New River Adventures (Was it really 30 years ago?)

In the late 70's some brave (and some foolish) men went on four day journeys into the New River gorge in West Virginia...this is their story in pictures.

Place a summary of the images here.

My own journey began in 1975...hiking into the gorge and arriving at our luxury accomidations.

Half-way down into the gorge we were at each other's throats!

But our ever incompetent guide Dan keeps us all on task.

Time to refill the canteen with some cool mountain spring water.

Later on down the trail, I get some more straight from the pipe.

More from our luxury palace...now dubbed "Spook Station."

Down the gorge to Caperton. We are tuckered out.

There's always time to snap into a Slim Jim!

Watching the rafters on the river...a couple of years later I was in one of those!

1976: Early morning at the top of the mountain: Babcock State Park.

Dad rests on a rock mid-stream. A great place to cool off.

Down in the gorge, crossing New River.

Oh those wonderful nights at Spook Station...one rolled over and one fell out!

But our only other choice for "shelter" in '76 was downriver in Caperton...no thanks!

New River Gorge bridge 1976,,,a work in progress.

1978 finds us again at the top of the mountain.

'78 also finds us with new victims...I mean adventurers!

It was our largest group to date.

No "Spook Station" for these guys! Now this is living!

Atop an abandoned coal tipple way up (and across) the river on a day long hike.

Some of the beautiful scenery we find that make those day long hikes worth it.

Our final journey finds young blood from Morehead State University joining up at "Spook Station."

The "tender-foots" were living up to their name.

Filled with poise and gracefulness.

But the soon got the hang of it...

...and were able to walk over rocks and driftwood without a second thought...

...well almost.

Standing at the bottom of a tall waterfall!

One final victorious visit to the bridge.

Ain't she a beaut' ?