Things I Learned in West Virginia

I learned lots of useful things during my trip to New River Festival in Fayette county West Virginia and the following two days in Renick at my cousin's cabin. Here are just a few...

1.) Wildflowers are beautiful, interesting and as challenging as birds to id. This is a wakerobin trillium - one of the prettiest.

2.) Cows give a lot of attitude. Check out the mug on this cutie. I got the hairy eyeball when I called him "Hamburger".

3.) You can increase your hearing when you cup your hands around your ears and open your mouth. It also makes your birding buddies laugh at you. I don't know why....

4.) I don't like snakes. No paralyzing phobias, but I wouldn't want to touch one or have one touch me. This black rat snake is on my cousin's property in Renick.

5.) The Greenbriar Trail tunnel is pitch black even at the height of the day. But the birding just outside both sides of the tunnel is amazing.

6.) McCormick's Smokehouse pepper tastes good on everything!

7.) A warm puppeh feels good anytime.

8.) Nothing ruins a good day of birding more than having to stop and tie your shoes over and over again. Double knots that get wet and muddy in the rain are difficult to undo. Thanks for showing me a new way to tie my shoes and keep them tied, Uncle Barry.

But most important of all, I learned that friends make a good day better.