Our next stop on our adventure was to Charleston to check out the Vandalia Gathering. The festival highlights the passing down of time-honored traditions of West Virginia’s mountain culture. For 38 years, the gathering has brought together dancers, musicians, storytellers, and craftspeople from their front porches in quiet communities and isolated valleys to the grounds of the State Capitol to showcase their talents.

Vandalia was the name fro a “proposed” colony on land that is now West Virginia. The word “Vandalia” was chosen as a political gesture to George III, whose consort, Queen Charlotte, was defended from the German Vandel. The American Revolution, however, halted the plans for the colony.

We had a great time at the festival. The weather couldn’t have been better for an outdoor event. Even though I’m an “old school” rocker, the music was really great and the impromptu jam sessions were neat to watch.

It was a great day all around!

Daily Expenses:

• Gas $50.00
• Dining Out $46.00
• Souvenirs $20.50
• Campsite $42.17