The New River Gorge (our backyard) is filled with trees. So what’s one more? What follows is the story of our Royal Paulownia Tree, AKA the Princess Tree, and its life at Opossum Creek Retreat… It’s weird to think that, if you packed your china in some seed pods to protect them (the original packing […]
New River Gorge
Beat The Heat
Baby, it’s hot out there! I’m talking about the New River Gorge in West Virginia. Y’know, the big backyard for our cabin rentals. I remember when I made the move here in 1992 from Central Florida. My dad and I rented the box truck, loaded it and made the trip. It was July and it […]
The Secret To Hiking With Kids
Hiking with kids in and around the New River Gorge of West Virginia is all about going nowhere fast… I am a mountain of patience. I am mountain of patience. I am a mountain of patience. Aaand breathe. That’s how I recommend starting each hike with kids. You can try starting each day that way, […]
Why River Guides Are Awesome A Former New River Raft Guide Speaks
My first spring here in West Virginia, I was training to be a whitewater raft guide in the New River Gorge. In March. Right. It was cold. Unbelievably cold. A lot of our initial trips found us on the icy river with snow still on the banks and freezing air. I wondered to myself if […]
5 Activities You Shouldn’t Miss With Your Kids In The New River Gorge
My daughter and I grew up together, here in the New River Gorge. We have been exploring it since she was just a tot. We hunt, fish, hike, pretty much anything outdoors. Alex is in College now, but we still get out when we can (I’m looking forward to some time together this summer). Any […]
How To Tell If You’re On Vacation In The New River Gorge
You can tell if you’re on vacation in the New River Gorge. There’s a feeling that you’ll never be able to do everything. A weekend is just not enough time. I first came to the New River Gorge area in 1992, and I went through some culture shock for sure. I had always lived in […]
When’s The Best Time To Bring A Youth Group To The New River Gorge?
When I was a kid, long before I knew about the New River Gorge, one of my favorite things to do was get away with a group of like aged and minded kids. Usually the Boy Scouts of America. Getting out in the woods and exploring and getting in touch with nature was a great […]
5 Things Everyone Needs For A Beginner Bike Trip
This is easy. That’s why we’re beginners, right? We like things easy. The easier it is, the more comfy we are when we fall on our faces. Easy makes things, especially outside things, better. Check out this video we made last year… So, with a trip like that in mind, here are 5 things that […]
Top 10 Reasons The Bird Fest Rocks
Let me just say this: The New River Birding And Nature Festival is so much fun. A lot of work, yes. But who cares? It’s totally worth it. If you’re here, you know what I’m talking about. If you’re not, you should be. Here are 10 reasons why: -The Food. Local restaurants help us out […]
