Almost Heaven, West Virginia

We drove south from Cleveland on the Fourth of July and arrived at the Greenbrier in time for cocktails. Perfect timing.

Man do I love the Independence Day. It's a holiday dedicated to celebrating democracy through liberal use of grills, summery beverages, and explosives. There's minimal pressure, only a sense that fun should be had. For one brilliant hot day, America comes together to have some sort of barbeque, cool off in whatever way is available, and wait for the sky to light up in ecstasy. Forget turkeys and gifts; this is my idea of a fiesta. Even during my summer in India, I celebrated the 4th in Kodaikanal with a strawberry, vanilla, and blueberry ice cream cone by the lake. Of course, I was joined in succession by a well-fed cow and a gaunt beggar, and vowed that I would never again spend my favorite holiday out of the US. By extravagant contrast, BBQ ribs, a couple G&Ts, nice wine, and the Greenbrier fireworks (accompanied by the Charleston Pops Orchestra) rounded out a delightful evening.

In fact, the entire vacation in the West Virginia mountains has been delightful, restful. The weather has been stunning, with soaring hot temperatures that are absolute relief from winter Down Under. We've gone shooting clay pigeons (watch out, Annie Oakley), played tennis, and had some lovely spa treating. The whole place is gearing up to host its first PGA tournament next week, so the grounds are teeming with extra workers bent on transforming the landscape. I was impressed on my 7:30am run through the golf course to see so many guys out planting begonias by every tee.

The sun is setting late, and light lingers until 10pm. We've got a nice dinner planned, and then maybe we'll go check out the casino that just opened up at the main hotel... or maybe we'll just take a nice long stroll around the gardens. Summer is a welcome treat.