#21. Fun in Appalachia.

Southeast Ohio - name three cities - GO!

::chirp chirp::

Name one city? Exactly my thoughts, as I tried to explain to my friends where exactly I was headed last week with my husband, who managed to get a job interview in Jackson County. People seemed to understand when I said it was near Athens, where OU is located, but by 'near' we're talking 35 minutes southwestish, not quite to West Virigina.

Anyway, while he was away interviewing, I thought I'd busy myself by checking out some local landmarks.

What can I say? Bob Evans is an upscale dining experience in this neighborhood. I managed to find my way to a pretty state park, which the locals informed me was a heck of a lot prettier a few weeks earlier before the leaves all fell, but it was still nice and peaceful.

After my visit to Lake Alma State Park, I went in search of the Leo Petroglyph. This was heavily advertised in all the tourist brochures (ok the one tourist brochure) as one of the finest examples of Native American carving in sandstone.

Make no mistake, growing up, we were the family who took the educational vacations (castles, Washington D.C., Gettysburg, Colonial Williamsburg) instead of the lay-on-the-beach-eating-cheese-fries vacations, so I knew the excitment I was in for. But hey, time to kill and two hours from the nearest mall, so for the sake of my blogging duty and my three loyal readers, I bring you:

THE LEO PETROGLYPH!!!

Yes, they are what I suppose are carvings in sandstone, but they've been traced in black paint, so other than the ones you can see printed on the sign, it's a little hard to distinguish the Fort Ancient Indians' work from that of more modern Graffiti Hoodlums.
It took, oh, two and a half minutes to view the whole site, which is protected from the elements by a roof and a wooden walkway around it. I know you all think I am just downplaying how spectacular the Leo Petroglyph really is, so if you feel the need to see it for yourself, just be warned that the site closes at dusk. Not that there is anyone within a five mile radius anyway, but the shelter is not lit, so you might have a hard time getting the full effect of the carvings.

#20. Cedar Point!

I wanted to do a post on Cedar Point ALL summer, but never managed to get around to it. Anyway, Cedar Point, America's Roller Coast, is one of my favorite places for a yearly pilgrimage for three reasons:

1. People Watching.

I do not know these people.

2. Happy Friar.

Best fries EVER.

3. Probably should mention the rides here somewhere.

Millennium Force - Pretty!

This year, the husband, my siblings and niece took a nice family trip, and stayed at one of the CP hotels. Sandcastle Suites, to be exact. It was just ok, but it was super nice to not have to drive home at the end of the day, exhausted, hungry and miles from a Taco Bell. It really wasn't bad to sleep six adults and a six year old, PLUS we got discounted admission to the park with our reservation.

We were actually lucky enough to go twice this year. It was hot and crowded the day of the family excursion, but later on in the season we went with friends, and pretty much walked right on to everything.

Anyway, I love the rollercoasters, I love the horribly caloric park food and I even enjoy watching probably the largest collection of crazy people in northern Ohio, outside of OLPH summer festival. At least in my experience. I am not looking forward to the day where I am old and get headaches and other aches and no longer enjoy the rides. I fear that day is quickly approaching, so I'm enjoying those spinny rides while I can, and you should too!

Everything else you need to know: www.cedarpoint.com .