Something is going to happen, I don’t know what, but mark my words – something will.

By now you have put it all together and figured out that I am in West Virginia.

I began my trip through the Mountain State by staying with the Dodgeballs. Zach & Kayla. Of the Ridgely, West Virginia Dodgeballs. I’d like to say they took me in because they are like family, but the truth is they had to take me in because they actually ARE family.

It is always wild, if not wonderful when I get the chance to hang with them.

I overstayed my welcome as little as I could and soon rambled on.

West, By Gawd, VA is a state of seriously rolling hills. It is commonplace to be driving along, minding your own business, and the ground 15 feet to your left rears up dramatically into a peak, then back down again.

I stopped at a rest area and noticed what appeared to be a sharp drop off at the edge of the parking area (pic related)

this is gonna be good!

Since I am almost always up for a breathtaking, spectacular view, I hoofed it on over to survey the majesty of those purple mountains and belt, “…’Murica!” into the land of the free!

However, just like in real life, I was left feeling uneasy with the view (pic related)

A  sweeping view of a state prison doesn’t have the same “let freedom ring” kind of feeling.

I went to the state capital,  Charleston.  Nothing to report.

And, eventually to Point Pleasant to visit The Mothman Statue (pic related)

In 1966 a couple had gone to Inspiration Point Pleasant for a little alone time when they had the bejeezus scared right out of them by a 9 foot tall, winged creature with glowing red eyes.

I was 2/3rds of a horny, young couple back in the day, so I can tell you, that kind of thing can take the edge off of your desire.

Shortly after the incident, folks claimed to have ominous premonitions and precognitove dreams that they couldn’t quite piece together until the Silver Bridge (pic related)

Since rebuilt

collapsed.

Given that it went all “London Bridge” at one point and just started falling down, I was a tad nervous as I crossed it while looking for the Mothman Museum.

Moments later, upon crossing, I was even more nervous when I realized I was now in Ohio and had to go back. But, eventually I found the place I was looking for.

The museum has newspaper clippings, recordings of TV shows about the Mothman, eyewitness accounts and an original Space Invaders machine (pic related)

Jeremy,  the fellow working the register told me that they have the difficulty set to HARD so he can’t get past the first wave.

Point Pleasant is a genuine small town and is what one would expect of something carrying that title. You can cross the street without having to sprint and get a seat at the diner without standing in line. I did both.

I ordered a burger at Harris’ Steakhouse.

While eating I spoke with John and Russ. Like me, they were passing through on a drive across the country. They gave me some great suggestions about other things to see in the area. Specifically, an abandoned army supply depot that is heavily haunted! I made right for it. But, I got turned around and found myself  crossing the rickety  Silver Bridge again. Drat!

I was 30 miles from Lesage, WV. There is a roadside eatery that was featured on that show, “Diners, Drive-In & Dives” hosted by that fellow who looks like one of the Heat Miser’s minions (pic related)

It is called, “Hillbilly Hotdogs” and it is quite unique.

It is constructed out of old school buses and bare lumber across from the bank of the Ohio River. View the gallery.

I was still pretty full from the burger I got at Harris’ but, this was a place worth seeing even if I didn’t eat. So, I sent Trixie a text to tell her of my intentions.

Supportive as always, she pulled up their Web page, reviewed the menu and suggested I order a 12 lbs, $30 hot dog, called “The Homewrecker” that she felt I should scarf down as quickly as possible in order to get a free Tshirt.

I will back this up with a screen shot of the convo in just a moment, if for no other reason than it can be submitted as evidence at her trial when they find me choked out on beef by-products and fillers soon. But first, I would like to remind everyone what she does for a living. She sells tshirts.

Exhibit A

I did get the Tater Soup. With cheese, bacon and onions. It was wonderful.

And, just to show that I, in fact, have no intention of living forever, I got a deep fried chili dog. It was pretty good actually.

I wake in Kentucky with absolutely no idea what the day has in store for me. I’m starting to kind of like that.