An opportunity presented itself for me to spend close to 3 months living here in the Jefferson County, WV area during the months of September, October and November. I am familiar with the Eastern US and many years ago lived, for a time, in the Harrisburg, PA area. However, my internal bias leans toward the open majesty of long views and dryer climate west of the Mississippi. That said, the opportunity to explore the rich history of this country that began in the East, was too good to pass up. Also, I must admit, one of the most visually dazzling places to be is the east coast of the U.S. in the fall of the year.

Jefferson County lies in that small northeastern appendage of West Virginia that is closest to the Baltimore/Washington Area while bordering both Maryland and Virginia. A fair number of residents take advantage of the proximity of major cities to scurry off via commuter trains leaving every morning. There are a number of small villages in the county, of which, the most prominent are Charles Town, Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown.

We are now in late summer boasting forest covered mountains blanketed in variegated green displays that promise a, soon to arrive, spectacular fall. The weather has cooled to the sunny mid-70s during the day and 50’s at night. Aside from the beautiful views and “spring in your step” weather, this place offers a history buffet as bountiful as any I have experienced which I will share with you in later posts.

As I meander up and down and around the hills on narrow wagon trails that pass for rural highways I am blessed with views that are an ever-changing, gentle and a soothing invitation to leave the hassles of travel and be here experiencing this now. This is not the “Big Sky” or majestic Rocky Mountain Country of the West with views that grab you by the lapels and demand attention. These views are inviting in their gentleness and subtly as they have their calming way with the intensity of your life.

Bordering the eastern edge of Jefferson County are the massive ancient remains of the pre-historic Blue Ridge Mountains. Eons of blowing wind and cascading waters have worn the sharp surfaces to a less jagged but formidable barrier separating the early coastal Colonies from the west.   Protected from the east by the Blue Ridge Mountains the northward running Shenandoah River has carved the iconic, beautiful and famous Shenandoah Valley.  The river’s long northward journey ends as it joins the larger Potomac at Harpers Ferry just before it flows through the gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains and heads east toward Washington DC.

Close at hand, the fields of soybeans spread a gaudy display of bright yellow leaves flaunting color to the yet still green trees that allow the competition to wither before starting their own “Fall Extravaganza.” The vibrancy of the soybean display screams in contrast to the row upon row of hushed perfectly regimented death brown corn stalks standing as spent silent soldiers burdened with the fruits of their growth waiting harvest.

As my time here progresses, I will attempt to describe to you what I sense, think and feel during my explorations. From time to time I will also point out places to eat or stay, tours that I recommend, hikes to take or local entertainment venues that you may want to consider when visiting.