Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Coopers Rock State Park

After my speaking engagement on Saturday in West Virginia, we got back in the car and headed for home. Immediately, Mark’s cell phone rang; it was Debbie Spiker (my hubby’s former boss!). “Don’t forget to see Coopers Rock State Park,” she said. A few minutes later, we saw the sign for “yes”—you guessed it, “Coopers Rock.” The weather on Saturday was absolutely gorgeous—76 degrees and no humidity!

The ride up the road to the summit was breathtaking. But I worried about Mark walking up the trail to the top, so I hung on to his belt loops while Mark clutched his cane. The view at the summit was worth the five-minute walk. The Cheat River could be seen in the gorge below, which snaked through the mountainous terrain. Mark made the comment, “This is great rock climbing territory!”“Oh no, don’t you even think about it!” I shouted.

You can take the triathlon out of the triathlete, but you can’t take the triathlete out of the man!

I played photographer—taking pictures of families on vacation, honeymooners, and folks on family reunions. I know what it’s like to want someone to take a picture and no one to take it! Finally, my hubby grabbed my hand and said, “Okay, Connie, that’s enough!”

Just then a young couple was kind enough to return the favor! Mark and I posed at the summit.I’m amazed at God’s beauty that is everywhere…we just need to take the time to enjoy it. It wasn’t on our agenda, yet it was the best part of our trip—Coopers Rock State Park! It’s a must-see place if you’re ever in West Virginia.

Tell ‘em Connie sent you!

8 comments:

Tracy Ruckman said...

What gorgeous photos!!

It has been so miserably hot around here lately I don't even want to go out and take photos! (I resorted to pictures of homemade spaghetti!)

But today, God sent an abundance of rain, and it's finally a very pleasant 73 degrees!

I'm glad you had a great trip. Blessings to you both, and upon your ministry, in abundant measure!

Hugs,
Tracy

Flea said...

That is BEAUTIFUL. It's so good to see Mark hiking and enjoying nature with you. May wasn't all that long ago, though I'm sure it seems like an eternity to you both. :)

Greg C said...

Connie, it is just as I remember it. I do need to get my family up to that area. We seem to stick to NC on our vacations and there is so much to see right around the corner. I think a family trip may be in order. I can hear you know telling your hubby to take it easy and not do this or that. I am sure he was sore the next day but it is a good kind of pain. Thanks for the visit.

Connie Pombo said...

Thanks, Tracy! You can't go wrong with scenery like that. Everywhere I turned there was a photo and the humidity out of the "picture" made it spectacular.

I'm jumping over to your site to see your picture of spaghetti! Yum!

HUGS!

Connie Pombo said...

Flea,

Yep...it's only been three months, but it does seem MUCH LONGER! It's been quite an adjustment, especially for Mark who has been so active all these years. Physical therapy days are the hardest; he doesn't see the progress but I do!

HUGS!

Connie Pombo said...

Greg,

I love NC...adore it really! But I wasn't aware that WV had such amazing beauty. We saw fawns off the side of the road and deer were everywhere. I wanted to stop and take pictures every two minutes (that didn't go over very well). But what I saw made me want to stay another week. I was just getting my feet wet!

Flea said...

Connie! I'm so sorry you won't see him walk! When I finally graduate my masters program (in about 10 years), I probably won't walk. Of course, he school is half a continent away ...

He'll get married one day and you can go to his wedding. He'd better not elope!

Jan Parrish said...

Connie - It's good to see Mark doing so well. What gorgeous scenery. I love WV. Great place to vacation.

Thanks for stopping by and your well wishes. This is for a small piece I wrote for Pray! and is slotted to appear in the Nov/Dec issue.