Lexington, KY to Beckley, WV – 3/4/2017 – http://fulltimetimeshare.com/blog

March 4, 2017 (Saturday)

The hotel (Days Inn) was pretty loud and both Michael and I didn’t get a really good night’s sleep. We were, however, grateful for the comfortable bed and hot shower. We got up and left the hotel at about 9 AM. The drive today was about 200 miles on a major highway (and toll road). The weather started out clear and pretty, then got grey, and eventually snowed near the West Virginia border.

Snowing on us. First in a really long time.

The drive was lovely and Michael and I commented on how pretty we thought Kentucky was, and how surprised we were about that fact. We said we wanted to come back and explore further. So much history here. We also enjoyed seeing the many rock formations along the highway that had beautiful ice crystals hanging from them. So pretty! Looked like Christmas lights hanging off the rock.

Turns out there are miles of scenes like this.

Icicles on the rocks and trees in bloom.

We got into Charleston, West Virginia and found the Capitol parking – which in itself is quite the task as there is so much construction going on everywhere. We parked (parking meter) and walked to the War Memorial, which was such a nice tribute. I bet it’s stunning when the water is in the moat area.

A river town with an industrial section and a commerce area.

All from West Virginia and lost their lives.

After that we walked into the Capitol and through security. No tours today and the security guard told us everything unlocked was ours to explore. Fun! We walked and explored and went upstairs and walked and explored. Beautiful marble everywhere, a beautiful and huge “disco ball” hanging in the dome area, a few pictures – but NO PERSONALITY. We were surprised that there were no murals and nothing personal about the Capitol. They had no excuse because there was plenty of wall space for pictures, murals, statues, etc. Maybe they’re doing a remodel or something? Hope so because I know there’s a lot of history in West Virginia that can be on display in the Capitol.

Leaving security headed out on our self guided tour.

Senate chambers at one end and House at the other. Both gone and locked up today.

Offices on the side and really plain hallways.

The top of the railing is shaped very handsomely.

So miserable to wash your hands, Hot, cold, hot and cold.

Across the river and on top of the hill, they must have a wonderful view.

Pretty woman waiting to let me back into the Capitol.

Heat grate and the warn air was pouring out of here.

Beautiful metal in the entrance vestibule.

A plaque naming all the medal of honor recipients from West Virginia.

President Kennedy spoke at the Capitol on the 100th anniversary of West Virginia.

We reflected on our tour of the last residence of J.D. Rockefeller as we looked on the photo of Governor J.D. Rockefeller IV.

Pretty woman trying to get to the dome rail.

We liked it but were underwhelmed. Maybe the egos are not so demanding in WV.

We left the Capitol and walked over to the Archives, very close by. We walked inside and they were having some kind of poetry thing going on so we walked into the gift shop and then left. Was hoping to see more of the history of West Virginia and the Capitol.

Walking back to the car I heard a loud crow crowing loudly.

I zoomed in and found this proud little fellow on the highest building around..

When we got to the car we dug out some carrots and celery to eat for the drive to Beckley, West Virginia. We picked Beckley, West Virginia because it was about half-way between Charleston, West Virginia and Williamsburg, Virginia – our destination for two weeks starting on Sunday afternoon. When we booked it we remembered a couple that had stayed at our home for almost a week, and we thought they lived near Beckley. Michael happened to have a text from them and contacted them – Pam and Kevin. Yea – they lived in Beckley and Pam said she would be home but Kevin was going to be at his mother’s home a few hours away. Pam said she was available for a visit so we stopped by and got to catch up a little (as much as you can in an hour or so). So excited for them as they are going to England! How fun. They are going to cruise there, stay in AirBnB for awhile, and then fly home. So happy for them.

Driving through we observed that most homes are clustered in the bottom land.

Edie fell in love with the door when she saw the copper relief sculpture inset in the door.

Gratefully it was a very short drive to our next home for the night.

Jamming the toilet next to the sink really cuts down on the counter space.

Usual offering, fridge, micro and flat screen.

Anyway, that was our day. We’re tired. Hope yours was great!