Mountain Times ~ Supplement to the Pocahontas Times ~ SnowShoe, Slatyfork, Green Bank, Cass, WV

Focusing on the resort and tourist
community of Slaty Fork, Snowshoe Mountain, Cass and
Green Bank

Vol. 2 No. 7
July 2003

Serving SnowShoe Mountain, Slaty Fork, Green Bank and Cass
"News you can resort to"

Second Section of
The Pocahontas Times
Post Office No. 436-640
ISSN No. 07388373

Upcoming Events Around the Mountain Resort

JULY
Around the County: 7/3 to 7/6 - Slaty Fork Dirt Camp Resort Weekend, Elk River Touring Center. Call 866-572-3771
7/4, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26 - Cass Dinner Train, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. An exciting train ride to Whittaker Station, an outdoor old-fashioned barbecue, bluegrass entertainment, and lots of fun for the family. Reservations required. Call 456-4300 or 1-800-CALLWVA .
7/5 - Lou Maiuri, Appalachian Dance, Watoga State Park. For information, call 800-CALLWVA and ask to be connected to Watoga State Park, or locally call (304) 799-4087.
7/6 to 7/9, 7/13 to 7/16 - - Greenbrier Inn to Inn, Elk River Touring Center. Call 866-572-3771
7/8, 7/22 - Star Lab, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Green Bank. Guests will gather under a planetarium balloon for a fascinating "look" at the sky above. Space is limited to 15 participants per program. Time: approximately one hour. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. Reservations are suggested. For further information and reservations, call (304) 456-2150.
7/10 - Pocahontas County Living History Collection Opens, McClintic Library, Marlinton. in conjunction with Pioneer Days. The library also will be hosting an exciting new exhibit, "Above the Smoke: Tales of the Pocahontas Co. Fire Towers." Come learn what it was like to live in a fire tower for months at a time! Listen to the stories of the men and women who worked to preserve our forests for future generations.
7/10 to 7/13 - Pioneer Days, Marlinton. 37th Annual Celebration. Come enjoy the fun, which includes Bluegrass and Old Time Mountain music, street dances, arts and crafts, Pioneer Village, horse and buggy rides and much, much more. For information, call 800-336-7009.
7/11, 7/25 - Science Film Fest, NRAO, Green Bank. Visitors and staff will gather for a movie and discussion at 6:30 p.m. Movies will be science-related and vary in length. For further information, call (304) 456-2150.
7/1 - Gary Boothe, Magician, Watoga State Park. For information, call 800-CALLWVA and ask to be connected to Watoga State Park, or locally call (304) 799-4087.
7/11 to 7/13 - Couples Fly Fishing Weekend, Elk River Touring Center. Call 866-572-3771
7/12 - Moonlight Fire on the Greenbrier Rail Excursion, Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. Offered on full moon nights during the season, this late evening excursion aboard the steam-powered Climax train begins with a buffet dinner at the Durbin Depot followed by a trip along the beautiful, moonlit Greenbrier River. See the stars in this remote wilderness, far from ambient light, and follow the reflection of the moon as it shines on the river. Train departs the depot at 8 p.m. For further information and reservations, call 456-4935, toll-free 877-686-7245, or visit www.mountainrail.com.
7/16, 7/30 - High Tech Tours, NRAO, Green Bank. Take a guided tour through parts of NRAO normally off limits to visitors, like lab areas where sensitive receivers are designed and built. 3:30 p.m. Space is limited to 15 participants per program. Time: approximately 1 hour. Cost is $3 per person, and reservations are suggested. Call (304) 456-2150 for reservations and further information.
7/16 to 7/19 - Durbin Days, Durbin. Come enjoy the fun antique car show, carnival, craft show, train ride, fireworks and much, much more. A brochure containing a complete schedule will be available in June and can be requested by calling 800-336-7009.
7/18 to 7/20 - Slatyfork Women's Weekend, Elk River Touring Center. Call 866-572-3771
7/19 - Star Party, NRAO, Green Bank. Begins at 8 p.m. NRAO staff will orient guests to the star-filled sky. Viewing of the night sky will follow on the Star Patio adjacent to the science center. Bring your binoculars and optical telescopes. If cloudy skies prevail, Star Lab will begin at the orientation time. For more information, call (304) 456-2150.
7/20 to 7/24 - Twin Peaks Tour, Elk River Touring Center. Call 866-572-3771
7/25 - John McCutcheon in concert, Marlinton Opera House, Third Ave. The great master of American folk music, instruments and storytelling. Concert is at 7:30. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door. For more information, call (304) 799-4009.
7/25 - Bill Lepp, WV Champion Liar, Watoga State Park. For information, call 800-CALLWVA and ask to be connected to Watoga State Park, or locally call (304) 799-4087.
7/25 to 7/27 - Forks of the Gauley Tour, Elk River Touring Center. Call 866-572-3771
7/31 to 8/2 - Quilting Party, Pearl S. Buck Birthplace, Hillsboro. This program features three one-day workshops with locally known instructors in a beautiful setting to learn new techniques, develop skills and enjoy friendships. Topics include Redwork, Hawaiian Applique and the West Virginia Star. For a registration form, call 800-336-7009. Registrations must be received by July 1. On The Mountain
For more info about any events at Snowshoe, call 877-441-4FUN, or visit: www.snowshoemtn.com
7/4 to 7/6 - Fourth of July Celebration. Celebrate Independence Day at Snowshoe Mountain and enjoy an All-American Cookout, plenty of great activities for the kids, Village events, bluegrass entertainment and a spectacular mountaintop fireworks display.
7/11 - Mountain Stage. The world-renowned syndicated radio show, Mountain Stage, is performed live atop Snowshoe Mountain in one of the most scenic settings in West Virginia. You'll enjoy a variety of nationally recognized and up-and-coming entertainers. Call for ticket information.
7/12 - 11th Annual Fire on the Mountain Chili Cook-off. The Fire on the Mountain Chili Cook-off reaches new levels this year with a $10,000 first prize for best chili. Live entertainment, family fun, arts and crafts and plenty of chili tastin'.
7/17 to 7/20 - Snowshoe Freedom Fest - West Virginia's Motorcycle Rally. The perfect week for the motorcycle enthusiast . . . all makes welcome. Bike shows, live entertainment, great times with friends and some of the best mountain road touring in the East make this rally one not to miss. Call, or for complete information visit snowshoefreedomfest.com.
7/25 to 7/27 - Taste of the Mountains Wine and Jazz Festival. Wines from throughout the world and chefs from throughout the state join together under the Grand Tasting Tent. Fantastic jazz entertainment , wine seminars, arts and crafts and many family activities.
7/31 to 8/3 - The Snowshoe Institute. This four day event is a "Celebration of the best of human endeavors." Seminars and workshops in music, history, writing, theater and much more. This event will be highlighted with concert performances and guest speakers. For complete event information, visit snowshoeinstitute.org.

Snowshoe Institute is cultural 'kaleidoscope'
Pamela Pritt
Managing Editor

A pair of painters discuss perspective.
Photos courtesy of Snowshoe Mountain Resort

     From snakes to socially anxious children, memory to modern art, and magic to matchmaking, Snowshoe Institute is bound to have something to suit everyone's tastes and adventurous spirit.
     The institute is sponsored by Snowshoe Mountain Resort, West Virginia and Marshall Universities, the West Virginia Humanities Council, Intrawest Corporation and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. The institute's model is the Chautauqua Institute in New York.
     Snowshoe Institute is the brainchild of Sally Love, of Charleston, who attended the New York version a few years back. Her experiences there generated the idea that West Virginia had much to display in terms of culture, education and entertainment. With ties to Marshall University already in place and being a WVU graduate herself, she also found the perfect opportunity to bring the schools together and the perfect place at Snowshoe Mountain.
     Last year's first effort drew more than 400 people, Love said, and she was "thrilled with the outcome." In an aside, Love said a group of planners met each morning to discuss problems that might have arisen, but none did.
     "It went even better than we'd hoped," she said. "West Virginia is very fortunate to have this opportunity."
     Plans for this year's institute are obviously meant for a very diverse crowd with a variety of interests and tastes in entertainment.

Bright eyes and bright beads means there's fun going on for the younger set at the Institute.

     "Guests to the Snowshoe Institute will experience a kaleidoscope of cultural, educational and social activities throughout the week," said Bill Hungate, Snowshoe Mountain's vice president of marketing and member of the institute planning committee.
     The institute will also feature sessions on wine tasting and cooking, creative writing and photography, national security and investments, as well as History Alive performer Karen Vuranch as Pearl Buck and Ilene Evans presenting Memphis Tennessee Garrison.
     If the educational opportunities weren't enough, Snowshoe Institute will also offer musical and dance performances, theatre performances and picnics to round out the adventure in enrichment.
     Snowshoe Institute is a musical sampler with folk music, jazz and the ever-popular West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
     For the first time, Snowshoe Institute combines with Symphony weekend to truly enrich the experience with "beautiful music in a heavenly setting." Under the direction of Grant Cooper, the symphony will present both classical and pops musical performances. The West Virginia Symphony has performed at Snowshoe Mountain for more than a dozen years.

Traditional dance and music opportunities abound on the mountain. This youngster enjoys the fancy footwork, too.

     As for dance, a repertory performance is scheduled for Saturday. The Angevin Players perform "Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams Friday.
     And don't forget the importance of the spectators. WVU professor Joann Siegrist will present "Being an Audience Member: Your Child's Experience in Today's World." This seminar encompasses television, movies, cartoons and live productions.
     Meditation and yoga are early options for the day's beginning.
     For the younger crowd, the Soundtastiks, a disc jockey group, will entertain the teenage crowd from 10 p.m.-12 midnight each evening.
     Sunday's offerings include a panel discussion on world religions and an Eco-Spirituality service before the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents a pops concert at 1:30 p.m.
     The mission of the Snowshoe Institute is "to provide an invigorating environment for engaging in significant social, political and intellectual issues, which define our time; and to celebrate the best of human endeavors through participation in and appreciation of the arts and humanities in the mountains of West Virginia.
     "And so it does.

Seneca State Forest is haven of peacefulness

Seneca's newest cabin is handicapped accessible
Photo by Heidi Zemach

by Heidi Zemach
Contributing Writer
      You could camp out in a place where radios blare in the distance, cell-phones ring, jet-skis or four-wheelers speed past and the sound of human voices drown out the birds. Or you could try the peacefulness of Seneca State Forest, Rt. 28 near Dunmore.
      This lush, green forest is a well-kept secret, and that's just fine.
      The oldest of West Virginia's state forests, Seneca borders the Greenbrier River in Pocahontas County. The forest offers eight rustic guest cabins; a four acre, man-made lake for fishing; a small campground and 11,684 acres of lush woodlands. The lake and forest are named after the Seneca Trail which passes through the area.
      "One reason Seneca doesn't get much attention is we don't have any outstanding natural features‹no huge waterfalls or breathtaking overlooks," said David Caplinger, the forest superintendent since 1989. "The beauty here is more subtle. It doesn't jump out and grab you. You have to appreciate the normal, everyday things like a wood thrush singing on a damp evening, a doe and a fawn coming to the lake to drink, or a sky filled with more stars than you ever thought possible because there's no light pollution."
      The forest is managed and kept clean by a small and dedicated long-term permanent staff of four, plus some seasonal workers. In addition to Caplinger, (a 14-year veteran who also is superintendent at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park), other employees include Dave Wagner, the assistant superintendent, and Roy McPaters, head maintenance man, each of whom have been employees at Seneca State Forest for more than 30 years. Diane Barkley, the secretary, has been there 13 years.
      As McPaters maneuvers along the unpaved, winding forest roads to check on the remote cabins and campsites, his regard for the forest and pride of accomplishment is evident.
      "I just love it here, getting outside all the time. The work is sometimes hard, sometimes easy, but different every day," he says. Because of the nonstop rain, McPaters tells with regret how the staff fell behind on raking the leaves and cutting the lawns in time for the tourist season. There also are roofs to be worked on, if only the rain would end for long enough, he says.
      McPaters stops the truck to pick up an old hunting dog with a red tracking collar, which has wandered into the forest and lost its way. The rain-soaked hound, with sorrowful eyes and a local address, gratefully accepts the ride back to the office.
      The excellent shape of the lodges and camping facilities and their layout makes Seneca State Forest special, said Caplinger. "Visitors regularly comment we have the best camp ground they've ever stayed in," he said. "It's a great compliment because it's nothing fancy‹-but we keep it clean and very quiet."
      The tent sites are generously spread out, and are well screened from each other by the trees or landscape. A coin pay shower is available to guests. They can also rent rowboats, paddleboats and canoes to use on the lake.

Rustic kitchens provide wood burning cook stoves. The kitchens have sinks.
Photo by Sunny Given

      The cabins, some situated near the man-made lake, and others much further into the forest can sleep from three to eight people. The oldest ones were built during the 1930's Depression-era by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) workers, who also developed many of the picnic areas, roads, trails, firebreaks and the dam that formed Seneca Lake.
      The newest cabin, an eight-person, handicapped-accessible cabin was completed a few years ago. Like the older cabins, it features gaslights, a fireplace, woodstove and plain wooden furniture. There is no electricity, and guests must pump their own water. A refrigerator and gas heater do make life a little more comfortable for guests unaccustomed to such ruggedness.
      Some of the most frequent guests at Seneca are well-to-do urban professionals, Caplinger said. Despite the inconvenience of doing without electricity and running water, they really seem to enjoy the lodges' ruggedness and getting away from civilization, Caplinger said. Many are surprised and a little taken aback, however, to discover that even their cell phones don't work in the forest, which is a part of the National Radio Quiet Zone. The quietness adds to the sense of isolation that most visitors enjoy, he said.

The 4-acre lake at Seneca State Forest has canoes and paddle boats, and areas all around to cast your line.
Photo by Sunny Given

      Another frequent guest is the sportsman, coming to hunt or fish, primarily in the spring or fall, he said. Both hunting and fishing is allowed in the state forest. The stocked lake offers a plentiful supply of trout in the spring, and bluegill and bass in the summertime. The forest also has deer, black bear and other huntable wildlife. Numerous visitors also have even reported seeing a mountain lion in certain areas, Caplinger said.
      Many local residents also enjoy fishing at the lake, and a recent fishing derby, sponsored by the Pocahontas County Parks and Recreation Department drew more than 100 residents on a rainy Saturday.
      With 12,000 acres of forest, 13 miles of mostly-dirt roads, and eleven trails, Seneca Forest is a natural place for hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. Four-wheeling is not permitted, however. Much of the terrain is rugged and hilly, strenuous enough for the fit or more experienced outdoorsman. But a few of the trails, such as one around the lake, are relatively level, easy hikes for families with small children, Caplinger said.
      Two major regional trailheads also pass through Seneca Forest‹-the Allegheny and Greenbrier River Trails, the former of which extends almost all the way into Maryland.
      Hikers at Seneca can walk for hours on end and never run into another soul, because of the small number of visitors, Caplinger said. But people wanting to rent the cabins should do so well in advance, to assure availability.

Watch our renowned fire truck parade polished to perfection.
Photo courtesy of Destination Durbin

Durbin Days has lots to offer this year

      The Sixteenth Annual Durbin Days takes place this year July 13-19 and has more to offer than ever.
      The event begins Saturday, June 28, with "Magical Moonlight," the annual beauty pageant held at Green Bank School and continues Sunday, july 13, with a Baby Show at the BFD Firehall.
      Opening ceremonies are at 12 noon Wednesday, also at the firehall. The carnival opens, as well as the flea market, horseback rides, mechanical bull rides (for those of you who don't like the live version), the pet show, and the always fun greased pig contest. Live music with the D.C. Riggs Band takes place at the lower end of the carnival grounds.
      D. W.'s Exotic Animals opens at 4 p.m. Thursday, and all the previous day's events are still going on, plus a cake walk at Kane's parking lot. The Charlie Miller Band entertains on Thursday.
      The annual Fireman's Parade is the main event of Friday night, along with Senior Citizens Singing at Kane's parking lot. The seniors will be joined by Trista Rexrode and Fade of Glory.
      Saturday features the Grand Parade at 2 p.m. and the scrumptious barbecued chicken by the BFD. Also enjoy a 5K Run/Walk, and Old Time Music Jam, Seneca Trail Gospel, an antique car show, Bingo, Soul Sensation, tug-of-war, and the ever popular, Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys on Kane's parking lot. Paris will also perform and fireworks will cap the night.
      Just like the brochure says:

Reconnect with family and friends at Durbin Days 2003.
Map courtesy of Destination Durbin web site

      "On the banks of the East and West Forks of the Greenbrier River, Durbin celebrates old-fashioned mountain fun. Music and laughter ring across the mountains of Northern Pocahontas County. Our week-long festival brings many back home to the hills. Young and old alike enjoy games, exhibits, parades, competitions and camping.
      "Test your skills at horseshoes or your strength at tug-of-war. Watch our renowned fire truck parade polished to perfection. Local crafts are displayed each evening. Our carnival delights all ages. Nightly, toe tapping music keeps you young at heart. Saturday night's fireworks cap a week of entertainment.
      "Come along and enjoy the food, fun and entertainment of Durbin Days. Walk down the street and meet the friendly folks of Pocahontas County. Catch up with family and friends in the beautiful surroundings Durbin calls home."
      For more information, visit www.destinationdurbin.com or call 1-800-336-7009.

Adventures in Good Eating

Watoga Restaurant is tasty treat tucked away in state park heaven
Pamela Pritt
Managing Editor
      It takes a while to get to Watoga Restaurant. Whether you go the 10 miles from Rt. 39 in Huntersville or the six miles from U. S. 219 into the park to the homey little eating place, it just takes a while over winding, one-lane roads.
      But, oh, how worth the trip.

Features like the rustic double fireplace make dining a treat at Watoga Restaurant. The restaurant is open from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. daily.
Photo by Pamela Pritt

      Watoga Restaurant sits by Lake Killbuck in a building constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The log structure and pine paneling are solid, as is the home-cooked food served up by Bonnie Sharp and company.
      On a rainy evening just after Father's Day, my family, minus a daughter, sampled the fare. Although many choices on the menu looked tempting, we ended up with ribeye and baked potato, honey dipped chicken and jumbo shrimp.
      All the entrees came with one trip to the salad bar, which was stocked with quite a variety of vegetables, pasta salads, fruit and cottage cheese. The dressings were all thick and creamy, coating the salad with ranch, French and 1000 island flavors.
      The steak was cooked a just-right medium well and was juicy and flavorful without the steak sauce offered by the efficient waitress. It was also about a half-inch thick and more than enough for a serving.
      Three pieces of honey-dipped chicken are also quite filling. The coating was sweet and crispy, while the chicken was juicy and well-done. Mashed potatoes and gravy on the side for this entree rounded out the meal.
      Several pieces of lightly breaded shrimp accompanied by French fries made our final diner happy. The breading wasn't oil-laden and the shrimp tasted great. The sauce was homemade and had the zing of shrimp sauce not too heavy on the horseradish. The fries were tasty and there were plenty of them.
      Not many people can do bread like Bonnie Sharp. With years of practice under her belt at places like the Allegheny Lodge and previous summers at Watoga, she knows her rolls. A basket of cloverleaf rolls accompanies each meal. Light and tasty, the rolls melt the butter just like they're supposed to and then the rolls melt in your mouth.
      We had to take dessert home because we were so full, and we were glad we didn't pass it up. Later in the evening we had two pieces of coconut cream and one piece of apple.
      I'll admit I'm a little finicky about my pie. The women in charge at my house growing up could make pie and pie crust that was just wonderful. And although I can't repeat their perfection, I can appreciate it when I find it.
      And I found it at Watoga Restaurant. When the waitress opened the lid of our Styrofoam containers, I spotted the home-made crust from across the table. That meant I couldn't wait to get home and let supper settle a little so I could dive into my piece.
      I wasn't quite at that point when the pie called my name from the kitchen. The coconut cream filling was creamy, but not too sweet, while the meringue was just sweet enough. All that topped on the homemade crust was about as good as it gets.
      The apple was just as good, according to the daughter. With plump apples and cinnamony filling, she enjoyed it greatly while relaxing with some reading.
      All in all, the worst thing about Watoga is that it isn't on the way home. But we'll be back anyway.
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Outfitters
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Realestate

Burton ~ Salomon ~ Nitro ~ New and Used Demos Come talk to the resort's most
experienced snowboard outfitters.
Store Sale 20 - 50% OFF
Ski and Snowboard Rentals and Sales
1 mike south of WV 66 ~ 304 572-4173

Open Daily 7:30 am - 11 pm, Later on Friday

Largest Ski and Snowboard Rental Co. in the Southeast 304 572-1234
Located at the corner of Rt. 219 and Rt. 66
LOWER RATES ~ FRIENDLY SERVICE
All Ski & Snowboard Clothing and Equipment
ON SALE!!!
Entire 2nd Floor DISCOUNTED

SNOWBOARD & SKI RENTALS
Great Quality, Great Prices
Daily 7:30 am - 11 pm
Friday 7:30 am - 2 am    304 572-1200
route66@neumedia.net

Restaurant
at the Inn at SnowShoe ~ EVERY WEEKEND ~
SHOW COOKERY & BUFFET STATION
Room service available 6:30 am- 1 am
Lounge hours
Mon. - Fri. 4:30 pm - 1 am
Sat. amd Sun. 1 pm to 1 am
Menu Items available daily 'til 1 am
~ 304 572-1000 ~

Open 7 AM until 9 PM
Home of the $4 breakfast!
Located on the corner of
Rt. 219 and Rt. 66

An intimate off-mountain dining experience
Featuring an International Buffet with
live local music each Thursday nite.
5 miles south of WV 66 on US 219
Open Thursday thru Monday evenings
For reservations call:     304 572-3771
Privately owned and operated Since 1982

Douglass S. Keith, Broker
Beverly Figg, GRI ~ Matt Matthews
Raymond Godwin     304 572-5687
P.O. Box 364 Snowshoe, WV 26209
Visit our Office in Shaver's Centre, Snowshoe Mountain

Presenting the Height of Luxury
Allegheny Springs at Snowshoe Mountain
Yours to own 1-800-489-1943

Mountain Country Properties
304 572-4663      mcpinfo@neumedia.net
David Curtis, Broker ~ Christine Butler, Associate Broker
Sales Associates: Debbie Goodwin, Cathy McGee, Bet Curtis P.O. Box 7
Slaty Fork, WV 26291
Rt. 66, ¼ mile from
Snowshoe Entrance

Glades Hardware

Marlinton WV
304 799-4912

Calhoun & Kipp
Unique Items from around the world.
Mon. thru Sat. 10 am 'til 9 pm
Sunday 9 am 'til 8 pm
304 572-5250

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	Douglass S. Keith, Broker Beverly Figg, GRI ~ Matt Matthews Raymond Godwin 304 572-5687 P.O. Box 364 Snowshoe, WV 26209
Visit our Office in Shaver's Centre, Snowshoe Mountain