Matt Peters
map006@marietta.edu
Having grown up in the flat suburbs and farmlands of northern Ohio, it was always exciting to travel down to central West Virginia. Several times a year, my family would make the six-hour journey southward, past Charleston and deep into the Appalachian slopes of Fayette County. The area held many “wild and wonderful” opportunities for adventure – whether it was exploring winding dirt trails, rafting turbulent rapids, or pursuing elusive wild trout on the fly.
However, of all my childhood West Virginia experiences, the most memorable was attending Bridge Day for the first time. This past weekend, on Oct. 15, I was able to recreate that childhood memory.
Held atop the New River Gorge Bridge, the festival draws an estimated 80,000 people annually. It features food trucks, entertainment, local artists, and (most notably) base-jumping.
Every year, daredevils from across the United States converge on the steel structure to plummet 876 feet to the river below. Many wait until the last possible second to deploy their colorful parachutes. While the goal is to land softly on the narrow riverbank, some jumpers inevitably miss their mark, landing instead in the frigid water or surrounding trees.
While I did not personally make that daring leap, I enjoyed photographing the adrenaline-junkies that did. There’s always next year, I suppose. Of course, those averse to heights can experience the action from below. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are also popular Bridge Day activities.
Regrettably, the only audacious stunt I attempted that day was finishing a two-pound roasted turkey leg… after eating a full plate of teriyaki chicken and rice. Needless to say, the winding trip home was rather interesting.
All in all, I think the event was well worth the three-hour drive from campus. Even outside the festival, there are numerous sights to explore and adventures to be had. Whether you are a thrill seeker, a nature lover, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As the motto suggests, West Virginia is a state chock-full of untamed natural beauty; and Fayette County’s Bridge Day is the quintessence of “wild and wonderful.”
