tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51746016934765991392024-03-13T08:36:19.346-07:00River RamblingsLiving in Northwest Ohio's River Region is a great thing. We like to pass along our experiences and are interested in yours - live and share with us!NW Ohio River Regionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11965513011587162837noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174601693476599139.post-30246080910517950062012-08-19T19:42:00.000-07:002012-08-19T19:42:08.120-07:00Henry County Ribfest 2012<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How many pigs can you fit inside a Wildcat? …the
answer: 26 (Give or take a few)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyGmPH6gCDI/UDGi3PsrWNI/AAAAAAAABeY/Vjaj0ZVRa8Y/s1600/ribfest2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyGmPH6gCDI/UDGi3PsrWNI/AAAAAAAABeY/Vjaj0ZVRa8Y/s320/ribfest2.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And that number gets bigger and bigger as we have
concluded yet another successful finger lickin’ evening. What are we even
talking about here? We are talking about the Henry County Ribfest. The Ribfest
takes place in the crossroads of downtown Napoleon; West Washington and Perry
St. This is the same intersection that has become the canvas for a giant
Wildcat Mascot that is painted on the asphalt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know, this sounds like an interesting event; you
bet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband and youngest son
ventured on down to get our “grub” on. There were 13 different rib vendors and
the pressure was on to find the perfect rib. We couldn’t lose no matter where
we visited. Because, every vendor was a not for profit organization that got to
keep one hundred percent of their earned proceeds for the evening. Some smoked
their ribs while others grilled them. There were all sorts of preparations
happening…for the love of pork!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuFl-oG6A3s/UDGjKPUqM1I/AAAAAAAABeg/dmISVTS1xIk/s1600/ribfest3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuFl-oG6A3s/UDGjKPUqM1I/AAAAAAAABeg/dmISVTS1xIk/s320/ribfest3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So you don’t like ribs, no worries, there were
pulled pork sandwiches, french fries and ice cream. Perhaps, you wanted to come
for the suds. Not soap, but an ice cold beer. No matter what your flavor was
you would be sure to fill your belly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And for dessert you would find your way to the south end of the venue
and be entertained by live music by the Menus. The band played for hours while
the lead singer kept us anticipating the next song or “creative” costume. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNsj228jg34/UDGjcGOtKQI/AAAAAAAABeo/kXy8lbIrkvY/s1600/ribfest4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNsj228jg34/UDGjcGOtKQI/AAAAAAAABeo/kXy8lbIrkvY/s320/ribfest4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Needless to say, every boy and girl, young and old
experienced a fun filled evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were laughing, singing, dancing and sending their pallets into sensory
overload. Yes, it was as much </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">fun as it sounds and I can’t wait to do it all
over again; next June!</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Article and photos submitted by Teresa Hillis</span><br />
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08137369516140517748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174601693476599139.post-57646537932276549872012-05-14T06:33:00.000-07:002012-05-14T06:33:07.034-07:00Bicycling along the MaumeeThere are many places along the Maumee River to Bicycle. Either on- road or off-road.<br />
The views of the river are inspiring, and many bicyclists love to cycle in the Northwest Ohio River Region. See for yourself by watching the brief video !<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0M_YbA90SSQ?rel=0" width="420"></iframe>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08137369516140517748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174601693476599139.post-17851843817754785052012-03-12T20:35:00.002-07:002012-04-29T16:43:05.563-07:00Prairie Des Mascoutins<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYtDwp9CAjI/T169jkOMsNI/AAAAAAAABUc/B9nWpf5l2JE/s1600/genimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYtDwp9CAjI/T169jkOMsNI/AAAAAAAABUc/B9nWpf5l2JE/s320/genimage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historical Marker at junction of <br />
US Route 24 and State Route 109.<br />
Photo provided by Bob Morrison</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I hike along the Old Towpath Trail- now known as the Buckeye Trail and The National Park Service’s North Country Trail- in Henry County Ohio, I am continually immersed in the scenic beauty of the natural surroundings. The glimpses of the State Scenic River, the bare woods, the musty scent of the damp earth finally unlocked from its frozen state, and the sounds of twigs and leaves snapping and crunching underfoot makes me appreciate winter’s yielding, and the promise of springtime emerging. Warmer temperatures ride the southern breezes that rattle and shake the barren timber canopy overhead, as if to say: “Wake you trees from your silent winter slumber!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I continue my hike, and appreciate the natural beauty of the Trail, I have also come to appreciate the rich history surrounding the Tow Path Trail, as teamsters once drew canal boats through the Miami & Erie Canal<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>here with their teams of mules and Oxen. I can visualize Nineteenth Century <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>life here that was centered on transportation and commerce around these canals- the “super highways” of their time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Occasionally, I am reminded of more history which even predates the Canals! It is documented that the French were the first Europeans to explore this area. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Maumee River was a historical Trade Route used by the French. As the French traders and trappers explored this part of the continent in the 1600 and 1700’s, they came to discover that this river was part of a water transportation route connecting their settlements in Quebec with their settlements on the Gulf of Mexico- including New Orleans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Traveling from Quebec by boat west up the St Lawrence River and across Lake Ontario. Then to Portage up Niagara Escarpment and around the Falls, all the way to the western end of Lake Erie. Then entering the Maumee River (Miami of the Erie) and ascending it all the way to its headwaters near Kekionga- an Indian town (present day Fort Wayne, Indiana) Then a brief five mile portage to the headwaters of the Wabash River. From here, traveling downriver clear until it empties into the Ohio River, then into the Mississippi River, and down to New Orleans. The entire distance by water- save 2 land portages totaling less than 50 miles!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88zzu6dpWQk/T160EpSRAAI/AAAAAAAABUU/MnuClrHi-7M/s1600/genimage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88zzu6dpWQk/T160EpSRAAI/AAAAAAAABUU/MnuClrHi-7M/s320/genimage2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historical Marker at Junction of<br />
US Route 24 and State Route 109.<br />
Photo Provided by Bob Morrison</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So it is not a surprise that French and Native American settlements occurred here along the Trade Route known as The Maumee River. One such settlement was named “Prairie Des Mascoutins”. As I read the text on the front of the historical marker, I am so amazed to contemplate the events of those days, and the fact that here I stand over 250 years later on the same piece of ground! The text on the rear of the marker tells a yet more recent history as much armed conflict and strife occurred here as European settlement of the Maumee Valley unfolded. It was not a peaceful process, as the Native Americans, The French, The British, the New American Continental forces engaged in many conflicts in both the French & Indian Wars, and finally the second war of independence- The War of 1812. Not until the conclusion of the War of 1812 did the North Coast of the United States, and our Northern border become established.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Historical Marker here at this site bears witness to much of what happened here! Click here to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="http://www.remarkableohio.org/HistoricalMarker.aspx?historicalMarkerId=547" target="_blank">Read the Text</a> of the Markers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Contained in The Henry County Historical Society's Oral History Collection, is a transcript told by Genevieve Eicher- a Wyandotte Indian Decendant- as to the location of this settlement. Click Here to<a href="http://www.henrycountyhistory.org/GEicher.html" target="_blank"> Read the Transcript</a> of the Oral History narrative.</span></div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08137369516140517748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174601693476599139.post-8040627058779719222011-10-13T10:16:00.001-07:002012-02-24T18:27:02.494-08:00While Hiking on the Buckeye Trail...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLm7mDLT0N0/TpTw-Q51pQI/AAAAAAAAAso/e-C-p_9WvMU/s1600/bobm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLm7mDLT0N0/TpTw-Q51pQI/AAAAAAAAAso/e-C-p_9WvMU/s320/bobm2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Historical Marker, Ritter Park, Napoleon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #274e13;">Civil War Camp Latty <br />
was all around Me!<span style="font-size: small;"></span></span> </span></div><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">On Saturday, October 8, 2011, while hiking along the Buckeye Trail / North Country Trail through Henry County Ohio, I came upon the leg of trail that goes through the city of Napoleon along the Maumee River. Here along the River, the trail goes through Ritter Park and the boat docks area. As I hiked through there on that crystal clear autumn afternoon, the sun was bright, the sky was blue without a cloud in it, and the temperature was</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">unseasonable but pleasantly warm- near 80 degrees!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">As I hiked west past the boat docks, I continued into Ritter Park, where an amazing event was taking place. Just being unveiled and dedicated, was a brand new Historical Marker which now and hereafter will note the location and significance of "Camp Latty". This camp was a famous Civil War camp which was used to muster the 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry during this tragic war. The new marker tells the amazing story, which plants a curiosity in viewers to want to learn more of this famous place. This marker and great event was sponsored by the <a href="http://www.henrycountyhistory.org/">Henry County Historical Society.</a></span><br />
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</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pniA202TfkI/TpT4ttJa1KI/AAAAAAAAAs4/mNTrIZ3xIh4/s1600/160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pniA202TfkI/TpT4ttJa1KI/AAAAAAAAAs4/mNTrIZ3xIh4/s320/160.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Civil War Era Encampment</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #274e13;">As I continued my hike, I came upon a number of historical reenactors, who were dressed in civil war era clothing. There were men who dressed in soldiers' attire, and women and children who tended to the homes while the soldiers were away at war. They occupied various tent structure</span>s <span style="color: #274e13;">which were authentic replications of those actually used. In addition, there were various demonstrations and exhibits of various aspects of what life was like during the civil war era. Complete with many accoutraments of the time, the</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">exhibit was facinating, informative, and entertaining.</span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ5-VZYaM9k/TpT5VcyQe-I/AAAAAAAAAtA/itS2haRueLs/s1600/bobm7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ5-VZYaM9k/TpT5VcyQe-I/AAAAAAAAAtA/itS2haRueLs/s320/bobm7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Civil War Medical Equipment Display</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #274e13;">It seemed as though I was a time traveler and had hiked backwards in time to a life very different that what I am used to now. I decided to end my hike for the day here in Ritter Park. As I spent some time here with the re-enactors, I enjoyed the experience and wondered about what it was like at Camp Latty. 2011 marks the first year for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. There are many events</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">happening around Ohio for the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. I will visit the Ohio Civil War 150 web-site to discover more Civil War events around Ohio. Until Then... see you on the </span><span style="color: #274e13;">trail! Also to learn more about other Ohio Civil War Events for the sesquicentennial,<a href="http://www.ohiocivilwar150.org/"> Click Here!</a> ....Photos supplied by Bob Morrison and Bill Morey.</span>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08137369516140517748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174601693476599139.post-7651765433374942242011-08-29T18:17:00.000-07:002011-08-29T18:26:31.094-07:00August on the Auglaize River<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSCL3X4ZLVY/Tlw8Lx8HEzI/AAAAAAAAAA4/SJa8WgFWrMs/s1600/100_6218.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646454205897446194" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSCL3X4ZLVY/Tlw8Lx8HEzI/AAAAAAAAAA4/SJa8WgFWrMs/s320/100_6218.JPG" /></a>
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<br />*llh*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11464266723878170178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174601693476599139.post-67426107169579760182011-08-29T18:07:00.000-07:002011-08-29T18:13:19.054-07:00Carving the glass...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8rMwkmEikA/Tlw4GcSo_OI/AAAAAAAAAAo/EPsLJa2fcwQ/s1600/100_6236.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646449716140506338" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8rMwkmEikA/Tlw4GcSo_OI/AAAAAAAAAAo/EPsLJa2fcwQ/s320/100_6236.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><div>The Auglaize River in Defiance and Paulding Counties is "as smooth as glass" for skiing enthusiasts. </div>
<br />*llh*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11464266723878170178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174601693476599139.post-5031240030031551852011-08-29T17:55:00.000-07:002011-08-29T18:05:38.709-07:00Last Days of Summer<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-83bhQ4ciFWE/Tlw24yaJcoI/AAAAAAAAAAg/2mVoT-dNA7Q/s1600/100_6211.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646448382047777410" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-83bhQ4ciFWE/Tlw24yaJcoI/AAAAAAAAAAg/2mVoT-dNA7Q/s320/100_6211.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><div>Boating activity on the Auglaize River, Paulding County.</div>
<br />*llh*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11464266723878170178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174601693476599139.post-29807121934006606802011-08-12T01:32:00.000-07:002011-08-12T01:42:30.109-07:00The Sandbar<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-241BJ1MO33I/TkTlZ11HRiI/AAAAAAAAAAY/JmU8NFpmcRw/s1600/100_6149.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639884865484047906" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-241BJ1MO33I/TkTlZ11HRiI/AAAAAAAAAAY/JmU8NFpmcRw/s320/100_6149.JPG" /></a> Weekend Boaters gather each week on the Auglaize River in Paulding County, just across the Defiance County line. Put your boat in the water at Five Mile boat launch and head south on the river. Can't miss it!
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<br />*llh*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11464266723878170178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174601693476599139.post-43142121719305470842011-07-28T17:04:00.000-07:002011-07-28T17:04:00.983-07:00Buckeye Trail Work Party Builds More Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-Ik_7aWqvA/TjH4d41rfEI/AAAAAAAAAos/VS4iz8HpYc8/s1600/iPhotoiPhoto-mailtmp-200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-Ik_7aWqvA/TjH4d41rfEI/AAAAAAAAAos/VS4iz8HpYc8/s320/iPhotoiPhoto-mailtmp-200.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><strong>North Country Trail </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><strong>Work Continues</strong></span></div><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">From June 18 through June 22, 2011, volunteers from The Buckeye Trail Association, and local volunteers held a "Work Party" on the Trail. The objective was to clear the last segment of Trail in the Eastern side of Henry County. And after all the dust had settled, the last mile of the trail in Henry County was finally cleared ! Thanks to the 10 Buckeye Trail Volunteers, and the 12 local volunteers who worked their magic on the trail and cut through all the dense underbrush to finally complete the final section of trail to open in Henry County. As a result of this effort, the Buckeye Trail, and The North Country Trail is now cleared all through Henry County from West To East! The Trail now Connects Independence Dam in the West to Providence Dam in the East! Approximately 20 plus miles of trail now open! The Work Party went well, and according to Joe Krueger, Henry County Park District Commissioner, several ladies from St Patrick's Catholic Church <span style="font-family: inherit;">in Providence cooked breakfast for them each morning except Sunday. Breakfast was so good, they stayed Tuesday night to have breakfast before leaving Wednesday morning. Kind thanks to all the Trail Volunteers, and also the ladies from St. Patrick's! Click on the photos to the right to view slide show. Photos supplied by Bob Morrison. Thanks again to all! </span></span>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08137369516140517748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174601693476599139.post-50339681562259206262011-07-28T16:58:00.000-07:002011-07-28T16:59:01.084-07:00National Trails Day Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w6LxFpM08ZI/TjH3MuRgXNI/AAAAAAAAAok/uDuHBXYBLL8/s1600/Trail_Event_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w6LxFpM08ZI/TjH3MuRgXNI/AAAAAAAAAok/uDuHBXYBLL8/s320/Trail_Event_1.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #993300;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Local groups hosted<br />
National Trails Day<br />
Trail Awareness Event</span> </span></span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #006600;">The Henry County Park District, The Buckeye Trail Association, and The Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor hosted an American Hiking Society's National Trails Day - Trail Awareness Event. The event was held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at the Wayne Park Shelter House in Napoleon, Ohio. Volunteers from all the groups were on hand to answer questions, provide information, and to act as trail guides to the hikers who attended the event. Special Thanks to The Henry County Transportation Network, who shuttled small groups of hikers out to the trail so they could hike back to the shelter house. Some took a brief 1 mile hike, while others took a longer 5 mile hike. Also a special thanks to the Local Boy Scouts who were on hand preparing and selling lunch treats to all ! Thanks to all who supported National Trails Day in Henry County, Ohio! (Photos Provided by Jim Rebar- Thanks, Jim!)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGela9ldKlE/TjH3YwK30eI/AAAAAAAAAoo/06zCClgp9YA/s1600/Trail_Event_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGela9ldKlE/TjH3YwK30eI/AAAAAAAAAoo/06zCClgp9YA/s400/Trail_Event_2.jpg" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08137369516140517748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174601693476599139.post-69773813402109912632011-04-17T14:29:00.000-07:002011-04-17T14:55:31.077-07:00Spring Has Sprung!!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjoEIua1Bzg/TatcUksKSAI/AAAAAAAAAkg/kCVRbQUOfk0/s1600/100_0979.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596668470454011906" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjoEIua1Bzg/TatcUksKSAI/AAAAAAAAAkg/kCVRbQUOfk0/s320/100_0979.jpg" /></a> <span style="color:#3366ff;">As the days begin to get a little longer, and the frigid winter air finally begins to wane, its hard not to notice the bright and cheerful Daffodils. Their jubilance and bright yellow colors dance upon the spring breezes that frequent the Northwest Ohio River Region. The emergence of these triumphant and colorful beauties makes a bold statement that despite the lingering chill in the air, Spring is finally here!!! While walking along West Riverview Avenue in Napoleon, I couldn't help but notice all the Delights of the Daffodils in many yards of the quaint houses along the avenue. So many places I looked, I noticed these bright and bold beauties. They are a sign of the parade of colors yet to come, as spring begins to unfold after a long cold and dark winter!! I also walked along Clinton and Webster Streets in Napoleon, by the Henry County Historical Society's beautifully restored Doctor John Bloomfield Home. The entire length of the sidewalk was lined with these darling daffodils. Its worth the trip just to enjoy all the beautiful color.</span>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08137369516140517748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174601693476599139.post-84695229041355291612011-03-01T16:57:00.000-08:002011-03-01T17:06:36.143-08:00Winter Hiking Odyssey<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1HfdW4jTsA/TW2WmXaUoxI/AAAAAAAAAf8/Os_nT_iPIG4/s1600/100_0841.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579281099245527826" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1HfdW4jTsA/TW2WmXaUoxI/AAAAAAAAAf8/Os_nT_iPIG4/s320/100_0841.jpg" /></a> <span style="color:#003333;">Today I venture out walking after the heavy snows from last week. As cabin fever sets in, I love to get outdoors to chase it away! The snow is abundant from two major storms last week… one was expected, and one surprised us all – even the weather forecasters. I am bundled up in winter attire and walking down onto the Miami & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Western Henry County, just east of the Village of Florida. The trail is part of the US National Park Service’s “North Country Trail”. Arriving on the trail I am completely intrigued. As often as I frequent the trail in other seasons, I am seldom here in Winter. The setting takes on a completely new and refreshing ambiance. The giant trees and dense underbrush-once teeming with growth and leaves now stand naked yet draped with snow in their silent slumber. On one side of me is the Maumee River- frozen solid with ice nearly two feet thick, on the other side is the Miami & Erie Canal. The sky overhead looms with grey and is heavily overcast. The air is still and weighs heavy with dampness. From indoors it may seem dreary, but outdoors on the trail, the grayness takes on a magical and mystical quality. I am standing in snow up to my knees. I am the first to walk on this trail through all this snow, as I trudge through the knee deep virgin powder. It’s refreshing how quiet and serine it is here. There is nearly complete silence. All the snow on the ground and the trees acts like a giant sponge, absorbing and muffling all the sounds. Occasionally I hear a dog bark in the distance, but that too is muted and silenced by the abundant snow. It is difficult as I continue walking through the deep powder. I must lift my feet very high with each step to overcome the depth of the snow. As I stop to catch my breath and snap some photos, I begin to feel the cold settle in. Winter’s Chill is invigorating, yet I must respect this force of Nature. I must keep moving to generate warmth for my body so it does not succumb to the forces of the ambient cold. If I were to stay down on the trail for any length of time, I would scout a place out of the wind to start a fire for warmth. Knowing I will return home shortly, I dismiss that notion and keep moving. As I strain sinking in this knee-deep powder, I can immediately see how snow-shoeing here would enable me to walk farther. The oversized shoes would prevent me from sinking into the snow, Next time I will bring snow shoes, but as I return to my world off the trail, I am re-invigorated, and my cabin fever is no more. </span>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08137369516140517748noreply@blogger.com