiple 15-minute performances throughout the ...
Great Greenbrier River Race is a family affair

The Great Greenbrier River Race draws a crowd from all over the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond, but for one athletic family, it’s more than an excuse to run, bike and paddle their way through a spring Saturday in Pocahontas County. It’s the family that puts the fun in the day. Kellyn ...
Gone fishin'

Virginia is for lovers, but wild and wonderful West Virginia is for people who love to fish. The best fishing streams in the state are found in Pocahontas County, the birthplace of eight rivers. The Greenbrier, Elk, Gauley, Cherry, Cranberry, Tygart, Williams and Shavers Fork of ...
Maple syrup makes life sweet for the Taylor family

Carrying on a tradition that spans four generations, the Russell Taylor family, of Dunmore, gathers on the family farm to tap the trees and make maple syrup. Linda Taylor said that maple syrup has always been a part of life for the Taylors. “This home place belonged to Russell ...