Eric Douglas, Class of 1985, Nitro High School WV

The following article appeared in the Charleston Gazette, 1/16/2012



Here is a link to the Charleston Gazette article:

http://wvgazette.com/Life/201201160085

January 16, 2012 Diving writer Eric Douglas comes up for air By Bill Lynch

Photo by Lawrence Pierce

Cross Lanes native, scuba diver and aquatic author Eric Douglas has returned home to stay after nearly 15 years away.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The people you meet often can change the course of your life. It happened to Eric Douglas.

He recently sat, sipping iced tea in the Bluegrass Kitchen, and explained how things began to change for him after he sat down at an interview, not unlike this one, 20 years ago with Barry Bishop, a renowned mountain climber and writer/editor for National Geographic magazine.

Bishop, the chairman for the National Geographic Society's Committee for Research and Exploration, spoke at West Virginia Tech in 1991.

Back then Douglas was a reporter for the Charleston Newspapers' Metro section. He'd scarcely been out of journalism school more than a year. For an eager young journalist, the chance to talk to someone from a major national magazine was a plum opportunity.

"Dr. Bishop came to give a talk," Douglas said. "And after I'd got what I needed for the interview, I asked him, 'How do you get to work for National Geographic?'" Bishop's answer was blunt. A writer like Douglas didn't have much of a shot. He told Douglas, "We only hire established writers. So go write a couple of books, go write for some magazines and travel."

Bishop didn't promise anything. He just told him where to start.

Douglas grinned broadly: "And that's where my life has been headed the last 20 years."

He has written books, among them three novels and a children's book, "The Sea Turtles," that's being published this spring as a serial through the Newspapers in Education program.

He's written for magazines, most notably Scuba Diving, where he has a regular column called "Lessons for Life." Douglas has also traveled the world, explored the ocean and lived a coastal life that might seem very alien to a kid growing up in the landlocked West Virginia.

"But I got my first 60 dives at Summersville Lake," Douglas added.

Douglas got into diving right out of college.

"It was just something I'd wanted to do for a while," he said.

Douglas grew up in Cross Lanes, graduated from Nitro High School in 1985 then went to Marshall University, where he studied journalism.

He joined the Metro staff in 1990. By the summer, he decided to take some diving lessons at Summersville Lake. It was just a hobby.

When he met Bishop, a spark was lit. He started looking for opportunities. In 1993, he got one.

After the fall of communism in the former Soviet Union, the vast country was trying to put itself back together. The education system was in shambles. A group of educators from West Virginia were part of a team invited to Russia to help them restore their curriculum.

"A friend invited me to go along," he said. "So I took out a loan and went.

"It was my first plane ride."

The first trip was two weeks. Fifteen months later, he went back to Russia. Then that August, he returned again and stayed for three months, writing freelance.

"After that I really needed to get a job," he laughed.

Douglas went back to work. Meanwhile, he developed his writing. In 1998, he decided to take a refresher course on diving. During the course, he met the director of the Professional Association of Dive Instructors. The association published a magazine through their Diving Science and Technology division, and they needed an editor.

The job, however, was in California.

Douglas had recently gotten married. His wife was from Charleston. He asked her, "So what do you think about moving to California?"

He said she told him to go for it. The two of them moved west where Douglas wrote for the magazine and went on hundreds of dives in the Pacific Ocean.

"I learned a lot while I was there," he said. "I learned a lot about underwater photography and even topside photography and design."

Two years later, Douglas took a job with a company in North Carolina that specialized in the production of diving medicine. Douglas continued to write and also worked on his first novel, "Cayman Cowboys," published in 2004. Other books followed, and Douglas wrote for several ocean-related magazines.

Douglas' marriage ended in 2010. His ex-wife and two daughters moved back to West Virginia while he stayed on the coastline of North Carolina, but the biweekly grind of driving back and forth to see his daughters wore him out.

"And it seemed to me that in this day and age you can do a lot of the kind of thing I do from anywhere," he said.

All you need is an Internet connection.

Douglas has been back for a little over two months. He's closer to his children and also to his family. Many of them never left.

"I can't get over how much things have changed," he marveled. "There are a lot of things here that you just didn't see much of 20 years ago."

He motioned to the restaurant in which he was sitting.

"A place like this," he said. "You didn't see that. Everything in Charleston back in the early 1990s was mainly chain places. It was very generic."

There's more character here, he believes. The city and the state are more sophisticated and diverse than he remembers, and part of what he wants to do now is show that.

"I've always been proud to be from West Virginia," he said. "It was very frustrating sometimes. I'd meet people and they'd catch the accent and ask me where I was from."

Certain negative stereotypes, Douglas said, persist and too many people from the outside perpetuate them.

"I don't think West Virginia does a very good job of telling our stories," he said. "So what you end up with is 'The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia.'"

The documentary film, produced in part by daredevil reality show "Jackass" creators Johnny Knoxville and Jeff Tremaine, followed the exploits of the notorious White family in Boone County.

The film is not seen as a positive representation of life in West Virginia.

Douglas said while living in North Carolina, he earned a certificate from the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University.

"It kind of relit those journalism fires," he said.

Among other things, Douglas would like to maybe teach what he's learned to other people, help them tell their stories.

"There's more truth to West Virginia than just the Whites."

Douglas hasn't given up on his dreams of writing for National Geographic. He's still working toward that, but life has a funny way of taking you in odd directions.

After Douglas went to Russia and wrote a few things, he corresponded with Bishop at National Geographic. He sent some of his newspaper and magazine clippings. Bishop was kind enough to critique them and encourage him to keep pushing outward.

Bishop died in 1994.

"He died in a car accident," Douglas said. "He was one of the first Americans to summit Mount Everest. He traveled with Admiral Byrd and died in a car accident near his home."

Reach Bill Lynch at ly...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5195.

Continuing Nitro High School WV news, obits, and updates Jan. 2012

Howard H. Stewart, 82, of Nitro entered into heaven's gate February 10, 2012. Born March 14, 1929, to Homer and Grace Stewart of Whitesville. He was also preceded in death by sisters, Evelyn and Delphia; brother, Roy Stewart; and grandson, Jeffrey Scott Hayes. Howard was a Korean War veteran. He was a Bell Lines driver for many years, and Teamster, before retiring from Smith Transfer. Howard was a former member of the Clown Unit with Beni Kedem Shrine, and a volunteer driver, transporting children to the Shriner's Hospitals. Howard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty; loving father to son, Jeff Stewart of Nitro; son, David Stewart and wife, Sandy, of Nitro; daughter, Robin Stewart and husband, Jeff Hayes, of Scott Depot; granddaughters, Cassie Stewart and Katie Stewart of Nitro and Jennifer Stewart Stephens of Hurricane; and brother, Ronald Lyons of St. Albans. Howard was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Nitro where he enjoyed Sunday school, apple butter days and the men's fellowship breakfast.

Mr. Allen P. Burdette, 81, of Nitro went home to be with the Lord on February 13, 2012, at Hubbard Hospice House West. Allen was the former owner of Burdette Garage, and a member and trustee of Valley Drive Church of God Mission. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Ollie Burdette; brother, Robert Burdette; and sisters, Wilma Fore and Elizabeth Scarberry. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mrs. Loretta Burdette; children, Randall and wife, Linda Burdette, of Fredericksburg, Va., and Sheila and husband, Bill Lewis, of St. Albans; brothers, Henry Burdette of Poca and Ray and wife, Louise Burdette, of Rock Branch; sister, Faye Grady of Rock Branch; two grandchildren, Dr. William K. Lewis IV and wife, Elizabeth, and Brandi Edens and husband, Allen; and three great-grandchildren, Allen Lee Edens, William Lewis V and Abigal Lewis.

http://dailymail.com/News/201202070249

Date of Nitro-St. Albans bridge closure announced by Mary Childress

NITRO, W.Va. -- The Nitro-St. Albans bridge will close Jan. 7, 2013, and the new span should be open by Thanksgiving of that year, Nitro Mayor Rusty Casto announced at Tuesday's city council meeting. Work should begin on shoring up the bridge piers by next week, Casto said. The current bridge will be imploded, but the piers will be kept in place. A new bridge will then be floated down the river and placed on the existing piers.

Rich Hively, Nitro historian, said the West Virginia Department of Transportation has agreed to give the city $20,000 to fund projects and activities associated with the closing of the bridge. "We will have a bridge dedication booklet that we'll share with St. Albans," he said, "and publish a history of the bridge booklet, among other things. "We've been told that the bridge will be imploded in the middle first," he said. "So, we hope to have a contest that would allow someone from Nitro and someone from St. Albans to push the buttons that would blow up the middle from both sides of the river."

Right now, Nitro depends on firefighters from St. Albans to assist in some emergency situations. Fire Chief Ernie Hedrick said he had contacted officials in the Dunbar and Tyler Mountain fire departments to assist the city after the closure of the bridge.

Seven-year-old Evie Hunt was honored as Nitro's citizen of the month. A first grader at Nitro Elementary School, Evie single-handedly raised $1,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The school had set a goal of raising $1,500 and she raised $1,000 on her own.

"I sang a song and my mom put it on Facebook and a whole bunch of people sent money," she said.

Evie is the daughter of Brian and Kimberly Hunt. She received a certificate and a $25 gift card to Dairy Queen.

The West Virginia Department of Highways has awarded Nitro a $25,000 Recreational Trail Grant to complete the walking trail around Ridenour Lake Nitro WV .

Councilman Craig Matthews said the city must also come up with $4,900 as part of the grant agreement. The city will use its own labor force for the work, Matthews said.

Mr. Albert Donn Richardson, 79, of Nitro passed away February 6, 2012, at Thomas Memorial Hospital. He was a retired electrician from Rhone-Poulenc with 38 years of service. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Hattie Richardson. Albert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mrs. Gwendolia Richardson; children, Jim Richardson and wife, Jodi Richardson, Brenda Richardson Davis and fiance, Shannon Ratcliff, Shari Richardson and husband, Mark Wilson, and Roy Richardson; eight grandchildren, Kendra, Bobbie, Jami, Josh, Jimmy, William Keith, Morgan and Jay; and eight great-grandchildren.

Donald R. "Dick" Lewis, or "Nitro," as his friends called him, peacefully passed away from complications due to lung cancer on January 31, 2012. Dick was born December 2, 1938, in Nitro. After serving his country in the Navy for six years, he married his wife, Crystal, and settled in Titusville, Fla., where he retired from Florida Power & Light at the Port St. John Plant in 1994. Dick lovingly leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Crystal Lewis; son, Dana R. Lewis; daughter, Tracy Lewis Mascellino; six grandchildren, Lee Jones, Kyle Jones, Becca Mascellino, Dalton R. Lewis, Abby Mascellino and Danielle R. Lewis; one great-granddaughter, Jordan Jones; as well as his father, Mervin Gibson of Scott Depot; brother, Danny R. Lewis of Scott Depot; sister, Brenda (Ronnie) Matthews of Winfield; and many nieces and nephews who loved him and will miss him dearly. Let us not forget his faithful friend, Maggie, who loved her daddy. Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Gibson; his sister, Carol Lewis Forloine; and his sister-in-law, Donna Lewis, also from Scott Depot.

Elizabeth A. Johnson Stalnaker, 45, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. She was born in Charleston, W.Va., on January 5, 1967, the daughter of the Rev. James L. and Nila Johnson. She was preceded in death by her father.

She is survived by her husband, Timothy Stalnaker of Nashville, Tenn.; her mother of Charleston; two brothers, MSgt. Rob Johnson and wife Keta Johnson of Valley Lee, Md.; MSgt. David Johnson and wife Ginny Johnson of Charleston; six nieces; and two nephews. She leaves behind her beloved Rottweiler, Baron.

Elizabeth was a 1985 graduate of Nitro High School, Nitro, W.Va., attended Concord College, and became a licensed paralegal. Elizabeth was a certified property manager (CPM) for H.G. Hill Realty Company, LLC. in Nashville, Tenn., and an active member and past officer with the Institute of Real Estate Management. She was an accomplished stained glass artist.

http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/eyewitness/120122_8092.shtml

Reported by: Send eMail Kristin Keeling Web Producer: Kristin Keeling Reported: Jan. 22, 2012 6:58 PM EST Updated: Jan. 22, 2012 7:14 PM EST

A woman's murder in Charleston remains a mystery and her family is desperate for answers.

Megan Harrison's body was found in the Elk River last August. Since then, investigators have followed every possible lead that could bring them closer to finding her killer.

"We have some evidence in the case and we hope to obtain more, and we have some witnesses. But we need one more piece to the puzzle," said Chief of Detectives, Lt. Steve Cooper.

One more piece that Megan's parents hope to find by offering a $10,000 reward for anyone who knows how she died.

"I'm just praying like we do several times a day that this ten-thousand dollar reward will help and it will help us in our hearts to know we've done a little bit more for Megan," said Megan's mother, Ginger Harrison.

Roger and Ginger Harrison spent Sunday afternoon posting reward flyers around Charleston's east end and talking to people about their daughter along the way. They chose that area because Megan spent the last month of her life at Sojourner's shelter.

"I always say this about Megan, even though she did make some wrong choices in her life, she had the biggest heart and she would do anything for anybody. But God must have had another plan for her," said Ginger.

No amount of money can bring the Harrisons' daughter back to them. Until then, they will hold her memory close to their heart. In hopes that someone will come forward with information on her murder.

"We just pray that her soul is in Heaven and that someday we'll see her again. That helps us get through each day," said Ginger.

If you have any information of Megan Harrison's death, call the Charleston Detective Unit at 304-348-6480.

Correction: The ad placed on January 16, 2012, in the name of Carolyn Sue Beckner Townsend was unauthorized. It did not come from the funeral home or her husband and companion of 30 years, who knows all the truth. For 4 1/2 months, in two hospitals, fighting for her life, she never got 'Get Well' cards, flowers or visits from 95% of the people named in that ad. The ad did not tell Susie's life, hurts, injuries or all the illnesses she fought since her teens. The ad was specifically designed to boast about people who never cared, and to hurt and degrade her time on earth. It was meant to be cruel, betrayal and outright lies about her hospital abuses and all the medical errors, negligence and mistakes that took my wife's life. Authorized by A.E. Townsend, husband and companion of 30 years. Carolyn Susie Townsend, 64, of Cross Lanes was called to Heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 11, 2012, to stop the enormous pain she suffered for years. She was the daughter of Virginia and James Beckner, born May 22, 1947. Her accomplishments were many, but they did not compare to her love and devotion to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and her husband and constant companion of 30 years, Arnold E. Townsend. She fought a very long battle with many different injuries and illnesses, but it doesn't touch the enormous pain, suffering, mental anguish, worry and loss of sleep, her little body constantly being stabbed with needles, the chemotherapy, the hundreds of X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and on and on. She made me promise I would tell some of her life's story, because she trusted me to do it. In 1985, Susie was hit head on by a drunk driver, who almost killed her. She went through two-and-a-half years of physical therapy to save her left arm. Her husband was there every day, and God protected her. She hated drunk drivers, so she supported MADD. Then, in 2000, she found a breast tumor. She had a lumpectomy, and it was ductal carcinoma in "situ" enclosed and it had never spread. Now, her medical records branded her with a history of breast cancer. One time does not make a history. She wanted all women to know how they can brand you. So then, she joined the American Cancer Society, and we get a magazine called Cure. In 2009, she was sent to get 15 days of radiation. At the end, she was told she was in remission, and the tumor was 98% healed. This was about August 2009. She was told she needed a small dose of Herceptin as a maintenance drug. When she went back to her foreign oncologist, he refused to honor her request for Herceptin. He gave her several chemo drugs she was highly allergic to; the main one was Docetaxel. In January 2010, that started her health downhill, after she was in remission and almost healed. All of 2010, 2011 and 11 days of 2012, she suffered, cried, constant bleeding, fear, worry, nervous breakdown, enormous mental anguish from all the sickness and the mental, physical and medical abuse, tests, errors from some doctors and some nurses - but God protected her. Then, after contracting several UTIs, one caused by a sulfa drug she was highly allergic to and is listed in her medical files. Her little body was worn out. She told me she could no longer stand the pain, even though she loved me more than life. I told her I understand, and God's been good to us. She said, yes He has. Then, a few hours later, she was taken to Heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I was loving and kissing her face at 11:10 p.m. when she took her last breath. Like all the 30 years we were together, at the end, she and I were alone. God gave us that. God gave Susie rest, peace and, most of all, she is now pain free. God again protected her, just in a different way. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Also, at Susie's request, anyone who would have sent flowers, please send a donation to a cancer research organization in their area. Thoughts, prayers and condolences can be sent to P.O. Box 7223, Cross Lanes, WV 25313. She is dearly loved by her husband, best friend, companion, sweetheart of 30 years. By me she is already missed. She cannot be replaced.

Phyllis Jean Burdette, 81, formerly of Nitro and Charleston, passed away Friday, January 13, 2012, at CAMC General Hospital. She was formerly employed by Omaha Insurance Company. Surviving are her sons, William L. Burdette of Rock Cave and Russell Ray Burdette of Raymondville, Texas; grandchildren, William L. Burdette Jr. and Nikki Utt; great-grandchildren, Derek Tucker, Reanna Tucker, Khori Tucker, Warren Tucker, Waylon Utt, Taylor Burdette, Jordan Burdette, Noah Burdette and Colin Burdette.

Guy Dewey Hedrick, 63, of Nitro passed away January 19, 2012, in the VA Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. He was a member of the 15th St. Church of God in Nitro, and an Army veteran. Dewey was preceded in death by his father, Arnie W. Hedrick; and grandmother, Rosa Ellen Hedrick. He is survived by his sisters, Loredda Hedrick Kelley of Austin, Texas, and Ann Hedrick Toms of Nitro; brother, Arnie Hedrick Jr. of Dallas, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Troy D. "Dennie" Stover, 63, of Cross Lanes passed away Saturday, January 14, 2012. He was born October 3, 1948, in Charleston, son of the late Troy and Martha Stover. Troy was employed at West Virginia Steel for nearly 40 years. He was a Vietnam veteran and was a proud Marine. Surviving him are his wife of 20 years, Jodie Stover; son, Bryan (Tonya) Stover of Nitro; daughter, Tina (Charlie) Heffner of Nitro; stepson, Vernon Edens of Charleston; stepdaughter, Heather Edens of Charleston; Matt and Ann McDaniel, who he considered a son and daughter; brothers, Otis (Mary) Stover, Jimmy (Sharon) Stover, Johnny Stover and Rome Stover, all of Charleston, Alan Stover Of Emory, Texas, and Victor (Sharon) Stover of New Concord, Ky.; sisters, Bonnie (Ron) Flowers of Elkview and Barbara (Warren) Keifer of Lady Lake, Fla.; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous family, friends and co-workers.

Avis Sarah Sayre Quickle of Nitro passed away Sunday, January 8, 2012, at her home after a short illness. Avis was born January 7, 1920, and was one of the daughters of the late Floyd G. Sayre and Stella Crandal Sayre. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Quickle; brothers, Stanley Sayre Roosevelt Sayre, Lincoln Sayre, Arnold Sayre and Gilman Sayre; and sisters, Macey Sayre Warner, Glady Sayre, Elsie Sayre Jones and Louise Sayre Pickens. Avis attended Nitro High School, and graduated from Point Pleasant High School in 1938. She was employed by American Viscose Corp. and Goodrich Gulf Rubber Plant until the plant closed. She was co-owner of Nitro Wholesale Electric Supply with her late husband, James F. Quickle. Avis was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star Nitro Chapter 153. She attended St. Paul's United Church in her early years. Left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Howard W. Janey Jr., who was her caregiver and was always there when she needed anything. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and great-nephews to cherish her memory.

Mr. William H. "Bill" Jones, 85, of Poca passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012, at Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston. Bill loved to hunt, fish, golf and go camping. He attended Nitro Senior Citizens Center, where he was known to the kids at day care as The Cookie Man. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold Jones and Violet Smith; stepfather Herbert Smith; sisters, Drema Ferguson and Patty Miller; children, William Jones Jr. and Beverly Ann Jones; and great-grandson, Korey Jones. Bill is survived his wife of 63 years, Jane Tucker Jones; son, William "Jeep" and wife, Cindy Jones, of Rock Branch; daughter, Linda Jones and husband, Tom Adkins, of Cross Lanes; sisters, Wanda Jones of Hopewell, Va., Sharon Jones French of Liberty and Shirley Jones Rucker of Arizona; brothers, Marshall and Lewis Jones, both of Palm Bay, Fla.; stepmother, Charlotte Jones of Palm Bay; grandchildren, Timmy and wife, Valerie Jones, Jason and wife, Jindalay Jones, Tommy and wife, Tiffney Adkins, and Tominda Adkins; great-grandson, Jake Adkins; special friends, Joe Nunley and Clyde Fields; and a host of other family, friends and camping friends.

Quentin L. "Red" Miller, 87, of Nitro passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2012, after a lengthy illness with Alzheimer's. He was a graduate of Spencer High School, and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, Squadron VMF 218, in the Philippines during World War II. Quentin retired from Columbia Gas Transmission with 34 years of service as a dispatcher and senior controller. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Miller; parents, Lemuel and Flora Miller; brothers, Everson, Early, Kermit and Archie Miller; and sisters, Emogene Burdette and Kitty Hannaman. Quentin is survived by sons, Glenn Miller of Hurricane and Orville "Butch" Miller of Nitro; grandchildren, Allen Thaxton of Mashpee, Mass., Eric (Deena) Miller of Poca, Casey (Donetta) Miller of Winfield, Mitzi (Joshua) Vince of Martinsburg and Kati (Steven) Harmon of Nitro; step-grandchildren, Jason (Angie) Dunlap of Eleanor and Heather (Alan) Goderre of Teays Valley; six great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and brother, Newton Miller of Spencer.

Richard A. "Dick" Wilson, 83, of Charleston passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at CAMC General Hospital after a long illness. His one desire was to hear his Lord say to him, "Well done thy good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter unto the joy of your Lord." Matthew: 25:21. Dick served his country with the U.S. Army, and was a veteran of the Korean War. He became a Christian at the age of 33, and his purpose in life became winning people to the Lord, which he did through his street and tract ministry in our area. He always saw the good in everyone. He was a longtime resident of Charleston, and attended Woodrow Wilson Junior High. Richard was self-employed as a dry cleaning salesman, and worked for many years. He was a member of the Covenant Christian Fellowship. Preceding him in death were both parents and a sister. He is survived by sons, Richard (Buddy) Miller of Cross Lanes and Doug Miller and Edra of Terra Haute, Ind.; daughter, RuthAnne Miller and Terry Payne of Cross Lanes; grandchildren, Jessica Gross, Dr. Zachary Wilson, Douglas Wilson II, Brandi Edwards, Cathi Sparks and Terri Davis; nine great-grandchildren; and cousin, Margie Kidd. As per his wishes, the body will be cremated. The family would like to express their special thanks to Sonny Campbell, Art Williamson, Ed Thomas, Chris and Lora Sands, Jim Loftis and many others who meant so much to our Dad.

Troy Lilly, Cross Lanes WV photographer hitting big time!

West Virginia Photography in National Geographic Contest >PRWEB.COM Newswire<="" div="">

Charleston, West Virginia (PRWEB) January 03, 2012

ForestWander - The National Geographic "Stories Without Words Photo Competition" sponsored by Hilton Honors received thousands of entries from all over the world. Senior editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine Dan Westergren chose the category finalists. Summarizing his story without words, "Alluring Cascade Pirouette" by Troy Lilly (nature photographer from Cross Lanes, West Virginia) is a travel photograph of Elakala Falls which was picked as a finalist in the "Spaces You Discover" category.

The chosen finalist entry from West Virginia features the waterfalls captured in a long exposure digital photograph. This photographic technique blurs the water fall motion for an extended amount of time while the small whirlpool spins below the cascades creating a stunning effect. Lilly has the opportunity to win the grand prize of a trip on a National Geographic Expedition to Galápagos and other runner up prizes including Nikon Camera if online voting favors the Elakala Falls image. The website to cast votes is http://www.nationalgeographic.com/photostories.

Located in Blackwater Falls State Park near a small mountain village named Davis, Elakala waterfalls are a hidden wonder revealed to those who take a 30 minute stroll from the state park’s lodge. The waterfall name originates from a Native American legend about a young princess who cast herself over the falls when scorned by her lover.

The exposure generated by placing first in this competition could certainly increase the notoriety and popularity for the natural beauty found in many West Virginia travel destinations, having a positive impact on the state’s economy.

To cast a vote free registration is required at the National Geographic website, which is a standard practice by many online competitions. Registered website visitors will vote for the winners beginning December 19th ending January 15th, 2012. Voters may return on January 25th, 2012 to see the winners.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/west-virginia/travel-photography/prweb9071833.html