After our wild times in Philadelphia and Weston, we were feeling pretty beat. So, our goal for the day was to find a place to just chill for a couple days. The objective was to rest a bit and catch up. We aimed for an area that didn't have any real Oddasee-like sites, museums or related draws. We knew that the days leading up to this point had generated a lot of photos and information to share. We headed toward a small town, Point Pleasant, on the Ohio River. We hoped to avoid spending the night in a chain motel but well know that can often not be an option. Fortunately we found the Lowe Hotel downtown.
This old historic hotel was built in 1901. It was very different than anywhere we have stayed thus far. Part of the enjoyment came from being the only tenants for the first night. It was very old world. There were numerous vignettes decorated in furniture and art of days gone by. Our room actually was a three room suite overlooking the Ohio.
Late afternoon of our first night sent off on a stroll along the river. One for first things that commanded our attention was an incredible mural. It covers the history of the area from the "1774 Battle at Point Pleasant" and is expanding to include other local historic moments. It is a very impressive project. When completed the project will be close to a half a mile long. Artist Robert Dafford is a muralist and historian.
The highlight of our stay was spending time with Ruth Finley. Her family owns the hotel and she (she is the founder)runs it along with the connected "Gallery at 409" a non-profit organization. It also sounds like she many other hats in her repertoire. She is passionate and action packed. Her hospitality was equaled by her sincerity. She took us over to the gallery during off hours and gave us the whole story. The gallery focuses on local artists of which there are some excellent; especially the pastels of Gerry Enrico. In a remarkable show of support, a benefactor stepped forward to offer aide and art -- see the fantastic and very large paintings by Phillipe Smit.
On further excursions we explored the many historic homes, small businesses and yes, the cemetery. The main goal was to kick back and take care of bodies (Susan was able to do two full yoga sessions) and catch up on a bit of sleep and on Oddasee projects (like the 300+ asylum photos). Mission accomplished.
Though we were taking a couple of days off, we are not blind nor has our curiosity waned. You see even when we try to be normal, the abnormal finds us..... we stumbled into the bizarre realm of "The Mothman". Yes that creature of folklore and movie fame -- The Mothman Prophecies starring Richard Gere and Laura Linney. This is the locale of this Bigfoot-like legend. There is a stainless steel sculpture right across the street from the hotel and a block away is the Mothman Museum. We could not resist and forked over the 6 bucks to peruse the "scientific" data and displays held within. Now remember, Rodney lives within an hour of Roswell and Susan has been to their fine educational facility. We are no paranormal neophytes. We watched the video that included interviews with eyewitnesses and experts with their various theories. There are elements of mystery, aliens, men in black and even a massive bridge collapse that took the lives of 46 locals. After hours of discussion, we concluded it's all true! The Mothman has changed our lives. Rodney is going to quit painting and Susan is going to bag the massage and yoga studies so that we can devote our lives to Mothman research. Oh .....it feels so good to finally know our purpose in life.
Love and big red eyes,
Rodney and Susan
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