GO JUMP IN A LAKE
Yesterday’s layover was great! Highlights: 1) Spending time with Aaron & Donna - Aaron a friend from Seattle who moved to Cleveland in 1998. Donna, his wife, whom I had not met, 2) A massage - my first. I needed it! 3) The VanAken food court, including outdoor performances - of course followed by ice cream!
Thank you Aaron & Donna!
Today was an easy day, the intent to get some miles under my belt to make the remaining trip to Niagara Falls a bit less arduous.
I left Aaron & Donna’s around 11. The route took me through the North Chagrin Nature Reservation, very beautiful. The Chagrin River was flowing full and muddy. There has been a lot of rain here.
After leaving the Nature area I entered suburbia. There was nothing that struck me as extreme one way or the other, just good solid Americana, notably devoid of political signs, fortunately.
I went through downtown Painesville and was struck by the juxtaposition of the architecture, court house, Methodist Church and a new office building.
A bit later I travelled through Perry. I stayed in Perrysburg a few nights ago, which is adjacent to Perrysville, and now Perry.
I assume the “Perrys” were named after Oliver Hazard Perry who won the Battle of Lake Erie against the British in the War of 1812. From Wikipedia - He is also known for his message to General William Henry Harrison which reads in part, "We have met the enemy and they are ours; ..."
Pushing on east, more suburbia. I had to stop for a rootbeer float!
This ranch style house caught my eye, not sure why. Maybe because it is not what I think of as a “Normal” ranch type house. Frank Lloyd Wright influence?
A short bit later and I came upon a park with lake access so I took the plunge into Lake Erie. It is so much warmer than Puget Sound or the Gulf of Maine!
A few miles later, with a big sub sandwich in hand I arrived at Geneva State Park around 5:30.
By the numbers:
Dist 44.4 miles
Elev Gain 1,115 ft
Elev Loss 1,359 ft
Moving Time 3:47
Yikes! A root beer float followed by rigorous excercise? You are one tough Dude! Love the various architecture pic’s - fascinating after so much of your nature countryside photojournalism. When it comes to the miles to go countdown, my only advice is - err on the long side! I am sure you remember those annoying coxswain calls in a tough practice. “last 20 !” followed by “ just 15 more”. Followed 20 strokes later by “just 12 more!” Followed by not repeatable here expletives from most of the boat! Ride safe! Tim
ReplyDeleteLooks like you saw a possible Frank Lloyd Wright house (or one of his many students).
ReplyDeleteFinally, you got into Lake Eire. I am surprised it wasn't colder. Your guess on the Perries is probably right -- it surely wasn't Perry Como. That house does look like something Frank Lloyd Wright would do, or one of his minions. The conclomerate architechture in Painesville reminded me of other midwest towns where 19th centure buildings are kept in use and new ones built alongside. I am glad these town don't tear down their history.
ReplyDeleteI found Geneva State Park on my bike map. We went past there to Conneaut. Root beer float, sub sandwich, shorter mileage and hopefully no rain storms. Sounds like a good day. Relax and ride on .... eg
Good company, a massage, ice cream, a swim in Lake Erie, a sub sandwich, and you're almost on the home stretch....things are looking up. I am going to miss the vicarious cross country adventure you have provided us after you finally arrive in Maine.
ReplyDeleteDitto your brother’s comments.
ReplyDeleteYou’re in a groovy groove!
Enjoy, we certainly are!
I am also going to miss the travel blog, but expect you will be happy to take a dip in the cool waters of the Atlantic ocean!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid, Painesville was old school - with a two story brick business district throughout to go with the square, which is sorta like it used to be. Painesville is named after Thomas Paine - revolutionary war firebrand. and the Perry villes, city, townships are absolutely after the 1812 Admiral. My ancestors moved to that area from Vermont around 1800, probably because they got land in lieu of pay from the revolutionary war.
ReplyDeleteBruce Densmore