Roadtrip To Huntington Indiana

Yesterday we left South Haven Michigan our destination Huntington Indiana.  We took the back roads all the way and we drove by fields of grapes, corn, and blue berries with beautiful old growth trees as our ceiling.  It is beautiful country.    Our first stop was in the town of Grand Junction at the restaurant “Country Fare.”    We noticed the sign “Good Food”  and I did a u-turn.  When I pulled in this man looked up from his conversation with another man in a car and just grinned at us.  He immediately left his conversation to open the door for mom and then he hugged her.  It wasn’t just any hug, it was a big ole bear hug. 

Poor mom.  She doesn’t like to be touched and hugs make her uncomfortable and here is this old hippy just hugging the stuffing out of her.    So I went around and he went for me. 

So we just stood there his arm around me and he is talking a mile a minute.  He absolutely loves our van, even if it is a Chevy.  Then he asked who owned it and I threw mom under the bus, so to speak and told him she did.  He had a hold on me and he didn’t let go.  He was retired, about my age, and his dream is to go across the country and end up in California.  Then he wants to fly out of California to Panama.  I told him to fix up his Subaru and he could live in there. I have met people that lived in smaller vehicles than my van and it is doable.   We might have another one on the road in a few months
. 
Mom and I really enjoyed our visit with him.  He was an interesting character with a good heart. 

After a wonderful breakfast we took off and drove through the towns of Bloomingdale, Gobles, Paw Paw, Jones, White Pigeon,  Sturgis and then we crossed the border into Indiana.   We saw a lot of beautiful downtown areas, historical cemeteries, and, to be repetitious, beautiful country.  It was a great day.

I am now close to Huntington Indiana and today we are going to look for my ancestors on my father’s side. 

Click here for Robinson Cemetery Gobles Michigan.
Click here for Spring Grove Cemetery Bloomingdale Michigan.
Click here for Constantine Michigan Cemetery.
Click here for Constantine Michigan downtown.
Click here for Constantine Michigan river walk.

Saugatuck Dunes State Park

I had heard the Saugatuck Dunes were more “natural” and so we headed there.  Saugatuck State Park contains 1000 acres and 2.5 miles of Lake Michigan Frontage. The park has rolling sand dunes over 200 feet high.  There are well marked trails and a beach.  It definitely lived up to its reputation and was well worth the stop.  Mom was able to put in about a mile walk.  I had a lot of fun climbing around the dunes and the views were spectacular. 

Tomorrow Indiana!

Click here for pictures!

Manistee Michigan

Manistee Michigan is known as the Victorian Port City.  Along with beautiful homes it also has a wonderful downtown with beautifully restored buildings.  Manistee came of age in the 1800’s as a lumber boomtown that had more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the United States. 

The name "Manistee" is from an Ojibwa word, the derivation is not certain, but it may be from ministigweyaa, "river with islands at its mouth". Other sources claim that it was an Ojibwa term meaning "spirit of the woods."

Click here for pictures of Manistee’s downtown.

We also checked out the cemetery.  It was well tended and cared for. 

Click here  for pictures of Oak Grove Cemetery.

Today, Sunday, we will be heading to Indiana with an overnight stop somewhere in Michigan.  We really enjoyed our time here, even though we lost our $40 at the casino.   The RV park was nice with spacious lots.  It had internet, cable TV, and reasonable rates.  The only complaint I had about the RV park was the lack of picnic tables.    Life is good!

To Young To Give Up Fruit

Today’s post will be about bananas and locusts and phoenixes and other nonrelated items.  This is not a post for you, Hannah because you will never eat another piece of fruit after you read this.  You are to young to give up fruit honey.

Mom and I stopped at a grocery store before going into Platte River Campground.  We picked up the usual supplies and some bananas.  We put up the groceries and laid the bananas on the countertop.  They were a little green and we couldn’t eat them yet.  Thank god for small miracles.   The next day, like a Phoenix rising out of the ashes a small grey cloud appeared above the bananas.  It was the plague of the locusts only it was small flies.  Obviously eggs must have hatched and we were infested!  I have never seen anything like this and let me tell you I hope I never will again.  We have not been able to get rid of them.  I have removed all food and water supplies for the little beasts and we have been killing them like mad.  There are so many of them we honestly don’t know what to do except move out of our little house and bug bomb it.  We won’t go to that extreme… yet.  If anyone has any ideas on how to kill them I would love to hear it.

We are in Manistee!  There were a lot of reasons to be in Manistee and unfortunately for us none of them panned out.  The first and the most important is getting the van maintained.  2nd reason is to find a place to get my haircut.  I am going super short and spiky.  3rd reason is CASINO!!!!  The RV park we are staying is reasonably priced with cable and internet. 

Today I found out the Chevy dealership cannot take a vehicle of my size and height and weight and everybody is to busy to cut hair.  We are going to the casino this afternoon and tomorrow we will explore the town. 

I have shifted everything over to Huntington Indiana – haircut, maintenance, and mail.  Now I just need to find a place to stay in or around Huntington next week.  I have always wanted to go to Huntington because a lot of my ancestors lived there.  The Binkley, Hamrick, and Kitt families.  I will be spending some time in the library and the cemetery. 

When we pulled into the RV park we counted 4 Roadtreks.  This morning a very nice couple stopped by and asked a lot of questions about our little house and they are seriously considering trading their Class C in for a wide body Roadrek and hitting the road full-time.   Like a lot of people we have met, they don’t want to tow a vehicle and want the freedom a van will give them.    All I have to say is “Go For It.”  Life is to short.

Graphic came from the Church of the Banana Website.

A Funny - A Near Death Experience - Taken From The Magazine "The Sun"

Click the picture to enlarge. The gentleman's wife in the story had passed away 5 years before his near death experience.

Lake Michigan – Platte River Campground

Our stay at Platte River Campground is wonderful and it is a beautiful place to stay.  We are snuggled up against the woods so our view is not looking at another RV.  We already met another Trekker.  I know I am sounding repetitious but Van People are the nicest. 

Mom and I took a 3 mile hike.  She is swearing that I am trying to kill her.  We didn’t make it to the shores of Lake Michigan because the sand is difficult for her to walk in.  She did get to see the lake.  I went back later in the afternoon and walked the shoreline, listen to the water, and watch the children play.  It is very peaceful.  Tomorrow I am going to drive to the shore, where we will put our chairs by the water and sit and read. 

I just finished the book “Stone Carver” by Jane Urquhart.  It was light and easy to read.   The author made the characters likeable and unique.   I have not heard of Jane Urquhart and will be looking for more of her books. 

I am from the hills of Missouri where squirrels are brown, grey, or red.   They are also fried, sautéed or fricasseed but that is a different post.   I have never seen a black squirrel until I came to Michigan.   I have been trying to get a picture of one ever since I seen one.  In this campground I have one that is living next door to us.  I have managed to get one picture but it is a little blurred.  It is like he is teasing me, “here I am” and then he runs away.  This evening he ran under the van and then up the tree…  You know something I think he is teasing me. 

Click here for pictures taken on our stroll to Lake Michigan.

Archbold Ohio

Currently we are in Honor Michigan.

We were not planning to spend the night in Archbold but we spent a little too much time everywhere else. I googled campgrounds near Napoleon and Sauders RV Park came as the closest so I called. I talked to the operator about Sauder Village and decided to spend a couple nights there.

Sauder Village was created by Erie J. Sauders, a local businessman. Mr. Saunders started his own business in 1934. At first Sauder made kitchen cabinets. He also manufactured other wood products based on requests. A few years after he had started his own woodworking business an established church burned down in the local area. Sauder was awarded a contract of building new pews for the church. This then introduced his business into church furniture and eventually his company became a leading manufacturer of church furniture throughout the nation.

He continued to make specialized wood cabinets, church furniture and pews, and wooden occasional tables throughout the forties and fifties. In 1954, because of his further interest in the ready-to-assemble furniture business, Sauder divided up his company and formed the Sauder Manufacturing Company. This new company took on the manufacturing of church pews, while the "snap-together" furniture continued at Sauder Woodworking Company. The Sauder furniture business remains in the same place. It is the fifth largest residential furniture manufacturer in America and the world's leading manufacturer of ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture. Sauder remained as president of the Sauder Woodworking Company until 1975 when two of his sons, Maynard and Myrl, took over the businesses. During his retirement years, he created Sauder Village

We had a wonderful time exploring Sauder Village, a living history village. It provides a re-creation of life in the late 19th and 20th centuries in northwest Ohio. There were artists, craftsmen and craftswomen showing folks how to create baskets, brooms, barrels, pottery etc. They had a train that would take you around the village to the RV Park or hotel. For the children there were a lot of hands on things to do. There were also people at each building explaining how things were done in pioneer times. We learned a lot about the Mennonite religion, the persecution they faced and the hardships they took on settling in this area of Ohio. Archbold Ohio was once part of a large swampy area called the Black Swamp. The pioneers had to drain it in order to create their farms. Most of the buildings in Sauder Village were actually homes or churches they had moved to Sauder Village. The last building we went into was the Lutheran Church. There in the corner a lady sat at an old pump organ and after telling us the history asked if we had any requests. I requested Grandpa Peavyhouse’s favorite hymn, In the Garden. Mom and I sat in the pews and listen. It was rich and full and booming – it was an experience I wish I could describe. We requested a couple more songs.

Also at Sauder Village they having their Annual Traditional Rug Hooking Exhibition and we saw all of the beautiful hand hooked rugs. I even picked up two kits for myself and my daughter. I use to hook rugs and we will see if I can still remember how.

It was a wonderful day. 

Click here for pictures of Sauder Village.
Click here for pictures of rugs.

A Cup Of Tea

This morning I woke up to 60 degree weather and decided it would be a great morning to relax, sip a cup of hot tea and read blogs.

The route that I mention in a previous post - Route 6 aka GAR Highway can be seen by clicking here.   Mom and I are seriously considering taking this in April but every time we make plans the situation changes.  No children I am not taking the mountains.  (shudder)

I am now, once again, at war with beauticians,   I started out with a shaggy cut parted on the side and over the past year I watched it being cut shorter and shorter and shorter until I walked out with a crew cut with chunky layers on the back and you can't part a crew cut.  When mom said "lets get our haircut."  I said "Hell NO."  I was afraid of what I might come out with.....  You know something I want an old lady weave.  Do they make a weave for grannies?  A silver weave and that way I don't have to go through the growing out stage.  Seriously I am thinking about never cutting it again since the only people I can find to cut hair are cute little teenager types who don't like cutting "old women's hair."  I heard that one before.   Grrrrr

I am suppose to be relaxing.....

We are heading to Honor Michigan this afternoon and will be spending 4 days there.  I am anticipating a lot of hiking.  Mom is anticipating a lot of reading.  We stopped at a used bookstore and bought a few books.  Since mom doesn't take long walks she will set up her chair in the parking lot (under a tree) and read.  It works out well for us.

Life is great when you are not in a hurry.

Don’t Wanna

I am in the mood to do nothing this evening.  I am not tired just weary. 

We are in Michigan at one of my favorite rv parks.  The price is right thanks to Escapees, the owner is a hoot, and the internet is free and works great. 

 Mom and I decided to travel the GAR Highway (U.S. Route 6) in Northern Ohio. The GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) Highway is a main route of the U.S. Highway system, running east-northeast from Bishop, California to Provincetown, Massachusetts. Until 1964, it continued south from Bishop to Long Beach, California, and was a transcontinental route.

We were rewarded with old cemeteries, old Victorian houses, wonderful main streets and I have it down as one of the highways I would like to investigate further.  One of the cities in Ohio we visited was Clyde Ohio – home to Sherwood Anderson (Author), James B. McPherson (Union Major General), and Rodger Young (Medal of Honor recipient).  We also visited the McPherson Cemetery.  One of the men buried in the cemetery was George Burton Meek who was killed in action on the torpedo boat, Winslow.  He was the first to be killed in the service of  U.S. in the war with Spain.    James B. McPherson who died in the battle of Atlanta is buried there and the cemetery is located across the street from his childhood home.  Rodger Young is buried there as well. 

Private Young is an inspiration.  He was five foot two, his hearing was poor as was his eyesight due to an accident on a basketball court.  Rodger joined Company B 148th Infantry (the Fremont Company) of the Ohio National Guard in January 1938. He died in 1943 a hero. 

On July 31, 1943, Young's squad was pinned down by a hidden Japanese machine gun nest protecting the Munda airstrip on New Georgia. Rodger, wounded by the initial burst of fire, spotted the location of the gun. Firing his rifle and attracting the fire of the enemy, he crept forward and was wounded a second time. When he was close enough, he began throwing hand grenades, was hit again and killed. His heroic efforts allowed his squad to withdraw with no additional losses while inflicting several casualties on the Japanese. For this action, Rodger Young was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in January 1944. About a year later this story came to the attention of Pfc. Frank Loesser who, already established as a writer of popular songs, wrote "The Ballad of Rodger Young".

Click here for pictures of McPherson Cemetery, Clyde Ohio.

We stopped at Napoleon Ohio to see the courthouse and walk the main street.  It is a beautiful old town.  Click here for pictures.

Tomorrow I will post about Archbold Ohio.  Until then life is good!!!!

"You must try to forget all you have learned,” said the old man. “You must begin to dream. From this time on you must shut your ears to the roaring of the voices." ~Sherwood Anderson (Winesburg, Ohio)

Playing Catch Up

I feel like I am on a treadmill – running but not getting anywhere.

While in Dunkirk New York I went into a Verizon store and bought a phone with internet. I can tether my phone to my computer and have internet access wherever I am. Not unless I am in a Verizon dead zone. What I was not expecting is unlimited internet and I asked the salesclerk three maybe four times, “are you sure it is unlimited.” Then I got on the internet and double checked. Then my son, James aka Rusty told me to call and ask – which I did. I just don’t want a bill that my great great grandchildren will be paying off. It is unlimited.

Now I am really behind on my posting because I have been dependent on campground internet. For those that frequent a lot of campgrounds know that the majority of campground internet doesn’t work or is unbelievably slow. I am not complaining because I am just happy to have it. Now I have it all the time and I am trying to play catch up.

I received a nice comment from a couple asking me to go to a restaurant in  Westfield New York. I was in Clyde Ohio when I received the comment. I will say this – I did eat at the Westfield Diner and it is a great place to eat. Mom and I try to avoid restaurant chains and frequent the smaller cafes. The majority of which have great food with great prices and Westfield Diner is one of them. It had great service, conversation, and wonderful food. I just wish I received the comment sooner and I wasn’t so far behind on my blogging.

I promise you this I will catch up!!!! This will be a fairly long post because it will cover everything from my New York Trip. So grab a cup of joe, sit back, and read…. Or just skip to the bottom and look at the pictures. Tomorrow my post will cover Northern Ohio and I will be caught up.  I hope… knock on wood.

In Westfield there are two statues commemorating  the meeting of Abraham Lincoln and Grace Bedell. On October 15, 1860, a few weeks before Lincoln was elected President of the United States, Grace Bedell sent him a letter from Westfield, New York, urging him to grow a beard to improve his appearance. Lincoln responded in a letter on October 19, 1860, making no promises. However, within a month, he grew a full beard. He later met with her.

The following is the text of Grace Bedell’s letter and then Abraham Lincoln’s letter.

Hon A B. Lincoln...

Dear Sir

My father has just home from the fair and brought home your picture and Mr. Hamlin's. I am a little girl only 11 years old, but want you should be President of the United States very much so I hope you wont think me very bold to write to such a great man as you are. Have you any little girls about as large as I am if so give them my love and tell her to write to me if you cannot answer this letter. I have got 4 brothers and part of them will vote for you any way and if you let your whiskers grow I will try and get the rest of them to vote for you you would look a great deal better for your face is so thin. All the ladies like whiskers and they would tease their husbands to vote for you and then you would be President. My father is going to vote for you and if I was a man I would vote for you to but I will try to get every one to vote for you that I can I think that rail fence around your picture makes it look very pretty I have got a little baby sister she is nine weeks old and is just as cunning as can be. When you direct your letter direct to Grace Bedell Westfield Chautauqua County New York.

I must not write any more answer this letter right off Good bye

Grace Bedell

Springfield, Ill Oct 19, 1860

Miss Grace Bedell

My dear little Miss

Your very agreeable letter of the 15th is received - I regret the necessity of saying I have no daughters - I have three sons - one seventeen, one nine, and one seven years of age - They, with their mother, constitute my whole family - As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affectation if I were to begin it now?

Your very sincere well wisher

A. Lincoln

One of the cemeteries we were told about by our neighbor was the one in Ripley New York. It had beautiful old stones and wonderful epitaphs. Then we drove to the newer cemetery – it still had some old stones. Both had soldiers from the revolutionary war buried there.

Another stop we made was in Lily Dale New York. The following is information I took from Wikipedia and the Lily Dale website:

Since its establishment in 1897, Lily Dale has been recognized as the largest Spiritualist development in the world. It is located in Chautauqua County, New York, USA.

The community provides a series of seminars and meetings throughout the year. There is a museum, The Marion Skidmore Library, Lily Dale Museum and Historical Society, bookstore, shops, and a snack bar which had delicious wraps. There is a Lily Dale pet cemetery located at the entrance to the Leolyn Woods, a towering old-growth forest. Included in the gate fee is admission to a variety of daily and weekly scheduled events: mediumship demonstrations, thought exchange meetings, and healing services, among others.

Spiritualist is defined as one who believes, as the basis of his or her religion, in the continuity of life and in individual responsibility. Some, but not all Spiritualists are mediums and/or healers. Spiritualists endeavor to find truth in all things and to live their lives in accordance therewith.

The religion does not denounce God; the common belief is that individuals should form their own relationship with God for guidance. Many Spiritualists believe their abilities are a gift from God.

I was looking forward to visiting Lily Dale.  The history of the town intrigued me. When you walk into a place – a building, a town – you get a feel of it.  The feeling of Lily Dale was flagrant commercialism.  I hope the purpose and the message they are sharing with those that come there is one of hope and not entrapment.   I am thrilled to see the town surviving and the folks working hard to restore it.  That is wonderful.  I know there are a few that are sincere and that is encouraging. 

What I find interesting is when I mentioned that I was going to Lily Dale and folks caught only a glimpse of what my religion is, I have been invited to church more times than I can count.  Thank you for the invites but I don’t believe in organized religion. 

Click here for pictures of Lily Dale New York.  

Click here for pictures of St. Anthony’s Cemetery Fredonia New York

Click here for pictures of Grace Bedell and Abraham Lincoln

Click here for pictures of Quincy Rural Cemetery Ripley New York Cemetery

Click here for pictures of Ripley New York Cemetery

Click here for pictures of Forest Hill Cemetery Fredonia New York

Barcelona Lighthouse Westfield New York

One thing I don’t like when I am driving is when unexpected guests that drop in - the ones with 8 legs.  That happened to my sister when she was a teenager and she wrecked her vehicle.  She walked home – bloody, bruised and all she could say is get it out.  It dropped down her shirt.  I feel it is because of her experience that I learned not to freak out.  With this little guy I blew on him hoping he would cling to something and not bounce back into my face.  He rode down the road curled up in a little nook in the door.  I know because I kept an eye on him.  I finally pulled in for gas and he was released by the gas pump.  I figured he can hitch another ride down the road and I hope the driver is a kind soul.

Mom and I went to a marina to see a the Barcelona Lighthouse and take a walk around Lake Erie.  I walked up to the lighthouse and out of nowhere this robin dive bombed me.  I felt it hit my head.  I tried to leave but the darn thing followed me screeching and attacking.  Instead of running I started taking pictures of it and that just mad him angrier.  He was going for the throat, the ears, the nose, the face.  No matter how far I walked from the lighthouse he was trying to pop me upside the head.  I did what any sane person would do…..  I started chasing it.  It would swoop and I would run towards it.   When it landed I went up to the tree or bush.  For a while there I thought it was going to win but I wore it out.  You know life is good when you stop caring what people think….

About the Barcelona Lighthouse and the harbor.  In 1679 the French were the first Europeans to explore Barcelona Harbor and its neighboring Chautauqua Creek. In 1753 their troops built a wagon road on the portage. It opened the whole middle of the North American continent to French conquest. In 1802 the first settlers moved in and in 1804 John McMahan built a grist mill on Chautauqua Creek. The first steamboat arrived in 1818. Two boats, the “Fashion” and the “Diamond,” established regular steamboat service to the developing port. The Barcelona Lighthouse was built in 1829, the first of the gas-powered lighthouses. It is 40 feet tall. The walls at its base are 3.5 feet thick, tapering to 2 at the top. Construction cost was $2,600 dollars. It is privately owned. 

Click here for pictures.

Around The Lake, Part Two

After visiting Jamestown on the 12th of August we drove to Celoron New York to visit the Lucille Ball Memorial Park.  The park is the former site of Celoron Park, a major amusement park where Lucy worked and played as a young girl.  The park had a statue of Lucy but it was a little scary looking and didn’t look like the Lucy.  This was the town she spent her childhood and they haven’t capitalized on it like Jamestown did.  We walked the water edge and watched the boats.   We ate lunch and moved on to Mayville New York to visit the cemetery.  Since the towns surrounding the lake were historical I was excited about exploring the cemeteries.  Needless to say I wasn’t disappointed.  Click here for pictures of the park.

We also took pictures on our way around the lake, click here for pictures.

After visiting Celoron we went to Mayville New York and explored the cemetery.  Click here for pictures.

Around The Lake, Part One

We arrived in Westfield New York on August 11th.  Our first night at the campground our neighbors invited us over for fire and conversation.   They were a wonderful couple from Westfield and they were able to give us some information on the area. 

On the 12th we decided to drive around Lake Chautauqua.  Our first stop was in Jamestown New York. 
 
Jamestown, New York, is named after James Prendergast, an early Chautauqua County settler. His family had purchased 3,500 acres in 1806, in the area now known as Chautauqua County. James Prendergast explored the area that is now Jamestown. Prendergast saw the area to be valuable, and so he purchased 1,000 acres of land in the area in 1808. In the fall of 1809, Prendergast and an employee, John Blowers built a log cabin 1810, which became the first building in Jamestown. Another log cabin as well as mills and a dam were built later .
 
Jamestown is Lucille Ball's birthplace.  Other notable residents of Jamestown is Brad Anderson, Nick Carter, Natalie Merchant, Jud Strunk to name a few.

This is a beautiful old town with wonderful historical buildings.  The downtown area was difficult to drive because of the road construction and the bridge was out.  Mom and I wanted to visit the Lucille Ball Museum but was unable to because it was blocked off and parking was difficult.  Before leaving Jamestown  we decided to stop at Lakeview Cemetery.  I found a safe place to park the van and walked into the cemetery.  Since it was big I decided to wander the older section and forgo the newer.  You can imagine my surprise when I accidentally stumbled upon Lucille Ball’s headstone in the historical section.  She is buried with her parents and that explains the location of the her stone. 

Lakeview Cemetery was beautiful and very well maintained.  Click here for pictures.

Conneaut Ohio

Conneaut is a city in Ashtabula County, Ohio, United States, along Lake Erie at the mouth of Conneaut Creek, which is the number one steelhead trout stream in the country.  Conneaut was discovered in 1796 by Moses Cleaveland on July 4th. As an early settlement it was named Salem. It was established in 1837, at a site beside Conneaut Creek.  The city of Conneaut is located on an old Native American trail, later used by early westbound pioneers.

We stayed at Evergreen RV Park and found it to be a wonderful place to stay for a few days.  One of the residents told us about the tornado which struck the park on June 27th.  That was a very rare event according to him.  One of the RVs was up a tree and inside were two little girls.  Fortunately no one was injured and the damage to the park could be fixed by the 4th of July.  When we drove through the town we could see the evidence of a tornado and we were just amazed that no one was injured.  Conneaut has a wonderful downtown area that was fun to walk.  Even Dollar General is housed in a historical building.  I found the Town Hall building the most interesting. 

To view pictures click here.

Lake Erie

While in Conneaut Ohio mom and I took a walk on the shores of Lake Erie.  On the way to the van I watch two gulls fight over a hamburger bun.  With trash cans full of yummy to seagulls scrap I couldn’t figure out why these two would fight.   Since my knowledge of Seagulls is limited to “they eat, fly, and poop” I did a little research on the “Misunderstood Seagull.”


The Seagull Family
Seagulls are actually a common bird in the Charadriiformes family Laridae.
They are closely related to the terns.
Most gulls however, belong to the large family named Larus. The word Larus is from the Greek word meaning “ravenous sea bird.”

The Seagull Physique
They have a small claw half way up their lower leg which they use to prevent being blown off narrow ledges when they sit down or roost.
Their coloring changes frequently from mottled to white to gray.
They can drink salt water this is because seagulls have a special pair of glands right above their eyes, specifically designed to flush the salt from their systems through openings in the bill.
They have excellent eyesight, better than you or me and unlike most birds their eyes can move in their sockets.

Time In Regards To A Seagull
They mature in 4 years.
They can live a long time - up to 40 years in captivity but typically only 10 in the wild.

The Seagull Diet
Most seagulls are actually carnivores. They eat fish and crabs. They will scavenge dead animals and organic litter. They actually keep beaches clean.

Where Can You Find A Seagull
Most of the world’s seagulls are born in California.
Seagulls seek land for breeding and scavenging. They rarely venture out to sea.

How Smart Is A Seagull?
Seagulls are actually very intelligent and capable of high level communication.

Seagull PoopSeagull poop are actually full nutrient-rich waste perfect for the breeding of bacteria and other organisms that can cause disease and infections in humans.
Their poop are also Corrosive!

How Mean Are They
Some gulls can even be aggressive and hurt people. They can also infect you if they bite or scratch you! Some diseases they carry are E. coli, Cryptococossis and Histoplasmosis.

Seagull ParentsThey are caring and attentive parents. Both the male and female pair for life and take turns to incubate, feed and protect the chicks.
Juvenile birds form nursery flocks and will be watched over by a few adult males. Where they will play, fight and learn the skills needed for survival. They will stay with the flock until they are old enough to breed.

Most Important Seagull Fact is DO NOT FEED THEM!!!!

Click Here For Pictures!!

Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding. Find out what you already know and you will see the way to fly."  Richard Bach (Jonathan Livingston Seagull)

Old City Cemetery Conneaut

The City Cemetery of Conneaut, Ohio is located on Liberty Street.  The drive was originally a horse and carriage drive, so it is very narrow and now it is a brick drive into the cemetery and turns to a very narrow dirt drive.  We parked the van on the street. 

This cemetery is the oldest in the City of Conneaut and is sadly abused.  Parts of it looks “maintained” and other parts look abandoned.  It is located in town and on a busy street so it is hard for me to imagine the callousness of the residents.  This is their history and it is slowly slipping away.  Some damage has been done by the weather, and some monuments are missing.  There are a few monuments that have been tipped over on their faces.  

Two of the residents of the Old City Cemetery is Captain Gilman Appleby and his brother, Captain Calvin Appleby.

Captain Calvin W. Appleby's first experience as boatman was on the Lady of the Lake.  He afterward ran on the packet J. G. King, the brig. Lucy A. Blossom, and the steamers Indiana and Sultana.  The whole of his active life was spent on the lakes, and for many years he was one of the most popular commanders running between Buffalo and Chicago.  He was an intimate friend of Benjamin Wade and Joshua Giddings.  Mr. Wade was his attorney in one of the first suits the Captain ever had, the litigation concerning Conneaut harbor.  This suit was with the Fords and Captain Appleby and the defendant.

Captain Gilman Appleby, also a native of Bethlehem, New Hampshire, was born on August 29, 1806.  He built and commanded both the Sultana and the ill-fated Lady Elgin.  He also commanded the North America and the Constitution.  After he built and took command of the Lady Elgin, his brother became captain of the Sultana.  This vessel was described as the "Buffalo and Chicago steam packet Sultana," and was used chiefly in carrying passengers.  The gangway to the Sultana (like the gates to the upper sanctuary) was open night and day for the reception of the able sons of Ham, and the disembarking, too, if occasion required it, to insure the safety of such passengers on "the underground steamboat railway,"  Captain Calvin himself being the captain conductor.  Many were the negroes carried safely over, and the Sultana could have carried as many more had opportunity offered.  The kind and large-hearted Captain was a man of wonderful expedients in providing ways and means to lend a helping hand to every one who was in trouble.  Gilman Appleby was commander of the famous Caroline at the time she was captured by the enemy on December 20, 1837.  The fate of this vessel - how she was set on fire and allowed to drift over Niagara - is familiar to all readers of history.  The captain and crew escaped.

These brothers, Gilman and Calvin, were both self-made men, beginning their careers on small vessels and working and wining their way to promotion and the high positions they occupied.  Many were the times they distinguished themselves for their bravery.  Indeed, they were ready for every emergency.  In all their long experience they never lost a life nor did they ever have an accident.  Gilman was at one time commanding the North America on Lake Erie, and when near Dunkirk, New York, the vessel was caught in a heavy storm and was in danger of being dashed against the beach.  The Captain knew this would be certain death to all on board.  All the steam the vessel was allowed to carry was applied.  Still she was in danger.  Only one thing could save her.  Apply more steam.  But would the strength of her boiler admit this?  Taking the benefit of the doubt, and against the best judgment of the engineer, he held down the safety valve with his own weight, and more steam applied, and thus withstood the storm, landing his passengers safe in port.  Taken From The Webpage Conneaut, Ohio History & Genealogy.

Like I have always maintained “Take time to learn the history of the town and one of the steps in doing so is to visit the cemetery.  One of the residents of the old city cemetery is Captain Devereaux who died in the battle of Spotsylvania Court House.  Like most of the cemeteries I have visited the residents are lawyers, veterans, teachers, doctors, housewives, house husbands, and children that continue to touch the hearts of those that visit them.  It is my biggest pet peeve to see these silent cities desecrated.

To view pictures of the Old City Cemetery click here.

“I take these little lambs said he  And lay them in my breast  Protection they shall find in me  In me be ever blest  Death may the hand of life unloose  But can't dissolve my love  Millions of infants souls compose the family above.”

One Bottle

Like a lot of people, I have a little problem with anxiety.  I was also blessed (perhaps cursed) with a fertile imagination.  Besides mountains, I get anxious with driving through big cities and driving over bridges.  Back in the days when I was smoking I would light up before a bridge or a city and I would keep smoking until I got passed it.  I don’t think any of my passengers knew the panic I was experiencing. 

Now that I don’t have a crutch anymore (smoking) I absolutely hate waking up knowing that today is the day I will have to cross a bridge or go through a big city.  I have a terrible problem with shutting down the fertile imagination and letting logic come through. 

I know the bridge won’t collapse and I will not fly over the edge.  I know that I won’t get lost in a big city if I stay on the interstate and focus.  I have driven through cities and over bridges many times but I have to constantly reassure myself that everything is going to be okay. 

I realized when driving through yet another big city I have picked up a bad habit.  Instead of smoking I have developed the habit of drinking copious amounts of water.    I store a case of water between the seats because there isn’t any other place to put it.  I started reaching down and grabbing a bottle of water whenever I get nervous.  That is not good when you are in your fifties and  a woman who has bore three children. 

I drove around Flint, Detroit, and Toledo all in one day fighting their traffic and I went through 4 bottles of water. What is strange is I drove through Cleveland August 7th and it was a one bottle city.  Even though all the tall buildings were a little intimidating the architecture was breath taking. 

FYI - I am not a zip, zip, zoom, zoom person when driving.  I am more of a put, put gal. 

Life Is Good

Put In Bay, Ohio

Mom and I drove to Port Clinton Ohio August 3rd and spent 3 nights at CedarLane RV Park.  During our visit we toured Put In Bay Island.  I thoroughly enjoyed driving around the island in a golf cart.  I was given a map and instructions on how to operate the cart and off mom and I went.  Mom was in charge of taking pictures while I drove.  I tell you what….  it is a little strange to go from my van to a golf cart.

The island is only two by four miles and you can drive around in a matter of minutes if it wasn’t for all the touristy stuff along the way.  We toured the crystal cave (not worth the time) and winery.  I had a wonderful “taste” of grape juice and learned quite a bit about wine.  We stopped at the cemetery and the state park.  We walked through the downtown and watched the kids ride the merry go round.  It was a fun day. 

Some of the highlights of Put In Bay are 
Perry Peace Memorial - Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial was established to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the War of 1812, and to celebrate the long-lasting peace between Britain, Canada and the U.S.
Heineman Winery
Kimberly’s Carousel
Perry’s Cave

Click here for pictures.

At Last An Internet Connection

We are still in northern Ohio at a campground that has fantastic internet service, well worth the $2.  I have been busy uploading pictures and getting updates for my computer.

The first set of pictures will be of Tawas Point State Park in East Tawas, Michigan.  I just loved the park and the beauty of it.

I have two nights to create about 7 blogs and get everything set up for a week when I will be traveling to New York.  Robin, I have heard of Lily Dale and I am so thankful that you reminded me.  That is where we will be heading.  We plan to stay in New York and away from mountains before heading south.

Click here for pictures of Tawas Point State Park Part One
Click here for pictures of Tawas Point State Park Part Two

Hannah I Got It To Upload

While staying at the Tee Pee our neighbor started playing his accordion. This is a bad video but you get the idea. It is people like him that makes a park wonderful.  click on the picture to make it play.

Update

We really enjoyed our stay in Port Clinton Ohio but we look forward to moving on down the road.  We are discovering that more and more parks that advertise "free internet" means having to sit outside the office at a picnic table.  Hopefully the next park will have it on site.  I will be posting more hopefully tomorrow.

We took the ferry to Put In Bay but didn't make it to Kelley's Island today.  Put In Bay was a lot of fun and I enjoyed driving the golf cart around.

A few pictures of Put In Bay island.