Malabar Farm is Ohio's most unique state park. It was the estate of Louis Bromfield who lived from 1896-1956, A famous novelist, he won a Pulitzer Prize for his book EARLY AUTUMN. Bromfield was a celebrity in his time with all 30 of his novels becoming bestsellers and several of them being turned into motion pictures.
After serving in World War I, Bromfield lived in France for 10 years before returning to his native Ohio to pursue his love of agriculture. For the rest of his life he developed grass-based sustainable farming and wrote non-fiction books.
He built his 32-room home, "The Big House," and it soon became a favorite destination for his friends. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were married between the staircases at Malabar Farms. The Big House is open for tours and I notice that Bogart and Bacall’s honeymoon bedroom has two twin beds on wheels. Bacall commented in later years, "Just because there are two beds doesn't mean we used both of them."
The farm is very pretty and Bromfield chose the name from the Malabar Coast of India that he considered one of the most beautiful places on earth. Despite being a famous author, Bromfield's lasting legacy was in his agricultural methods. His youngest daughter still directs Malabar Brazil, developing new farming methods throughout the world.
There is plenty to do at Malabar Farms. Tour the Big House, visit the farm animals, enjoy the 30 interactive exhibits in the Visitor Education Center, and take a wagon ride to view the farming operation firsthand. The farm also has several stocked ponds where visitors can fish, plus there is a cave to explore and over 12 miles of wooded hiking trails. If you want to bring your own horse, you can spend a weekend at Malabar's horse camp.
Maple Syrup Days, is a late winter tradition, September offers Heritage Days and this year, in October, Malabar Farms hosts an encore performance of "Louie" a play about Bromfield’s life. Christmas time finds the Big House offering candlelight tours through its 1940s era rooms.
For more information on Malabar Farm State Park go to www.malabarfarm.org
ISRAEL
The Old City of Akko
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tree Fog Canopy Tours
Oh, my gosh! What was I thinking???? I was standing on a tree platform high above the forest for Tree Frog Canopy Tour’s zipline experience. Located 9 miles south of Loudonville, Ohio, it is advertised as “Ohio’s Longest, Highest, Fastest canopy tour with over 4,000 feet of pure fun!” It sounded like fun when I read about it. But, now I was facing reality.
It didn’t help my nerves any that it was a foggy morning. The zipline stretched on disappearing into the fog and I couldn’t even see my next tree perch destination. For those who haven’t experienced this bit of insanity, canopy zip lining amounts to putting on a crash helmet (never a good sign) and getting strapped into a harness (a VERY good sign,) hooking to the zipline with TWO safety hooks, then pushing off into the great abyss.
I took a deep breath and with only a tiny shove soared off into space. I was expecting to be scared-to-death since I ride a rollercoaster holding on so tight my knuckles are white, scrunching my eyes shut and screaming at the top of my lungs. I planned to use the same technique on zip lining.
I went fast all right, zipping past trees that were only a green blur, but to my surprise I wasn’t scared. Maybe because of the harness and safety hooks I couldn’t have fallen out if I wanted to, or maybe, it was just such an exhilarating experience. Even when we walked swinging bridges and rappelled down trees, I had a ball. My only problem was for some reason I kept getting turned sideways. The instructors told me what to do if I couldn’t get straightened out before reaching the landing tree. I was to signal and the employee would send out a brake – really a very large rope knot – that stopped me. I did have to swing my harness around backwards and “rescue” myself by pulling hand-over-hand on to the platform. I only had to do this once and for only about six feet.
Would I go zip lining again? You betcha. It was fun, safe, wild and besides, my grown kids were all so jealous they were green. I love it when they complain they have to work and Mom has all the fun.
Tree Frog Canopy Tours
21899 Wally Road
Glenmont, OH 44628
740-599-2662
www.TreeFrogCanopyTours.com
Info@TreeFrogCanopyTours.com
While in the area visit Mohican State Park for great accommodations, fun and food.
Janet
It didn’t help my nerves any that it was a foggy morning. The zipline stretched on disappearing into the fog and I couldn’t even see my next tree perch destination. For those who haven’t experienced this bit of insanity, canopy zip lining amounts to putting on a crash helmet (never a good sign) and getting strapped into a harness (a VERY good sign,) hooking to the zipline with TWO safety hooks, then pushing off into the great abyss.
I took a deep breath and with only a tiny shove soared off into space. I was expecting to be scared-to-death since I ride a rollercoaster holding on so tight my knuckles are white, scrunching my eyes shut and screaming at the top of my lungs. I planned to use the same technique on zip lining.
I went fast all right, zipping past trees that were only a green blur, but to my surprise I wasn’t scared. Maybe because of the harness and safety hooks I couldn’t have fallen out if I wanted to, or maybe, it was just such an exhilarating experience. Even when we walked swinging bridges and rappelled down trees, I had a ball. My only problem was for some reason I kept getting turned sideways. The instructors told me what to do if I couldn’t get straightened out before reaching the landing tree. I was to signal and the employee would send out a brake – really a very large rope knot – that stopped me. I did have to swing my harness around backwards and “rescue” myself by pulling hand-over-hand on to the platform. I only had to do this once and for only about six feet.
Would I go zip lining again? You betcha. It was fun, safe, wild and besides, my grown kids were all so jealous they were green. I love it when they complain they have to work and Mom has all the fun.
Tree Frog Canopy Tours
21899 Wally Road
Glenmont, OH 44628
740-599-2662
www.TreeFrogCanopyTours.com
Info@TreeFrogCanopyTours.com
While in the area visit Mohican State Park for great accommodations, fun and food.
Janet
Friday, September 23, 2011
A Dickens of a Christmas in Cambridge, Ohio
Looking for somewhere to go this Christmas season? Then make plans now to visit Cambridge, Ohio, to see the Dickens Victorian Village on display from early November to mid-January. Here colorful, life-size, handmade, mannequins are positioned next to antique lampposts and benches along Wheeling Avenue.
The characters represent classic scenes from Victorian times. You might stroll past a group of carolers that actually "sing" or you might meet up with a bucket brigade. School children, street peddlers and figures such as Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim and dozens more have been created by local
volunteers. Cambridge's many original buildings from the 1800s, add authenticity to streetscape.
The Dickens Victorian Village was the brilliant idea of local businessman and artist Bob Ley. Hundreds of volunteers help build, paint and dress the figures then move them to their positions along Wheeling Avenue. Each head and face have been sculptered and painted by members of the Eastern Ohio Art Guild.
I visited the warehouse where the Dickens figures are stored during their "off" season. I couldn't believe the dozens of mannequins all so lifelike it was actually spooky walking among all them. Volunteers were working and I saw how a frame was made, padded and dressed in period clothing before being "topped" off with a head. This Victorian Village is truly a Cambridge Village affair that attracts thousands.
Before you head out, contact the Cambridge/Guensey County Visitors & Convention Bureau for a complete listing of all the events, places and times. Enjoy a Cambridge Christmas.
800-933-5480 VisitGuernseyCounty.com
The characters represent classic scenes from Victorian times. You might stroll past a group of carolers that actually "sing" or you might meet up with a bucket brigade. School children, street peddlers and figures such as Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim and dozens more have been created by local
volunteers. Cambridge's many original buildings from the 1800s, add authenticity to streetscape.
The Dickens Victorian Village was the brilliant idea of local businessman and artist Bob Ley. Hundreds of volunteers help build, paint and dress the figures then move them to their positions along Wheeling Avenue. Each head and face have been sculptered and painted by members of the Eastern Ohio Art Guild.
I visited the warehouse where the Dickens figures are stored during their "off" season. I couldn't believe the dozens of mannequins all so lifelike it was actually spooky walking among all them. Volunteers were working and I saw how a frame was made, padded and dressed in period clothing before being "topped" off with a head. This Victorian Village is truly a Cambridge Village affair that attracts thousands.
Before you head out, contact the Cambridge/Guensey County Visitors & Convention Bureau for a complete listing of all the events, places and times. Enjoy a Cambridge Christmas.
800-933-5480 VisitGuernseyCounty.com
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Cambridge Glass
Coal, natural gas and silica sand are responsible for all the glass that is made in Cambridge, Ohio. This trio is what was needed to manufacture some of the most beautiful glass in the world.
Start your tour at The National Museum of Cambridge Glass. Cambridge Glass Company is no longer in operation, but the museum has a wonderful collection on display. They also have a movie available that portrays the comapny in the 1940s. One display room has props so visitors can see how glass was made. You can also make a rubbing to take home and compare with the etchings on the bottom of any glass you may have at home. Who knows? Your Grandma's old pitcher may be a very valuable piece. If you love glassware, don't miss the display room featuring private collections that will make you drool.
At the Boyd's Crystal Art Glass Factory your can take a free factory tour.
The Boyd family has manufactured collectibe glass the old fashioned way - with a man and a mold - for four generation.
Another must for glass enthusiasts is the Degenhart Paperweight & Glass Museum that has exhibits on glass-making, a gift shop and research library.
Cambridge is also home to Mosser Glass where visitors can see glass making up close. Guided tours allow visitors to watch glas makers practicing their craft.
Information about Ohio glass making tours can be found at VisitGuernseyCounty.com or 800-933-5480.
Start your tour at The National Museum of Cambridge Glass. Cambridge Glass Company is no longer in operation, but the museum has a wonderful collection on display. They also have a movie available that portrays the comapny in the 1940s. One display room has props so visitors can see how glass was made. You can also make a rubbing to take home and compare with the etchings on the bottom of any glass you may have at home. Who knows? Your Grandma's old pitcher may be a very valuable piece. If you love glassware, don't miss the display room featuring private collections that will make you drool.
At the Boyd's Crystal Art Glass Factory your can take a free factory tour.
The Boyd family has manufactured collectibe glass the old fashioned way - with a man and a mold - for four generation.
Another must for glass enthusiasts is the Degenhart Paperweight & Glass Museum that has exhibits on glass-making, a gift shop and research library.
Cambridge is also home to Mosser Glass where visitors can see glass making up close. Guided tours allow visitors to watch glas makers practicing their craft.
Information about Ohio glass making tours can be found at VisitGuernseyCounty.com or 800-933-5480.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Mile-High Pie
Theo's Restaurant in Cambridge, Ohio, is a home to the Mile-High pie. They are not talking about the elevation of the restaurant, it is the size of a slice of pie. While each slice isn't really a mile high, those pies are some of the thickest I've ever seen. I must confess. Diet or no Diet. I ate a slice of fresh peach pie that stood about four-inches high. My husband ordered the lemon meringue and I've never seen a pie that looked so tempting. You know the pies are something, when the waitress carries the pie to your table and all the customers say "oooh" as she walks by. There were so many varieties to choose from that I probably gained weight just reading the list. How can you decide between Fresh Strawberry, Black Raspberry or Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie with prices ranging from $1.95 to $2.50 slice?
While Theo's is famous for its pie, it is a good family restaurant with reasonable prices. Daily lunch specials run $5.95. For $4.25 you can get hot sliced beef served over mashed potatoes and smothered in rich gravy. That's a stick to your ribs meal.
Theo's is open for dinner, too. They serve between 500-1000 customers a day, most of them repeat visitors, so you know that many customers can't be wrong. I can't even imagine how many pies they make a day, because from the looks of the crowd when I was there, almost everyone was finishing off with a slice of Mile-High Pie.
Theo's Restaurant
632 Wheeling Ave
Cambridge, Ohio 43725
theo'srestaurant.us
While Theo's is famous for its pie, it is a good family restaurant with reasonable prices. Daily lunch specials run $5.95. For $4.25 you can get hot sliced beef served over mashed potatoes and smothered in rich gravy. That's a stick to your ribs meal.
Theo's is open for dinner, too. They serve between 500-1000 customers a day, most of them repeat visitors, so you know that many customers can't be wrong. I can't even imagine how many pies they make a day, because from the looks of the crowd when I was there, almost everyone was finishing off with a slice of Mile-High Pie.
Theo's Restaurant
632 Wheeling Ave
Cambridge, Ohio 43725
theo'srestaurant.us
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
An Amish Farm with Exotic Animals
The Farm at Walnut Crekk in Sugarcreek, Ohio, is a great way to get to see an Amish Farm, tour a house,a dawdy house, barns and learn about the Amish lifestyle. But, then I did something I least expected to do. I took a wagon ride to feed exotic animals.
As we settled into the back of an Amish farm wagon, a gate was opened, and we were given small buckets of feed. A variety of animals came right up to us wanting their treat. There were zebras, emus, rheas, llamas, donkeys, a variety of goats, Rock Mountain Elk, white-tail deer,ostrichs and a group favorite, Vitanamese Pot-bellied pigs.
As we continued on our hour-long tour, we rounded a corner to see a group of giraffes. They were behind a fence, but we could hand-feed them. We tried to figure out which one was the tallest - 17 ft.- and which one had the prettiest spot patterns. Their spots are as individual as our fingerprints. We all laughed as 22-inch, pink and black tongues, quickly slurped up the treats right out of our hands.
Children and adults will enjoy The Farm at Walnut Creek. Only the giraffes are behind a fence. The rest of the animals come to the wagon to be fed.
Learn more about the farm at www.thefarmatwalnutcreek.com
As we settled into the back of an Amish farm wagon, a gate was opened, and we were given small buckets of feed. A variety of animals came right up to us wanting their treat. There were zebras, emus, rheas, llamas, donkeys, a variety of goats, Rock Mountain Elk, white-tail deer,ostrichs and a group favorite, Vitanamese Pot-bellied pigs.
As we continued on our hour-long tour, we rounded a corner to see a group of giraffes. They were behind a fence, but we could hand-feed them. We tried to figure out which one was the tallest - 17 ft.- and which one had the prettiest spot patterns. Their spots are as individual as our fingerprints. We all laughed as 22-inch, pink and black tongues, quickly slurped up the treats right out of our hands.
Children and adults will enjoy The Farm at Walnut Creek. Only the giraffes are behind a fence. The rest of the animals come to the wagon to be fed.
Learn more about the farm at www.thefarmatwalnutcreek.com
Grand Canyon, North Rim Lodge
There are very few observation points on the North Rim. The few that there are can be found around the Lodge. Most visitors walk out to Bright Angel landing when the weather is agreeable. When it rains, the Lodge is a very popular place to see the canyon from. It has high windows right on the edge of the canyon, making viewing the best without getting wet. All the large leather chairs and couches fill up fast. Maybe it's the excitement of the storm going on outside, or the natural beauty that is taking place before our eyes, that inspires people to share their enthusiasm. It's fun to watch because they don't all speak the same language.
That radiance of nature can connect people of all nations with backgrounds foreign to each other into a room of joy and happiness, like nothing else can.
That radiance of nature can connect people of all nations with backgrounds foreign to each other into a room of joy and happiness, like nothing else can.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim
Way back in August, I talked about the Widforss Trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Now I have additional information about that trail.
It's a back track trail that is 5 miles long, making it a total of 10 miles hiking. You don't end up where you think you should. As a visitor to the Lodge on the North Rim, you look west to a camel back point and think, that's where the Widforss trail must go because the rincon wall, to the north, is part of that trail. But there is a surprise awaiting you because after you travel 2 1/2 miles and find yourself at #14's point of interest, as per the park's handout, the trail turns southwest and heads into an aspen meadow. With hills lining both sides, so you no longer see the canyon, you are guided down the middle of a delightfully green wildlife pasture. After several miles you start to climb out of that peacful meadow to finish your hike back along the ridge of the canyon.....but it isn't on the Transept Canyon. There are several fingers at this point, some of which you think, gee, I could get over to that view if I only went this way or that way.
If we would have taken advantage of our backpacking/camping pass for Midforss Point, we might have been able to explore, but it was raining so we changed our mind and rented camping spots at the campgrounds.
Clouds were moving in and out of the main corridor of the canyon. They were below us making for a photographers dream. The light was moving with the clouds so all you had to do was keep your triger finger on that shutter release and you would get outstanding images. Anyone camping on the Tonto Platform or at Phantom Ranch got soaked. We just moved into the Lodge as the rain moved up on to the north rim. When the sun went down I only had 3 spaces for images left on my San Disk.
It's a back track trail that is 5 miles long, making it a total of 10 miles hiking. You don't end up where you think you should. As a visitor to the Lodge on the North Rim, you look west to a camel back point and think, that's where the Widforss trail must go because the rincon wall, to the north, is part of that trail. But there is a surprise awaiting you because after you travel 2 1/2 miles and find yourself at #14's point of interest, as per the park's handout, the trail turns southwest and heads into an aspen meadow. With hills lining both sides, so you no longer see the canyon, you are guided down the middle of a delightfully green wildlife pasture. After several miles you start to climb out of that peacful meadow to finish your hike back along the ridge of the canyon.....but it isn't on the Transept Canyon. There are several fingers at this point, some of which you think, gee, I could get over to that view if I only went this way or that way.
If we would have taken advantage of our backpacking/camping pass for Midforss Point, we might have been able to explore, but it was raining so we changed our mind and rented camping spots at the campgrounds.
Clouds were moving in and out of the main corridor of the canyon. They were below us making for a photographers dream. The light was moving with the clouds so all you had to do was keep your triger finger on that shutter release and you would get outstanding images. Anyone camping on the Tonto Platform or at Phantom Ranch got soaked. We just moved into the Lodge as the rain moved up on to the north rim. When the sun went down I only had 3 spaces for images left on my San Disk.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Bigfoot in Ohio
Legends of Bigfoot are numerous in the Northwestern United States. You see Bigfoot tracks painted on sidewalks, Bigfoot's Favorite Hamburger is on the menu, and, of course, the innumerable Bigfoot T-Shirts.
Last week I went to Ohio and I did not expected to hear about Bigfoot. But Salt Fork State Park is home to Ohio's Bigfoot. Accordng to those that have witnessed the creature, he is very similar to the Northwestern Bigfoot and is about 9-feet tall. Since 1972, there has been 24 different sightings, the latest in 2010. Also, like the Northwestern Bigfoot, no one has found a body to prove the legend, but the believers seem to agree -there is SOMETHING out there.
Bigfoot has stirred up enough interest that Don Keating has founded the Eastern Ohio Bigfoot Investigation Center. They have a yearly convention at Salt Fork State Park that sells out early. Salt Fork State Park has a lovely lodge with plenty dining and meeting room. Then, there are the woods just outside the lodge. Miles of trails allow for plenty of hiking and hoping to sight Bigfoot.
For more information visit www.eobic.net or e-mail Don Keating at eobic@yahoo.com.
Am I a believer? I'm not sure, but I did keep a sharp eye out while I was in the woods at Salt Fork State Park. Go there and see for yourself. It's a great family destination whether Bigfoot appears or not.
Last week I went to Ohio and I did not expected to hear about Bigfoot. But Salt Fork State Park is home to Ohio's Bigfoot. Accordng to those that have witnessed the creature, he is very similar to the Northwestern Bigfoot and is about 9-feet tall. Since 1972, there has been 24 different sightings, the latest in 2010. Also, like the Northwestern Bigfoot, no one has found a body to prove the legend, but the believers seem to agree -there is SOMETHING out there.
Bigfoot has stirred up enough interest that Don Keating has founded the Eastern Ohio Bigfoot Investigation Center. They have a yearly convention at Salt Fork State Park that sells out early. Salt Fork State Park has a lovely lodge with plenty dining and meeting room. Then, there are the woods just outside the lodge. Miles of trails allow for plenty of hiking and hoping to sight Bigfoot.
For more information visit www.eobic.net or e-mail Don Keating at eobic@yahoo.com.
Am I a believer? I'm not sure, but I did keep a sharp eye out while I was in the woods at Salt Fork State Park. Go there and see for yourself. It's a great family destination whether Bigfoot appears or not.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Daytona Beach, Florida
A picture is worth a thousand words and so I tried to download a picture of Daytona Beach, taken on Sunday Sept 3, 2011. I don't know what happened to it. It could still show up. Some times it takes a few minutes.
Dayton Beach is a white hard sands strip along the Florida coast line. With the tide going in and out 24-7 it stays hard enough for vehicles to drive on it. When hotel umbrellas are set up on the beach for their customers comfort, they first dig a hole about a foot deep, to set the pole in. Lawn chairs add to the decor of the beach and walla.....it's sun on the beach time. Families drive up in the family SUV, pull out coolers, chairs, buckets for castle building and they are ready to spend the day. So different from Arizona.
(I don't see any picture yet. If anyone out there knows how to add a picture to a blog, please contact me.)
Dayton Beach is a white hard sands strip along the Florida coast line. With the tide going in and out 24-7 it stays hard enough for vehicles to drive on it. When hotel umbrellas are set up on the beach for their customers comfort, they first dig a hole about a foot deep, to set the pole in. Lawn chairs add to the decor of the beach and walla.....it's sun on the beach time. Families drive up in the family SUV, pull out coolers, chairs, buckets for castle building and they are ready to spend the day. So different from Arizona.
(I don't see any picture yet. If anyone out there knows how to add a picture to a blog, please contact me.)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Light Stations, Florida (continued)
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum has a competely different focus than the Ponce De Leon Inlet Light Station. While the Ponce Light Station exhibition centered around the lens and operation of a lighthouse, the St Augustine Lighthouse museum has more information on shipping, ship wrecks, shrimp fishing and marketing shrimp. The history of the Coast Guard was well displayed also.
Three floors of the Lighthouse Keepers home was gutted and restored after a fire. The basement floor had a video and map information on the latest discovery of a ship wreck just off a sandbar on the coast. They had retrieved a pot with square handles. Treatment to remove the ocean cement will take about one year but the speculation is, it dates back to the seventeen hundreds. On the museum grounds, they had two canons undergoing the same kind of ocean cement removal treatment. There are a few reproductions of smaller boats that transport sailors from the main ship to shore, being built on the property also.
Both Janet and I have had experience with ghosts while on assignment. The Lighthouse Ghost Tour wasn't available while I was visiting but I'm sure we would both sign up for it if we could connect at the same time.
Three floors of the Lighthouse Keepers home was gutted and restored after a fire. The basement floor had a video and map information on the latest discovery of a ship wreck just off a sandbar on the coast. They had retrieved a pot with square handles. Treatment to remove the ocean cement will take about one year but the speculation is, it dates back to the seventeen hundreds. On the museum grounds, they had two canons undergoing the same kind of ocean cement removal treatment. There are a few reproductions of smaller boats that transport sailors from the main ship to shore, being built on the property also.
Both Janet and I have had experience with ghosts while on assignment. The Lighthouse Ghost Tour wasn't available while I was visiting but I'm sure we would both sign up for it if we could connect at the same time.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Light Stations, Florida
The Hertz rent-a-car map that is provided with your vehicle, does not list Light Stations. Being fond of Lighthouses, I scouted out two. The first one being Ponce De Leon Inlet Light Station Museum on the southern most tip of Ponce De Leon Inlet or south of Daytona Beach.
The light of this 175 foot tower could be seen as far out to sea as 20 miles, using a 5 wick kerosene latern. Once the lighthouse was electrified and a 500-watt frosted bulb was used, the beacon could be seen 18 miles. There are 14 items of interest to experience, once you have paid your $5.00 entrance fee. The Lens Exhibit Building, was my favoriate. Photographing all these lenses with various angles of light producing vibrant colors, was a fun challenge. This lighthouse museum focused on how a lighthouse works, the men that kept it operating and their families.
The nature trail produced a young box turtle to photograph. Being true to the Inlet's first name "Mosquito Inlet", I didn't stay long.
The light of this 175 foot tower could be seen as far out to sea as 20 miles, using a 5 wick kerosene latern. Once the lighthouse was electrified and a 500-watt frosted bulb was used, the beacon could be seen 18 miles. There are 14 items of interest to experience, once you have paid your $5.00 entrance fee. The Lens Exhibit Building, was my favoriate. Photographing all these lenses with various angles of light producing vibrant colors, was a fun challenge. This lighthouse museum focused on how a lighthouse works, the men that kept it operating and their families.
The nature trail produced a young box turtle to photograph. Being true to the Inlet's first name "Mosquito Inlet", I didn't stay long.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, Florida
Plantation Road is a one lane, dirt, canopied road with thick underbrush that embraces both sides, creating a tunneled entrance. We found this treasure by traveling north of Daytona Beach on A1A road to Tomoka State Park. Head west at the High Draw Bridge Road to Old Dixie Highway. Follow the blue signs that say "Sugar Plantation Ruins".
This is a very impressive ruin with a very sad story. Settlers tried moving in on Seminole land. The government intended to send the Seminoles to reservations and a war erupted. This all took place in the early 1800's. Several plantations and "Bulowville" were burned. The sugar mill was built out of stone so it still stands and is very stately indeed.
Along with the ruins is the Bulow Creek. There is a boat ramp for canoes and 13 miles of creek to follow. Now Janet and I will not be getting into the same canoe together on this creek but if any of you are game for adventure, this looks like a beautiful possibility. Be sure and bring the insect repellent and plenty of it. Bernadette
This is a very impressive ruin with a very sad story. Settlers tried moving in on Seminole land. The government intended to send the Seminoles to reservations and a war erupted. This all took place in the early 1800's. Several plantations and "Bulowville" were burned. The sugar mill was built out of stone so it still stands and is very stately indeed.
Along with the ruins is the Bulow Creek. There is a boat ramp for canoes and 13 miles of creek to follow. Now Janet and I will not be getting into the same canoe together on this creek but if any of you are game for adventure, this looks like a beautiful possibility. Be sure and bring the insect repellent and plenty of it. Bernadette
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Grand Canyon, North Kaibab Trail
The parking lot is full by midmorning, at the North Kaibab Trailhead. This is the only trail off the north rim, into the canyon and it's very popular, in the summer. Bright Angel Canyon is where the North Kaibab Trail travels through once it gets past Roaring Springs. This section of the trail decends hard and fast.(Roaring Springs is the water supply for the North Rim.) If you are in good shape, Roaring Springs is a good place to stop, have a light lunch and start back up again. If you applied to the backcountry office and how are the proud owner of a permit to camp down in the canyon, Cottonwood Camp is seven miles from the trail head. With a four or five day pack, Cottonwood Camp is a full days work. Usually, I'll stay a couple of nights at Cottonwood before moving on to Bright Angel and Phantom Ranch. Rainbow Falls is south of Cottonwood Camp, close to a mile, and I spend one whole day there just enjoying the sight and sounds of falling water.
It's another seven easy, fairly flat, miles to the next camp, which is Bright Angel. Bright Angel Canyon and creek is a relaxing experience. I like to just stroll through this unique area.
Once Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel camp is reached, so is the commercial area of the inner canyon. This is the freeway of the Grand Canyon. There is call out phone and flush towlets. Wild turkeys and deer visit camp sites looking for handouts. Ring tail cats just help themselves to what ever inexperienced backpackers leave out. Phantom Ranch serves beer and juice drinks and has chocolate bars. Mules carry everything in and out so the selection is limited.
Here is an option if you don't want to backpack into the canyon. Get reservations for Phantom Ranch for both a bunk and meals, hike the 14 miles from the Kaibab Trailhead to the ranch with just a day pack. Spend a couple of nights down by the Colorado River and then hike out the South Kaibab or Bright Angel trails. You still have to be in excellent shape to hike 25 miles with an elevation change of 7,000 feel both down and then up. A mule can carry down your pack from the south rim. All this can be arranged through the reservation office at Bright Angel Lodge.
It's another seven easy, fairly flat, miles to the next camp, which is Bright Angel. Bright Angel Canyon and creek is a relaxing experience. I like to just stroll through this unique area.
Once Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel camp is reached, so is the commercial area of the inner canyon. This is the freeway of the Grand Canyon. There is call out phone and flush towlets. Wild turkeys and deer visit camp sites looking for handouts. Ring tail cats just help themselves to what ever inexperienced backpackers leave out. Phantom Ranch serves beer and juice drinks and has chocolate bars. Mules carry everything in and out so the selection is limited.
Here is an option if you don't want to backpack into the canyon. Get reservations for Phantom Ranch for both a bunk and meals, hike the 14 miles from the Kaibab Trailhead to the ranch with just a day pack. Spend a couple of nights down by the Colorado River and then hike out the South Kaibab or Bright Angel trails. You still have to be in excellent shape to hike 25 miles with an elevation change of 7,000 feel both down and then up. A mule can carry down your pack from the south rim. All this can be arranged through the reservation office at Bright Angel Lodge.
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