Post-Leaf Peepers

The hurricane rains tried to blot out our weekend but Saturday, after a wet 5K race, was partly sunny enough that I can say even mother nature was a good host.

The RunForIt 5K fund raiser race was a great success for the town's Riverfront Park. The Riverfront Ramblers team succeeded in raising double my corporate sponsoring match, and won the Tucker Community Endowment Foundation's award for 'most money raised.' A second team called Trail Mix contributed additional funds to the Riverfront Park. It looks like the park got at least $22,000 Saturday. More pics below:

Looking good Friday Morning

I have to admit...last night was really feeling dejected as the barrages of rain hit the sides of the house here in Timberline (near Davis). I was so upside down that I found myself thinking about bailing and doing the Revenge of the Rattlesnake all day instead of being on hand for the concert and festivities. But the next thought was a more positive idea -- if it were to really come in torrents we could move into the old shopnsave. It is a warehouse afterall.

BUT it turns out that storm last night was a good purge of sorts; this morning the sun is out and the turning maples are using the sunhit to give us a fine display of fall colors. It is 60 degrees and spectacular. The wind is blustering and will dry this place out in no time.

The Oktoberfest tent is up, the carnival rides are set. The Davisson Bros will get here around 9am for setup tomorrow/Saturday. What I learned last night (in a glass of gin) was that we will have a great time no matter what the weather is!

Been busy getting ready for Leaf Peepers!

Davis has been dry and the trails are buff, drinking up what little rain comes every few days. For our guests we just need those clouds to hold off one last weekend...you wouldn't want to see my anti-rain dance. Friday evening the events begin with the traditional Cake Walk, a country fund raiser for the PTO -- I think it is like musical chairs but standing up, and homemade cakes are the prize?

Saturday morning we will meet the fall chill in our running gear. Over 300 runners are registered so we can expect double that to run or walk the course. With two teams raising $ for the Riverfront Park, I am betting we will really have a big summer of improvements for the park in '09. The 10am race will end with the beginning of Oktoberfest, food, rides, live music from the Davisson Bros, and locally crafted brews starting at noon.

We've really scrambled this year to build on this popular festival. We've installed power supplies for the band, vendors and carnival coming from the old shopnsave building (future Riverwalk Shops and Spa). Phil Ferguson cleared a canoe ramp area and brush-hogged the entire tract. And I think the Volunteer Fire Dept is going to help out by spraying off the parking lot. We've got parking, a welcome center, and two restrooms in the old Blackwater Overlook building (the old gas station) at the other end of Riverwalk. We'll have several new poster-sized renderings of the future site and buildings. We have been getting ready for a new tenant to take the first commercial space in Blackwater Overlook: New deck, new doors, upgraded electrical, new lighting, rustic poplar siding and flooring...practical, rugged and pure Davis. Stop by and glimpse the future!

Sunday there are more events, but the one I'm participating in is the Friends of Blackwater tree planting. We have 300 red spruce saplings between us, and will plant some along Riverwalk, then the town's Riverfront Park, and all along the Town Trail to Blackwater Falls.

The updated schedule is found at http://www.canaanvalley.org/leafpeepers/events.html

2nd team to support Riverfront Park

Trail Mix is a second team aiming to raise money for the town park in the TCEF 5K RunforIt race on September 27th in Davis. Each team in this 700+ person race may designate its own cause. The teams raise money for their cause and can earn matching amounts from TCEF. In the name of Davis Riverwalk I am pledging up to $5K in matching for amounts directed to the riverfront park.

Trail Mix will be a new retail business in Canaan Valley offering such things as organic trail mix and smoothies.

2008 Leaf Peeper Schedule

Friday, September 26th
10am – 4:30pm
Fall Foliage Horseback Ride. Mt. Trail Rides, Canaan Valley.
Enjoy the area’s fall foliage from horseback, Don’t forget your cameras!
Identify yourself as a “Leaf Peeper” and receive a 10% discount.
Reservations a MUST! Call 304-866-4652
5:30 pm
DTEMS PTO Cake Walk. Davis Fire Fall, Davis.
Come enjoy old family fashion fun. Many cakes to be won.
If inclement weather, Cake walk will be moved inside.
8:30 pm
Music, Purple Fiddle, Thomas.
The Purple Fiddle is proud to host Trent Wagler and the Steel Wheels.
$12 cover charge. Kids Free. For information 304-463-4040.

Saturday, September 27th
7:00 am
Migrating Birds Walk, CV NWR.
Hike will last a couple of hours. Hike led by Casey Rucker.
Meet @ the CVW Refuge Visitors Center in Canaan Valley.
For more information 304-866-3858.
9am – 5pm
Appalachian Craft & Food Fair, Davis Fire Hall. Davis.
Crafters & Artists from all over the region display their specialties.
Many items for sale including; painted wood slates, ceramics,
fabric crafts, baked goods and hot food from the kitchen by the
Blackwater Rebekah Lodge ladies. For more information 304-259-5315.
9am – 4 pm
Photo Contest, Davis Fire Hall. Davis.
As you stroll through the Appalachian Craft & Food Fair, stop and cast
your vote for your favorite photo. There will be an adult & junior
category, along with a Black & White, professional and digital category.
All photos must be matted and turned in to the Information Center by
5:00 p.m. Friday September 26th .Public Judging. Voting takes place
from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Winners announced at 4pm. For more information
call 304-259-5315.
10am
Elakala Trail Walk, Blackwater Falls State Park.
Meet the naturalist in the Lodge Lobby for a walk along the Elakala trail.
This trail winds along the canyons rim over a section of a creek waterfall
and by some huge sandstone rock formations. Some steps, one mile,
about one hour. For more information call 304-259-5216.
10am
Tour of Davis Run For It 2K/ 5K or Walk, Davis Fire Hall.
Sponsored by the TCEF. Men, women and youth classes. Prizes and
trophies awarded. 5K is certified and sanctioned by U.S. Track & Field.
Pre register before Sept.15th or register day of race at 8:00a.m. @ the
Davis Fire Hall. Race starts at 10:00 a.m. at the Davis Fire Hall. For more
information 304-478-2930.
10am - ?
Outdoor BBQ. Windwood Fly-In Resort, Canaan Valley.
Outdoor BBQ, pumpkin face painting, candy apples,
baked goods, door prizes, free gifts for kids, plane rides. For
information 304-866-7456
10am – 3pm
Silent Auction, Davis Fire Hall, Davis.
Bid on various items from local businesses. Many items to be won!
Items include; Lodging Packages, Ski Passes, Handcrafted items
and more!! Sponsored by Tucker County COC. For more
information call 304-259-5451.
10am – 4pm
Craft Show, Canaan Valley.
Sponsored by the Canaan Valley Women’s Club. Over 30 tables of quality
handmade crafts by area and out-of-state crafters at the Canaan Valley Fire
Department. For more information 304-621-2537.




10am – 4:30pm
Fall Foliage Horseback Ride. Mt. Trail Rides, Canaan Valley.
Enjoy the area’s fall foliage from horseback, Don’t forget your cameras!
Identify yourself as a “Leaf Peeper” and receive a 10% discount.
Reservations a MUST! Call 304-866-4652
10am – 5pm
Food Tasting, Moutnainmade Country Store, Thomas.
Visit Mountainmade Country store for a taste of Gourmet Foods of WV.
For more information 463-3376.
11am
Revenge of the Rattlesnake Mountainbike Race
The longest running mountainbike race in the world will start at
Timberline Four Seasons Resort and finish in Davis with a lot of roots
and rocks in between! Registration opens at 9:00 AM. More information
contact Blackwater Bikes at 259-5286 or visit www.wvmba.com
11am - ??
Oktoberfest. Across from the Davis Fire Hall, Davis.
Beer, music, dancing & food! A true Oktoberfest atmosphere. Sample
treats from local businesses/organizations. Music to include; The Davisson
Brothers & The Sugar Stompers. Sponsored by the Tucker County COC.
For information 304-259-5451.
11am-4pm
Canoe/Kayak Float Trips, Across from Davis VFD along river.
Come out and experience the Blackwater River up close! Blackwater Outdoor
Adventures will be renting Canoes/Kayaks on the Blackwater River across
from the Davis VFD. For more info call 304-478-3775.
1pm
Blackwater Canyon Bike Ride
Drivers will meet at the USFS Nursery Bottom trail head at Bretz to set up
shuttles at noon. Riders will depart from Purple Fiddle at 1:00 p.m. Helmets
are required. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsored
by Highland Trail Foundation. For more information karen@elkinsbike.com
2pm
Blackwater Falls Memory Log, Blackwater Falls State Park
Meet in the Harold S. Walter Nature Center to create your own memory log.
This craft is completed in two session. Craft fee $4. For more information
call 304-259-5216.
2:30pm
Blackwater Dazzlers Performance, Next to Oktoberfest Tent.
Come out and support this group of girls as they “Strut their stuff”. This
organization is relatively new to the area and features all local girls. If
inclement weather, the performance will be moved to the Davis
Community Center. For more information call 304-614-8125
8:30 pm
Ghost Walk, Davis.
Take a “walk back in time” through the streets of Davis, stopping at different
locations where stories of strange and unusual happenings have occurred.
$5.00 per person. Meet at the Old National Bank of Davis Parking lot.
For information 304-866-4455.
8:30 pm
Music, Purple Fiddle, Thomas.
The Purple Fiddle is proud to host the Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Family Band
$12 cover charge. Kids Free. For information 304-463-4040.

Sunday, September 28th
8am – 1pm
Fireman’s Fall Feed, Davis Fire Hall, Davis
Support our local Fire Department with this glorious breakfast of Pancakes,
Buckwheat Cakes & Sausage Gravy & Biscuits! $7 for adults & $4 for Kids (12 & Under)
8:30pm
Fall Colors Trail Hike, CVNWR.
Join Master Naturalists Bruce and Andy Dalton on this trail hike
on Cabin Mountain trails, looking at fall colors and a nice view of the
valley! Meet @ the CVW Refuge Visitors Center in Canaan Valley.
For more information 304-866-3858.
9:30am-??
11th Annual Fall Colors Golf Tournament, Canaan Valley Resort.
New Format includes open division, Play for cash! Best Ball scramble
w/ two divisions, open & handicap. Lots of great prizes!! For rules
& more information call 304-259-5315.




10am – 3pm
Tree Planting, Friends of Blackwater-Davis Park & BWFSP.
As part of National Public Lands Day (NPLD) we will be planting red spruce
trees at Davis City Park and Blackwater Falls State Park on the
new “River Trail” across the bridge from Davis. Volunteer any time from
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Tools provided. Meet at the canoe landing behind the
old Shop-n-Save (across from Sirianni's). Call Brandae Mullins at (304)
345-7663 to register. Get a free T-Shirt, good exercise and celebrate the
75th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps by continuing their
legacy.
12pm
Inaugural Downhill Mountainbike Race. Timberline Resort
We've worked on the course all summer and it's time to GO! Registration is
At 9am and racing starts at noon! For more information contact Timberline
at 1-800-SNOWING or jrnolan@comcast.net
12pm- 4pm
Canoe/Kayak Float Trips, Across from Davis VFD along river.
Come out and experience the Blackwater River up close! Blackwater Outdoor
Adventures will be renting Canoes/Kayaks on the Blackwater River across
from the Davis VFD. For more info call 304-478-3775.
1pm
Duck Race, Beaver Creek Bridge, Davis.
Over 700 ducks are released into Beaver Creek. First, Second, Third & Last duck
to cross finish line wins $$. Duck Tickets are $2.00 each & can be purchased at the
Information Center. Tickets must be purchased before 12:00 p.m. on Sunday.
2pm
13th Annual Dog Show, Parking lot across from DVFD, Davis.
Your dog could win a prize for Best Trick, Best Dressed or Best of Show and
many more categories. Show will take place rain or shine (if inclement weather,
will be held under the tent) Sponsored by the Mountaineer Humane society.
8pm
Music, Purple Fiddle, Thomas.
The Purple Fiddle is proud to host Johnny Possum's Good Time Hootin' Band
$8.00 cover charge. Kids Free For more information 304-463-4040.

Thanks for attending & we hope to see you next year
September 25th – 27th, 2009

Plant a red spruce for Natl Pub Lands Day!

Leaf Peepers Weekend -- The Friends of Blackwater are organizing a tree planting session for Sunday September 28th, 9am, starting at the Riverwalk canoe put-in (behind the old shopnsave) in Davis.

The purpose of the event is to promote the enhancement and use of public lands as part of the celebration of National Public Lands Day. This year the focus is on celebrating the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Civilian Conservation Corps. They have historically taken on reforestation projects in the Blackwater Area. Planting will start in the Davis Riverfront Park and will continue across the river, and all the way to the Gentle Trail overlooking Blackwater Falls (approx 1.5 miles).

The Riverfront Park team will advise on a couple of good locations for spruce plantations. It is exciting to consider that red spruce will once again grow where the initial town surveyor set about clear cutting "stump town." The Red or Black Spruce does not grow as fast as the non-native Norway Spruce, and is not as ornamental, but it is native and conveys its own inspiration. The Red Spruce is really the signature tree of the high Alleghenies. Amazingly, you could not even get Red Spruce saplings until a few years ago, so the planting of sapling plantations is a recent phenonenom. Unfortunately, I think this led many over the years to resort to planting Norways or pines simply because there was no source for natives.

They may also get some balsam firs for the planting effort. The fir is less prevalent in the Valley, and tends to be visible in wet understory areas such as on Canaan Mountain.

To get involved: Call Friends of Blackwater Canyon at 877-WVA-LAND (877-982-5263) or email outreach@saveblackwater.org

Breaking the silence

Leaf Peepers Festival is amazingly unpublized in area web sites and publications. We're trying to change that a bit with this web site and this billboard, installed yesterday at the Riverwalk site.