Extreme Weather in West Virginia

Each year, we go to the Land of Canaan Resort in Canaan Valley, West Virginia for two weeks...one in August in the summer...and one week in January when the ski slopes are busy.  We were introduced to "timeshares" by my cousin Gerry Lessey Pas and her husband, Dick Pas, many years ago and we are forever grateful to them.  Canaan Valley is a four season state park that is a seven mile long transplanted piece of Canada only 4 1/2 hours away from our home. At night, the state park makes artificial snow (shown at the left) so that the skiers can enjoy the slopes each day.

Our resort consists of 2 bedroom townhouses that have frequently upgraded, two full baths, a full kitchen, hot tub, thermostatically controlled gas fireplace, beds for six people, and very nice furnishings. Although we are not skiers, we enjoy the change of scenery and spend the time reading, solving jig saw puzzles, spending time on the computer, and traveling to Elkins, WV to see movies.  Oh, yes...a lot of time watching CSI and NCIS on the television. We are just relaxing.

This year, however, saw some wild gyrations in the weather.  When we arrived, it was a balmy 57 degrees and no snow on the ground except for the ski slopes.  We passed through fog banks on the highway on our way to Canaan Valley and it was surreal. However, within a day, an arctic cold air mass moved in and we were facing "below zero" temperatures.  The snow machines (shown left) were hard at work and one day later we got hit with four to five inches of snow and high winds that never stopped. We got what we came for:  real winter.

Each year, there is "something new". This year, it was the seven dollar "spa sessions" that were offered by a woman who travels from Elkins to meet with large groups (mostly women).  It actually is a sales pitch for the products, but we didn't care.  The various lip balms (seen here), exfoliants, salves, and creams gave us a little feeling of luxury at a very modest price.

Yes, even I participated and shot pictures.  I think it was the foot cream that I liked the best.