WV Mysteries or “I’m tired, I’m hungry, my feet hurt!!!”
This was an epic “legend trip” that I had anticipated for quite a while. The destination is Flatwoods, WV. Braxie. The Flatwoods Monster.
There is also a West Virginia Bigfoot Museum, because of course there is.
We found more than we had planned. #tease :)
This was my first trip, the christening trip if you will, for my “new-to-me” 2021 Bronco. RIP my 2008 F150 love.
After 180,000 ++++ miles of independence, adventure, autonomy, a new life of my own (a new transmission done, and needing an engine replacement in the near future), I sadly traded her in. I loved/love that girl. Miss you, babe.
All hail the new adventure wagon! Here’s to many years and miles ahead of dependable adventures. Fingers crossed.
I thought for sure that some gear would need to be tied to the rack, but no. My girl, who must be a Tetris champion, got it done. With the pups.
We pitched up about halfway to Flatwoods at Camp Creek State Park, WV.
It is a beautiful State Park, our site at the end of a loop right by the stream rich with trout, and special kudos to Doris in the camp store who was a friendly wealth of knowledge and recommendations.
As stated, the objective was Flatwoods, the museum, hopefully a Flatwoods Monster lantern, the Monster chairs, “The Spot” for lunch, and the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum.
Center Yourself Here. - Visit Braxton, WV : Visit Braxton, WV (braxtonwv.org)
This small town did not disappoint. I adore how these small towns embrace their legends and lore. If not for that, no one would go to Flatwoods, Sutton, or Point Pleasant. Amidst the lovely coal rush architecture, millionaires of the time in residence, the references to “the story” abound. It is a weird one. Believe it or not, it is a good one.
Flatwoods Monster Home - Visit Braxton, WV : Visit Braxton, WV (braxtonwv.org)
I did get one of the treasured locally crafted ceramic lanterns. Yay!!!! :)
Back at our campsite that evening, I had picked up some local tourism brochures and by the fire I perused the materials.
OMG!!!! An abandoned haunted amusement park????!!!! 20 minutes from us???!!!!! Daughter is totally down, tickets purchased for the next day, timing perfect and serendipitous.
This portion I will share, but not overshare. There is a reason. I want everyone to go. There is so much more to this site than spooky tourism. More than can, in good conscience, be told second hand. It needs to be experienced and the story told by the extremely knowledgeable pros on site. There is a rich and important Native American history to this land. Many photos and relics are proprietary and forbidden to be photographed.
As we arrived my girl and I were skeptical. It was a rural house with no identifying marking. Texts from the tour guide told us how to proceed. Nothing screaming amusement park remains. So, I pointed the Bronco towards the road for a quick getaway.
We were the only ones arriving early but soon enough we were joined by a dozen or so visitors. The funnest of them being a charming group of YouTubers by the name of #spiritwalkparanormal. (You actually can camp here overnight. We did not. Set up otherwise at Camp Creek. Perhaps in the future.) I am inserting a link here to the Spirit Walk Paranormal documentary/investigation that was released on 5.29.24 on YouTube. It is so respectful and exceptionally well done. Please leave them a “like” and a “sub”.
https://youtube/qDpa-Ooa2TA?si=XXanlD_tpjVTnnez
Then the current owner of the property began his tale. It is entrancing. The story of the amusement park and the historic excavation of the property by Marshall’s exceptional archeological team is compelling. There are photos and relics and a burial mound worth the visit on their own. This property is historic and deserves to be preserved, as is the goal of the owners. All proceeds go to that.
As for the haunted amusement park. I will share some pics and some vibes. The story you must search out for yourselves.
This bus made me nauseous. Go and hear the story.
I am compacting a lot into one post. My apologies. All deserve more.
All I can say is that some things you have to experience for yourselves. My duty here is to introduce you to the options. Get out there. Be that person to explore.
As for the title. My baby girl.
Back in the day when she was a wee lass on hikes/excursions she was notorious for crying “I’m tired! I’m hungry!!!! My feet hurt!!!!!”
Sorry for the quality of the pic… I will try to find better.
These days she is absolutely my heroine. Down for anything no matter how far or how challenging. Amazingly strong.
This post is a tribute to her.
My true adventure partner in whom I am so well pleased. Brave and strong. Never disappointing. I love you C.
Our next adventure awaits.