WV continued...

COOPER'S ROCK

Coopers Rock State Forest gets its name from a legend about a fugitive who hid from the law near what is now the overlook. A cooper by trade, he resumed making barrels at his new mountain hideout, selling them to people in nearby communities. He lived and worked in the forest for many years.

... (to read more click here).

The View from Cooper's Rock was amazing. We got there at dusk, my favorite time of the day.
I believe this is the Cheat River?

Not a great shot, but all the paths were so beautifully tucked in by lots of green. So lovely.

A Goofy self portrait. To the left is Phillip and Elijah. To the right is some random guy (no doubt contemplating his place in this beautiful, vast world).

And Old School. This is nestled in a beautiful camping area. I decided then that I would figure out the origin of the name "Cheat Mountain" - and who on earth this Cooper guy is.
What I've learned so far:

* Cooper, like 'Smith' or 'Carter' is an occupational name.

* Sometimes crime DOES pay (I'm joking children. It does NOT pay, no sir!)

It's funny that it says 'Nature Center'. Inside is a little climbing wall and a map on the wall of Cooper's Rock State Forest and a fact sheet.

Nephew on the move! Get him outside and he turns into wild, nature kid. What can I say? He takes after his Auntie "M". ;)

This, I believe, is the rock that somehow belongs to Cooper... Lucky Thug.



On the way home, I made them pull over. We were driving along this long field. The sun was nearly gone and you could see fireflies lighting up everywhere. I was unable to get any decent shots. But I thoroughly enjoyed watching the show. For a Utah girl, it was pure night time magic.

It was a beautiful, beautiful evening.

Much more to come.