OHIO 2011

If you click on "more" on the left of the World Clock above

you'll see the U.S. debt and a few other

interesting things.

Our first stop in Ohio was for the "World's Largest Yard Sale".

This picture was taken at the fairgrounds,

 but the whole area seemed to be for sale!

I think they just trade stuff around each year.

Fallen Timbers National Battlefield and

 Fort Miamis National Historical Site,

south of Toledo.

This park is in the process of being developed. 

There was no visitor center and no personnel.

We happened across a city park ranger who was VERY

knowledgeable and directed us to sites and to the public library

for our 337th National Park Passport Stamp!

Fallen Timbers National Battlefield.

War of 1812.

Obtaining the passport stamps in the local library.



On Johnson Island in Lake Erie, the "North" had a prison. 

It was supposed to be just for officers, but others were also there.

The others included enlisted men and slaves who refused

their freedom and remained with their masters!

In the background is Cedar Point, an amusement park.

We did not make it there, preferring to amuse ourselves.

In other words, we were too bone-weary for roller coasters

and the like.

On Sandusky Bay, a lighthouse cares for ships.

It's now a State Park.

Marblehead State Park--Judy's on the reef at water's edge.



The park we are staying in is an ROD (Resorts Of Distinction) park called

Erie Islands Resort and Marina.

It's a beautiful place on the Portage River,

 the largest to empty into any of the Great Lakes.

We are met with swan ponds upon entry,

both black...

and white.

They love being fed.

In northeast OH and northwest IN, there was a swamp about the size of Connecticut.

It was mostly drained for farmland (and it is beautiful farm country).

The remaining marsh (sounds nicer, doesn't it?)

 has the look and feel of Florida's Everglades!

Just no gators--promise, we looked!

A lane to some fishing pools and the river.

 Fake beauty--in the nest.
I tried to get Judy to climb into the nest,
 but she refused!  Imagine that!

The swamp's beauty.

Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos)

In Fremont, Ohio

The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center.

It's contains a museum, library, his home, and burial site.

Hayes' home.

His burial site.

Part of the museum--Dennis is doing something

 he is not supposed to--again.

Boarding the ferry to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island.

It was a rough 20-minute crossing (to South Bass Island) as evidenced by the

"mist" on the camera lens.

We were on the upper deck and still got splashed!

Swells were 4 to 6 feet.

Approaching the dock, a cliff with a mansion overlooking the lake.

South Bass Island Lighthouse operated from 1897 until 1962.

Ohio Division of Wildlife historic fish hatchery that

 is now an educational facility.

THE Ohio State University has labs across

the bay for Lake Erie research.

A butterfly house at Perry's Cave family fun center.

We chose not to tour this cave.  It is where Admiral Perry

found fresh water on the island as an underground lake and stream.

We toured this Heineman Winery.  Beneath it is the "world's largest geode".

A well was being dug when they broke into the geode.

This one we did tour.

Standing in the geode.

The sales pitch at the end of the tour.

We did not care for one of the wines we tasted;

the other was just okay.  However, they came at the right time

 and made the rest of the day even more pleasant.

Visiting our 338th National Park Site.

Judy at the Visitor Center.  The sky and clouds were beautiful

 as seen in the reflection, but not in the sky directly.

  The photo had to be shot into the sun.

We are in the reflection.  And even though the tower is closed for repairs,

 it is not as mis-shapened as it looks!

We had lunch and an adult beverage here at the Beer Barrel Saloon.

It is home to the world's longest bar!

Our lunch entertainment.

A very talented honky-tonk pianist and showman.

Downtown Put-in-Bay.

AKA, golf cart city.

There seemed to be a rental spot on every corner.

Antique wooden carousel.

$1.50 per ride--we didn't--too scary!

AAAH!

A long soak back at the RV park after a long day.