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Friday, August 17, 2012

North Bend State Park (WV)


Aug 2-6, 2012
(Another state but still catching up.)

Cairo, WV
North Bend State Park
Cokeley CG site 25

There are two cg’s at this state park.  River Bend is better suited for smaller rigs that can handle hairpin turns and low branches.  We opted for the big rig friendly Cokeley CG.  It’s also walk-in only so it was no problem getting adjoining sites since we arrived on Thursday.
Cokeley CG-North Bend State Park (WV)  Cokeley CG site 25-North Bend State Park (WV)

I got back in the habit of my morning power walks and one morning I counted 21 deer in separate herds!  I like to see that kind of wildlife while I walk.  I’m sure that the deer think I’m crazy but it makes me smile.

We chose this park because there is a Rail Trail that borders the cg.  The four of us packed our lunches and set off for a hot day on the trail.  It is a 72 mile trail but we rode a little more than 14 miles and called it a day.  It’s pea gravel instead of paved so it wore us out.  Here is where it adjoins the state park.
North Bend Rail Trail (WV)

There is a 353 foot tunnel right at Bonds Creek near the park.  In 1956 a train wrecked as it emerged from the tunnel and it went into Bonds Creek.  The engineer and fireman were killed and 45 other folks were injured.
Bonds Creek Tunnel (353 feet long)  Train Wreck in 1956

We rode our bikes past Cairo to the next tunnel in that direction.  It is the 1376 foot long Silver Run Tunnel and it is said to be haunted.  Glad we had flashlights and our head lights!  It was dark in there!
Gin, Tricia and Syl at Silver Run Tunnel (1376 feet long)  Dan checking out the rocks at Silver Run Tunnel

We enjoyed the spots of shade and it was nice to slow down and enjoy the rock formations that were blasted to create this railway in the mid 1800’s.
Rock Formations

On our way back to camp, we stopped in the little town of Cairo to have some ice cream and stretch our legs.  The ice cream shop had just opened for business that morning.  The woman working the counter struck up a conversation with us when we mentioned that we were staying in the cg.  She had given some water to Howard and Linda of RV-Dreams a couple of years ago and still follows their blog.

The town of Cairo has a rich history but unfortunately it seems to have a poor future.  It was an oil boomtown in the mid 1800’s and the railroad brought in supplies for the growing town.  I loved some of the unusual architecture and the way they are trying to preserve it with the Rail Trail.
P1000321
Cairo WV map from 1899  P1000318

I liked the Town Square and the old Hardware Store…
Town Square-Cairo WV  Cairo WV old Hardware Store
but I especially liked the old Bank of Cairo.
Old Bank of Cairo WV Building
Great Architecture  Unusual Architecture

It was a great bike ride but we were worn out and just relaxed for the rest of our stay here.  I think we were all happy to be away from the big crowds of Niagara and in more natural surroundings.

Thanks for dropping by and enjoy each day of your life’s journey by finding beauty in the ordinary.

9 comments:

Paul and Marti Dahl said...

That tunnel sure is spooky, reminds me of a Steven King movie.

I think I'd be nervous riding through it expecting a train to come the other way. :cO

Pretty little town, though, sad it is in decline.

Dan and Tricia said...

My legs are still tired from all that pedaling on the gravel! :-)

Gail Houle said...

Sure glad you didn't decide to do all 72 miles! :)
Looks like a really neat little town.

Sherry said...

My hybrid bike doesn't do so well on gravel. Those are the times I wish I had wider tires. Looks like a neat peddle though. Sad about the town. Interesting name. Don't suppose the founding fathers were Egyptians. :-) Do they pronounce it KI-ROW or KA-Row??

Ron and Cynthia said...

I am enjoying your posts with all these great sights. I know your glad to be writing about campgrounds instead of house repairs! We're having our last yard sale tomorrow.

Nancy and Bill said...

No way would our bikes do that gravel...you are brave soles;o)) Thanks for the ride!!!

Catherine, Jo Beth and Grace said...

That looks like a great ride.

Anonymous said...

Looks like great exercise pedaling on the gravel! Enjoying your travels.....

Bruce and Laura

cruzin2some said...

Love all the pics. Looks like a great place to explore.