Ohio

The navigation logbook says ” making progress in slow pace in search for the North Atlantic” Having done Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan, we hit Ohio next.

Our pass through Ohio was all about state parks and nature. We decided to find a campground near Mansfield which would give us easy access to pleasant Hill Lake Park and Hocking Hills State Park, better known for the Old Man’s Cave.

Since the day was going to be a long one ( meaning long walks) it meant we needed a good breakfast and what better way to start the day than a breakfast full of calories ☺ and that means a visit to IHOP and the delicious Sampler breakfast ( I have to admit, we have this sort of breakfasts only once a month…. promise!! )

There was some kind of celebration for kids in one of the parks that included a horse carriage and Cinderella

We have seen thousands of acres of crops ( mainly corn) all over Ohio which turns out being a big part of the state economy.

Claudia is hiding from me ☺

So!! What’s the story about the Old Man’s Cave? The site is named after Richard Rowe, a 19th century hermit who lived in the large recess cave. Rowe and his family were early settlers in the Ohio River Valley, and after a period away, he returned to the area, living as a recluse in the cave until his death. The cave, part of Hocking Hills State Park, is not a true cave but a large, dry rock overhang formed by a glacier.  

His family had moved to the Ohio River Valley to establish a trading post, but he eventually chose a life of solitude. He lived in the large cave in the gorge with his two dogs. He is said to have died in the cave, with his remains possibly buried under a rock ledge or within the sandy floor. 

We met a nice young couple from Columbus (OH) who were actually practicing for their upcoming visit to Machu- Picchu, Peru. Jack and Katy have booked a backpack adventure that includes carrying heavy items for the 2 week journey and they used this opportunity to experience what the real stuff looks like ( Jack was carrying about 40 pounds split in two bags with him).

Too bad it wasn’t the rainy season as this shouldn’t be this dry !!

It’s nice to bump into other adventurers at the Rest Areas who are also heading north…. but soon the exodus of RVs will go south trying to escape the cold winter…. the very famous “snow birds”.

Another walk in another park… glad no bears around!!

Back in Paris see what Mila is doing….. as France restaurants are so pet friendly, our son Jimmy has taken her for a night out with some friends…. she is of course waiting to say…. Salute, une table pour quatre (4) si’l vous plais 😂

https://youtube.com/shorts/eUx9pnXs9fQ

And the tree number 32 that belongs to Ohio is a nice myrtle and has been planted thanks to the generosity of Barb who assigned a great spot to give the tree a new homeland!

The empty spaces on the right of the map begin to dissapear which means only one thing…. New England states are preparing themselves for our arrival!!! ☺