17 minute read
The Elk's Cookbook: No Bake Energy Balls
THE ELK’S COOKBOOK
THE PERFECT ENERGY SNACK
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Whether you have a day planned on the trail or the river, Gabi Strickland Walker has the perfect portable snack! She makes up several batches for her girls’ swim meets so that she “has a snack that keeps their blood sugars stabilized instead of eating “empty” snacks that will leave them drained and crashing.” Gabi recommends these for any activity…at a track meet, ballfield, tennis court, hiking, biking or on the playground.
These Energy Bites are great because they are so " yummy, bite-size, packed full of great ingredients, and easy to make. Your kids will never know the great stuff inside; they will just love the taste!"
GABI STRICKLAND WALKERS' NO BAKE ENERGY BITES
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
MAKES ABOUT 32 BALLS
• 1 C Oats
• ⅔ C Coconut Flakes • ½ C Peanut Butter (or nut butter of your choice) • ½ C Ground Flax Seed • ½ C Mini Chocolate Chips (or M&Ms,
Reese’s Pieces, etc.) • ⅓ C Honey • 1 T Chia Seeds (I use a blend of chia, flax, and hemp) • 1 t Vanilla Step 1:
– In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the coconut, stirring constantly, until golden brown. Set aside to cool completely. Step 2:
– In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients and the toasted coconut until well blended. Put the bowl in the refrigerator to rest for about 30 minutes. Step 3:
– Remove the bowl from the refrigerator, and roll ingredients into small balls. Place them in an airtight container to store, using parchment papers between layers if necessary. Gabi's Note:This recipe comes with a kid warning…I had a hard time getting them rolled out because the girls kept running by and grabbing them. You may need to make two or three batches.
Large assortment of burgers, hand cut fries, hand-dipped corn dogs, the best wings on the River and more! Full service bar with great beer selections. Pool tables, Large TV's for sports viewing, Karaoke and Live Music! Family friendly dining hours.
MAY 4 & MAY 18 AT 5:30 PM
12 MAYWOOD AVENUE W, CLENDENIN, WV 25045 681.230.2061 @paddlersbarandgrill
A VISION BECOMES A REALITY
The first pioneers of the Elk River rail trail date back many years; over thirty years in fact.
Bikers on the trail An early non-profit 501(C)(3) organization, Elk River Rails-to-Trails Foundation, Inc., sought to establish an Elk River trail in 1991. At their first meeting, they stated “The significance of the Elk River Rails to Trails is its positive impact on economic development, quality of life, health, tourism, and community development.” The organization was formed by Dennis Strawn, Diana Green, Terry Lively, Marty Weirick, Randy Allio, Rev. Randy Kidd, Jack Barnhouse, Dave Knight, Neva Walling, Jim Ore, Jerry Stover, Kevin Monk, and John Campbell. Dave Knight said, “I would call Frank Jorgensen, President and CEO of The Elk River Railroad, Inc. (TERRI) and a partner in TERRI’s owner, Bright Enterprises, at least once a year and say ‘We’re still here!” and ask what we could do to get a trail here in Clendenin along the Elk River. He knew to expect my call.” In late 2020, TERRI officially leased 28 miles of its railroad from Duck to Hartland to the WV Division of Natural Resources (DNR) to create, operate, and maintain the first official rails-to-trails state park in West Virginia. Finally, the Elk River Trail was a reality with a shared vision of the many forerunners of the trail. A vision of a trail where families and friends could safely bike, hike, run or walk for a healthier quality of life. A vision of trail towns which would attract successful businesses and inspire tourism and new family roots to call home. A vision of town prosperity, conservation of our natural resources, and preservation of our Elk River history. Also in late 2020, the WV Rail Maintenance Authority purchased the Buffalo Creek &Gauley Railroad
Buffalo Creek & Gauley Consolidations, Dudon, WV 1963. Photo by Jerry Hott. Shared by Bryan Small
Gassaway Yard
(BC&G) which was the last railroad in the nation to have steam engines in commercial operation. This section of the Elk River Trail consists of 18 miles of trail that runs along Buffalo Creek from the former coal mining and timber businesses at Widen and connects to the main trail at Clay/Dundon. Frank Jorgensen said, “This was a historical moment because it was the first time one railroad bought another railroad.” The former BC&G railroad property is currently undergoing repairs to the damage caused by The Flood of 2016. After the repairs are completed, the WV Rail Maintenance Authority will then lease this railroad property to the DNR to also be operated as a state park. This 18-mile section will be a railswith-trails. The tracks will remain and, when the
Photo by Bob Saunders
Patsy Hawkins & Grandson Theo Popp. Photo by Katheryne Popp repairs are completed, people will be able to take rides on peddle-cars or open-air rail carts pulled by a jitney. The hiking/biking/ riding trail will run alongside. Since the initial 28-mile trail from Duck to Hartland opened in 2021, there is now a 3.1-mile section of the trail open from Queen Shoals to north Clendenin, and another 2.2 miles of trail from north Clendenin through Town (to Brown Street) will be opened and paved by the end of this summer. Dave Knight, a board member of the Elk River Trail Foundation and owner of Yak House Rentals in Clendenin, said, “The paved area in the Town of Clendenin will open up more opportunities for other non-vehicular recreation. The Clendenin Trailhead is the only part of the Elk River Trail to include a paved section that will provide easier access for wheelchairs, roller blades, hoverboards, skateboards and handicapped bicycles.” In addition, work is currently underway to design and create a new trailhead in Clendenin with a $186,500 grant. The trailhead will be built on Maywood Avenue across from the Roxy Theater. By early June another 18 miles from Duck to Gassaway will be completed and that section will also be leased by the DNR as part of the rails-totrails state park. The Elk River Trail will then offer a continuous 46-mile journey from Gassaway to Hartland. As soon as the Gassaway Yard is completed, there will be an official grand opening of the new 18mile section to Gassaway and the 5.3 miles of the Queen Shoals to Clendenin trail. Jorgensen said, “After the Queen Shoals to Hartland section is finished, there will be another 29 miles added to the trail between Hartland and Queen Shoals for a total of 75 continuous miles running alongside the beautiful Elk River Water Trail. The Elk River Trail will be one of the longest trails in the eastern United States.” “Looking to the future, if the trail someday continues to Burnsville in the north and continues to Charleston in the south, the opportunity for extended trails and business opportunities will make the Elk River Trail even more prosperous for all the communities along the trail and for our great State of WV,“ said Jorgensen.
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Mon–Fri: 9am–6pm • Sat: 9am–3pm • Warehouse Fully Stocked (304)965–7111 • 4774 Chimney Drive, Big Chimney, WV 25302
ROLLIN’ ON THE ELK RIVER WITH ENHANCED SERVICES
Kayakers are ready for the April sleet and snow to disappear so that they can hit the river with their kayaks and paddles! Some of our local kayak businesses are ready, too, and have expanded their services to help everyone, both on and off the river, have a great time this summer.
Steven Grau, veteran and owner of Elk River Get-AWay (ERG), is excited to announce the addition of their new double docks, double decks, and multiday floats with camping packages. “One of our newest features are double floating pontoon docks,” said Grau. “We added the second adjoining dock so that kayakers can easily get in and out of their kayaks. Paddlers can just stand up and step out; there is even a roll bar for extra stability.” The new double deck feature at ERG makes it the perfect place to picnic after a float. “We have areas for picnics which are especially great for large groups. Whether you are looking for a location for a graduation party, family reunion, birthday party, church outing, etc., our double deck allows you to use the second story observation deck for music, food, or whatever suits your needs,” explained Grau. The entire property is also pet friendly. There is a large outdoor smoker grill and a smoke pit as well as picnic tables and two dozen adirondack chairs. Grau said, “Fishing is also available and you can easily fish off of the docks. The Elk River is home to brook and rainbow trout, bass, catfish, muskie and more.” If you are looking for a multi-day float and camping experience, Elk River Get-A-Way has you covered. This year Grau said they are offering packages for multi-day floats, camping, secure parking, and kayak shuttling. “One option is a six-mile float with overnight camping and then another six-mile float the next day. We have variable rates to accommodate your groups’ needs,” he explained. Elk River-Get-AWay also has a 26-ft. office trailer on the property which campers can use in an emergency situation. It sleeps two adults, two children, and has a refrigerator, gas stove, electric heat, cold shower and security-fenced parking. From kayak, canoe, tubing, and floating island rentals, and now camping, ERG has something to accommodate your river adventure. Shuttle services are available from King Shoals DNR, Queen Shoals DNR and both Clendenin DNR access points (Clendenin North and South/Hokie Drive) for kayakers. Make your reservation now and start enjoying the beautiful Elk River.
304.993.0006 or 304.548.5999 (evenings) elkgetaway@gmail.com www.elkgetaway.com @elkgetaway 16544 North Elk River Road, Clendenin (Procious)
What’s new at Yak House Rentals? Now you can paddle and pedal in Clendenin! Dave Knight, owner, said, “Yak House Rentals will be adding bike rentals starting May 1.” The new section of the Elk River Trail opened this spring from North Clendenin (at the Water Plant) to Queen Shoals (3.2 miles) - a great 6.4 mile round trip for the evenings or weekends. Also, another 2.1 miles of paved trail will be completed late this summer from North Clendenin through the Town to Brown Street. Knight said, “Once the paved section is completed, You can start at the Yak House and have a perfect eight-mile trip up and back along the beautiful Elk River!” Knight, who is also a Town Councilman, said, “We are excited to have more activities for both the locals and the tourists, and especially for the youth.” Mayor Kay Summers echoed the excitement to have more recreational opportunities for the children. “The new paved trail section through Town will provide a great place for biking, skateboarding, hoverboarding, roller blading, etc. I am glad to see more things for our youth, especially with summer vacation just around the corner.” Yak House Rentals will open seven days a week starting May 1 for bike rentals and will open May 21 for kayak rentals. They have a variety of quality trail bikes in adult and youth sizes. Choose your kayak adventure: 4.5 or a 6.5 mile trip. Yak House Rentals offers longer trips upon request as well. Knight encourages everyone to bring snacks and drinks for their trip. Each kayak can hold a 24can cooler. Yak House Rentals offers single, tandem and fishing kayaks. Life vests, paddles, first aid kits, mesh trash bags, parking and shuttle service are included with the rentals. If you love kayaking and biking, Yak House Rentals is your one stop shop! For reservations at Yak House Rentals book online by using your phone camera to hover over the attached QR Code and it will take you directly to the reservation form. For more information visit their website or see them on Facebook/Yak House Rentals. There is a 24-hour notice required for all reservations.
304.941.2229 dknight@yakhouserentals.com www.yakhouserentals.com @yakhouserentals 403 Elk Avenue West, Clendenin
Lori Dittman, owner of Elk River Paddle and Yak, offers kayak rentals and shuttle services between Sutton and Duck, and later this summer she will be adding bike rentals! This is her third year operating Elk River Paddle and Yak. She said, “I started kayaking a few years ago and I loved it so much I decided to start my own business to make it easier for kayakers, and soon for bikers as well.” With the new 46 miles of the Elk River Trail traveling from Gassaway to Hartland, Dittman said bike rentals are a must for her community. The newest section of Elk River Trail is opening this June and will include 18 miles from Gassaway to Duck. “I am expecting a full summer of kayak and bike reservations as locals and out-of-town visitors plan their WV adventure trips and experience our amazing trails, both on land and on the river.” She has seven access points for kayakers and can make recommendations for your trip. Dittman said, “For example, I can help you plan your trip, meet you at the designated location to help get you set up, establish a time for pick up at the end of your trip, and provide return transportation to your vehicle.” She can plan 2.5, 4.5, 6, 8, 9, 11,13 and 21 mile kayak trips for your group. You can rent one of her quality sit-in or sit-on-top kayaks or one of her new inflatable kayaks-for-two or you can bring your own kayaks and she can offer you a shuttle service between Sutton and Duck. Dittman is extremely involved in her community. She operates her seasonal kayak business on the weekends and evenings in the summer and fall. Her 2022 season will officially open May 26, 2022. During the school year, she is a teacher at Braxton Middle School. She is a member of the Gassaway Area Improvement Council which encourages local business development and tourism and this summer you will also see her in her Lori Dittman for the House of Delegates t-shirt. She said, “I am looking forward to the opportunity of representing the citizens in the House of Delegates 63rd District. I love my district and my State and I have a desire to serve.” Remember Elk River Paddle and Yak for all of your Braxton County kayak rentals, bike rentals, and shuttle services. She requires a 24-hour notice for all reservations.
304.314.3880 elkriverpaddleandyak@gmail.com www.elkriverpaddleandyak.com @elkriverpaddleandyak Gassaway, West Virginia
Welcome to ERL's new summer segment: Trail Mix. Here we will showcase a variety of news and events that are happening around the Elk River Trail and Elk River Waterways.
Security on the Trail
Good news! Gates are being erected at key locations along the Elk River Trail for the protection and safety of those using the trail. Only Division of Natural Resources (DNR) vehicles, emergency services/first responders, security personnel, and authorized maintenance personnel will have keys to the new gates. The new gates will have openings wide enough to permit bikes and horses to pass through, but not ATVs and larger vehicles. Barriers will also be placed at other locations along the trail where necessary to prevent unauthorized access. A private security company has been hired to patrol the trail from Duck to Gassaway and the DNR is patrolling the trail from Duck to Hartland. Security cameras have been installed and citations are being distributed to those violating the trail with motorized vehicles, including four wheelers, side-by-sides, motorcycles, dirt bikes, trucks, farm trucks, and motorized vehicles. Class 1 ebikes and motorized wheelchairs are permitted. If you witness a violator, the ERTF requests that you please take a picture and message it to them on Facebook/Elk River Trail Foundation. You can also report any problems and photos by email to elkrivertrail@gmail.com. Trespassers will be prosecuted.
Photo caption: Jessica Gamponia Wright, Beverly Flores, Ruth Trembula, Tom Sims, and Alan Holmes.
Walkers Hit the Trail
Are you interested in walking the trail? The new Elk River Walking Club meets every Tuesday at 6:00 PM at the Clendenin Trail in the upper end of Clendenin. Anyone who is interested is welcome to show up and walk with them. Currently they are walking from Clendenin to Queen Shoals, but this summer they are hoping to plan some walking trips along other beautiful parts of the Elk River Trail. You know this group is dedicated when an Elk River Living photographer shows up to take their photo and it’s 44 degrees and spitting snow. Ruth Trembula of Clendenin said, “I am just a beginning trail walker and I love how much energy I have just from being outdoors walking.” Whether you are an experienced hiker/walker or just starting, show up at 6 PM on Tuesday and join in the fun.
Trail Restrooms
There are plans to have ten restrooms along the Elk River Trail including two on the Buffalo Creek Spur. The first restroom has been installed at mile marker 57.3 between the Dundon and Ivydale trailheads. It’s always wonderful to see new amenities added along the trail!
Elk River Trail Marathon
West Virginia’s newest Elk River Trail Marathon/Half Marathon/5K will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at Dundon in Clay. All finishers will receive a high quality race shirt, finisher medal, tagged photos on race day, and refreshments post race. Go to www.wvmarathon.com for more information, prices, and to sign up for the events. Prices will increase closer to the race date and spots are limited so sign up early.
