Back at Windwood:

nce again it is time to think about our annual RAMP Camp festival.        We are happy to announce that we will be in the same location as last year, Peace Fields-a place that we find suits our needs and is very accommodating and accessible to everyone.  This year we are going to start our festivities on Wednesday, June 21 and will continue until Sunday, June 25.   We plan on being in Davis around noon and hope that most everyone will be able to arrive on that day.  We do realize that some people have other commitments and are working.  Don’t forget to check for air traffic as you approach the runway at the airport!

‘06 Ramp dig!

aturday, April 29, was a beautiful day in the Davis, Canaan Valley area.  This was also the date of our annual ramp dig.  Some people met in Oakland at Denny’s for breakfast while others waited and showed up in Davis at 10 am. to meet for the ramp dig.  The people participating in the ramp digging party were Coulter Bracken, John Kline, Dale Morrow, Jack and Keith Simmons,  Phil Steyer, Frank Tekavec, Bob Walters and Ed Wilson.  We went to the Red Run area to dig the ramps and then cleaned them in the stream before returning home.  Coulter and Bob took advantage of the nice day to do a little fishing in Red Run before they returned to Davis.  We are confident that everyone will enjoy the fruits of our labor come June.

From our Activities Director:

’‘ve been asked to run up some ideas to do outside of “Peace Fields” perimeter. I’m sure some fishing and golfing will be done but some like to reminisce and do some other type activities.  How about a trip up to Rte. #93 to look at the new Metiki Mine opening and farther up the road to Stony River Dam Power Plant.  What about a trip up Blackwater River with stops at the New Dam, the Rock, Splash Dam, Yellow Creek, Cold Springs and Camp # 70 crossing.  The side walking could do us all some good!  A trip south on Route #219 to Olson Fire Tower could be done.  A climb up the steps-if still accessible-will pop the wax out of your ears.  Also, my brother-in-law said we can come over and walk around the 187 acres we deer hunt, and horse around, to check out the area, see our condos, look for deer, ducks, bear, martins or what ever may be roaming through the brush.  It’s a good, fairly easy walking area.  We have two new bridges to cross the creek. No wading has to be done-unless you want to. If any of you guys have ideas or places to go-bring them on.  We’re open for all. At the Cooper farm I’ll have my “Gator” available for those who can’t walk the area.  It can haul 4 to 6 people.  It will go to nearly all the areas that people can walk-except up into the “tree house” condos. Anxious for the “get-together”.  Just me!          Frank T.

Ramp Camp ‘05 

hat a great time we had last summer!  The weather was great and people had a chance to do some outdoor activities.  It all started on Wednesday afternoon when we go to Peace Fields and began to set up camp.  For our first try at meeting on Wednesday instead of Thursday, it was a very successful endeavor.  Those showing up on were John Kline, John Lawrence, Jack Simmons, Keith Simmons, Frank Tekavec, Phil Turek, Bob Walters, Wilson Williams, Ed Wilson.  On Thursday, Coulter arrived and on Friday, Tex Smith and Maynard Frasure arrived.  Tex is a newcomer to the group and he enjoyed the experience so much that he is going to return for another try this June. Phil Steyer was a frequent visitor and he really played a big part in a hiking expedition to the Ski Slope area.  On two different days, Phil led different people on a personal tour to the top of the mountain.  We parked and had a good hike in order to look down at “Peace Fields” from the mountaintop.  Some people played golf and others fished.  Others just relaxed and enjoyed the time with the gang.   We had numerous guests during our stay.  On Saturday evening we had our annual “Spaghetti, Ramp” feast.  Frank did a great job at making spaghetti sauce with ramps and ramp meatballs.  We had many guests for this meal.

Meals and Menus for ‘06

gain this year we are giving the chef of the day a free hand at preparing breakfast.  It will be chef’s choice every morning.  Other people have volunteered to do specific meals.  Wednesday for lunch and supper we plan on eating out.  Thursday evening we do plan for Ed Wilson and John Lawrence to fix some great ramp burgers and hot dogs.  Frank also plans on making some type of chili or soup to go along with the meal.  Friday evening will find Dale Morrow and helpers doing a ramp-venison meatloaf meal.  Saturday evening will find us eating spaghetti with ramp sauce and ramp meatballs. 

Davis News 

y previous writings for this publication have  been an attempt to convey some of the more significant developments or changes in the area.  In 2004, topics of interest included construction of the Tucker County Industrial Park along Rt. 93, the Rubenstein Center for Youth (Boys Camp when we were growing up), a new bridge on Rt. 32 over the Blackwater River at Davis, development by Metiki Coal Co. of a mine off Rt. 93, conditional approval of up to 200 windmills in the Mt. Storm area and a few other minor possibilities. 

            Last year a report indicated that none of the above developments had materialized.  However, things are now changing.  Construction activity has now started near the bridge; Metiki is producing coal of Rt. 93, work is to begin soon on the Rubenstein Center, and negotiations are ongoing for the first tenant in the industrial park. 

            To my knowledge, the windmills are still up in the air.  Much controversy continues and one of the greatest concerns is the number of birds and bats meeting their demise by action of the blades.  An enormous amount of research has revealed that in bat species where the moles are promiscuous, the males boasting the largest testicles also had the smallest brains.  Conversely, where females were faithful, the males had smaller testes and larger brains, which goes to prove that size does matter.  Those bats with large gonads are more likely to succumb to the blades.  Would you agree that big balls are not always advantageous?  Until next year, beware of promiscuous women and take care of the family jewels.  Our roving reporter:  John Kline.

     Hope everyone has a safe trip to the mountains and we will see you June 21!!!

        Keith's first published cartoon!

Return to MENU