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| Photo by SR Journeys |
A beautiful summer day in the rolling hills of Northeastern Ohio. The warmth of the summer sun and the sweet smell of new-mown hay gives you a quiet, peaceful feeling.
A Summer Day
A beautiful summer day in the rolling hills of Northeastern Ohio. The warmth of the summer sun and the sweet smell of new-mown hay gives you a quiet, peaceful feeling.
Frosty October Morning
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
We had stayed overnight and were heading home on a cold morning in late October. The sun was burning the frost off of the fields of this farm. I’m partial to fall; a weekend escape to a rustic cabin, cruising country back roads to see fall foliage and all the colors, the crisp air and crunching leaves, red barns with stacks of firewood and cooking in a cast iron skillet. Some things, like cornbread, pork chops, and pot pie taste better cooked in cast-iron.
Malabar Farm
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
Malabar Farm State Park is in Richland County, located near Lucas and Mohican State Park. The farm is the former home of author Louis Bromfield. Visitors can see the farm, tour the house and hike nature trails. It’s a working farm and you can see a variety of animals raised on the farm.
U.S. Grant Bridge
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
U.S. Grant Bridge carries traffic on U.S. Route 23 across the Ohio River between Portsmouth, Ohio and South Portsmouth, Kentucky The original suspension bridge was closed and demolished in 2001 and the replacement cable-stayed bridge opened on October 16, 2006.
View From A Back Road
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
Canal Boat
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
In the 1830’s the Ohio portion of the Erie Canal, traveled through the Cuyahoga Valley on its way to connecting the Ohio River with Lake Erie. Canal boats were pulled by horses and carried passengers, mail and freight. There are several places in Ohio that offer canal boat rides on sections of the original canal.
Mystery
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
I Wish I Knew... where this scene is located. We passed this outcropping of rock one day and I thought it looked interesting so I took a photo. When we got home I downloaded the days photos to a hard drive like I always do and didn't see this photo again for a few years. I can't remember where it was taken. I have spent hours trying to find it using Google Earth. Other photos that were taken on the same day give no clue. We covered many miles that day and the photos are random. Maybe we'll pass it again someday.
The Pond
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
We discovered this pond not far from an abandoned barn. The barn was all that remained of an old farm. There were no paths or anything to indicate that anyone had been there for a very long time. The sun was setting and we were leaving when I made this photo. Some might say it looks lonely, I think it looks peaceful. Hear the frogs ?
The Levee House
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
When we are in Southeastern Ohio, we don’t miss a
chance to eat at the Levee House in Marietta. It’s located on a brick paved street within
easy walking distance of the Ohio River. The patio provides a view of the
river. The building was built in 1826 and has seen many uses in its 200
year history. It’s now the The Levee House Bistro. It serves home cooked
meals and the food is very good. The menu includes seafood, steaks, pastas, salads,
soups, and homemade desserts. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a drive to the Levee House.
The Moonville Tunnel
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
Moonville Tunnel near Zaleski State Forest is one of few reminders of the ghost town of Moonville. In 1856, Samuel Coe gave the Marietta and Cincinnati (M&C) Railroad permission to construct a railroad line across his property. Coe hoped that the line would then provide him an easy means to ship coal and clay on his property. The community of Moonville sprung up on Coe's land around the railroad. Moonville principally housed miners and a few railroad workers. The town had approximately one hundred residents at its peak in the 1800s. Yet, the community declined, especially during the early 1900s as coal mines started closing. The last family abandoned Moonville in 1947. Today, only the old schoolhouse's foundation, a train tunnel, and the community cemetery remain.
Despite being a ghost town, Moonville remains well known due to its reputation of being haunted. Believers say that ghosts of railroad workers struck down by a train in the Moonville Tunnel still wave their lanterns in the abandoned tunnel.
Visitors can hike portions of this abandoned railroad line, which are being converted into walking and biking trails.
Copperhead Fire Tower
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This fire tower was built in 1924 and was the first of 39 lookout towers built
in Ohio’s forest. It sits on top of a hill that is over 1200 feet above sea level and the tower
is 60 feet tall. You can see thousands
of acres of forest and the surrounding hills from the tower. In the 1940’s Ohio
began using aircraft for fire watch and the last tower closed in 1978. Ohio has
restored and maintains them. Visitors can climb them at their own risk. We have been to five of them and
copperhead gives the best view of the ones we’ve visited.
The Triple Nickel
Want to go on a great road trip this summer… The Triple Nickel winds through some of the most beautiful farmland and forests in Ohio.
In 2020 Car and Driver magazine, published a list of the dozen best driving roads in America. First on their list: Ohio State Route 555, also known as the Triple Nickel. It’s a two-lane highway built in another era, originally a gravel road for farmers and small-town folk to get to the big cities of Zanesville or Belpre.
We’ve driven 555 and other roads in the area. There’s some interesting things along the route. You won’t be disappointed if you drive the Triple Nickel.
Here’s The Route:
• From Zanesville take OH-555 S
• Take a left and follow 7 N toward Constitution
• Exit Virginia Street and turn left
• Turn right on Cole Coffman Rd/13
• Straight on 676 W
• Turn right on 792
• Turn right on 266 toward Stockport
• Turn left on 376 N toward McConnelsville
• Turn right on 78 E/N
•
Turn left on 284 N
• Turn left on 146 W back to Zanesville
Unusual Junction
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
Click Images For Larger View
Winter Road Trip
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
Whether you’re visiting friends, just passing time, or
visiting a special place, a winter road trip can be a lot of fun. The world seems to slow down, the landscape seems peaceful.
Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
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Manor House - historic house on 70 acres in Akron. The estate includes gardens, a greenhouse, carriage house, and the main mansion, one of the largest houses in the United States. It was the home of F. A. Seiberling, co-founder of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. We walked the grounds and took a self guided tour of the house. We were in the area so we visited the estate. I wouldn’t make a special trip to see it.
Walking In The Moonlight
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It’s not the bigfoot research group, it’s us hiking out of the "crooked woods" after dark. The moon was providing just enough light to walk. We know the area so it wasn’t a problem. I had a flashlight but don’t like using a light unless it’s really necessary. Using a light will reduce your vision for about ten minutes after you turn it off. If you are around flashlights or other artificial light sources, your eyes won’t adjust to the darkness. Cell phones also keep your eyes from being able to adjust to the darkness. I like walking in the woods at night, you get to see what moonlight and starlight look like, and how the trees are illuminated by them. The moon reflecting off of water in a stream or pond can seem magical. Sounds seem much louder at night. And there are little bugs and other things that glow in the darkness that you will never see during the daytime. Don’t talk all the time, because you will miss a lot of subtle or quiet sounds. Practice being still and quiet for a while. The longer you remain quiet the greater your chance of hearing wildlife at night. Take a walk in the moonlight, you might be surprised by what you see and hear.
Click photo for a larger view.The B&O Trail
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Ohio has many beautiful bike trails. The B&O trail is one of them, it spans 18 miles and starts at Hitchman's Park in Butler and ends in Mansfield. Butler is a small family oriented town in the hills of the Mohican and Clear Fork Valley. Mansfield is the location of the Kingwood Center And Gardens which is one of the parking areas for the trail.
We Found A Skull
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We found a skull in the woods. We knew it was there and approximately where to look. It's actually a geocache. A very creative cache container made of plastic.
Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity, in which participants
use a Global Positioning System receiver or mobile device and other
navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called geocaches or
caches, at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world.
The first geocache was placed in 2000, and by 2023 there were over 3
million active caches worldwide. Geocaching can be considered a
real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game.
The Sweet Smell Of Sage
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A hot summer landscape with a deserted valley. It's not a western scene, these photos were taken in Ohio.
These photos were not altered, they show what I saw when I pressed the shutter. A camera can't capture the smells and true feeling of a place. As far as we know, there's only one area in the state that looks like this.
Click photo for larger view
The Hidden Swamp
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A swamp is a poorly drained wetland, fresh or saltwater, wooded or grassy, possibly covered with open water. Ohio has 83 named swamps. They are sometimes called a marsh or bog. We discovered this one on an abandoned farm. I thought it was interesting so I took the photo. The second photo is a nearby area in fall.
Mountain Magic
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Mother Nature is ready to take you in her arms and soothe your soul. We’ve walked this path many times, it’s our little corner of the mountains. When walking in a forest, you're surrounded by oxygen-rich air and the intermingling smell of leaves, pine, damp earth, flowers, and wood is magical.
A Perfect Cabin
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A perfect cabin nestled in the woods of winter. The fresh air is crisp, and nature is painted in hues of white. As you approach the cabin, a curl of smoke dances from the chimney, a promise of warmth and comfort within. As you step inside, the inviting scent of burning wood wraps around you. The crackling fireplace casts a gentle glow, creating a haven from the winter chill. Evenings are spent by the fireplace, sharing quality time with your mate. The dining table becomes a perfect setting for delicious food and heartwarming conversations. That’s the magic of a cabin stay. Open your eyes, and turn a cabin stay into reality.
Raccoon Creek
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In 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources officially designated Raccoon Creek as Ohio’s newest state scenic river. It’s the 16th scenic river and the longest creek in the state. Raccoon Creek is a 114-mile-long stream that drains parts of five counties. It originates in Hocking County and flows through five counties to the Ohio River. We were walking this path along the creek to the Moonville Tunnel.
The North Market
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The North Market is a 149-year-old public market
made up of Ohio’s best independent merchants, farmers, and craft makers. Food from India, Italy, the Mediterranean, Thailand, Poland, Mexico,
Vietnam, Nepal and other places. You can pick up an Ohio craft beer or a glass
of wine and sip and stroll casually through the market.
Stooks
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Stooks - although grain is still grown and harvested by hand in many parts of the world, in the United States this skill is practically lost. Amish farmers still stook their wheat.
Rustic Beauty
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| Photo by SR Journeys |
The Arcane Sanctuary
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Wandering Appalachia - Summer 2025
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We're taking a trip
to the Appalachian Mountains this summer so pack your gear and follow us on a
journey through the heart of Appalachia. We’ll be hugging the curves through
scenic mountains and beautiful valleys. I grew up there and have taken several
road trips there with my wife. She loves the mountains. It’s an unforgettable
journey that will take you through rustic towns and to scenic views and
overlooks. There are many unique places you won’t see anywhere else. We'll be driving the back roads and talking with people we meet. We love to
find an old time dairy bar or a 50’s style diner that has been unchanged since
it was originally built. I have an affinity for Appalachian culture. I feel at home in the mountains and
can’t wait to get back there. My wife’s father and many of her relatives live
there so we'll be visiting with them.
About growing up in the mountains,
"I remember the mountains where I left home, back where I was born, down at the end of a hollow… I remember walking to church on a Sunday when I was a youngster, and I had to walk the old dirt road when it was raining and there were mud holes you had to step in. I’d listen to somebody sitting in their cabin up on the hillside playing guitar or fiddle or banjo. The music was just ringing down those hollows and over that mountainside. It was a beautiful sound.”
- Don Stover
Ohio Light Houses
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I’m not sure of the total number of lighthouses that Ohio once had. Search engine results give conflicting information. Currently, twelve are active, two are in ruins, two were dismantled and the remainder were deactivated. The Fairport Harbor light is also a private home. Lighthouses help ships identify their location in relation to the shore. Lighthouses are painted different colors and designs to make them visible during the day. This was important so ships could recognize a particular lighthouse. We have visited a few of them at different times when we were in the area where they are located. We really enjoyed visiting Vermillion. Vermilion is a small town on the Lake Erie shore. It’s a beautiful city with lots of trees and beautiful flower displays on every corner in the summer. The Pavilion Grill is a great place to eat. It’s an older store front downtown and is well worth finding if you’re in Vermillion. It’s been a few years since we visited Lake Erie. The last time we was there, we were with friends and was going to Kelley’s Island so we didn’t go to Vermillion but we do plan on going back. Pictured is Fairport harbor, Vermillion and Marblehead lights. The Marblehead light is the oldest operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes.
Helmick Covered Bridge
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The Helmick Covered Bridge was built in 1863. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It is located in Coshocton County. It is a two-span wooden truss covered bridge and is asserted to be one of the oldest covered bridges in Ohio. It was an integral part of commerce in the village of Helmick during the early days. The bridge fell into decay, and was closed in 1981. Citizens raised over $250,000 to restore the bridge and completed the project in 1996.
In The Catskills
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Actually, this photo was taken in Ohio. When I saw this scene it reminded me of the Catskill Mountains located in southeastern New York. The Catskills was the setting for Washington Irving's story of Rip Van Winkle and according to folklore, the home of the Catskill Witch.
Round Barns
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The round barn possibly could have religious affiliations. In the 1800s, the association between the farmer and church flourished. Shakers, Quakers and Holy Rollers all farmed for perfection, and the circle became a theme. These groups took delight in round hats and rugs, so why not a barn? It was believed that a round barn could "keep the devil from hiding in the corners." There are many round barns in Ohio. I like the English style barns with an overhung loft and gambrel style roof.
The Man's Best Friend
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I took this photo early one morning in downtown Columbus. Apparently the man had slept overnight on the bench. The dog seemed very protective of him. Some hostile cities are attaching blocks to benches to prevent people from sleeping on them.
Step Back In Time
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Sawmills like this were common in the 1950’s heyday of local sawmills. There are still many in the state. We know of five that are still operating. One mill saws lumber and also makes furniture, beautiful handmade furniture. The mill in the photo is powered by a Farmall Model H tractor. The power takeoff on the tractor powers the 48” blade. In the 1930’s many mills were powered by steam engines.
Frozen In Time
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Charge up your flux capacitor and travel back in time. Yellow Springs, Ohio's hippie enclave, is a colorful, rural town in Greene County. The counterculture movement is still alive in Yellow Springs. It has a hippie vibe and visiting there is like going back in time to the 1960’s.
Hello ?
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Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876. The one in the photo is an early 1900’s phone. By 1904 over three million phones connected American lives through 60,000 operator-run switchboards. Electric speakers eliminated scorched ears around 1910. From Car Phones to Flip Phones to the phones we carry today, phones have evolved to become a part of daily life, far beyond their original purpose of voice communication.
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