The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the most photographed sites in this beautiful state of West Virginia.  It is known for the formidable Appalachian Mountains know for extreme poverty and breathtaking   beauty. Yesterday , we drove 12 hours to reach Fayetteville, and it was a lovely end of a very long day.  We had BBQ our first night in the good old south, what else?  It was an authentic southern restaurant in Dirty Ernie’s BBQ, tea was southern sweet and the pace was relaxed and full of friendly staff calling us “mam” and “sir!”

One interesting fact about West Virginia is that though it had forever been part of Virginia, in 1861 succeeding from Virginia to become a border state during the war with most of her men fighting for the Union. There was a small unit who chose to fight for the Confederates.  Choosing to become an independent state and separating from the richer, more well known area.  It was based on a crisis of conscience and to be admired.

Here is a short video showing his example of many small towns in America !