West Virginia, Four: Norton

We moved north again, to work at a small town, Norton, that is near Elkins. The closest RV Park was twenty-five miles away and not really "big-rig" friendly, so we got permission to park at the mill. This mill had two sets of carriage rails to be restored, so this was home for two weeks.  At this time in our lives, "home is where we park it", as the saying goes.

All of the mills George worked at in West Virginia this trip
are owned by Allegheny Wood Products.

We parked on the edge of all the activity.

Up the hill from the previous picture was a log yard that became the Paulee-walk area. It was large and secluded from the mill activity so she could be leash free and get in a little running. We did have to keep her in the clearing, however, because we were told the ticks are thick in the brush. Deer sightings were common in the evening.

Log sorting language.
All the logs in this yard were destined for other mills.

George's corner of the mill.

This old truck was still being used around the mill.
I would have loved to bring the Mack Bulldog hood ornament home with me.
 The newer ones are much smaller.

Free firewood for the workers.

Too bad we live so far away.
I'm sure George would fill his truck with this clean, easy to stack hardwood!

 Exploring time!

My favorite "statue" in nearby Elkins,
because I think crows are fascinating creatures.
And their bouncy, loping manner of moving on the ground amuses me. 

Local Civil War history

The old buildings in the small, dying coal towns always catch my eye.
I like the company name on this one. 

It always makes me sad to see them falling into disrepair.

After spending several weeks in areas of WV where open land is scarce it was refreshing to drive through an area of farmland.

We went into a small combination hardware and thrift store where this (to me) disturbing picture was hanging on the wall. I did a little research; it is titled "Hope". Hmmmm.
In the lower section of the linked article you will find some recent history regarding the picture.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hope_(painting)
I identify with G.K. Chesterton that a better title would be "Despair".

I saw this sign at the beginning of a driveway on a little backroad and George pulled over so I could "capture" it. As I was focusing, we heard someone holler, "HEY!" We left. Quickly. No desire to be spoken to in 12 gauge. 

Just because.

"Groundhog Day"

I noticed Paulee staring intently out the window.

Here's what she was so interested in.

It hung around for quite some time, munching the grass,
and then disappeared into the brush, much to Paulee's disappointment.

But then.....

...it was back, with Mommy!
We didn't see them again for several days but they did return once while we were there.

And in closing some

 Mill Yard Beauty