Gal-Gone-Camping

Hello Friends!

As you know, I’m backed up…no, not that kind LOL!  (although I do have that problem occasionally!) I’m backtracking, trying to get blogs and YouTube videos published; where I got behind due to three months of technical problems. The video from this adventure–I just plain forgot about–totally my fault y’all, so I’m publishing it now. So what if it’s a year late!

Roadside Park-Port of St. Albans

This was last summer when I was in Wild, Wonderful, West Virginia; searching one of my favorite camping apps/sites, Freecampsites.net.  I was working in another part of WV, and when I got finished; decided to do a little exploring.  I ended up in St. Albans…which I was kind of familiar with, but had no idea this little gem existed.

What I discovered was the Roadside Park-Port of St. Albans.  Amenities include picnic facilities, boat ramp & OVERNIGHT CAMPING! This park is public land and is FREE! It’s a great example of using a camping/travel app to find good overnight spots. See video here: https://youtu.be/yi_vF18zjoM

This particular park is located on MacCorkle Ave., which is a very busy city street.  If you are looking for quite and secluded–this is not it. It is however, a great spot to stay overnight in a super convenient area (McDonald’s is across the street!) with an incredible view of the Kanawah River.

Enjoy The Beautiful Kanawah River

There is a nice paved walking path all along the park and wildflowers grow along in between the rocks along the bank.  Sturdy metal benches provide a perch from which to enjoy the view.  Better yet, pull out your own lounge chair and watch as the barges leisurely travel the mighty Kanawha. I always fantasized about what riverboat life would be like!

Great For Overnight Or Afternoon

What a great spot to read a book or just imagine what all this area has seen.  It truly is a peaceful, relaxing setting.  Before you know it, the street noise seems to fade away. Can you say nap?!  I was in the ‘Mini-Ett’ (minivan micro camper), and you could do what I did–back your rig on the lower parking lot next to the boat ramp, open up the door and kick back.

The restrooms definitely needed attention, but there is drinking water available from a faucet coming out of a stone structure pretending to be a rock. I met a very nice lady who was camping with her dog. She said she has always felt safe at this location and has seen camper vans stay here too.

Explore The City

St. Albans is a historic port city on the Kanawha River.  As I ventured downtown, I found beautiful old buildings with classic architecture, and was happy to see yet another nostalgic movie theater has been restored!  I’m happy to report that the historic Alban is alive and well. It appears that this community appreciates the Arts! Lots of good restaurants here too!

Before settlers arrived, Native American tribes living here were the Shawnee, Cherokee, and Haudenosaunee.  Remains of early earthen, wood and stone structures have been discovered in the Kanawha River Valley.  The river of course, was a life source for everyone, as well as a means of transportation.

St. Albans/Kanawha River Valley history also includes riverboats, coal/railroad/lumber industries, streetcars, ferries, Revolutionary & Civil War activity.  There are actually 12 sites in St. Albans on the National Register of Historic Places. Now that’s definitely worth a stop y’all!

Rosie The Riveter Park

As I was exploring the Roadside Park, I discovered it actually runs into a sweet little garden dedicated to all those women who became ‘Rosie the Riveter’ during World War II.  There is a memorial plaque, benches, and a separate entryway sign that reads: Rosie The Riveter Park. You will see this little area in the video link above.

Rosie The Riveter of course, was the name given to all the women who went into the much needed workforce; making a variety of military related goods after the majority of men went off to war. A logo was produced, and ‘Rosie the Riveter’ became the iconic symbol it is today. Their slogan read:  “We Can Do It”…and they did!

There’s only a handful of Rosie the Riveters left, and sadly, one of the few in WV; Verla “Bobbie” Lamb, passed away May 26, 2021.  She was 98.  She worked at the Glen L. Martin Aircraft Co. in Baltimore, Maryland, doing sheet metal and riveting work.

St. Albans however, is fortunate enough to still have one of these lady legends living in its midst! (I’m assuming she is–thankfully, I could not find obit anywhere) Bertha “Buddie” May Curnutte, 96, (last year), worked on P-40 Warhawk planes. Her message to young women today:  “Do your job well and you won’t have to do it over again, and always remember we’re doing this for our country.” She was honored in St. Albans last year during Labor Day for her service during WW II. See video clip here: https://www.wowktv.com/news/good-news-with-13/local-rosie-the-riveter-honored-for-world-war-ii-service/

Favorite Camping/Travel Apps

Here are my favorite apps & websites for finding campsites and overnight parking, as well as a few I haven’t tried yet–but I hear are highly recommended:
Freecampsites.net
RV Parky
US Public Lands
Overlander
Publiclands.org
TruckerPath
Campendium

So, there ya have it folks–one more adventure in the books–nearly lost due to memory loss of this aging videographer! This was a great little trip. I had a wonderful time exploring the area and thoroughly enjoyed relaxing by the river.

I’ve lived by a river pretty much my whole life and love it, so I always enjoy visiting other ones.  Being the daydreamer that I am, I suddenly found myself aboard one of those big paddlewheel steamboats, dressed in the best 1800’s attire, charming and hustling gentlemen in friendly poker games; claiming my winning is surely just beginner’s luck for this little southern gal.  I mean you have seen ‘Maverick’ haven’t you? I totally could’ve been Annabelle Bransford!

Until next time, remember: DON’T WAIT TO LIVE!

See ya down the road….or the river!

Catrina