First Day on the Road

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I was totally amazed at the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia-by the time we crossed we didn't have time for a picture so I found one to give you and idea of the country we are experiencing. Wikipedia states:With a length of 3,030 feet (924 m), it was for many years the longest in the world of that type. It is now the third largest arch bridge in the world.[2] Its arch extends 1,700 feet (518 m). Part of U.S. Route 19, it is crossed by an average of 16,200 motor vehicles per day.[1] Its construction marked the completion of Corridor L. In 2005, the structure was further immortalized when a depiction of the span was placed on the West Virginia state quarter. The New River Gorge Bridge carries US 19 over the New River at a height of 876 feet (267 m), making it the highest vehicular bridge in the Americas, and the second-highest in the world. Before the 2004 opening of the Millau Viaduct in France, it was the highest in the world.[3]

Today I traveled from Virginia to Ohio.  West Virginia is certainly a beautiful state. The mountains were amazing.  As we hit Ohio we did notice a much flatter terrain. I always marvel at the many different shades of green that nature has to offer.  My daughter, Erika, made me a beautiful quilt to bring with me on my journey.  She modeled the colors after the many pictures she previewed of the
Badlands.  It will be a piece of home for me and a treasure forever.  Our driving for today put us right on schedule and I am really looking forward to seeing some of the other country we will be traveling across.  We took time to picnic next to this stream and watch the ducks.  There was a mother mallard with two tiny ducklings who just plopped themselves right over the little falls and then complained that they could not get up to mom.  Needless to say she found them and they happily went on the way. Tomorrow takes us into Iowa.