Adventures in the Hocking Hills

Country Living, the official publication of Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, is a great little magazine that we receive every month. The September issue included a very informative article "Six Adventures in the Hocking Hills." Here's a quick summary of what was included:

Canoe the Hocking River. There are at least 3 canoe liveries, and they offer 1 to 6 hour trips, daytime and nighttime trips. Hurry because canoe liveries do not operate in the winter:

• Hocking Hills Canoe Livery
• Hocking Valley Canoe Livery
• Old Man River Canoe Livery

Rappel at Big Pine Road. This is for experienced climbers only as you are on your own. However, it's fun to just watch, either from the top of the cliffs or below. The rappeling area is located on Big Pine Road, between Route 374 and Hockman Road. There are also bridle trails in this area, so watch out for horses.

Race the Indian Run. Better really hurry for this one because it's next weekend, September 17. Dave and I have registered for the 5K version this year, but if you are up for more, you can also run 10, 20 and 60K versions (only 15 souls (30 soles) completed the 60K last year). This race is challenging because it's on trails through the Hocking State Forest and Park. Visit the official web site at http://www.1800hocking.com/info/10/803 for more information.

Birdwatching by Kayak. Birding trips by kayak are available for both beginners and experienced kayakers at Touch the Earth Adventures. While the owner offers quite a few adventures in the Hocking Hills, she also coordinates nature trips to South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia & Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway. I can't quite understand why it took so long for the powers that be in Columbus to recognize that Route 374 is THE scenic-est highway in Ohio. A very nice description of important mile-markers is available on the Hocking Hills Tourism Association web site. Stay on your side of the road, and be careful around the corners.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Marsh Hollow's Mac

Mac is half of our 2-dog combination here at Marsh Hollow. We found him several years ago at the Citizens for Humane Action shelter in Westerville. Dave and I often say, as a plain statement of fact, "Mac is a great dog." And now he has been immortalized in an essay, Marsh Hollow's Mac, written by one of our guests!

The writer, Mike Murray, captured Mac's spirit and personality perfectly. If you've met Mac, I know you will agree. Of course, it helped that Mike is a REAL writer.

There are many other intriguing writings on Mike's web site. I truly enjoyed My Hero, My Wife because I enjoyed talking to his wife Pam while she was here. And my friend Beth told me that she found the No-Kill Issue thought provoking.

Thanks, Mike. Mac is very special. We are so lucky to have found him.