Confused about West Va. (Huntington, Wheeling: ski resort, foreclosures, vacation home)

[Passthru]

Coming out of Otter Creek after our hike, there was a woman parked next to our car...she got our of her car and asked if we were digg'in for and got any ramps...well, the back and forth that happened could have been on America's funniest home video - I had no idea what ramps were or what she was even saying, and she wasn’t understanding me too well either - Our banter got to the point where we both started laughing, and she was able to explain to me what ramps were...it was pretty funny as i write this I am smiling...we shared a cigarette after and chatted for about 15 minutes...she was very cool.

[David Kennedy]

Ramp season is upon us for a few weeks now...part of the mountain legacy...everyone has an opinion...a rite of spring...
on the public lands a good ramp patch is as secret as one's bank account...this topic wil bring everyone out to comment...inclusionary

[Threerun]

Which reminds me, I need to fetch some ramps to make some venison/ramp summer sausage.

I'm glad my wife loves me, lol.

[David Kennedy]

Shared a cigarette, huh...smoking some of that 'Mountain Magic' I'll bet...I'm losing my observation...

[Passthru]

Not all "touries" come to smoke the mt. magic...And if people are protective of their ramp hideaways, i don't blame them; at 3.99 / lb I would be too. I am back in my neck of the woods - people having been asking about my vk - I find I am excited to tell them about the trip and encourage them to visit...not everyone is jumping on that suggestion, though! I am very interested to learn more about the Appalachian culture and overall region ... I got some books off the internet...Oh, unless that's impinging on the privacy of the people...Just joshing

[David Kennedy]

Give yourself a real treat this spring...Camp at Big Bend at Smokehole. Hike around the tower...go over to Seneca Rocks...On your way over the mountain you will see the Landis Sign at the top of the hill...Go about three miles and look at the valley God and everyone else forgot...It's that close...Keep it to yourself...leave the unbelievers at home...make this very special place your own...there's a big flat rock to sit naked and practice the karma of our universe...

[BJC]

DK, have you REALLY sat naked on that rock???

[David Kennedy]

A gentleman never tells any secrets.

What would be the greatest and most beautiful priviledge would be to resume writing those 'Cronicles of Benzac....they were the highest of aphrodisiacs....an elixir to a most happy soul...

[paige1974]

Cranberry is not much different than the Monongalia Forest. Ive traveled them on horseback many times. If you want a change see the Gorge area of Fayetteville or Grandview. As for our hospitality here, Im sorry for your sour experience. I grew up and lived in remote areas of WV and have now moved to the BIG city of Beckley in the past few years where I drive my fancy car around and greet out-of-staters wanting to buy homes and land here. I can vouch for having a tough time adapting to the change of lifestyle. I loved the way of life~ living off the land supporting your family with a butcher cow and a slaughter hog. Canning the entire month of august and cutting wood all year to last a long winter. Its hard to leave a life like that, when people come, businesses and developments the economy grows and money is good, but to us it means the the lives we've lived have to change with the times or its too hard to survive and support our kids. No offence to you, we thank you for your business, give us another chance.
I have a photo slideshow of different WV locations on my website if you visit Beckley West Virginia Real Estate - A Bravenet.com Hosted Site

[Passthru]

I really do understand where you are coming from. The thing is then there is a large disconnect with the people in these small towns (at least the one I was in, can't speak for them all) and economic growth being sponsored by your state govt. I say that, because as an "outsider", (I put that in quotes b/c at the end of it all we are all still Americans, Appalachia is not a different country, even though some may like to think that...) as an "outsider" we are being marketed to through different mediums. And WV is truly a gorgeous state, so you are enticed to visit. I hate, hate to say it but we are in a larger culture were the kind of environment you describe, milking cows, planting, canning, ect. are quaint ideas. Again from an outside perspective, if the folk of WV don't embrace some economic reform it will only get more depressed for them and their children. Moreover, wouldn't it be better for these folks to embrace the help and assist in shaping it, guiding it, and overall be the stewards and owners, so that way they have a direct and guiding hand in what happens to their communities, and most important culture. I think being of the mind set that we don't want change or we will change at our own pace is unrealistic, because the machine will bulldoze unless stoped intelligibly...