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. 3 No. 11
November 2004

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

NOVEMBER
AROUND THE COUNTY
Star Lab € Every Thursday at 2:00 p.m., NRAO, Green Bank 456-2150 €Limited space: 15 participants/program. Who cares if it's cloudy! Guests will gather inside a portable planetarium for a fascinating look at the sky above.
Public Tours € NRAO, Green Bank. 456-2150. € Open Wednesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free tours 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Group tours: motor coach groups, school groups and youth groups, civic clubs, amateur astronomers are welcome! Please contact us for reservations. Call 304-456-2164 or email gbt-tours@nrao.edu.
Solar Viewing € NRAO, Green Bank. 456-2150. € Offered every sunny day at 2:45 p.m. at the science center. Get a SAFE peek at the sun through an optical telescope... and observe the sun with a radio telescope!! Free, no reservations required!
Nov 6 € The Yahoes € Pocahontas County Opera House, 818 Third Avenue, Marlinton, 800-336-7009. Paul Gartner, Pam Lund, and Doug Van Gundy are The Yahoes, an old-time string band from West Virginia that plays traditional West Virginia music.
Nov. 6 € Verle Ray € Brazen Head Inn, Mingo. 339-6917. Enjoy traditional, eclectic and folk music every Saturday evening in the warmth of an Irish-style pub and restaurant. Six miles north of Rt. 66 on US 219.
Nov 13 €The Honky Tonk Angels € Pocahontas County Opera House, 818 Third Avenue, Marlinton, 800-336-7009. This new musical comedy, produced by the Greenbrier Valley Theater, is by the author of the hit musical Always...Patsy Cline. Come with us on a rollicking and touching journey which celebrates the woman's voice in country music through the years, from the classics of Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn and Kitty Wells, up to the contemporary favorites by the likes of Dolly Parton and Pam Tillis.
Nov. 20 Falling Branch String Band of Elkins € Brazen Head Inn, Mingo. 339-6917. Enjoy traditional, eclectic and folk music every Saturday evening in the warmth of an Irish-style pub and restaurant. Six miles north of Rt. 66 on US 219.

Enjoy breathtaking views hiking in the county, like this on on Burner Mountain.

Photo by Gail Hyer

Fall hiking beckons you- hit the trail!

Gail Hyer
Contributing Writer
      A quiet fall day in Pocahontas County and you think there is nothing to do? Well, think again! Pocahontas County during the fall is probably as pretty as any place you have ever been. One of the most fun activities to do in Pocahontas County is back roads hiking.
      For any successful hike the key is preparation. Know your limits. Don't try to take on a hike for which you have done no planning or getting in shape. Always take the basic "Ten Essentials" listed below, (even on a short hike). If you're going on an overnighter, plan out your route before you hit the trail.

Maps are available for most trails in the area.

      There are great guide books available for just about any destination. It's important to read these and understand the area you will be hiking. Know that you might see bears, and know what to do in case you do see one. Know the area you're in, because in some places it might be warm in the daytime and then the evening temperatures may plummet too close to the freezing level.
      For somebody who is just starting out on the trail, there is no need to break the bank when purchasing gear. Start with a sturdy pair of shoes or boots. Always take these essentials on your hike: map, compass, water, extra food, rain gear, fire starter, first-aid kit, knife, flashlight, and sun protection.
      Once somebody has been hiking for a while and is ready for a longer trek, they can start investing in a higher grade gear. Go to an outdoor retailer and be fitted with a pack, boots, sleeping bag and a good tent. Three shops in Marlinton can help you with good basic equipment: C.J. Richardson Hardware, the Men's Shop and Appalachian Sports; in Slaty Fork see Gill Willis at the Elk River Touring Center and The Ski Barn; and if you are at Snowshoe you can buy hiking gear at either Pocahontas Supply Company or the Why Not Shop. In Durbin be sure to stop and see Frank Proud at Durbin Route Outfitters for hiking and trail supplies.
      Be sure to leave your anticipated route with somebody, and let them know when you are scheduled to return home. Set up a predetermined time when you will call them and an alternative action plan if you fail to return on a timely basis.
      As far as a cell phone, that's a touchy subject. While it can- not be denied that cell phones have gotten many people out of dangerous/lost situations, there are also many hikers who feel the ringing of a cell phone in the backcountry ruins their experience. If you leave prepared and take the essentials with you, mapping out your route ahead of time, you shouldn't need a cell phone. As anyone will tell you who lives around here, they don't work well anyway.
      A vast network of hiking trails can be found throughout Pocahontas County in the Monongahela National Forest and within the many state parks and forests. Activities such as bird watching, searching for wildflowers, and leisurely hiking are popular pastimes along trails.

Gail Hyer pauses for a moment during her hike of the Span Oak Trail.
Photo by Ed Jett

      Two challenging trails are in the northern part of the county: Span Oak Trail and Burner Mountain Trail, both of which cut across the top of the ridge of Burner Mountain. To get to the Burner Mountain Trail go out of Bartow on State Route 250 towards Virginia. At the intersection of SR 250 and 28 take 28 and continue until you come to the sign that reads "National Science Youth Camp." Turn left onto Forest Service (FS) Road 14 and continue driving through the gorgeous forest for a few miles.
      The Burner Mountain trailhead is on the right and marked as Trail #322. The trail is 3.5 miles long and goes across the ridge that is dressed in red pine, cherry, maple, hawthorn, ash and birch. A natural spring just before the trail head is a good place to quench your thirst before starting the hike.
      When this trail ends it is atop the ridge where FS 14 magically turns into FS 15. There is no perpendicular intersecting of these roads as some hiking books would have you believe. The road merely changes its numbers; nothing else.
      If you want to hike the Span Oak Trail then you would continue up FS 14 after passing the Burner Mountain Trail sign for another three miles or so. When you come to the top of the ridge and begin a slight descent down the mountain, you will see the trailhead for the Span Oak Trail (#321) on your right. The Span Oak Trail is a 3.7 mile hike and ends at the West Fork Trail just north of Durbin. Take your car to the trailhead at the top of the mountain and leave a second car at the West Fork end or have a friend pick you up. That way you won't have to hike up the hill to get your car!
      You will notice while you are at the top of the ridge about ready to get on the Span Oak Trail that on your left is the other end of the Burner Mountain Trail. So if you are really into hiking and want to enjoy the vast beauty of this unspoiled area, you can walk the entire route of a little over seven miles by combining both the Burner Mountain Trail with the Span Oak Trail. This would be an excellent time to use the shuttle services in the area or have the second car waiting for you.
      Hiking trails listed here are for everyone's ability. "Intermediate" designation is based on length of trail and not on level of difficulty. Availability of water in these areas is questionable depending on the time of the year and on annual rainfall so always make sure you pack in water. If you find a cool spring along the way, then you can enjoy it but not count on it.
      Cow Pasture Trail is 7 mile loop, accessible from FR 102, (Cranberry Glade Road) that follows an old road and railroad grade. It's a pleasant afternoon hike as it ambles around the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, passing through meadow, hardwood forest and rhododendron. (Intermediate level)

You'll probably cross feeder streams on your journey - be sure to take the time to appreciate the beauty of the forests!
Photo by Gail Hyer

      Williams River Trail is a six mile round trip trail that begins at the Tea Creek Campground off the Highland Scenic Highway. The trail follows the scenic Williams River on an old railroad logging grade dating back to the early 1900s.
      High Rocks Trail is a 3.2 mile trek that leads you to a spectacular view of the Greenbrier River valley. The trail begins off the Highland Scenic Highway, three miles from the Cranberry Nature Center. A series of switchbacks passes through hardwood forests that lead to an outstanding overlook at trail's end. View Bald Knob directly ahead and in the far distance, Beaver Lick Mountain and the Allegheny Mountains. Backtrack to return to your vehicle.
      Gauley Mountain Trail is an 11.2 mile round trip hike which begins off the Highland Scenic Highway 5 miles from U. S. 219. A longer hike can be found by traveling 6 miles on FR 24 (Mine Rd) and FR 135, to the start of the Bannock Shoals Trail. Shuttle back to the start. (Intermediate level)
      Laurel Creek Trail is 9 miles around the loop and begins at the Rimel Picnic Area on WV 39. The trail passes through the side of Lockridge Mountain along an oak and pine forest. Primitive camping is located along the trail. (Intermediate)
      For more information about lodging in the county during your hiking visit or campground information, contact the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-336-7009.
Bio note from Gail Hyer: A five mile hike is worth every step when at the end you can see spectacular views and vistas in a peaceful and calm surrounding. Hiking is not only good for you physically; it is good for your spirit as well.

The lobby of the NRAO Science Center, left, is a great place to enjoy lunch from the Starlight Cafe and enjoy the scenery surrounding the observatory.
Photo by Drew Tanner

Catching the wave at NRAO
Drew Tanner
Staff Writer
      Sheltered in the Deer Creek Valley in Green Bank, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory is like no other facility in the country.
      The high-tech radio observatory is home to eight radio telescopes, the most notable being the massive Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, which is the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope.

You might even catch a glimpse of the Green Bank Telescope, right, rotating into position to make observations.
Photo by Drew Tanner

      A visit to the observatory begins at the recently constructed Science Center. The NRAO Science Center opened Memorial Day 2003 and is home to a dazzling array of hands-on exhibits, a gift shop, The Starlight Cafe and is the launching point for observatory tours and special events.
      In the Science Center's "Catching the Wave" exhibit hall, visitors will find more than 20 interactive exhibits on a range of topics during a self-guided tour. Some exhibits illustrate the history of radio astronomy and its beginnings with Karl Jansky in the 1930s. Others educate visitors about what emits a radio wave, how the shape of a dish works in collecting radio waves and how astronomers at NRAO turn the radio waves they receive from objects in outer space into pictures.
      The Science Center is also the launching pad for tours of the observatory's telescopes and facilities. The year-round public tours begin in the Science Center auditorium with a film and presentation on the history of NRAO and the field of radio astronomy. After the presentation, visitors board the bus that takes them up close to the observatory's telescopes, including the 16 million pound Green Bank Telescope. Tour guides give insight into the research background of the telescopes and their discoveries.
      Interesting trivia comes up as well.
      For example, did you know that the NRAO's telescopes are so sensitive that they can pick up interference from Green Bank residents' microwave ovens?
      Or that the world's largest ball-bearing is in Pocahontas County? That's right, there's a 17 1/2-foot round ball-bearing in the base of the NRAO's 140-foot telescope.
      And yes, there has been research done at the NRAO into the existence of extra-terrestrial life.
      Just don't ask what they found out, or else you'll be carted off by men in black suits.
      If the weather is nice and you're interested in taking a walk or riding your bike, visitors can also take an informative, self-guided tour of the facility.
      In addition to the regular tours, the Science Center also offers regular special events as well. On any sunny day, free Solar Viewings are held at 2:45, offering visitors a safe view of the sun through an optical telescope.

More than 20 hands-on interactive exhibits invite visitors to "Catch the Wave." There are plenty of buttons to push and knobs to twist, turn and pull. You just might learn a thing or two as well in the Exhibit Hall at NRAO.
Photo by Drew Tanner

      Once a month, the Science Center hosts free Star Parties. NRAO staff orient visitors to starry night sky. Feel free to bring your own optical telescope or binoculars!
      On Thursday afternoons at 2 p.m., visitors can check out an educational program in the Star Lab, the NRAO's inflatable observatory. Admission is $3 and reservations are recommended. Now through May, on the second Wednesday of each month, visitors can also take the High Tech Wednesday Tour through parts of the observatory typically off-limits to visitors. A guide takes guests through areas such as labs where sensitive receivers are developed for the telescopes and gives insight into the electronics, technology and design of the Green Bank Telescope. The tour also includes a visit to the Green Bank Telescope's control room where astronomers and technicians can be found at work. The tour is also $3 and reservations are recommended.
      Rounding out the Science Center's special events are Film Fest Fridays. At 6:30 p.m. on the first Friday of each month, NRAO staff host a free movie and discussion in the auditorium. "The great thing about the Science Center is you can spend half a day here easily," noted Cara Rose, a guide at the center and organizer of many of the special events. Whether you're an amateur astronomer, or you simply like looking at the night sky, you're bound to find something out of this world.
      Now through Memorial Day, the NRAO Science Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Free guided tours occur at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
      The observatory is located on State Route 92 / 28 about 25 miles north of Marlinton, 53 miles south of Elkins and 65 miles west of Staunton, Virginia.
      You can also visit the observatory on the web at www.gb.nrao.edu, email gb-tours@nrao.edu or call 456-2150.

ADVENTURES IN GOOD EATING

The guests at dusk arrive for their adventure dining experience.
Photo by Sunny Given

Eating at the Hut
Sunny Given
Staff Writer
      Do you crave something besides the ordinary for a dining experience? Are you adventurous enough to submit to a bumpy ride to a mountain ridge on the eastern edge of Snowshoe Mountain Resort?
      Try a meal at Snowshoe's Sunrise Back Country Hut.
      I was part of a party of five who decided to try the adventure dining that the Hut offers A couple celebrating their seventh anniversary, Burt and Leah Fulton from the Charleston area, and my group of three - Betty Wilson, Snowshoe's Courtesy Patrol Director, Carol Moore and me, both from The Pocahontas Times.
      We were collected at the Foxfire Grill at 6 p.m by our chef and "house boy" for the evening, George Hurley. George is also a ski instructor at Snowshoe, in its Adaptive Ski Program. He's an expert skier, and, as we were about to find out, a superb chef.
      He had a 4x4 van waiting for us for our journey into the unknown. Depending on the weather, guests are taken to the hut by van, Hydrotrax, Snowcats, sprites, snowmobiles or retro-fitted snowgroomers, which can hold up to 10 folks at a time.
      We left the hardtop at Top Of The World and took a graveled road punctuated by drainage ruts that bounced us around and threatened to rock us from our seats. The two mile trip to the Hut took about 20 minutes. Arriving in the last light of the day, George pointed out the view of the area above Cass and Rt. 66. We all went into the Hut to get comfortable. George went to turn on the generator for lights, then tried to get a fire started in the woodstove.

George Hurley prepares the duck after grilling.
Photo by Sunny Given

      He bustled around, taking drink orders, and getting the appetizers ready. We took the opportunity to explore the cabin. Downstairs has a bar and a few chairs; most of the room is dedicated to dining - there are three picnic tables end-to-end, and another to one side. A bedroom is off the entrance.The restroom and storage room flank the kitchen. Upstairs is a semi-loft arrangement, with two double beds at each end of the Hut and a walkway between them that overlooks downstairs.
      "We can sleep eight - if you're really good friends." George joked. The downstairs bedroom is reserved for the chef of the day, if an overnight is planned. Breakfast is included in overnight adventures.
      Burt was a good sport and worked on the fire while George moved the grill outside. They used to leave it outside on the deck until the bears moved it out in the woods for them.
      We had two appetizers. George brought out a salmon spread and crackers along with our wine. Shrimp cocktails followed in short order - jumbo shrimp with a homemade sauce of ketchup, horseradish, lime juice, garlic and balsamic vinegar.
      Everyone jumped in and demolished them in short order.
      Next came the most unusual course of the evening, Manna Salad. None of us had ever had anything like it before, although Carol and I are going to beg for the recipe. It was a "green-less" salad - no lettuce or leafy greens. Instead, it was a filling mix of mushrooms, mandarin oranges, tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, black and stuffed olives, artichoke hearts and lots of croutons. It was delightfully different, with a little bite to it.
      Not skipping a beat, George followed with hot bread - french and rye loaves, sliced, with a balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil dip. Wine glasses were refilled as he checked on our main courses.
      We had our choice of steak, duck, salmon or tuna steak, and had given our selections to George a day or two in advance.
      Conversation flowed back and forth. There was an eclectic choice of music, ranging from Green Day and Talking Heads to Jimmy Buffet's Christmas Album and Peter Gabriel. The Fultons had moved a little closer to the woodstove - it took a long time for the cabin to warm up.
      At last, the food came off the grill and was whisked to the kitchen to add to the cabbage and rice, then brought to the table. The aromas were wonderful! We all dived in.
      Burt and Carol had steaks, 14 oz strips cooked to order. She pronounced hers perfect. Burt was well pleased, too.
      Betty had the "Grandma Salmon," a huge portion marinated in Grand Marnier and orange juice. She was most appreciative.
      Leah and I both chose the duck and were delighted. There was no grease, in part due to a special marinade which draws out much of the oil before grilling. It was flavorful, well-spiced and tender.
      Served up with all the entrees was Cabernet Cabbage, cabbage made with cabernet sauvignon, butter and salt and reduced in an iron skillet. George does most of his cooking in iron skillets. Rice with crabmeat and seasoned with Grand Marnier rounded out dinner.
      Had I known Leah had chosen duck, I'd have opted for the tuna - so I asked George about what I'd missed. His "Pina Colada Tuna" is marinated in pineapple juice and coconut rum, encrusted in sugar then seared on the grill.
      George talked and answered all our questions while we ate - the only time he'd sat down since we'd arrived.
      We learned that besides George, cooking duties are shared by Ben Brandon. The Adventure Dining program as been in existence for a year. The largest group he's ever cooked for was 22, and he has another, larger group scheduled for December.
      Dishes are seasonal, with more soups and chili in the winter. George hopes to be able to be offer cobblers. Summer fare features fresh vegetables and pies. Lunches are also served at the hut in all seasons.
      The Sunrise Back Country Hut is five years old, and it was just this year that electric lights were added. Before that, diners basked under Coleman lanterns. George added a cash bar and wine this this year, to allow guests more variety than just the wine and domestic beer that's included in the meal.
      Also added this year were horseshoe pits. Plans are to improve and expand on the hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoe trails near the hut.

George and Betty, friends and colleagues, clown around in the kitchen.
Photo by Sunny Given

      George rose once more and returned from the kitchen with our desserts - a large, warm chocolate chip cookie with Cool Whip, topped with frozen blueberries. It was just the right touch, in the right amount to top off a wonderful meal.
      We shut everything down, and went back to the van for the return trip to the village. The bumps and twists were no less easy on a full stomach. George dropped us at our respective vehicles and took Burt and Leah back to their accommodations.
      It was a great dinner and a great adventure. I can only imagine what it's like to do it in three feet of snow!
      To make your reservation for a dining adventure at the Sunrise Back Country Hut, call Snowshoe's Adventure Center at 1-877-441-4FUN or 304-572-1000. Bookings are filling up now. Cost is $95 per person for dinner, and includes unlimited house wine or domestic beer, and transportation to and from the hut.
      If you're making reservations for your stay on the mountain and want to include an overnight at the Hut, you can do that as a one night "lodging alternative" in your package.


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In celebration of Mountain Times 3rd year online,
we thought you'd like to review the earlier postings.
Feb. 2002 | March 2002 | Apr. 2002 | May 2002 | June 2002
July 2002 | Aug. 2002 | Sept. 2002 | Oct. 2002 | Nov. 2002
Jan. 2003 | Feb. 2003 | March 2003 | Apr. 2003 | May 2003 | June 2003
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July 2004 | August 2004 | Sept. 2004 | Oct. 2004
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Building Supplies
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you see on our pages. Please take time
to patronize their businesses!

Outfitters
Restaurants
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

Douglas S. Keith, Broker
Christine Butler, Assoc. 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@sunlitsurf.com
David Curtis, Broker
Sales Associates: Jeanette Canada, Bet Curtis P.O. Box 7
Slaty Fork, WV 26291
on Rt. 219, about 1 mile south
of Rt. 66 intersection.

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

shgiven@pocahontastimes.com

Eight Rivers Web Designs Last update Oct. 29, 2004
by Michael Condon omb00875@mail.wvnet.edu

	Douglas S. Keith, Broker Christine Butler, Assoc. 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