From the Ocean to the Mountains
-- An Anstead Lesson in Extremes
Plans are underway for the 44th Annual Anstead Family Reunion to be held the weekend of June 26-28, 1998! At the Family Meeting at the recent reunion, it was decided that the next reunion would be held in the town of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Some of you may ask, “Why Berkeley Springs?” This is the town that my grandfather, Ellsworth (the oldest of the children of Harry and Mary Anstead), retired to and lived the last part of his life. In addition, the town offers a little something for everyone...
We are planning to make Cacapon Resort State Park (just outside the town) the center of operations for the 1998 reunion. The following describes just a few of the features of the park.
Cacapon Resort State Park stretches from the Virginia border to within five miles of the Potomac River and West Virginia's northern border with Maryland. The long, narrow 6,000-acre retreat offers a wide range of recreational activities. Cacapon Mountain at 2,300 feet, is the dominant scenic feature within the park following its length north and south. Hiking and bridle trails and a road climb 1,400 feet to the summit. Spur trails along the ridge bring hikers to large rock outcrops of resistant sandstone with views of the valley below.
Recreation
Recreational activities at Cacapon are so diverse, each member of a large family could be engaged in a different sport throughout the day. Twenty-seven miles of leisure-to-challenging hiking and bridle trails pass laurel, pine and mixed hardwood forests to scenic vistas atop Cacapon Mountain. Guests may swim, fish for bass and trout and rent row and paddle boats at spring and stream-fed Cacapon lake. Various games including tennis and volleyball are available. Guests can participate in the park's year-round nature and recreation program through guided hikes, slide shows, movies and craft workshops.
The golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, has been rated as one of the 130 best-designed courses in the country. Seventy-two sand traps provide ample opportunity to "go to the beach" and the 4th and 8th holes share a unique 100-yard wide green. The clubhouse has a well-equipped pro shop and a snack bar. A full-time golf professional is on duty and available for both group and private lessons.
Lodging
Cacapon Lodge sits in the broad valley on the east side of the mountain. Each of the 50 rooms in the air-conditioned facility has a TV, phone and bath with combination tub/shower. The lodge's black walnut-paneled lounge has a wood burning fireplace creating a cozy setting for autumn and winter evenings. There's also a fine restaurant and recreation room.
Also available are 13 standard, 11 deluxe and six economy cabins, all completely furnished for housekeeping. The deluxe cabins are frame structures insulated for year-round comfort featuring wood-paneled walls, stone fireplaces, baths with showers and kitchens with modern appliances. The standard cabins are similar, but of log construction. The unique economy cabins are a combination living/dining/bedroom with built-in double bunks, shower bath and screened-in porch. Completely furnished for housekeeping, the cabins are equipped with cooking utensils, flatware, dishes, dish towels, bed lines, blankets and bath towels. Cabins must be reserved for a minimum of one week during the summer. NOTE: Cabins go FAST. Reservations for cabins only need to be made NOW!
Click here for more information on: Cacapon Resort State Park
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