Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Archive for the ‘Nature’ Category

Relax in the Beauty of Mission Oaks Garden

Welcome to Mission Oaks Garden.

Stroll through the beautiful Mission Oaks Gardens located in a residential area of Zanesville, Ohio at 424 Hunter Avenue – not far from Maple Avenue. Relax with Mother Nature in over seven acres of gardens.

The mission style house was built in 1925.

The peaceful setting acquired its name because the home had the appearance of a mission-house with mature white oaks in the ravine behind the house. According to legend, the house was built back in 1925 by a local businessman for a special lady, who was a party dress designer in the roaring twenties. Today the name, Mission Oaks, acquires a double meaning as they definitely have a mission: to provide and protect a little piece of nature for all to enjoy.

Take a leisurely walk through their gardens.

The garden’s history began in the late 1980s when Bert and Susan Hendley purchased the property. After a vacation in London in 1990 where they visited the Chelsea Flower Show, Susan suggested to Bert that it would be nice to have a beautiful garden at their new home, Bert followed through on that suggestion when they returned home. They restored the mission style house, surrounded it with beautiful plants, and developed gardens in a ravine below the home.

Forsythia and Redbuds welcome spring to the gardens.

Today, the Muskingum Valley Park District Headquarters Office is located on this property, where they showcase hundreds of rare and unusual plants including azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias, and conifers. There are also two man-made waterfalls, a pond, a wetland bog, perennial garden, gazebo, and a creek bed.

A gazebo makes the perfect place to sit and relax surrounded by the sights and smells of the garden.

A gazebo is the perfect place to sit in the midst of the Perennial Garden and enjoy the blooms of the season. New blossoms open every week. You’ll find yourself encased in the smells of hyacinths and peonies or in the fall, chrysanthemums and sunflowers.

Get lost in nature as you walk through The Woodlands.

After you have had a leisurely walk in the upper gardens, it’s time to explore the rest of the acreage. Head down a steep flight of stairs or drive around to the rear entrance which is marked with stone pillars. It’s surprising to find all this beautiful nature in the middle of Zanesville.

This beautiful waterfall adds serenity to the lower level of the garden.

Once you enter the forested area, there are two pathways to choose. One leads to the Woodland Garden. Here you will find two small waterfalls, which flow over rocky hillsides into a small pond with elegant water lilies and lotuses blooming along the water’s edge. Comfortable wooden benches provide a great spot to relax while soaking up the ambiance of the scenic view.

Their Conifer Grove is one of the largest in Ohio.

The second path heads to the Conifer Garden. Their conifer garden is a highlight covering nearly two acres and displaying over 300 trees, many of them are not native to North America. It is one of the most renowned conifer gardens in the state. There are over 90 species present.

Olga’s Children’s Garden contains a Discovery Shed.

Mission Oaks Gardens has included many places that children will enjoy. Olga’s Children’s Garden is a fenced in area where they can explore nature in a Sensory Garden and enjoy a sandbox with a potting bench. Their Discovery Shed holds information about native flora and fauna.

The Enchanted Fairy Garden comes alive in May.

While the Enchanted Fairy Garden is open all year, it comes alive early in May when they celebrate National Public Gardens Day. Fairies and gnomes make their appearance in the garden from May through August. Then it is said that they spend the rest of the year in the warmth of Florida sunshine.

This stone pathway is always lined with flowers of the season.

Take a walk on paths that meander through the gardens and landscape. Explore on gravel, grassed, mulched, and brick walking paths as you enjoy being surrounded by the sights and smells of nature. From springtime until fall, you’ll feel a closeness to Mother Nature with the flowers of the season…from tulips to mums.

Enjoy everything from waterfalls to conifer forest at no cost to you or your friends. While it is free to explore, they do rely on donations to maintain its beauty. You are welcome on the grounds seven days a week from dawn to dusk to explore seven acres of nature right in the middle of a residential section of Zanesville. You will be surprised and pleased at the beauty present.

These redbuds were found just outside the MVPD office.

For more information and pictures, visit them on Facebook at Muskingum Valley Park District – Mission Oaks Gardens or on the website www.mvparkdistrict.org under Gardens.

Mission Oaks Gardens provides the perfect place to avoid the maddening crowds, relax in meditation, take a walk with Mother Nature, or just run away from home for the day. Many find it the perfect place for wedding or prom pictures.

Visit this hidden gem any time of the year!

Category:

Gardens, Nature, Ohio, Uncategorized, Zanesville

Tagged with:

Grow & Show Garden Club Touches the Community in Many Ways

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.

Creative ladies who enjoy gardening, flowers, and nature started the local Grow & Show Garden Club sixty-one years ago. As part of the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs, their purpose is to stimulate knowledge and love of gardening among members, increase their interest in knowing, growing, and sharing, and to promote protection of our environment.

Members of Show and Grow Garden Club prepare to decorate the Downtown Branch of the library for Christmas. Pictured are Kay Bennett, Kat Bennett, JoEllen Hayes, Marti Reed, and Sue Cowden.

One of their first projects was a flower show downtown. Area residents have fond memories of the beautiful Guernsey County Fair booths and the Christmas wreaths they used to display.

The committee working on the Scarecrow named Garden Goddess Antheia-Flora included Paula Shockley, Marti Reed, Kat Bennett, and JoEllen Hayes.

Today they enjoy decorating for many occasions. Just recently they took part in the Scarecrow on Parade Decorating Contest at the Great Guernsey Trail. They built a ten-foot-tall scarecrow with grasses for the skirt, a wreath collar, and a hat decorated with plants and flowers. After the contest, they moved the scarecrow to the Guernsey County Senior Center so it could still brighten someone’s day

They decorate two fireplaces each year with greenery and Christmas decor.

One project at this season of the year is decorating the Downtown Branch of the Guernsey County Library for Christmas with a Victorian touch to honor the popular Dickens Victorian Village. The library display continues through November and December.

Charles Dickens writes beside the Christmas tree decorated with handmade Victorian angels.

The tree is decorated with handmade Victorian angels. Marti Reed’s grandmother made the doilies and the club members turned them into angels. Marti’s grandmother always took her to the library so she thought it fitting her doilies would end up there. Large wreaths hang above two fireplaces and the mantles are covered with greenery and touches of the holiday. The 12 Days of Christmas vignettes appear in the windows.

Next time you visit the library, take time to appreciate the work involved in creating a holiday venue.

A special Easter Egg tree is part of the holiday decorations during the Easter season.

But that’s only one season of decorations for the group at the library. Another time they enjoy decorating is at Easter. At that time, they have stuffed animals and an Easter egg tree. Fluffy yellow chicks and bunnies of all sizes rest on the shelves and windowsills.

The first week of December, Grow & Show holds a Gingerbread House workshop for their members at Crossroads Library. Wonder if their gingerbread houses have plants or flowers around them.

Members take time to visit Cardinal Place each month where they take candy and treat bags to the residents while visiting them. They hope to expand this to other care facilities in the future.

A tree was planted for Sue on her 50 years of being a member. Pictured are Cheryl Lowry-Miller, Kat Bennett, Sue Cowden, Marti Reed, and Pat Graven.

The garden club plants and helps maintain trees that are dedicated in someone’s memory or just to honor someone special. There are two gardens where they plant trees. One is Shafer Park in East Cambridge while the other is a donated park at the corner of Beatty Ave and Clark St.

Jo Lucas has not only a beautiful flower garden but many fruit trees. At this time, she placed parachutes over them to protect the fruit from the birds.

They hold one public meeting related to gardening each year at the Cambridge Senior Center. This year the topic will be Gardening for Pollinators. Light hors d’oeuvres and a selection of desserts will be available. Reservations must be made for this March 26 meeting. Cost is $15.

Kat Bennett, Violet Scott, and Pat Graven explain using straw bales for planting.

Every year in May, they hold a Mother’s Day Garden Sale the Saturday before Mother’s Day where you can find some beautiful plants or flowers for mom. This year the event will be on May 10 at the Cambridge City Park Big Pavilion from 8-12.

Indoor plants are also a joy. Pat Graven has a green house in her bathroom.

Purchasing a couple hanging baskets to beautify downtown Cambridge is one of their projects. Some of their members also participate in watering the baskets throughout the summer months.

Much work has been done on the Great Guernsey Trail by members. They have contributed benches, trees, and flowers as well as helped with the Butterfly Garden. Plans are now being made for another display of plants there.

As you can tell, their community is very important to the members and many projects revolve around the beautification of Cambridge.

Bonnie Perkins has a beautiful koi pond in her yard surrounded by a variety of plants and flowers.

Grow & Show Garden Club meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at Crossroads Library at 1:00. Programs are always garden-related. A couple of times a year, the group visits a member’s garden. Some of them include waterfalls surrounded by plants, while others might have plants inside or a garden or orchard for their own food. Perhaps they might also visit a greenhouse or apple orchard. New members are always welcome so if you have an interest in gardening, stop by for a meeting..

These busy ladies know how to have fun while making the world a more beautiful place!

Category:

Art, Gardens, Nature, Ohio, Organizations, Uncategorized

Tagged with:

Epworth Park for Peacefulness of Days Gone By

Epworth Park is located in the center of Bethesda, Ohio.

Escape from the fast pace of life at Epworth Park in Bethesda. Experience the peacefulness of days gone by as you stroll along the lake, enjoy the beautiful fountain, and reminisce under the majestic oaks. It all began in 1870 as the “Garden of Oaks” for use as a Methodist Camp Ground – a place for spiritual fellowship, instruction, and renewal.

Many came by train to those early camp meetings at Epworth Park.

Horse-drawn wagons and trains carried as many as 10,000-15,000 people to camp meetings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With the park’s rising popularity, cottages were built in the late 1800s to serve as a retreat for people who wanted to escape city life. Epworth Park was “the place to be.”

In the early 1900s, the camp meetings were replaced by the National Chautauqua movement, which focused on education, culture, and entertainment for those living in small towns. It began at the Methodist retreat on Chautauqua Lake, New York. The Chautauqua assemblies attracted the most famous actors, musicians, and lecturers of the time including William Jennings Bryan and William McKinley.

These beautiful old oaks make the perfect place for an outdoor chapel meeting.

Today that heritage continues with an annual Chautauqua Homecoming Days and the Bethesda Festival during the second weekend in July with a new, more modern form of entertainment. This is a community event where everyone comes to celebrate the history of Epworth Park through a variety of activities including entertainment, a car show, fishing tournament, and vendors.

In its day, Epworth Hotel was ‘the place to stay’ at Epworth Park.

A beautiful, three-story hotel was added in those early days as well as a lake and auditorium. Unfortunately, the hotel no longer exists but in those early days was near the site of today’s concession stand. The lake not only added to the beauty of the park but provided a place for swimming and boating. Today a fountain adds beauty along with two bridges over the lake.

Boating on the lake was a popular way to spend the day.

This seven-acre park is surrounded by a grove of oak trees and consists of sixty privately-owned Victorian cottages, a common house for meetings, and the original outdoor chapel/amphitheater for services, weddings, and concerts with room for up to 250 guests.

Concerts, meetings, and weddings are held in their large outdoor amphitheater.

May through October is the perfect time for a wedding in the “Garden of Oaks” in their open-air, covered auditorium. Take time to stroll down the sidewalks and enjoy the old Victorian cottages that have been around for quite some time. Notice all the beautiful flowers, gardens, and American flags on your walk.

The water fountain adds a peaceful touch.

Until 2018, the Methodist Church East Ohio Conference owned the entire park. Today they have maintained ownership of Epworth Center but the remaining land has been sold to cottage owners and the Village of Bethesda.

Epworth Center was originally part of the Methodist campground.

Epworth Lodge, the present home of Epworth Center, was built in 1967 as a learning center. Their outreach missions include home repairs, food pantry distribution, and community support. Today, it is a wonderful place for seminars, retreats, meetings, and weddings. Four cabins house 44 people and there are extra rooms at the lower level of the lodge.

Take a walk along these early Victorian-style cottages.

Cottages are owned primarily by folks from the Upper Ohio Valley and have been passed down from generation to generation. Most are used as summer homes. The village purchased the south side of the property where the lake is located and has a wonderful recreational area there now with playground equipment, ball fields, and basketball court. It’s a great place for a picnic or family reunion as there are several shelters.

A playground close to the lake is provided by the town of Bethesda.

Many from Bethesda and nearby towns come to enjoy the fun of fishing with their children in the nearby Epworth Lake even if it is catch and release. It’s a great place to teach children the joys of fishing. While at the lake, take time to walk on a bridge across the edge of the lake so you can watch the fish below. It’s the perfect place to watch or feed the ducks and geese that live there.

For over 150 years, the people of Bethesda and surrounding area have enjoyed visits to Epworth Park. There are activities all year long from Easter Egg Hunts to concerts in the park – quite often on Saturdays. There are many locations perfect for photo opportunities.

Lakeside seems the perfect place to take a photo…or your fishing pole!

Perhaps you will want to visit Epworth Park and see its charm. Check their schedule at www.epworthpark.org for upcoming events such as concerts and movies in the amphitheater. While it may not have the glamour of those early days, it’s still a great place for relaxation and family togetherness. Experience the tranquility of days long ago any time of the year at Epworth Park.

Epworth Park is located off I-70 Exit 208. Go south about two miles to the town of Bethesda. The park is located off Route 147. You can’t miss the entrance way!

Category:

Family Fun, Festivals, History, Nature, Ohio, Uncategorized

Tagged with:

Relax at Rocky Fork Ranch Resort

Adventure Awaits!

Stop at their Ranch House for registration and General Store.

Enjoy the outdoors when camping at Rocky Fork Ranch Resort near Kimbolton while still enjoying the conveniences for a relaxing and comfortable vacation. You’ll have a great time regardless of the weather with their many indoor and outdoor events.

Sharrie Yarber, manager, and Aaron Johnson, asst. manager, enjoy greeting campers.

This member based campground at 74978 Broadhead Road, Kimbolton has been part of the Travel Resorts of America Family since 1982. It’s the kind of place where neighbors become friends, and friends become like family. Many might remember camping there in the past when it was called Grand Haven or even before that Bucket Hill.

Their new General Store has just about everything a camper might need…and then some.

When you enter the campground, first stop will be the Ranch House which is headquarters for registration and also their General Store. The store has been moved and reorganized this year and includes just about everything you would need for your camping experience. They also have an ice cream, pizza, and sandwich sh

Cabins in the woods are the perfect place for relaxation.

Camping can take several forms at Rocky Fork as they have over 200 campsites and 101 lodging facilities. There’s rustic camping, RV sites, and cabins on 850 acres of wooded and rolling hills. Explore the territory by taking a hike as you enjoy the view through beautiful woods with streams scattered throughout if you like going on foot. Or perhaps you would rather explore the area on horseback as they have a dozen horses that enjoy following the trails through the area.

Indoor and outdoor swimming pools are available for guests.

On a rainy day, you can enjoy their clubhouse with indoor pool, gym, hot tub, adult lounge, pool tables, and game room. A laundromat has been added with all new machines for campers’ convenience.

Miniature golf is a fun family activity.

Guests can find entertainment and excitement in a wide variety of outdoor activities. There’s a golf driving range, paint ball at the Gun Slinging Corral, miniature golf, tennis courts, Native American Pow-wows, and guided nature walks. Let the children enjoy several play areas scattered throughout the campgrounds.

Their five acre lake is a great place for boating, fishing, and relaxing.

Their catch and release 5-acre lake paints a serene scene with a lighthouse built from an old stone house on the property on one side. Across the way is a friendly gazebo with a relaxing swing. Here people can use kayaks, canoes, or pedal boats to enjoy the calm waters.

A Nature Center has many cool animals like Rex their bearded dragon. He loves fresh greens and likes to stretch his legs in the planetarium. Other animals the children enjoy are Curly – a curly tailed lizard, rabbits, turtles, and fish.

Rocky Fork Rodeo gives youngsters a great chance to experience rodeo events at an early age.

Rocky Fork Rodeo, the oldest competitive youth rodeo in Ohio, is organized by the Rocky Fork Rodeo Company and takes place ten times a year in the Rocky Fork Ranch arena. It has been a source of fun, learning, competition, and a stepping stone to larger rodeo competitions since the 1990s. The rodeo season runs May – September rain or shine.

They wish to preserve the sport of rodeo while teaching sportsmanship, honest competition, and safety measures. There are over twenty events including bull, steer, and calf riding, team roping, goat tying, barrels, and flags. A small membership fee is required to participate and receive prizes. Youth ages two to nineteen by January 1st are welcome to take part. Public is welcome to watch this event.

Salt Fork Shooting Club held a Hot Shots Youth Team Trap Shoot.

Salt Fork Shooting Club is a private club organized in 1992 and has a clubhouse at Rocky Fork Ranch with target, trap, and archery ranges available for all Salt Fork Shooting Club members. Anyone interested can join their group for a reasonable fee.

The group is NRA affiliated and encourages organized rifle, shotgun, and pistol shooting among members of the community. They stress the important of knowledge of gun safety, proper care of guns, and improved marksmanship. They offer planned shooting events May through October.

Rocky Fork Resort’s mascot, Rocky the Raccoon, appeared at a recent Home Schow.

By cooperating with other organizations such as those listed above, Rocky Fork Ranch hopes to give back to the community. They also participate in many local events to promote their resort.

Aloha! Hula Dancers entertained campers at a recent Luau Weekend.

While visiting, I had the opportunity to witness one of their many exciting evening affairs with Hula Dancers from the big island of Hawaii. Volcano Choy and his family take you on a journey to the tropics. Volcano provides the vocal and instrumental music while their six daughters dance various hulas, which were taught to them by their mother, a former hula dancer. A young son demonstrates the fire dance. It’s a real family affair.

Campers enjoyed participating in hula lessons and became part of Rocky Fork Hula Troop.

Campers joined in the fun by participating in hula lessons for young and old on what their leader Volcano called Rocky Fork Hula Troop. Special events like this happen nearly every weekend like Christmas in July, Water Wars, Watermelon Crawl, or Dog Daze of Summer.

The beautiful old trees at Rocky Fork Ranch make being surrounded by nature a real pleasure. Many come from the city for a breath of fresh air. In the evening, the smell of the campfires relaxes the mind.

To learn more about Rocky Fork Ranch Resort visit their Facebook page. Call 888-829-6341 for more information or to make reservations.

Category:

Back Roads, Family Fun, Just for Fun, Nature, Ohio, Uncategorized

Tagged with:

A Simpler Thyme in the Kitchen

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” ~Hippocrates

Kitchens are where families spend quality time, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company. This is the place where memories of favorite foods transport us back to a simpler day.

Julia Brown’s idea for an herbal cookbook has been brewing for several years. Often at her workshops, she would serve a special herbal snack and people would say, “We need the recipe for that.” Many recipes were not even written down as grandmothers especially just put things together.

Another workshop talked about herbs from the Bible and their use then and now.

She recalls many recipes that her family used over the years to bring joy to their kitchen table. She did find a binder of her mother’s recipes a few years ago so that was a starting point. However, even following the recipe, the food didn’t taste exactly like mom’s. This required some experimenting, tasting, and revising to get things at their best and most of all adding that secret ingredient – love.

That was the beginning of collecting recipes from her mother, grandmothers, and other family members to use in a special cookbook – some she has spiced up just a little. This year she published her first cookbook, “A Simpler Thyme in the Kitchen.”

Amy Casey, Julia Brown, and Olivia Stock combined their talents for the book and have had several book signings.

Julia, the author, had a couple of friends help her with the setup of this book so it is not only filled with wonderful recipes but also has great photographs and illustrations. Olivia Stock, designer and photographer, took pictures of many of the recipes while Amy Casey, watercolor artist, drew illustrations throughout the book. When you combine the talents of these three ladies, you have a delightful book that is a showpiece.

The herb education cabin is a great place for workshops or for an overnight stay.

Julia has been interested in herbs for many years and has become a Certified Master Herbalist. Her family supports her love of herbs and their use on the table as well as for medicinal purposes. She has a small herbal education cabin, which you can also rent for an overnight stay. It’s located at 51953 County Rd. 186, Fresno.

The atmosphere inside the cabin is a great place for learning or relaxation.

In the cabin or in her garden, she shows the connection of farm-to-table and table-to-soul lifestyle during her workshops, which she holds a couple of times each month. Some workshops are make ‘n take, where participants might make a room spray, herbal essence, or her special Fire Cider. Other times she might focus on a particular herb and tell its medicinal and culinary uses. Visit her on Facebook under “A Simpler Thyme” for dates and more information on her programs.

Julia guides participants in the steps to make Fire Cider, a great remedy for a sore throat.

In today’s world, Julia said, “We have a society of convenience. People want things that are easy to heat. However, there is satisfaction from something homemade as it comes from the heart.”

After yoga class, the group enjoyed visiting one of her many herb gardens.

She also feels, “More people are planting little gardens now or even planting tomatoes in pots with the cost of food rising,” It seems we are going back to a time when growing our own food is becoming more popular. Many are even planting fruit trees and berries as an added source of good nutrition.

Talking to her, you can tell how excited she is about growing and preparing food that is nutritious and delicious. Her fervor for the use of herbs for culinary and medicinal uses has led her to write her first book.

Some of Amy’s illustrations can be found in almost every section of the book.

The first section of “A Simpler Thyme in the Kitchen” describes the beneficial properties of some popular herbs such as thyme of course, basil, garlic, and rosemary. Thyme is a herb that helps support the immune system and also has an anti-fungal and disinfectant property. During WWI and WWII, ladies would embroider thyme and its flowers on handkerchiefs to give to their beloved soldiers as a reminder of their courage and bravery.

The book is divided into sections for each season of the year. Spring Thyme, Summer Thyme…you get the idea. All of the recipes include some of those favorite herbs.

For example, Spring Thyme’s recipes for Zucchini Frittata with Mint & Basil or Marinated “Dandy” Greens are sure to please your family. Her edible salad bowl will certainly surprise your guests!

Summer Thyme includes a Shepherds Pie with an Herbal Flare and a Stuffed Pepper Soup. Between the recipes, you will find many interesting facts about Garden Folk Lore and Food for Thought.

Olivia’s photographs bring color and appeal throughout the herbal recipe book.

Autumn recipes include Pumpkin Soup, Jalapeno Cornbread, and Dinner in a Pumpkin. Find out interesting facts about those carved pumpkins at Halloween. Do you know why they call it a “Jack”-o-lantern?

Winter Thyme lists recipes for Hot Muller Wassail, Christmas Honey & Thyme Cookies, or Grandma Edna’s Spiced Christmas Beets. Learn more about Christmas legends regarding hanging Christmas stockings, putting a wreath on your front door, and why we kiss under the mistletoe.

If you would like to purchase a book, contact Julia Brown by messaging her on their Facebook page, or you can email her at brownjulia00@yahoo.com. She is also having several book signings, which are unique as they include speaking, signing, and sharing herbal snacks.

As you can tell, this book is more than a recipe book with beautiful photographs and illustrations. It is filled with delightful ancestral knowledge, wisdom, and recipes thanks to three ladies who used their God-given skills, talents, and strengths to make this cookbook a reality.

It’s thyme to make some memories in the kitchen!

Category:

Art, Gardens, health, Nature, Ohio, Uncategorized

Tagged with:

Salt Fork State Park Bigfoot Capital of Ohio

Bigfoot greets visitors at the entrance to the Wildlife Lounge in the Lodge.

Bigfoot, often called Sasquatch, is described as a very large, hairy creature from 7-15 feet tall with feet up to twenty-four inches long. His stories have been told since early days of life in North America and still live on in Ohio today.

Naturalist John Hickenbottom explains Sasquatchology at the Salt Fork Lodge.

John Hickenbottom, Salt Fork’s naturalist, presents Sasquatchology each month in the lodge at Salt Fork State Park, Bigfoot Capital of Ohio. Here you will hear tales of local Bigfoot lore. John’s recounting of personal experiences and eyewitness accounts adds to the excitement of Bigfoot.

Salt Fork Lodge is home to the annual Ohio Bigfoot Conference which draws large crowds.

Every year since 2012, the Ohio Bigfoot Conference is held there in the spring. This event attracts over 3,000 participants from as far away as Australia. Bigfoot enthusiasts and researchers share stories, compare scientific discoveries, and search for the hairy creature.

However, Salt Fork State Park is a source for exploration anytime of the year. It is the largest state park in Ohio with nearly 20,000 acres and most of that is covered in trees so Bigfoot has great places to dwell.

Many have heard knocks and howls along Bigfoot Ridge.

Everyone loves Bigfoot because it is a mystery that attracts people who like to search the woods and do research. John feels that exploring the legend of Bigfoot develops curiosity, scientific inquiry, and a deeper connection to nature. Many, like John, develop a personal interest in the subject. He takes a logical and scientific approach to all the stories he hears.

Every culture has Bigfoot stories to tell so John delves into historical encounters that contribute to Ohio’s rich Bigfoot lore. The 1869 wild man attack in Gallipolis, significant enough to incite a sheriff-led search, and Daniel Boone’s alleged encounter near Mount Sterling, Kentucky, are notable examples. John remarks, “These historical accounts… remind us of a time when the unknown created legends.”

Hosak’s Cave is one of the many hot spots for Bigfoot encounters.

As an expert in Ohio’s wildlife, John explores the specific areas within Salt Fork State Park associated with Bigfoot sightings. Some of the ‘hot spots’ for Bigfoot exploration at Salt Fork include Hosak’s Cave, which was inhabited 2500-4000 years ago by native people, and is known for both hoaxes and genuine footprint discoveries. In warmer months, John leads groups on Bigfoot Walks to the cave.

Group Camp at Salt Fork is a great place to exchange Bigfoot tales.

The Group Camp area is where families gather and stories are shared – tree knocks have been experienced here as well as a feeling of being watched. Bigfoot Ridge, named after an encounter with two Sasquatches, provides another place to explore as well as Morgan’s Knob where Bigfoot episodes have been taped. Pick up a map at the lodge’s front desk to guide you to these hot spots.

Bigfoot footprint casts were on display from several different sources.

Footprints are the evidence found the most that indicate Bigfoot was in the area. John was taken to Parker Road to see some footprints that appeared to be made by Bigfoot. These prints are large from 13 to 17 inches long. Several casts of the footprints from various places were on display during the talk. Many have also heard howls and knocks on the trees not only at Salt Fork State Park but all over the country.

Salt Fork State Park is however one of the squatchiest places in the US. John told the group, “All bets are off as to who might be interested.” These vary from an elderly woman who had attended a one-room school and saw a large creature outside the school window to the fisherman who saw large rocks being hurled into the water by an unseen source.

This area is called The Bleachers where Bigfoot watches the campers.

Bigfoot is a huge Touchstone for the conservation world. “We haven’t discovered everything yet.” While John enjoys exploring Bigfoot research, he has loved nature all his life and began volunteering with the naturalist at Salt Fork when he was 13 years old. He always knew he wanted to work at the park in the future.

After working at Hocking Hills, it was 2012 before he began working as a seasonal naturalist at Salt Fork Park, and in 2016 became full-time. His job is to educate the public about the joys of nature while they are on vacation. He enjoys taking youngsters out on nature walks where they discover the habitat of salamanders and snakes. There is a beautiful wildflower walk in the spring that goes to the Stone House.

John explains Bigfoot legends to visitors at the Home Show.

As you might expect, John and his family enjoy backpacking through the woods. He has a large collection of animal skulls which he shares during his botony presentations. John also teaches Botony in the fall where he is a member of the Zane State faculty.

Bigfoot has impacted the hearts, minds, and souls of people all across the planet. Sasquatch is out there capturing our imaginations. That is why John gives frequent Sasquatchology talks as well as walks through the park.

Their gift shop contains many memories of Bigfoot for you to take home with you.

“Having public land available for enjoyment and research is a privilege. We want Salt Fork State Park to be known as the Bigfoot Capital of Ohio.” For more information on dates and times for activities in nature at Salt Fork State Park, visit their website at www.saltforkparklodge.com or Facebook.

Bigfoot is not just a subject of folklore but a symbol of unspoiled wilderness area. Visit Salt Fork State Park sometime soon and perhaps you will get a glimpse of the mysterious Bigfoot.

Category:

Just for Fun, Nature, Ohio, Paranormal, Uncategorized, Wildlife

Tagged with:

Hershberger Petting Zoo

The Petting Zoo is just one part of the Hershberger Farm & Bakery complex.

Petting and feeding animals are things that most children enjoy. A trip to Hershberger Petting Zoo, located between Berlin and Millersburg in Amish Country, makes this possible in a friendly setting. An indoor barn holds many of the animals in pens for easy access but not too close for small children who might be a little afraid of petting these animals.

Mini-donkeys were located near King Buck for size comparison.

The pens hold pigs, chickens, geese, llamas, alpacas, and calves. There are also some free-roaming animals under cover like peacocks, rabbits, goats, and more. Pick up a rabbit and feel its soft hair or cuddle a piglet. If the child falls in love with a rabbit, you can even purchase one to take home with you.

Baby Piglets are always an attraction.

One mother told me, “My daughters get to pet and feed animals, we get to see them smile. The produce and fry pies are amazing also!”

Mother goat is very protective of her triplets.

Maybe you might even get lucky and a baby goat will let you pick it up. Baby animals are always favorites of children and adults. Often you will find animals that have wandered away from their cages. One small goat decided that my slacks would be a good snack but did no damage. That reminded me of an old song that I learned when beginning to play the piano.

Bill Grogan’s goat was feeling fine

Ate three red shirts right off the line.

Hershy’s King Buck is the largest horse every raised on their farm.

Children and adults will also like seeing and petting Hershy’s King Buck, a massive, registered Belgian horse – the biggest horse ever raised on their farm. He was born in September of 2021 and weighs 3,126 pounds. Feed King Buck a carrot to make him happy. He is amazing!

Their aviary holds a special attraction for those who enjoy close contact with the birds.

A large screened-in area contains an aviary, which holds many local and colorful birds with a variety of places for them to rest. Outside pens where the animals have more room to roam contain llamas, calves, ponies, and even longhorn cattle.

A large horse carousel entertained youngsters with a ride on a large draft horse.

There’s a live carousel inside where children can have a draft horse ride. This is not on King Buck but on some of the other beautiful, large horses at the farm. There are additional charges for the horse and buggy rides.

Buggy rides took visitors on a tour of the farm.

Take a relaxing ride in an Amish buggy while visiting. Kids and adults both enjoy the buggy rides, with stories by an Amish driver, that take you around the Hershberger Farm to see the animals out in pasture.

Goats like to climb on benches, platforms, and even the roof of the barn.

This is a family day that everyone is certain to remember. Don’t wear your Sunday best clothes even if you watch your step. Picking up the small animals is likely to get a little dirt on your clothing.

This young boy spent a lot of time feeding and petting the small goat.

Entry fee for the Petting Zoo is $5 per person. Kids 3 and under are admitted free. Take along some one-dollar bills or quarters so you can purchase whole carrots or sliced-up carrots to feed the animals. It’s always fun to have them eating out of your hand!

Most, especially moms, like to visit the Farm Store while they are there.

Before leaving, moms especially will want to visit the Farm Store or the on-site bakery where they can pick up some delicious cream sticks to eat in the shade or take home. Some think the bakery alone is a good reason to visit. Cheese and kettle corn are also available. There’s a place to get ice cream or a fresh Angus hamburger. There’s plenty of outdoor seating here to relax and enjoy a snack.

Hershberger’s Petting Zoo at 5452 State Route 557, Millersburg is open from March 1 – December 24. During that time they are always open from 10 – 4. Closed on Sunday throughout the year. Amish Country is a very busy place so visit on a weekday if you can. This is a place your children will want to go back to again and again.

Category:

Back Roads, Family Fun, Nature, Ohio, Uncategorized

Tagged with:

Did Ya Ever?

In today’s busy world, how often do you sit and watch the world go by? It’s not often, I’m sure, but perhaps you’ll want to try it someday.

Look up and watch the clouds drift slowly across the sky as they twist and curl. First, they look like a mountain, then quickly change to a boat gliding through the heavens. The colors in the sky vary from countless shades of blue and white to occasionally a dark cloud rolling by.

Drop down to the trees and notice how the leaves move in the gentle breeze. They bend and sway as if in a dance. In the spring, the trees are full of blossoms and when the wind blows, the blossoms appear as falling snow swirling through the air. In the summertime, you’ll find every shade of green imaginable hanging from tree branches.


Birds flutter from branch to branch and then try to find a morsel of something to eat when they drop to the ground. The colors of the birds are bright and cheery. Robins, bluejays, and cardinals are plentiful with an occasional woodpecker sounding his “Rat-a-tat-tat.”

On the ground is where you’ll find the most activity. Watch as a groundhog gives himself a treat by eating the flowers of the dandelion. See rabbits hopping along and a squirrel scampering up a tree. Don’t forget to smell the flowers.

Sit by a lake and watch the ducks, geese, or swans as they drift effortlessly across the water or duck their bills into the lake for a fresh fish dinner. Fish can easily be seen in the clear water as they glide from side to side.

Don’t forget to watch for the people that are in the scene as well. A little boy proudly walks with his dad as they each carry their fishing poles and bait buckets. You can tell this is not a new experience as the little boy puts the bait on the hook like an expert. Then they sit side by side as they wait for a bite.

Many walkers enjoy the beautiful day as they walk the paths around the lake. Not only is this good exercise but also gives them fresh air and sunshine. They get to watch the world through their eyes, also.

Did ya ever sit and watch the world go by? Try it someday soon.

Category:

Family Fun, health, Just for Fun, Nature

Tagged with:

Pea Ohana Watersports for a River Adventure

Want to drift down the river on a sunny afternoon? Pea Ohana Watersports in Zanesville might be the place for you to visit. There you can rent a river tube, kayak, or paddleboard so you can float or paddle the day away as you go down either the Licking or Muskingum Rivers. Opening Day is May 27, 2022.

Bear and Marissa Davis, owners, enjoy life on the river.

While the name may seem strange here in Ohio, Pea Ohana is a famous surfing hotspot in Hawaii on the North Shore of Oahu. That’s a favorite place for Bear Davis and his wife, Marissa to vacation. For added connection, Pea Ohana means Bear Family in Hawaiian. For Bear and Marissa, “Pea Ohana is not just a business, it’s a lifestyle.”

Bear’s ancestors came here from Wales and became coal miners in Coshocton. While the family still owns a farm in Coshocton, the family moved to Newark to work on the canal there. Bear remembers always being around the water. His family would take their boat to different rivers every chance they had.

Over the last several years, Bear has been a lacrosse coach in Division 1 schools and won championships there. He has actually coached lacrosse all over the world and today still helps to coach it in the inner-city in Columbus. But his love for being on the water was always in the back of his mind.

Business partners, Bear and Mark, greet those seeking an adventure on the river.

Bear began looking for a spot to open a business on the river and checked several places. A building became available under Weasel Boy Brewing at 126 Muskingum Avenue along the river in the Putnam district that seemed the perfect spot. There was also a restaurant, Muddy Miser, next door. Bear, his wife Marissa, and a friend Mark Sell are partners in this place for river fun.

Everyone gets their river tubes ready for departure.

At Pea Ohana you can rent kayaks, river tubes, or paddleboards for your adventure on the river. There is a large assortment as they have 700 river tubes, 70 kayaks, and 40 paddleboards at this time. Bear indicated, “Our plan is to create a hub for anything on the water for people who want to try something new.” Families have a blast making new memories on the river.

Group is organized for their gentle ride down the river.

There are different sizes and shapes of tubes to suit your taste. Some of their river tubes have a back support for extra comfort and even a cup holder to soothe your thirst as you drift on the river. Pick your favorite to take you down a four-mile ride on the wild and scenic Licking River over two sets of rapids. Enjoy a splash through the water.

A group of kayaks and river tubes enjoy drifting down the river.

The colorful kayaks come in two shapes. Some of them you can sit down in and others you sit on top. It’s all according to your preference. There are also cooler tubes to carry drinks and snacks for your time of relaxation.

This passenger/equipment bus takes passengers to the starting point of their ride.

They might drop you off in their equipment bus at Dillon Falls for a four-mile stretch on the Licking River. Some make the trip in an hour and a half while others prefer to drift lazily for maybe four hours. Another route begins at their headquarters and goes four miles down the Muskingum River. If you have your own kayak, they are happy to arrange drop-off and pick-up for you.

The fun begins on the bus ride!

Paddleboards are something new and Bear feels it is important to be ready for the experience. It begins at Historic Lock #10 where you first have a yoga class by Yoga Booth to loosen up the muscles for the adventure of using the paddleboard up and down the historic Muskingum River canal in downtown Zanesville.

Great view of the Y Bridge happens along the journey.

While floating down the Muskingum River, passing under the famous Y-bridge is a highlight of the trip. Pea Ohana provides guided tours for the beginner on up. Bear, River Fun Engineer, feels, “A trip to the river with Pea Ohana will be a fun and relaxing way to escape life’s worries for a few hours.”

Pea Ohana provides a great place for family fun.

Everything is done on an individual basis with each person having their own kayak or tube. They do encourage everyone to go with a group for safety purposes and a new group begins hourly as needed. Along the route, there are checkpoints to make certain that no one is having a problem and that all are on track.

Raymond Ramos painted this mural inside the activity center.

Corporate or birthday parties give people a chance to know others on a different level. It’s a relaxing atmosphere to talk with your fellow drifters as you go down the river. After the trip, they have a 6,000 sq. ft. room where you can have a birthday or corporate party.

If you are quick, you might even catch a fish.

They are also opening a site in Columbus this summer at the Boat House Restaurant at 679 Spring Street in Confluence Park. Here you can drift down the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers.

Kayaks and tubes are available for rent Friday through Sunday at Pea Ohana Watersports in Zanesville. Fees for the kayak rentals are $35. Tube rentals are $25. Call 740-297-8798 to make an appointment for an outing Monday through Thursday. Live life today!

Visit their website at http://www.peaohama.com for more information and to make reservations. Take time this summer to enjoy the great outdoors with your family. Bear reminds guests, “ Make magic happen on the river this summer.”

Category:

Family Fun, Nature, Ohio, Uncategorized, Zanesville

Tagged with:

Great Guernsey Trail Provides Variety of Activities

Enjoy the view from the observation deck at Coal Ridge Park.

Spring is in the air! Take a leisurely walk or bike ride down the seven-mile Great Guernsey Trail that goes from East Cambridge to Lore City. It’s a smooth walk or ride as the trail is paved with asphalt and fairly level. So whether you’re a walker, runner, skateboarder, or cyclist, the trail provides a great place to exercise surrounded by the peacefulness of nature.

This bridge on the trail crosses over Leatherwood Creek.

This all began as a rails to trails project along the old tracks of the CSX Railroad. Leatherwood Creek runs beside the trail for much of the way so you can expect to see waterfowl on your walk. You might also see rabbits, squirrels, bald eagles, deer, and other wildlife as well. You’ll be surprised at all you will discover as you explore the Great Guernsey Trail.

A child walks the trail with their dog. Photo by Cassie Clarkson Photography

Ron Gombeda, Director of CDC which supervises the trail, explained, “The natural beauty along the trail makes it a great place to visit. The habitat assortment of wetlands, woodlands, and creek makes it a great place to view a variety of wildlife.” This trail has recently been given the honor of being designated a National Recreation Trail by the Department of the Interior.

At the Corduroy Road trailhead in East Cambridge, you will find the Guernsey County Archery Range with an elevated shooting platform and the Trailside Skate Park suitable for skateboarding and rollerblades. The Trailside Concession stand sells prepackaged snacks, drinks, and bicycle repair kits during hours of operation. They even have a charger for electric cars at a nominal fee!

The dog parks are a great place to let your dog run free and get some exercise.

Great Guernsey Trail Dog Parks can be found at the Corduroy and the Lore City Trailheads. Dogs like to play too and this gives them a fenced-in place to run freely.

Lore City Park provides the other trailhead for Great Guernsey Trail and has plenty of parking.

The Lore City Trailhead has restrooms, drinking water, and a beautiful playground for the children. It’s also a historical site with a sign telling the story of Civil War General John Hunt Morgan stopping at what was then Campbell’s Station and causing havoc along the famous Morgan’s Raiders Trail.

You might be lucky enough to spot a deer during your walk or ride.

A new trail has been added near the 1.5-mile marker that links the Great Guernsey Trail with Coal Ridge Park and Trails. While the trails here are still unimproved, you’ll find observation platforms and a large pond for fishing and kayaking.

Melissa West and Karly Lyons work on the Earth Science feature at the trail.

Earth Science Education Stations have been created through the assistance of Karly Lyons. These have been placed at various spots along the trail and filled with rocks, fossils, minerals, and other earth-related materials. Learn a little more about our world as you travel the trail.

Find Little Free Libraries along the trail at Cambridge, Kipling, and Lore City.

A Little Free Library has been added to the trail so people can pick up books and leave ones they have already read to share with others. Adult and children’s books are usually available in boxes at Cambridge, Kipling, and Lore City.

Cambridge Rotary and Buckeye Trail students help plant a Butterfly Garden along the trail.

During the spring and summer months, enjoy the many wildflowers that grow along the trail. Stop by the Butterfly Garden which was started by Laura Dunlap. The Cambridge Rotary Club and Buckeye Trail students have helped with planting flowers there to attract the butterflies. It’s a nice stop along the trail.

A Sensory Path provides a series of movements for kids to follow.

There are frequent markers so you know how far you have gone. Benches also appear quite often so you have a place to rest if needed. They’ve thought about everyone when designing this trail.

Families enjoy the wheelchair accessible path.

For those using wheelchairs, the trail is accessible for a relaxing drive in the fresh air. Parking and restrooms are available at the beginning and end of the trail with a portable restroom located midway down the trail.

Three times during the year, the trail sponsors a 5K/10K/ Family Fun Walk with a half marathon, which attracts around 250 participants. The first one will be on May 21 followed by one in August and then December for those who enjoy the cold. All proceeds go to improvements at the trail.

In October, Treats on the Trail gathers at the Lore City Park. There may be close to a thousand people at this event. It is a free event and open to the public with costume contest, prizes, and raffles. Treats are given by many local businesses from Cambridge to Kipling and Lore City.

Maintenance keeps the trail trimmed and cleared all year long.

When it snows, there are a few cross-country skiers who get out early and use the trail before the maintenance crew clears the trail for walkers and bikers. It’s amazing how many different uses this trail has developed and they have plans for more. A five-mile obstacle trail course could be their next project.

Great Guernsey Trail has become a popular spot for outdoor exercise making it necessary to add extra parking at the Corduroy Trailhead. It’s the place where walkers, runners, bicyclists, cross-country skiers, and birdwatchers gather.

Make plans now to enjoy sunshine in nature as you travel the trail at any season of the year.

Category:

Family Fun, Just for Fun, Nature, Ohio, Uncategorized, Wildlife

Tagged with: