Wild Wonderful West Virginia

First day of road trip to Mammoth Cave got us to Charleston, the capital of West Virginia with a handsome Capitol dome off the right on the highway.  While I intended the trip as relaxation, which it was for the first half of the drive, problems with the GPS not adequately compensated by road signs succeeded in returning me to frazzled.  GPS, both Toyota Scout GPS and Waze, each failed for interruption of internet connection in the mountainous regions of the state.  Finding a hotel and getting there when we were already somewhat lost did not go well.

Settled, fell asleep, awake early and ready for hotel's hot tub before proceeding on, supplemented by some needed coffee and starches at the buffet.

Western Maryland seemed dotted with small but not tiny towns, some which have seen better days.  At one time they probably were anchored by factories of major industrials, now seem more dependent on the colleges and correctional facilities that generate income from outside.  West Virginia seems less town dominant with a major highway having vast stretches with only traveler rest stops for food and gas.  The state university, including its medical center, seemed off the beaten path, with other locals who we asked directions to it as we picked up snacks not being sure where it was.  

Our early December travel probably deprived us of some more flourishing mountain scenery of a month previously.  A few wild animals represented on our trip only as road kill, a skunk and a red fox standing out.

Finish coffee, ease my aching back in the warm jets of the Jacuzzi, more substantial breakfast later.