Doug's Porsche does what a Porsche is supposed to do!
Every Columbus Day Weekend for quite a few years now, a group of likeminded Demons for Punishment has gathered in West Virginia's Canaan Valley to relish friendship, nature and the last dregs of Good Riding Weather for the year. This year was the first time that Drew and I have been responsible for the accomodations. Drew discovered, and decided upon, the intriguingly-named "Bearly Irresistible"--a five-bedroom mansion in the woods. As the following photos evidence, a good time was had by all:
It was connected to civilization only by a very long and
very steep driveway--guys, you've gotta admit, it was
private!
When we weren't appreciating the luxurious accomodations.......
...or enjoying each other's company....
...we prowled the countryside--
--and visited our dear old friends, the Wind Turbines!
When the passenger/photgrapher gets bored.....
We rode to Elkins for the annual
Forest Festival! On display were local politicians, beauty queens, majorettes, and displays of military prowess!
Chris and Cathy Wenk soak up local atmosphere at
Cues and Brews, while Drew and Mike search for direction.
Look closely and you will see the wild turkeys--no, really!!!
Drew poses as Master of the Mansion in front of the ego-inflating stone hearth!
Our requisite self-portrait!
Timberline is a wildlife preserve; the deer are extremely tame and have entitlement issues--they showed up at the back deck every evening for leftover
crudites, Doritos and biscuits.
Fire in the stone fireplace on our last evening...
Driving home--West Virginia delivers fall color on schedule!
The last stop of the voyage was Pack's Frozen Custard Stand.
The house was packed on Friday night for our Second Annual Holiday Open House. These photographs give you a taste of the commeraderie, laughter and good eats--but for the total experience, there was no substitute for Being There: the women were beautiful, the men were--witty and handsome, I think, the punch was extremely punchy, cries of "I hate rabbits!" echoed from the back deck and, needless to say,none who witnessed it will soon forget Drew and Doug's late-night interpretive dance rendition of "Peace Dog." 
The Glitterati gather: Terry Woods, Pam Brawner, Doug and Deborah, Laura Seville
Austin with mechanical mouse and with Mom
Terry and Dave (Twist of Faite) drop by with friend Teresa.
Cathy and Sharon appresciate the Seville gift of gab...
Bryan's dashing 'stash is a chick magnet.
Drew with bretheren-in-arms Mike, Stu, Don and Rick
He's a bruiser, but he IS almost fifteen: Stan crashes halfway through the party.
Outside, by the firepit, smokers gather for warmth: comrades in nicotine Deborah, Dennette (I know I'm spelling her name wrong!!!), Laura and Paul (Yes that's Drew and no, he does not smoke)
The Last Revelers, 2 A.M.: Greg, Kip, Sherri and Drew
After the last guest has escaped into the darkness, Stan reclaims his chair; gargoyle watches over the Christmas tree...
