Does Sybil Live Here?

Morgantown, West Virginia -- a town I'm not sure I get. It's a college town, but I arrived between terms so half of the population was MIA. Yes, Morgantown doubles its size with 30,000+ students during the school year and yes, I'm somewhat glad I missed this as the in-town infrastructure is questionable.

However, without the hustle and bustle from WVU, it's not clear to me what makes this town of 10 square miles tick. There's the University/Hospital culture, there's the riverfront life, and there's the locals who are unassuming but chatty if you are, too. The historic home where I stayed is hosted by a retired Pennsylvanian, and I had housemates from Hungary, Iran, West Virginia and Maryland who were more long-term than I.

Situated along the Monongahela River, Morgantown is historically tied to the Anglo-French struggle for this territory, and while settled in 1772, Morgan's Town wasn't established until 1785. There are distinctive neighborhoods, and while I didn't venture out of the city limits, it lies in the Appalachian region with the surrounding area of Dorsey Knob and Coopers Rock, scenic and mountainous. A lack of interest in driving and 90+ degree temps kept me out of my car and on the front porch with an iced tea or along the riverfront on two wheels most days.  

The most fun was a 36-hour visit with a friend who had me on the go-go (see photos, please). Next up, a push into New York State with a return to tent life.