[I'm actually home now and have been for a few days but finally catching up on my postings!] My treat was a one night stay at the lovely, old, historical Greenbriar Resort in White Sulpher Springs, West Virginia. The mineral springs have brought people here for over 200 years and the resort has welcomed them. Presidents and foreign dignataries have visited here and there is a Presidential Cottage. The resort is home to a venerable golf course known as Old White and in just a few weeks will host its first ever PGA tour stop. It has hosted a Ryder Cup and for years the club pro was Sam Snead until he was succeeded by Tom Watson. Watson's wedge that he used to chip in to win the US Open is on display in the golf shop.
Now unfortunately I awoke that morning to pouring rain and it would rain hard and steady almost all day. These pictures are from about 7pm when it finally let up soooo I did not get to golf, much to my dismay. The course was closed most of the day and when a few folks had tried to get out they were soaked on several occasions. I would not pay big bucks to play in such miserable conditions on such a great course and with a caddie! So I will RETURN someday to play these courses (they have 3).I did stay at the resort anyway and enjoyed the spa and just walking around and viewing the famous Cold War bunker. The bunker (you are not allowed to take any photos at it or near its entrance) was created to house the US Government in case of nuclear attack. This was the evacuation point and the government would have continued during nuclear war -- well at least they would have had the staff from the resort LOL. There is a Discovery Channel video about the bunker and its history, which by the way I could watch in my room. My room was elegant and provided for my every need but in a quaint old-fashioned manner with turn down service and mints on my pillows. There was actually a walk-in closet! Of course I bought a few mementos as well.
The resort is really fabulous and posh and old fashioned with a strict dress code in the evenings. I actually ended up eating at a more casual restaurant and for dinner had a good old fashioned rural southern favorite -- fried chicken and waffles with West Virginia maple syrup!
There are many gorgeous patios and green spaces throughout the resort and the grounds are fabulous. Again if not raining so much of the day I could have enjoyed them more.
Well after breakfast in my room, I headed towards home. I would have a beautiful drive across the mountains on a back road into Virginia and then onto the interstate. Massive storms in eastern Tennessee along I40 forced me to head farther south to catch I20 toward home. I had a great moment when I passed my friend Sonya on I20 who was driving to see her family in Alabama; we met at Exit 40 for a brief hug and chat before heading again in opposite directions!
What a trip! I had traveled just under 5000 miles and visited 15 states! I was tired and needed some time at home in my own chair and bed before I will be leaving again for more adventures, but you will just have to stay tuned to learn where I go next.
