POST 1123; MAY 27, 2013; CIRCLEVILLE, OHIO

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Since checking in at Mc Arthur Motel, I have seen none of the staff.  At checkout in the morning...again, no one.  So, I left some $$ on the Lobby table with a note and e-mail address..."..if you need more $$, let me know..."

Looks as though the "Hotel" is no longer in operation...Tammy having made a special exception for me to stay the night.

Walked across the street for a bite of breakfast...then SAM and ME walked North on SR 93.

Please say HELLO to ASHLIN...who served breakfast at Mama Renie's. 

Ashlin is a Freshman in college, studying to become a RN (Registered Nurse)...and then continue her education to become a Doctor of Medicine.

State Route (SR) 93, heading out of McArthur, Ohio.

Tomorrow is MEMORIAL DAY...many cemeteries are decorated with flowers for the occassion.

Please say HELLO to VIC.  Vic chased after SAM and ME to discover what we were up to.  We chatted for at least 1/2 hour before SAM and ME continued north on SR 93.

Many will remember this vehicle...perhaps the first in history...belonging to FRED of FLINTSTONE fame.

SR 93, which we walked and rolled some 10 miles before intersecting with SR 56, which we will follow for the next few days.

Many very old farms along SR 93 and SR 56.

Click the images to enlarge...celebration of Ohio Bicentennial (1803 - 2003)

Whereas SR 93 was very wide and nearly flat, SR 56 is quite narrow and a continuous chain of steep hills and curves.  SR 56 is rather heavily travelled by tourists heading for the local Caves...ASH CAVE and OLD MAN'S CAVE. 

I stopped at ASH CAVE, which last year presented a spectacular waterfall crashing to the sandy floor from the overhead roof about 100 feet high.  This year, there was only a trickle of water falling...quite a disappointment for me...my photographs were quite non-spectacular, so are not included here.

OLD MAN CAVE is a ways off SR 56, and I was pooped from pushing SAM up and down so many steep hills...so, I did not take the time to go see that cave.

Some of the more temperate undulating hills of SR 56.

Please say HELLO to GREG, JULIE, and NICK...visiting from the State of Michigan.

Look closely at the stroller...it is a duplicate of my own SAM before I heavily modified her.   Both are manufactured in Canada...model CHARIOT.  SAM's modifications, however, are so extensive as to no longer look like the original Chariot.

SAM contemplating one of the many curves on SR 56.

This roadside barn carries a tobacco advertisement.  Last year, this same barnhad a different ad when I walked past.

Our objective for the day was the small village of LAURELVILLE, Ohio.  About 4 miles from Laurelville, rain clouds were gathering as we walked and rolled past the above church.  I stopped in, entered, an encountered two ladies...one 72 years old...the other, her Aunt at 94 years old.  They both agreed I should wait for the Pastor to arrive before setting up my sleeping bag in the roofed-over patio - in the background of the above photograph.

Pastor Jim quickly agreed I could stay the night under the patio roof's protection...also inviting me to attend the 7:00 pm services...which I did.

Lasting 1.5 hours, the first hour of the evening services was taken up by three members playing the piano, guitar, and all three singing...the membership did not join in...simply moved in time with the tempo of the many original pieces...mostly written and arranged by the male vocalist...husband of one of the two sisters making up the trio.  The music was quite pleasant...if a bit loud.

Then, Pastor Jim took over...I have often head of pastors really getting into preaching...but never before witnessed a performance put on by Pastor Jim.  Much of his message was machine gun rapid...I could catch every 5th word or so;  most of it was L O U D...interspersed with whisper quiet;  all in all, capturing the packed church member's attention and shouts of encourage..."you tell 'em, Jim...", but totally losing me. 

I did stay dry under the patio roof and got a good sleep interrupted only three times to go piddle.

SR 56, after leaving the severe ups and downs, became flat and very manageable as we continued the 4 miles into town (Laurelville), where I stopped in at the RIDGE RESTAURANT for an exceptional breakfast...

Rain continued to fall from before my packing up SAM at the church, until an hour or so after continuing West on SR 56 toward today's goal of the larger town of CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio.

The forrests and severe hills of SouthEast Ohio being behind us, the land became relatively flat.  A few meandering streams slowly moved under SR 56 bridges...and the one pond (swamp) above alone in the vastness of the surrounding grasslands.

A Cellar Door;  Some recall the 1930s song:  

Hide in my Rain Barrel,
Slide down my Cellar Door;

And we'll be Jolly Friends
For evermore!

A lazy shallow stream.

Look closely at the foreground of the above photograph...newly planted corn has sprouted in the past couple days...we are now walking through continuous corn fields...to be with us for the next 1,500 miles or so.

This quartet of true donkys serenaded SAM and ME as we stopped to take this photograph.  The fellow on the left was extremely vocal, bellering out a bleat to rival in decibles, that of Pastor Jim.

The horizon has moved many miles off into the distance.  Until reaching the Mississippi River, it will remain so.

Another slowly moving stream.  The locals call such a waterway a CRICK (Creek).  Out West, we also call such a stream of water a CRICK (Creek).

Please say HELLO to HARRY and LISA, who were driving by SAM and ME.  They did a "U" turn, and waited for us to walk up to them.  After exlaining our walk...in response to their ... "...what are you doing out here", both became somewhat religious, asking if we could pray together...which we (they) did.  Daughter VANESSA, in the back seat of their car, handed out three bottles of cold water to..."...help keep you hydrated...".  Harry also handed me a $20 bill, which we are using to help defray the cost of our motel room this evening...it is supposed to rain cats and dogs tonight.

SAM pondering our arrival at the town limits of CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio.

A town of 13,000 +, Circleville has big box stores and a number of motels...all located some two miles from town at the distant intersection of Route 32.  SAM and ME located a modest 1950 vintage motel in the center of town, where we have taken the $40.00 room for the night.

Please say HELLO to MARY ALICE BIRD...in Circleville for the Memorial Day holidays to visit family.  Mary asked me to sit with her - offering me lunch, which I had just "endured" at the local Chinese Buffet.  Mary and I chatted while she finished her lunch...she,quite knowledgeable about walking and the good health that results.

It is now 9:00 pm...this update is nearly complete...and as of yet, no rain.

In the morning, we will continue West on SR 56, attempting to reach the village of LONDON, some 35 miles distant.  During tomorrow, we will skirt the large city of COLUMBUS, Ohio by about 30 miles.

Must admit to being a bit tired.  Smoking is all the rage in this part of Ohio.  Sucking in second-hand smoke is causing my lungs to become congested...will be pleased when we find smoke-free digs.

POST 1122; MAY 25, 2013; MC ARTHUR, OHIO

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When last we shared this blog, we had crossed from West Virginia over the Ohio River, taking a room at the SUPER 8 Motel in the town of Gallipolis, Ohio.  That was four days ago!

SAM and ME have arrived this afternoon - Saturday, May 25, 2013, in the small historic town of MC ARTHUR, Ohio, where we have again taken a room in the HOTEL MC ARTHUR.  I say "again" because about this time last year, I also took a room at the Hotel McArthur, where I enjoyed Krazie Kattie and her staff.

But we are getting ahead of ourselves.  Our three previous days have been full of excitement and new - and old - friends...

The Ohio River, looking from Gallipolis, Ohio to the hills of West Virginia.

Gallipolis (pronounced:  GAL i POLICE)...not to be confused with the WWI battleground.  Here one finds the big box stores (WAL MART, K-MART, etc), as well as historic old town founded by the famous Frenchman...coming up !

Runaway Slaves - prior to the Civil War - were protected by an "Underground Railway", moving fugitives of slavery out of the South.  We have visited a couple of these hideaway locations before...there are more to come.

Some historic facts...on another of the many  "infomercial" signs found throughout the South.  Click to enlarge.

After walking from US 35 bridge over the Ohio River...then through Gallipolis...SAM and ME headed North and West on SR (State Road) 160...a journey through over 200 years of history, heading for SR 56 which we will follow to the State of Indiana.

Many old and elegant homes / properties ... and many more not so elegant ... we will pass along the way.

Now that we are West of the Mountaineer State (West Virginia), we find our first modest farm...discing the soil of the Ohio River Valley.  The next 75 or so miles will rise from the river up heavily wooded hills to the Ohio plains...where corn will become the primary crop...all the way to the Rocky Mountains, some 1,500 miles West.

An excellent way to insulate a home from HEAT and COLD...bury it in a wall of solid soil.

...and we still find painted mail boxes.

Please say HELLO to DAVID.  David hunted SAM and ME down...and in the process, got his pickup truck stuck on a slope of slippery tall grass...which I tried to help by pushing...to no avail.  We will meet David again, as he has invited SAM and ME to stop overnight at his home near the small town of VINTON, Ohio.

With a bumper crop of RAIN this Spring, Ohio is Green everywhere, including on many ponds.

We have also entered the land of the AMISH...folks who live on farms, performing most of the work by hand...and shunning cars for the preferred Horse and Buggy.  I did not meet up with any Amish Buggies, but did dodge quite a few horse droppings along the roadway pavement.

This gentlemen, I am sad to say, cannot be given a name...as after three days, I have forgotten it.  Try to write down all names, but this time, I failed.

Not often have we seen so many cows lying down on the job.

Vinton...home of David...and my "old" friends the McCoys, whom we shall meet today.

David and family live in a house trailer...with the above river running by it.

Please say HELLO to MICHAEL and SHAWNELLE.

SR 160 is the main drag of Vinton.

Please say HELLO to (l.) DILLON - DAVID - ALISSA.

I enjoyed a pleasant afternoon - and overnight in their home...Alissa giving up her bedroom to me...thank you again, Alissa.

Mom, LaDonna, works some 60 miles away, and got home so late that I, in the rush of things, failed to get a photograph of David's lovely wife.

David and Me.

David's home...the river scant feet behind the camera.

...next to this country road - crossed by a long abandoned railroad bridge.

SR 160 as SAM and ME head on in to the village of Vinton.

The interior of the town meeting place...country music hall...and restaurant.  Last year, I enjoyed an evening of real old South country stomping music is this room ... which was packed ... serving girls delivering tasty offerings from owners Pauline and Lauche MC COY.

This year, my $$ was no good in the MC COY'S ONE STOP.

Please say HELLO to Pauline MC COY.

The Country Music Wall of Fame takes up one entire wall and the better part of a second wall...I was honored by Lauchey by signing one cinder block next to the Wall of Fame.  Lauchey says my "block" will be coveted by never being painted over.

Please say HELLO to LAUCHEY MC COY...with whom I spent many hours chatting.

Lauchey is the current generation of the famous - perhaps infamous - American historic family who for generations fought a futile battle in the hills of Pike County Kentucky...with / against the equally famous HATFIELDS.

Details of this iconic feud can be found on Google and numerous pieces of literature and film...Lauchey shared with me that the crux of the feud was over PIGS.  The Mc Coys raised pigs...who were "branded" with recognizable cuts on their ears...and allowed to roam freely in the hills of Pike County.  Seems, says Lauchey, the Hatfields helped themselves to more than a few of the McCoy's pigs. 

Smiling during the telling, I received the impression Lauchey shared only a part of the real story.

In any event, Lauchey says the two families declared a mutual cessation of hostilities in the year 1970.

Me, Pauline, and Lauchy MC COY.

I have an open invitation to return to Vinton, where I will be welcomed to hang for as long as I like...VERY TEMPTING !  Appears that a rather large clan of "MAYNARDS" live within a 10-mile radius of Vinton...a possible resource for Nephew Carl to pursue in his quest to round up the family history.

SR 160 heading North and West out of Vinton, Ohio.

Mamo horse was not pleased I showed interest in her baby.

More bovine lying down on the job.

Anyway one looks at him...this guy is a big hunk.

A newly planted family garden.

Please say hello to a real Fighting Cock.  There were eight more such magnificent roosters tied by a leg (look closely at his left leg) to a very large keg...each chicken having plenty of room to roam about, but never close to it's neighbors.

A handsome ranch house...one of many SAM and ME passed.

This road has some severe - albiet short - hills.

Barn and Pond.

SR 160 is in the process of receiving about 10 miles of new macadam (asphalt) paving.

One of two COMPACTORS compressing the hot asphalt immediately after being placed on the prepared roadway...prepared by skimming off a layer of old pavement, leaving a rough surface for the new asphalt to adhere. 

SAM and ME had a difficult time walking and rolling over the many miles of rough roadway...SAM did receive some damage from the constant shaking and pounding of the uneven surface.

The above Paving Machine received HOT asphalt from the Dump Trucks...which is them spread precisely over the prepared - roughened - roadbed.  Dozens of large Dump Trucks passed SAM and ME, shuttling back and forth to keep the macadam coming so no interruption occurred in the paving process.

Better days used to be !

Ever popular murals.

A cross roads...town of WILKSVILLE, Ohio...only two blocks long.

Please say HELLO to BRITTANY and MICAH. 

While purchasing a drink and sandwich for lunch a couple miles from Wilkesville, Brittany approached me...just what is it you are doing ???say she...

So, I tell her.

She immediately invites SAM and ME to come to her parent's home for the night...her home in the (small would be misleading...as there is only a church to identify her town of RADCLIFF), some 10 miles distant further along SR 160.

Brittany has a celebration in progress...she graduated from High School (at 17) last week.

Please say HELLO to JOSH...Josh pulled up along side SAM and ME...hey, are you Bruce?    (Yes)...I saw the printing on the back of your reflective vest (SENIORS WALKING AMERICA)...checked it out on GOOGLE, which identified you, giving your bio and blogs...just had to drive out to find you and chat.

We chatted...whereupon Josh handed me $20.00 ...to get a good meal...

Please say HELLO to LARRY WRIGHT.  Larry's car pulled up behind the car of Josh...and when Josh drove back toward his home, Larry took over the questions...handed me another $20.00...for a good meal, says he...

Walking seems to be nearly as productive as the "ANYTHING HELPS" signs one finds on nearly every street corner back home in Bellingham, Washington.

There is NO town of Radcliff...just the church and the sign.  Brittany's folks, however, live only a few hundred yards from the above sign.

Please say HELLO to CHUCK...father of Brittany and her two sisters.  Younger sister was in Gallipolis with her Mom, "SAM", standing by as Chuck and SAM received a new Grandson.  Since the new mother was away at the hospital, I was directed to spend the night in her bedroom...which I redially agreed to...following burgers and endless conversation.

Chuck and I had lengthy discussions on a number of subjects...including his limited mobility from a severly broken back.  Not being able to do physical labor, Chuck spends endless hours on the internet, buying, selling, and trading on E-Bay, etc...apparently doing quite nicely. 

Chuck and his daughters (a second daughter arrived late at night...and refused my offer to give up her sister's bed) made light of the reality of their all being somewhat severly overweight...professing to absolutely LOVE deep fried foods.

Homestead of Chuck, SAM, and two youngest daughters.

Typical of the lush vegetation found climbing out of the Ohio River Valley...dense to the point of being apparently inpenetrable.

We will soon, however, reach the highlands above the Ohio River...which will continue on past the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers all the way to the Rocky Mountains.

For now, SAM and ME enjoy the slowly rising back roads up the undulating forrest covered hills of the Ohio River Valley.

...but all too soon, we leave the lush forrest behind...

The coming flatlands will be with SAM and ME for the next 1.5 months.

...where it seems one can see forever.

Dundas brings us to SR 93...with our chosen destination of McArthur only a few miles away.

Church...many less churchs since we left the deep south.

A solitary lady working her small plot of garden...choping at the hard clay-like soil with a tiny hoe.

Finally, we arrive at our old friend of last year...KRAZY KATIES Bar and Grill.

I stop in for a cold beer...only to be greeted with the words...well, you are back again...

Interior of KRAZY KATIES

Please say HELLO to JIM...who greeted me as an old friend as I walked into the bar room...beer's on the house, says Jim...then proceeds to whip up a magnamunous breakfast...

fixed up a bit of everything...says Jim, slipping a massive platter of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and biscuits smothered with gravy...

biscuits and gravy...the STAPLE OF THE SOUTH...after deep fried chicken and BBQ Pork...with GRITS coming in a distant fourth on every restaurant menu.

Please say HELLO to JORI, Jim's replacement...and a new face to me.  Jori and I quickly became acquainted...she scooting her tush up on the counter next to my plate as we chatted about her second pregnancy - at the ripe young age of 23 -...appraising me of all the "local" hang outs...you grow up around here, you know where all the good places are...and insisting that I stop at the "caves" when we reach SR 56.

Seriously considered NOT telling Jori I will be 80 years old in a few months.

I continue to loiter long after breakfast is finished...no rush to leave such a delightful Jori (interesting name !).

SR 93 as it enters the town of Mc Arthur, where KRAZY KATIES "MC ARTHUR HOTEL" waits for my return.

...but first...Please say HELLO to MICHAEL O'BRIEN...cub reporter for the VINTON COURIER newspaper.

Michael heard I was coming into town...and so, tracked me down.  We spent nearly one hour bantering back and forth about my walk and his chosen profession .

...and there, in the middle distance, lies Katie's MC ARTHUR HOTEL...no longer offering her personal touch from the kitchen...no longer offering the soft music of the bar...no longer repleat with comings and goings of overnight clients...

I, however, was welcomed by TAMMY with her invitation to come on up and choose my room for the night...and will you be staying with us for more than one night...and Katie isn't here at the moment...and we can put SAM in one of the downstairs rooms which have become storage areas...and sure is good to have you back...and and and

...across the street stands the ever-present Southern memorial...favorite Son from Civil War Days.

The Lobby...quiet now...furnishings still waiting as for the past 100 years or so...I fell asleep in the overstuffed chair while waiting for TAMMY to fetch me upstairs.

SAM has her own room at the end of this hallway...last room on the left.

The Grand Staircase...leading to current rooms consigned to family and friends...I fit into the "old" friend category.  My room is the first one on the right at the top of the stairs.  No one has mentiolned registration...$$...just, let me know what you need...and glad to have you back.

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We arrived at Katies at 1:30 this afternoon.  I started preparation of my 200 or so photographs...taking one hour out to enjoy a steak dinner in the restaurant across the intersection...and have been sitting at this computer without letup since. 

It is now 12:30 am.  I have done my best to bring this update to fruition...just hope I did not leave anyone out. 

Will have a chocolte chip cookie...a swallow or two of the Mountain Dew gifted to me this afternoon by Michael O'Brien...then slip into the feathers for a few hours. 

The past few days have been memorable...emotional...and bringing many old and new friends together.

Hope all is well with you'all