Potomac Highlands Outdoor Recreation Discussion
Join us for a discussion on Outdoor Recreation in the Potomac Highlands at Blackwater Falls State Park! Whether you're involved in the industry or just interested in the activities, come and be a part of our vision for outdoor recreation. We'll be presenting the concept of an outdoor recreation challenge. The challenge will encourage people to try their hand at a variety of outdoor activities in our beautiful region. The event is free. Be sure to RSVP at: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=xrqhq6eab&oeidk=a07ef92crql6e90bf11. Address any questions to Ethan Serr at ethan.serr@easternwv.edu.
Irish Road Bowling National Finals – Bol~Chumnn na hEireann North American Region Finals, Blackwater Falls State Park
Irish Road Bowling consists of a ball made of iron and steel that is heavy enough to pick up speed, yet small enough for any person to handle. Besides the basic rules and terms, all you do is hurl this 28 oz. sized "bowl" with an underhand motion over a 1 to 2 mile country road and see how far it goes! Scored like golf, the fewest number of shots from the start to the finish line wins. Irish Road Bowling is similar to fast pitch softball, except with a running start. It's also like bowling if you had enough room to run 10 or 15 yards. Irish Road Bowling is ideal for young athletes or seniors who are looking to enjoy a scenic walk on a country road, combined with an ancient and exciting, but not overly strenuous, sport! Hosted by the West Virginia Irish Road Bowling Association (WVIRBA). West Virginia is proud to host the USA national finals for this ancient sport for the fifth time. The three organized clubs, Boston, New York and West Virginia, rotate the exciting weekend tournament every August to decide the best in the USA, under the auspices of Bol~Chumann na hEireann in Ireland. This is where you will see the sport as it is supposed to be played, at the highest level. Boston's Con O Callaghan, Florrie O'Mahoney, his son Sean O'Mahoney, Roger O'Riordan, Brendan O'Sullivan All Ireland winners, New York's Adfrian Lappin, Fergal Carr, both All Ireland winners and Mick Mahoney, and West Virginia's own Travis Craig, Travis McClintic, and Stephen Wallington will be hurling iron and steel road bowls down the Pendleton Point Road. Best the players in the USA in one on one competition at Blackwater Falls. Everyone welcome to all events, including the Welcome Reception and Semi-final Matches Draw, Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. buffet in Blackwater Lodge. Friday afternoon - practice scores in the road, meet the players. Friday evening at the lodge - welcoming reception, buffet dinner, drawing of the scores for Saturday. Saturday - Semi-finals 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. semi-finals in four grades Sunday - Finals and awards ceremony, everyone invited. The North American Region Finals: if you have not seen this amazing sport, this is your chance, easy walking with the throwers - Everyone Welcome!! Winners at Blackwater Falls State Park advance to the All Ireland Finals to be held in the USA on Wampatuck State Park, Hingham, Massachusetts. Blackwater Falls State Park, 304 259 5216, www.blackwaterfalls.com, for the WVIRBA David Powell (202) 387-1680, Cell: (202) 905-1959.
Irish Road Bowling – WV State Championship Finals, Blackwater Falls State Park
Irish Road Bowling consists of a ball made of iron and steel that is heavy enough to pick up speed, yet small enough for any person to handle. Besides the basic rules and terms, all you do is hurl this 28 oz. sized "bowl" with an underhand motion over a 1 to 2 mile country road and see how far it goes! Scored like golf, the fewest number of shots from the start to the finish line wins. Irish Road Bowling is similar to fast pitch softball, except with a running start. It's also like bowling if you had enough room to run 10 or 15 yards. Irish Road Bowling is ideal for young athletes or seniors who are looking to enjoy a scenic walk on a country road, combined with an ancient and exciting, but not overly strenuous, sport! The top bowlers, men and women, from each of the two qualifiers, Pipestem Resort April 21 and 22, and Strawberry Festival May 19 and 20, meet at Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, WV. See the flamethrowers, top guns in West Virginia, throws can roll 250 - 300 yards. See Travis Craig, Travis McClintic, Stephen Wallington, Bryan Wimer, Rich Meece, Ken McClintic,, Wayne Marrs, Travis Shipley, Stephen Holmes, Morgan Ware, and many more, all the fastest throwers in WV. See the best lady bowlers in the WV state finals. Winners advance to the North American Region Finals, (national championship) again at Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, WV, August 3, 4, 5, 2018. June 23: Semifinals - Novice 1, Novice 2, Novice 3, Novice 4 June 24:Finals - Novice 1, Novice 2, Novice 3, Novice 4 For more information, contact David Powell 202-387-1680, Cell: 202-905-1959.
Blackwater Falls State Park – FIRST DAY HIKE
Take your first step into the New Year with a hike at Blackwater Falls State Park. Meet park naturalist, Paulita Cousin at the Sled Run parking area to embrace the new year with this brisk wintry walk along Forest Road 18 and Lindy Point Trail to one of West Virginia's most spectacular views. Cathedral State Park Ranger, Ben Leedom will be assisting. Blackwater Falls has a healthy attendance and welcome past participants or new hikers for this 1st Day event. This hike is approximately 3 miles round-trip. Sturdy shoes required. Dress appropriately for weather conditions. Please, carry water and a snack. Get Outdoors! Explore! Individual participating in First Day Hikes, when completing an attendance card, receive a First Day Patch via mail. Hikers do not have to be enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program to attend the First Day Hike.