Into the Hills
"Drifting with the current down a moonlit stream
While above the heavens in their glory gleam
And the stars on high, twinkle in the sky
Seeming in a paradise of love divine
Dreaming of a pair of eyes that looked in mine
Beautiful Ohio, in dreams again I see Visions of what used to be." ~Kate Smith
You miss America on the interstate, I always say. But this day, I decide to make the trip to Lexington, Kentucky on I-75. I've never driven this stretch of road. I can only tell you how much I loathe the Georgia and Florida sections. The Tennessee and Kentucky portion of highway is stunning! Unfortunately, by the time I am approaching Rocky Top, TN I am driving in a torrential downpour. We take a rest and grab some barbecue, (I have to learn how to make spoonbread! Oh yum), before moving on to my friend and fellow teacher, Leanne's home.
Landing at Leanne's is great way to shake off road weariness and have a great visit. So much better getting laundry done with great conversation to while away the time. Funny thing is Leanne has been trying to get her friend Collette and I together as Collette has moved to Cape Coral. I send Collette a facebook message and let her know that I am at Leanne's. she messages back, "Dare I say, I am in Lexington too!" We do get to meet and with Leanne making the introductions! Leanne houses me for two nights and as always takes complete care of me. She is a fabulous cook and I indulge. We spend our time in deep discussions and we never take the obligatory selfies. We don't manage to save the world either this time... maybe next visit.
Love her wonderful and relaxing sunroom.
Moving north into Ohio has one stop that is completely utilitarian. If I am heading to Hocking Hills, seems like this isn't too far out of the way. I have to drive north of Dayton to Anna, Ohio to get the van rustproofed. Thought we were done with northern winter rust, but turns out, salt air is just as damaging. Another chunk out of the travel funds. Dang it.
As luck would have it, my sisters are heading to Eaton, Ohio to spend the weekend with a childhood friend. I use to be the babysitter of everyone. Oh the memories.
Susie and her husband Mark have a wonderful weekend home on Lake Lakengren. Just south of where I am getting the rustproofing. I get myself invited!
Food and copious amounts of adult beverages along with boating and swimming makes for an incredible get together. Gerard mentions how wonderful it is that the three sisters are together on the anniversary of my father's transition. This makes the gathering even more poignant. The other event that I never could have expected is an incredible firework display on the water! Since selling the Duluth house, I just don't care much about Fourth of July festivities. Those of you who know, fireworks at the Duluth house were something special. We had the best seat in town. Well, Lake Lakengren is something incredible. Front row seats on the water!!! Mark and Sue invite us to make it a yearly tradition! This weekend was just the best!!!
We will stay off the interstate from here on out. I think. Rural byways are where you see everything. We don't travel too far to land at another Boondockers Welcome site and what a site this one is. Loose Moose Lodge is a magical forest with something to see everywhere you turn. It is located near the town of Washington Courthouse, Ohio.
My hosts not only get me set up with electric and water, but they invite me to dinner and wine. Their travels have had them collect and they built a pole barn to hold the collection and turned it into a log living quarters for themselves. What a fun place. Cecil loves to give a tour. He has total schtick he delivers as you get a tour of the property. It's a real hoot!
I do hope to return next year on my way north. It would be fun to land with my nieces here after another trip to Lake Lakengren.
I don't get to bid farewell to my hosts in the morning as I am on the road by daybreak. We're rolling into the totally booked Hocking Hills State Park on a holiday weekend. I am hopping to nab a site when the park opens and the first early departure happens. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Onward,
Catherine and Sitka