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Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco Skyline as seen from the Marin Headlands - California

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Ohio Canal


We’ve had a lot of rain in the Northwest corner of Ohio this week. . .
Things that happen to RV'ers. . .stuck in the mud at Kenissee Creek TT because he circled around the pull through spots and came in on the grass rather than on the gravel pad. . .what was he thinking?
and this poor guy somehow pulled into the
pull throughs the wrong way. . .so. . .
instead of being on the gravel pad. . .
he is off in the very soft, rain soaked, saturated grass. . .
buried up to his axles, I’m afraid. . .been there, done that!
Well. . .not exactly THAT. . .but the being stuck part. . .
Feel your pain buddy. . .
lots of rain at the Kenissee Creek Thousand Trails this weeklots of rain at the Kenissee Creek Thousand Trails this week
but this beautiful little American Goldfinch wasn’t deterred a bit by the rain. . .
he was taking full advantage of the puddles. . .
watching him definitely brightened my day!
met fellow RV'ers Bob and Connie Sims at the Coffee Shop in Ashtabula
another bright spot in our week was driving over to
Historic Ashtabula to meet fellow RV’ers Connie and Bob. . .
they are really great folk, who call Ashtabula home. . .
Bob was a school teacher in the area. . .and they now
have a Travel Agency that they run from their RV. . .
as they travel around the country. . .

We met up at the Harbor Perk. . .isn’t this a glorious looking little
downtown area. . .I wish I could show you more. . .
but with all the cars. . .electric lines. . .and telephone poles,
it just doesn’t translate as to how lovely it really is.
Finally. . .sunshine on Friday. . .so we headed out on a day trip. . .
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
unless you live in Ohio. . .bet’cha never heard of this one? ? ?
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is glorious. . .
especially when ya been cooped up all week. . .and cabin fever is setting in!
It encompasses the Ohio and Erie Canal 
The Bike Path was lovely
and has a fabulous hiking/biking trail. . .
originally the tow path used by the mules
which towed the canal boats along the canal. . .
smooth. . .level. . .shaded. . .all the things needed
for out-a-shape. . .older folk. . .
Ohio, Cuyahoga NP, National Park, Deer, White Tailed Deer, Fawn-001
the very first thing we saw as soon as we got started. . .
Ohio, Cuyahoga NP, National Park, Deer, White Tailed Deer, Fawn (1)Ohio, Cuyahoga NP, National Park, Deer, White Tailed Deer, Fawn (2)-001
Mom wasted no time giving instructions to head out. . .
Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley NP, National Park, Ohio Erie Canal, Tow Path, Bike Ride, Jaite Paper MillOhio, Cuyahoga Valley NP, National Park, Ohio Erie Canal, Tow Path, Bike Ride, Jaite Paper Mill (1)
a portion of the Jaite Paper Mill is still standing along the edge of the towpath. . .
the sign says the buildings were torn down due to safety issues. . .
but the machinery is being developed as a future exhibit. . .
lilies - a sign of civilizationOhio, Cuyahoga Valley NP, National Park, Ohio Erie Canal, Tow Path, Bike Ride (9)lilies - a sign of civilization
I think these are some type of lilies. . .I just loved seeing them,
and knowing that at some point in history someone took the time
to do some beautification of “the ditch” or the Canal. . .
and today, almost a hundred years later. . .
there is still proof of their efforts for me to enjoy.
Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley NP, National Park, Cuyahoga River, Bike Ride, DavidOhio, Cuyahoga Valley NP, National Park, Cuyahoga River, Bike Ride
as we rode northwards on the tow path from Boston, OH. . .
the remains of the Ohio Canal were on our right. . .
and the Cuyahoga River was on our left. . .
The train would have brought us and our bikes back to our destination. . .Cuyahoga TrainCuyahoga Train 2
there’s the coolest thing along the tow path. . .there are train depots. . .
you can wait at the depot, and for $3 pp they will load your bikes, and take you back to your trailhead. . .
pretty sweet deal. . .that’s what we really wanted to do. . .
but the next Southbound train was not due for another hour and twenty minutes. . .
we decided we could just ride back in that amount of time. . .
yeah. . .remember me mentioning the out of shape part. . .
the last two miles back were grueling. . .
at one point I had to stop just because all the vertebrae in my spine
were stacked right on top of each other and my tail bone
was feelin’ it. . .no matter that I added one of those
extra wide, extra padded, super duper seats. . .nope. . .wasn’t helping a bit. . .
a great place to enjoy lunch on the porch - Boston General Store located on the Ohio Erie Canal Tow PathI remember gas stations that looked like this. . .Boston General Store located on the Ohio Erie Canal Tow Path
finally. . .after (according to my Map My Ride App) 9.56 miles. . .
I saw this beautiful site. . .originally the General Store and Gas Station at
Boston OH. . .a mill town located along the canal. . .

The building now serves as the Boston Visitor Center and is
staffed by National Park personnel. . .very friendly and helpful folk.

What a wonderful, fabulous day we had touring the
Cuyahoga Valley NP and the Ohio Erie Towpath and Canal Area. . .

My only regret is that I forgot we needed to go see
Brandywine Falls. . .so I’ve included the link so you can see how beautiful it would have been. . .
If you ever visit the park. . .I’m quite sure you should go and see it. . .
Hope you enjoy!
‘til next time,
Janice and Dave




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