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About the Eastern Panhandle in West Virginia

• State Area: 24,181 Square Miles (62,629 sq km)
• Population: (2006 US Census Bureau estimate) 1,818,470
• State capital and largest city: Charleston
• Motto: Montani Semper Liberi "Mountainmen Are Free"
• State bird: Cardinal
• State flower: Rhododendron Maximum
• State tree: Sugar Maple
• State animal: Black Bear

The Eastern Panhandle is the fastest growing area of the state in terms of population and development. It is a warm and friendly place to live with a small town atmosphere back dropped by farms, apple orchards and gentle mountains. Independent, friendly and creative, our residents love to celebrate their proud traditions. Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties are each unique.

Our strong economy supports an infrastructure of top-notch services, making the area one of the most desirable in the nation. Credit this to the bustling economic atmosphere. Employers include such names as Quad Graphics, Coast Guard and the Internal Revenue Service. Most of our residents are more likely to work within the community than to commute to the larger metropolitan areas. However, many savvy commuters take advantage of the MARC commuter rail service that provides two morning trains into points along the Gaithersburg, Rockville and Silver Spring corridor in Maryland, then to Union Station in Washington, D.C. Three trains return in the evening with stops in Harper's Ferry, Duffields at Shepherdstown, and returning to the renovated historic train station in downtown Martinsburg.

The Eastern Panhandle continues to attract forward thinking business people from all over the world. Those whose families came here for the beauty and bounty many generations ago, live side by side with new recent residents who find the area's spirit equally rewarding.

-Eastern Panhandle Statistics-

If you are considering a move to the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, visit my website for more information.

The Kodak v705 has been out for awhile and much discussed here at Active Rain. It seems to be a good choice for real estate agents. Mind you, I am a total novice when it comes to photography and need something that is simple to use and light to pack and go. I was able to find one online last week for less than $200 but they just raised their price by $30. Wonder if Kodak will continue developing their dual lens series and offer a new model in the future.

I've seen this type of example done before in the group and thought it would be interesting to do a comparison with my old camera. When I get a new toy, it's fun to play around and figure out how things work. 

Camera Comparison:
   Left-Kodak v705
   Right - Sony Cybershot DSC-P10

Wide Angle
As expected, the Kodak did well with this scene even though it was foggy this morning. I forgot to change to the landscape mode. I'm sure it won't be the last time.

Flash
The Kodak didn't fair well and I really didn't expect it to. Based on everything that I had read about it, there isn't much flash fill. The color didn't look very true either.

I am very new here and landed back at AR while doing some recent research on the Kodak V705 camera. After reading such good advice here, I decided to purchase the camera and am pleased to say that I am very happy with it so far.

Kudos to everyone for your help and thanks again.

Photo taken 8/29/07-Hedges Chapel est. 1850, Hedgesville West Virginia, overlooking The Woods Resort Golf Course.

I remember someone mentioned Active Rain, so I signed up months ago and that was more or less the end of it. Last week I was researching the internet before buying a new camera without too much luck just googleing. I wanted to know how this camera would really work in the field and if agents found it to be a useful tool. Then I remembered signing up for this forum and the light bulb went off. The information was just overwhelming and so helpful.

Hmmm, I wondered what else I could find useful here. I must have read hundreds of blogs by now. It comes as no surprise to me that there are so many talented and generous people in our profession and I am proud to be affiliated with you. One of the very first blogs I read and bookmarked was Welcome Wagon-A newbie manual for Active Rain. Thanks Blanca! I put Gita's disclosure suggestion into practice. What a terrific tip! 

I have "to do" and bookmark lists that continue to grow longer each day. The me-meez was fun to do but she is just a bit creepy. She can stay as long as she behaves...LOL. I look forward to participating in this wonderful blog world.

Oh, BTW, I did buy the camera (Kodak v705) and really like it. Can't wait to do a new virtual tour this evening.

Cheers,
Debbie