Hocking Valley Scenic Railway - Robbery!

As promised here's a report on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway's "Great Train Robbery Special". Brother Rob & his wife Deb came down from Newark to ride with us. Rob is a major train maniac (in a good way) and is also treasurer of the Ohio Railway Museum in Columbus. And Deb has the cutest train case, even though she was born after "train cases" were the "thing". If you don't know what I'm talking about, you are way too young.

Anyway, the robbery worked out very well for the robbers. We left Nelsonville at 6 p.m., and picked up some passengers who were dressed suspiciously along the way. At the turn-around in Logan, the robbers overpowered the train people (who were armed), then took all of our money (which the HVSR people had conveniently given us). After much clever banter, and picture taking, the train slowed to a stop so the bandits could get off and escape on their beautiful horses.



This was a first time robbery special for HVSR and they pulled it off pretty well. The only downer was the sound system. We had a great singer aboard, but the sound system reduced it to something similar to fingernails across a chalkboard. Fix that, and I'd ride again. I wish we could still hop a train to ride to Columbus, or elsewhere. There's nothing like the rocking of a train.

Here's a picture from the train before we left on our adventure:

Hocking Hills Rhythm & Blues Festival

This weekend is the 1st Hocking Hills Rhythm & Blues Festival at the Woods at Kaeppner Place (close to Logan). Sounds like Bill Kaeppner has got some national acts lined up: Duke Robillard Band, Urban Jazz Coalition, Bruce Katz Band, Microwave Dave and the Nukes, the Sonny Moorman Band, Cleveland Fats, Johnny Reed and the Houserockers and more. Check it out:
The Post Online [features] and at www.kaeppnerswoods.com.

We are planning to ride the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway's "Great Train Robbery" this Saturday, July 16. The train, which will be robbed by bandits on horseback, leaves the Nelsonville depot at 6 p.m. Hopefully, I'll get some good pictures and will post them.

Geocaching at Tar Hollow

Geocaching is a worldwide activity in which participants hide small caches of trinkets, etc., post the latitude and longitude on the web, then geocachers use their GPS units to find them. For more information on the sport, including identifying places to look for geocaches, go to geocaching.com. By the way, we are the HockingHunters at the geocaching.com web site.

Yesterday, our good friend Jeff came down to the hills from Grove City for his first geocaching experience. We decided to head over to nearby Tar Hollow State Park and look for the Hollow Cache, which involved a nice hike along and down a ridge, then back up again. Success! Another cache found.

While at Tar Hollow, we learned that there is a lovely little lake there, with a small swimming beach and boat rental.



After lunch at Granny's Kitchen outside of Londonderry, we headed over to another cache near Tar Hollow, the Lost Cemetery. Compared to the Hollow Cache, this was an easy hike and find. Several Civil War soldiers are resting here, on a quiet hill side.



Mary at Marsh Hollow Vacation Log Cabin

LILYFEST

The 14th annual Lilyfest is taking place this weekend, July 8-10th. We went 2 years ago and hope to stop by again this year. It is held at the Bishop home in the Hocking Hills, 13200 Little Cola Road, Rockbridge, OH. If you are particularly interested in shade gardening, this is the event for you. The large grounds have been landscaped in a pine forest that was "cleared" by an ice storm. Gorgeous lilies and hostas.

In addition to walking the grounds, you will be entertained by a variety of musical groups. Be sure to check the web site at www.lilyfest.com for performance times. Over 60 fine artists and craftspersons will be displaying their work, and selling it too. Bring cash or checks because credit cards are not always accepted. OSU Extension trained master gardeners will be on hand, so bring your gardening questions. Plus various annuals, perennials, water plants and dried flowers will be on sale.

Food will be provided by Annie's Cheescake of Lancaster.

No charge for admission, but donations accepted for educational funds. No pets, please.