Cleveland, OH: Landmarks

One day, just before one of me and Neville’s routine morning walks, where I look like a scrub and he keeps an eye out for squirrels and rabbits, we met a neighbor. The pup and I weren’t even one house down when a dog ran up to us, obviously attempting to be a friendly neighbor and introduce himself; sniffing Neville’s rear end, then my own. The man behind the dog chased him down and apologized, but all parties involved were friendly and got along fine. After our walk I get things ready to head into town and do a little site seeing. I was excited to see the buzz around town since this was at the time of the big basketball game the Cavaliers were playing in. 

Cleveland, OH: Trails

Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Over 125 miles of hiking trails are available for your hiking pleasure. These trails range from nearly level to challenging, and pass through various habitats including woodlands, wetlands, and old fields. Some trails require you to cross streams with stepping stones or log bridges, while others are nearly level and are accessible to all visitors. 

In the morning, Dave, the pups, and I piled into his truck and set off toward CVNP again. We started off at the Plateau Trail and did some mix of that and Oak Hill. Steep inclines are not for me. Thankfully, there wasn’t an overwhelming amount of them, because I don’t know if I would make it. I do love these trails though, full of towering trees and a canopy of leaves. There used to be some kind of lake along the way, but as we passed it there was some kind of bulldozers and other big machinery out there. Booooo. Our beasts are lead the way, venturing off the trail every now and then to chase some scent or creature, but they always come back. The weather is perfect, the dogs are happy, and I am too. 

Cleveland, OH: Getting Aquainted

The scenery from West Virginia crossing into Ohio changed quickly. There were still hills and trees, but not to the same extent. Ohio also didn’t have a welcome center, only one sign a few exits in, but West Virginia has a last stop rest area to say goodbye. Strange. Also, on the sides of the highway in Ohio, many signs warning about drugs were posted. All throughout the state- ‘Don’t drive impaired’ and ‘report suspicious behavior’ and ‘suspect something illegal’ signs littered the road. I’ve never seen that before and assume that Ohio must really like to party. I don’t really know what to expect from Cleveland; basically, I’ve heard mixed reviews and I know it’s a big sports town (that I don’t follow). When Mom was still with me we were talking with one of my sisters (hi Jennine!) about visiting Ohio and she asked us something about the sports going on now. I’m like, ‘yeah it’s baseball’, Mom’s like ‘no it’s football’, and Jenny is like ‘really? it’s basketball’. Yeah, that one. 

Fayetteville, West Virginia: Stopover

About 10 years ago I met a guy named Dave through a mutual friend and we got along famously. Dancing, baseball, tie dye, drinks, and lots of laughs that weekend. We’ve kept in touch since then and when I was planning out my route for this trip, I wanted to visit some new states, like Ohio. That’s where Dave is from so I reached out to him to see if he would be around this summer when I come through. He tells me that it depends on the dates, because he and his wife bought an RV and are driving out west. Are you serious?! What are the chances! That’s my plan! We nerded out so hard the next few days about length, weight, route, cars, plans, family, life, etc. It’s refreshing having a connection to this lifestyle with a friend that won’t get sick of hearing you talk about it. As I narrowed the dates down, Dave confirmed that they will be in town when I come through. Yay! Off to Cleveland I go, but that’s a long drive from Asheville, so I plan to stop over in Fayettville, West Virginia.

Asheville, NC: Solo

The last few days in North Carolina were an adjustment since it was my first time by myself. And while it is always nice to have alone time, I missed having Mom’s company. I started the day off with some yoga and went on to feed the chickens with the help of one of the kids staying at the farm. He was quite the conversationalist, telling me about wildlife encounters and what he thinks about camping in a tent on this land with his sister. I told him about the last time I officially went camping with friends in Cape Hatteras and how the adventure went from a fun and lighthearted experience, bombing our neighbors with waterballoons and having a blast, to waking up in what now looked like Lake Hatteras, with a collapsed tent and personal items floating away. And then Jen jumped in Jenn's pee puddle. What a trip! But I digress.

GA/NC: Mom's Post

I wouldn't be honest if I didn't admit to being afraid for my baby to embark on the adventure you've read about. What about all those crazies out there? And what will happen if she breaks down, etc.?  So when I was invited to join her on the first leg of the trip I was happy to say yes. Now, I have no more experience pulling a camper or planting organic foods than she, but at least I could be another pair of eyes and ears for car trouble or any other kind. I could also babysit  my grandson, Neville, if so needed. 

Asheville, NC: Explore

As I’ve mentioned before about the WWOOFing experience, the past few days weren’t all work, there was plenty of time for play. The mornings consisted of breakfast, feeding chickens & pigs, shower, and play. 

 

The pigs are so excited that they stand underneath the food and don’t move out of the way when it’s poured, so they end up wearing it on top of their head. They have no manners and completely dive in, with their heart and soul, if they have one. Makes total sense when someone says “So and so eats like a pig.” Yuck. The chickens seem scared of the feed until its done raining down through the coop. Then they come over and start pecking and I keep thinking of Zac Brown Band's song Sic Em on a Chicken. I would post the video, but this wifi just isn't cutting it.