Thurmond, WV...ghost town with an Amtrak Station

Once a booming mountain town for service to the railroads, Thurmond is now empty. People live in the surrounding areas; the Depot is a stop for Amtrak along the way from NY to Cincinnati. In the boom years, the rail space was so valuable, the town did not have walk ways.

The Bridge of the New River Gorge ... a Must See

 An amazing creation of the 1970's, made from the same kind of steel used in Chicago for our city hall: it will rust on the surface only, creating a wonderful patina; then the rusting stops. It's a mellow dark matte burgundy.

 From the road above, it's a mile drive and a great view

but from below, on the evocative New River, it leaps with surefooted grace and strength.

Evocative Sights in the New River Gorge

 Rustic old and newer bridges across the New River

 A turn-of-the-last-century cemetery alone in the forest...

And an Amtrak stop in a ghost town, in Thurmond, WV.

More Scenes From the New River Gorge

 The best angle I got on this wonderful butterfly; I will edit this post once I've ID'ed it.

 On a hot, humid afternoon, the air that poured from the cleft in the rocks was as cool as on air conditioner.

Another sweeping view of the New River from on the bluffs; with Mountain Laurel in bloom! This New River is very, very ancient, brimming with history.

The Magnificent New River Gorge...

though West Virginia is only a "big" day's drive away from our area in Chicago, I am surprised how few people in the Midwest are aware of this place. Over the millions of years, the river has cut a giant channel through the mountainous, rugged land. The roar of the water tumbling over rocks can be heard all over the valley all the time.