Friday, August 12, 2011

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.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

HOOSIER FAIRY TALE






Once upon a time, somewhere in Indiana. . . . . . .








it started



and













the rest is history.







An evening out dancing and a little gambling at
the Grand Victoria Casino/Resort in
Rising Sun, Indiana.



Behind this beauty there WAS a beautiful sunset.




Judy and April (Anvil SmasHerNasty ) at the "Cornfed Derby Dames"
 roller derby match in Muncie.




The opposing team and small fans.
This was our first derby--interesting, to say the least.




Victory lap.




Both teams after the match.





Grandniece, Kathy Cooke, and Hercules in her apartment in
Indianapolis.




Mmmm.  Chips, salsa, and family at
Don Pablo's.




Back at the apartment.




An old German settlement, founded in the 1840's by a
German priest and an Austrian nun.




A typical fire hydrant.





A great place for lunch.




Oldenburg




The original (1875) firehouse.




Another saloon just across from the church.





The original 1845 church, now the offices and rectory.




Hagerstown wedding.  Mr. and Mrs. John Paul Sutton.
John is Dennis' nephew.




Melissa (Dennis' sister) and Monte Sutton
The groom's parents.



Hanna and John dodging the rice.




Congratulations!






A Muncie visit.




Ball State University.




A cool off spot on Ball State's campus.




A visit from April Abernathy AKA Anvil SmasHerNasty ,
a Cornfed Derby Dame.



Fairmount, IN, the home of James Dean.




The museum in historic downtown.




Fairmount is also the hometown of Garfield's creator, Jim Davis.

Dr. Bob Sheets (National Hurricane Director--now retired) graduated with James Dean.
Graduating class was fewer than 60.
Lots of talent came out of Fairmont--must be the corn!




Of course, we're cool!




The art gallery--nice house.




REALLY cool now!




Still quite popular.




Boyhood farm/home of uncle.




Indian Motorcycle sales/shop, where James Dean bought his first cycle.





Joann and John Rainey's Muncie home, where we spent two evenings playing euchre and OH HELL!
Perhaps I should say, "being schooled in the art of euchre".
Yes, I know there are only 5 cards in a hand of euchre--this is just a pose.
Thanks again for the hospitality!  It was GREEEEAAT.


We are heading into Ohio in the morning (Aug 5) and will visit the Port Clinton area
for a couple of weeks.  Put-In-Bay is near and the home of the largest walleye catch,
a 600 lb/ 20 ft fish!
I hope to have a few of his brothers and/or sisters for lunch and dinner!
THE END