Blenterhasset State Park Superintendant loves Elkins, fishing
My West Virginia connection:
I grew up in Delaware. I attended Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, W.Va.
I fell in love with the state, as well as with my wife who is from Buckhannon. I continued to live in Elkins for several years after college. In 2002, I moved back to my hometown in Delaware.
Why I came home:
After my wife and I moved to Delaware, I began to realize how great a state West Virginia is. The hussle and bussle of the East Coast is not for me. I would commute 30 miles to work and it could take up to an hour and a half.
I missed the easy going people and pace of life of West Virginia. On the East Coast everyone is in such a hurry to go nowhere. We also returned to West Virginia to be closer to my wife's family. Her mother who has accepted me her own son. I feel it is important for my wife to be able to spend time with her.
What qualities about West Virginia attract you to being here?
The people of West Virginia as a whole are the nicest people I have ever come across. When you are in an area of high population such as the large cities on the East Coast the pace of life is so intense that it causes tremendous stress on the people. The Appalachian culture has preserved the laid back, peaceful attitude that makes the people of West Virginia who they are. It is what makes me feel proud to live here.
Beyond the people, the state possesses some of the most beautiful outdoor scenery and wonderful outdoor activities. No matter what outdoor pursuits you are interested in, West Virginia has them.
Where are your favorite places in West Virginia?
I always say, "If I could choose to live anywhere it would be Elkins, W.Va."
Elkins is a great town. It has preserved that "small town" feel, while having anything you could want. It is centrally located to so many of the states natural wonders and outdoor activities.
My favorite outdoor activity is fishing. Within a short drive out of town are some areas where I have had some of my most memorable fishing experiences.
Everyone hears about small mouth in the New River or the Patomic. There are some great places to fish in smaller tributaries for some awsome bass fishing. Wading in clear shallow streams with ultralight tackle for smallmout, largemouth, and rock bass is one of my favorite things to do. Shavers Fork of the Cheat has some good bass fishing.