Hocking Hills Hello

Christmas in Ash Cave

2010-12-11T07:20:00.003-05:00

Our advice: take a flashlight on this hike. It is incredibly dark. We hiked it two years ago, and had to shuffle along holding hands. While there are luminarias along the trail, it's just not quite enough light once it gets really dark. However, it's great to catch glimpses of the bonfire as you get closer. The hike can be started any time, 5 to 7 pm today, December 11. For more info, click the link in the title or go to http://www.thehockinghills.org/Park_Event_Holiday_In_The_Park.htm

December in the Hocking Hills

2010-12-06T06:22:00.002-05:00

Click on the title link to discover all the wonderful things to do in the Hocking Hills this December. Ice skating, cookie classes, parades, and much more. We're going to try to hike the Lake Hope Holiday Trail of Lights this weekend. Note: that some events in this link are in the past. We'll post a new link later this week.

Gas in the Hocking Hills

2010-12-06T06:20:00.000-05:00

The gas station and little store at the intersection of State Route 664 and State Route 56 in South Bloomingville has RE-OPENED! No more hoping you can make it back to town on fumes.

Lilyfest 2010 - July 9, 10 & 11 - this weekend!

2010-07-08T14:31:00.003-04:00

Lilyfest is one of our favorite events in the Hocking Hills. It is held every year at the Bishop Educational Gardens in Rockbridge. We are always inspired by the beautiful plantings, the art & the music. Since this is a large venue, crowds are never a problem and you can always find a quiet nook to just sit and breathe it all in. Check out the web site at http://www.lilyfest.com/ for more information.

Oh, it's free, although a small donation for parking is polite.

This blog has moved

2010-04-28T11:17:00.001-04:00

This blog is now located at http://hockinghillspetfriendly.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://hockinghillspetfriendly.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Hocking HIlls Ash Cave Fire Tower now open

2009-09-05T06:43:00.004-04:00

Dave and I hiked the Ash Cave to Cedar Falls trail yesterday evening, perfect day for a late afternoon/early evening hike. We saw exactly 2 people on the trail. Well, we saw them twice, once on the way out and once on the way back, but they were still just 2 people. The forest was absolutely lovely in the late day sun, and our tranquility was complete, except for those 2 people! By the way, this trail is 3 miles long, so a total of 6 to get back to the parking area.

We were thrilled to see that the Ash Cave Fire Tower is now open to climb. It's located on this trail, but also accessible from a parking area at the corner of State Route 374 and Chapel Ridge Road. Built in 1934, the tower is 80 feet tall and you can see far and wide from the top. We were a little concerned about the fragility of some of the platforms at the end of each flight of steps. They appear to be the original wood. While most of the steps have been replaced, it's obvious some of the platform boards are really, really old. In fact, on the first platform, two boards have fallen or been kicked off. I'll report to Forestry today.

Marsh Hollow is now Hocking Hills Green Certified!

2009-07-23T15:52:00.002-04:00

Marsh Hollow is very pleased to have been accepted into the Hocking Hills Green Certified program administered by the Hocking Hills Tourism Association. The program is a voluntary environmental program for the purpose of reducing the environmnetal impact of the Hocking Hills travel industry through communication, responsible resource management and stewardship.

While you can read about all of our commitments at www.hockinghillsgreen.com, I'd like to highlight the ones that are particularly important to me:

We have a longstanding recycling program to reduce materials going to landfills. What can our guests to do help? Bring refillable water bottles! We recycle way too many plastic water bottles. Our water is highly filtered and quite tasty.
All food and trash is stored properly to prevent access by wildlife. What can our guests do to help? Please don't throw food waste into the woods (and 99% of our guests do not do this!).
Guests are encouraged to follow the principals of Leave No Trace. And this means pet waste, cigarette butts, etc. I've heard numerous comments from our guests about dog doo on the state park trails. Please!
We have worked very hard to make our cabin energy efficient. This year we installed new highly energy efficient windows throughout the cabin. What can our guests do to help? Close windows and doors while using heating and cooling equipment.

There is so much that all of us can do to keep the Hocking Hills the amazing natural wonder that it is. Find out more at Hocking Hills Green Certified.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Laurelville Old Time Fireman's Festival

2009-07-17T06:48:00.001-04:00

TODAY THROUGH SATURDAY - 86th Annual Fireman's Old Time Festival in Laurelville; entertainment, rides, fish fry, parade all in the streets of Laurelville

FRIDAY - Talent Show at 5:30pm; Black Water Run bluegrass band at 8pm; midway opens at 6:30pm.

SATURDAY - baby contest at 10am; kid's big wheel race at noon; midway "matinee" from 1 to 5pm - all rides are one price; Queen's Tea at 3pm; Adelphi Community Band at 4:30pm; Grand Parade at 6pm; Ohio's most expensive cake auction at 9pm; square dancing at 9:45pm; Rt 56 & 180 in Laurelville.

We love the fish fry and will visit for multiple meals. And the local church ladies have a pie booth with the best pies ever. Buy by the slice or a whole pie.

Hocking Hills Trail Trolls start work on mountain biking trail

2009-06-25T14:31:00.002-04:00

There's a Trail Trolls Project Day on Saturday, June 27, 2009, and they'll begin work on the NEW mountain biking trail in the Hocking Hills State Park! According to Naturalist Pat Quackenbush, the group will be clearing brush. The Trail Trolls welcome new members, so if you're interested call 740-385-8003, ext. 213 to sign up. Although anyone interested in working on the biking trail can just show up at the family camp parking area near Old Man's Cave at 9 a.m. Don't forget your lunch.

The trail has been flagged and will run about 4 miles and will avoid the cliff areas. It will be challenging and is not intended for the beginning biker. The trail has 2 loops, with one being easier and the other being difficult - something for everyone.

Just one more reason to visit the Hocking Hills this year.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Visit us on facebook

2009-05-30T16:26:00.004-04:00

Marsh Hollow has a page on facebook now. I've been having a good time with the whole facebook thing (connecting with friends and family) and decided Marsh Hollow needed to be up to date too. Since the page is only 2 days old, there's not much there, but hopefully we collect some fans and reviews. Click on the picture below to see what it's all about.

Marsh Hollow

Trail Troll Day at Rock House

2009-05-28T07:25:00.002-04:00

If you plan to be in the Hocking Hills over the weekend, there's a great volunteer opportunity at Rock House. The new "Trail Trolls" group will be working on trails in that area. If interested, contact park naturalist Pat Quackenbush at 740-385-8003 ext. 213.

USA Today Recognizes Hocking Hills Tourism Assocation Program

2009-05-22T14:56:00.003-04:00

Just got this message from Karen Raymore at the Hocking Hills Tourism Association:

Hocking Hills Tourism Association
May 22, 2009
Hi Folks,

Every year USA Today has an issue on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend that features an attraction in each state. For the second year in a row the Hocking Hills has been recognized in this issue. Last year it was the Canopy Tours and this year it is the Flip Ultra camcorder lending program.

Click on Ohio and check it out;
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2009-05-21-free-summer-travel-map_N.htm

What a great way to kick off the 2009 family vacation season!

Karen Raymore, CDME
Executive Director
Hocking Hills Tourism Association
(740) 385-2750

Jimbo's Bar & Diner, South Bloomingville, OH

2009-05-22T07:13:00.004-04:00

Last Friday, Dave and I hiked the rim trail between Cedar Falls & Old Man's Cave, which is a MUCH easier trail than the gorge route. Still there are some hills to climb. Anyway, we passed by Jimbo's on the way home via Route 56 and had a very tasty dinner.

Jimbo's caters to the motorcycle crowd, and is open Thursday through Sunday, in season. Since they now offer outdoor dining, we sat in the shelter for a few brews and their excellent "Hog Burger". This is a pure pork, non-sausage, non-fatty, "burger" and it is very, very good. Jimbo himself took our order.

We are going to do another hike late this afternoon, and I might have to engineer our route home so that it goes past Jimbo's again. On Fridays, it's not busy, but I believe it gets hopping on Saturdays and Sundays.

Jimbo's is located at 23356 State Route 56, South Bloomingville, OH‎.

Honey Ridge: another great pet friendly cottage in the Hocking Hills

2009-05-16T07:58:00.004-04:00

Our friends Beth and Chuck are now welcoming pets to their beautiful cottage/cabin in the Hocking Hills. Honey Ridge, the name of their charming two-bedroom facility, is centrally located, lovingly maintained and just plain peaceful. And their rates are very competitive.

So, if Marsh Hollow is unavailable, or you are looking for a two-bedroom cabin, check out Honey Ridge.

Hocking Hills State Park Swimming Pool

2009-03-25T13:34:00.002-04:00

There's a very nice swimming pool at the Hocking Hills State Park Dining Lodge, located on State Route 664 near Old Man's Cave. It is open to the public Memorial Day through Labor Day. Here's the fee schedule:

$3.50 per day for adults (16 years and over)
$3.00 per day for youths (4-15 years)
Free for younger than 4 years

Passes are available at the drive-through camping check-in and at the gift shop, both also on Route 664 near Old Man's Cave.

Free swimming is also available at the small beaches at Lake Logan and the little lake at nearby Tar Hollow State Park.

But if you go to the pool at the dining lodge, be sure to have lunch at their buffet. Yummy!

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Power OUT 2009

2009-02-03T13:29:00.005-05:00

Like most of Hocking County, we lost power on Wednesday, January 28. While others came back on line day by day, our power was not restored until Monday, February 2 (by which time the damn groundhog had seen his shadow). We were pretty well able to deal with the loss of electric heat with our various woodburning appliances, a dependable kerosene heater, and propane gas stoves, but the lack of water - you need electricity to run the well pump - was the most difficult to handle. Especially when you're trying to keep horses and goats watered. By Sunday, I was scooping water out of our creek, and trying NOT to worry about what our neighbors upstream were putting in.

So we survived, and kept very busy. In addition to all the fire-stoking and water carrying, we worked a puzzle, read a lot more than usual, and went out to breakfast and dinner every day but one. Fortunately, Laurelville had power so everything was open, except one day the library was closed. We're grateful to the Ridge Inn for its excellent free wireless network (and we discovered their fabulous croissant french toast) and to the Village Cafe for filling our water carriers and for their tasty home fries.

But we've decided we are going to get a generator!

There's No Place Like Home Dog Boarding/Day Care

2009-01-27T15:23:00.003-05:00

There's No Place Like Home offers a great alternative to standard dog boarding, specifically a lot of attention and personalized services, and all in the beautiful Hocking Hills.

Recently, Dave and I went on our own almost 2 week vacation. While our ancient dog, Juice, "boarded" with my son and daughter-in-law, we decided to board Mac & Bode at There's No Place Like Home. Of course, I checked it out first and knew from the moment I met the proprietor, Anne, that the boys would be well cared for. The facility is located about 20 minutes from our home, and is even closer to U.S. 33. It includes a large outdoor playground with toys and structures to climb on, an indoor play area, as well as a separate room for the kennels. Mac & Bode were lucky enough to be assigned to the "family" kennel, which was definitely large enough for two large dogs (and Bode is extra-large).

When we picked them up at the end of their stay, there was none of the usual crazy excitement to get out of the kennel. They looked great and acted so normal you would never know they'd been in a kennel for 2 weeks. Of course, Anne and her husband gave them so much attention, it appears they didn't even miss us. Plus, they got complimentary baths, which probably was not on either of their "must have" lists!

There's No Place Like Home also offers dog day care. Both services, boarding and day care, are offered at several levels so you can choose as much attention that you want your dog to have. Prices vary for this.

If you are vacationing in the Hocking Hills, and don't have a pet friendly cabin like Marsh Hollow, No Place Like Home would be a great place to take your dog. You could keep Fido with you on the trails, then take him to the kennel for the night.

Visit www.tnplh.org for more information or e-mail Anne at anne@tnplh.org.

Yoga in the Hocking Hills

2008-07-30T15:12:00.002-04:00

Although I've had a passing interest in yoga over the years, lately I've become very interested and started looking for classes. I tried a cruise ship class, which was great because it was small, but the very well built instructor only looked at himself (can't blame him really). Then I took my daughter and daughter-in-law to Yoga on High in Columbus for a beginning class. I really liked the instructor, but there were at least 25 people in the class. Too many, so I went back to my tapes and DVD's.

Then I started to notice that the spas and massage therapy places in the Hocking Hills were starting to offer yoga classes. I've been going to the Inn at Cedar Falls on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. for a very small class - only me so far! When the weather is nice, we practice in the garden which is lovely. Then, Blue Valley Massage, which offers massage services in our cabin and many others has started to offer a 6 p.m. class on Tuesdays. Joppa, the spa at Glenlaurel Inn, is offering yoga classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

So my timing has been good!

Here's a link to Yoga Journal's "Pose of the Day":

Yoga Journal Pose of the Daygreat free widgetsWidgetbox

BookCrossing.com Crossing Zones in the Hocking Hills

2008-05-25T11:18:00.004-04:00

One of our recent guests turned me on to a cool book sharing web site called BookCrossing.com. She left behind a recently read book, which she had picked up at a "crossingzone" in Canada. Inside were instructions for going online to register that I'd picked up this book (by its unique BookID) and what I was going to do with it. Since I'm a big reader, I love just about anything to do with books and sharing books.

So I've become a free member of BookCrossing.com and have created a Crossing Zone at our Marsh Hollow Pinewood Cabin and another at the wonderful Hilltop Bake Shoppe in Adelphi, just across the Hocking County line.

You'll have to make a reservation at Marsh Hollow to use our Crossing Zone, but you can stop by the Hilltop Bake Shoppe Tuesday through Saturday to look through the growing collection and pick up a new read. Or you can drop off a book if you'd like to -either already registered at BookCrossing.com or one you just want to leave behind.

And if you stop by the Hilltop Bake Shoppe, try the sour cream doughnuts. I guarantee these are the BEST sour cream doughnuts anywhere. And as I've mentioned in the blog before, the pizza is the best in the Hocking Hills.

When it's raining in the Hocking Hills: what to do with the kids

2008-03-19T13:52:00.004-04:00

So what do you do when it's raining during your Hocking Hills winter or early spring vacation, especially if you have kids along.

If it's only raining lightly, it's still a good time to go hiking. The waterfalls at Conkle's Hollow, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave & the upper and lower falls at Old Man's Cave will be awesome. This is also true the day after heavy rains. The best picture I have taken of the Ash Cave falls was in a light April rain.
Shopping at the antique and craft malls at Rempel's Grove in Logan can be very kid friendly. Just don't expect to spend as much time browsing as you normally would. Then have lunch at Olde Dutch. There's a petting zoo there too, but I'm not sure of the hours.
Schedule a potting (2 lbs of clay with 1 firing) or pottery painting class at Logan Art Gallery in downtown Logan. They are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 740-385-9455 for more information. Dave and I made terra cotta turtles with grandkids Maggie & Makenzie. Fun!
If you're in Logan for a art class, we also recommend a stop Hocking River Emporium, just across the street from Logan Art. Cool stuff, including hemp clothing. Then how about lunch at the Spotted Owl, the Sandstone or Julie's Cafe?
Visit Leota at Hutchison's Hilltop Haven in Rockbridge for a basket weaving class. Call 740-385-8130 for more information. Also sells dried flowers & arrangements. Leota is apparently quite a character! Our grandkids will be here in June and we plan to take them here.
Visit Parrot Place on the Ridge , on Thompson Road, to learn more about parrots as pets and to check out the great selection of bird related accessories, including wild bird feeders. You'll get to meet some pretty awesome birds. Call 740-332-3014 for more information. Hours are Thursday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For more shopping, consider driving down to Rocky Outdoor Gear Store in Nelsonville. If you don't come out of there with a new pair of boots or shoes, or some other article of clothing, you have more willpower than I do. It's on U.S. 33 in Nelsonville. We always eat at the Coffee Cup located on U.S. 33 just before you get to Nelsonville. Of course, there's other shopping and arty things to do in Nelsonville.
If the kids are just too full of energy, consider going roller skating either at Circle D (phone 740-474-5070) on Route 56 in Circleville, open 6 to 11 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays; or at Amanda Roller Rink (740-969-4131) in Amanda, open Fridays & Saturdays, 7 to 11 p.m.

As always, call first to make sure these places are open. If you've got other suggestions, please let me know and I'll add them to this article.

In our cabin, we always have games and puzzles available, plus now that we offer DISH Network satellite TV, your favorite programs are too.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Hocking Hills Roasters: Coffee in the Hills!

2008-02-28T14:10:00.005-05:00

Hocking Hills Roasters is just one more reason to visit Hocking County, and it's a particularly wonderful place to go when you want some indoor things to do (or when you're worn out from all of the outdoor things). It's located in the Hocking Hills Market on U.S. 33, south of Rockbridge. In two words: fabulous coffee.

Dave and I, and our friends Sherwin & Diane, made a stop there recently, to pick up some Ethiopian Limu coffee, roasted on site, and accidentally learned how to make a really good cup of coffee using a French press. The owner, Roger Varner, mans the shop on the weekends and he knows his stuff. He is very gentle about "adjusting" your ideas about how to make coffee. We have now learned from the master!

Hocking Hills Roasters also offers roasted nuts, fudge, Get Well teas and the largest, tastiest turtle (candy) I've ever had. Seriously, go there for coffee, but get a turtle too.

Mary from Marsh Hollow

Birds at our birdfeeder

2008-02-13T11:24:00.003-05:00

Lately, the birdfeeder at our home has been dominated by what I thought were starlings. After peering at them through binoculars, I finally figured out that they are not starlings at all, but are blackbirds & common grackles. This morning when I looked out, there were easily 50 of these and absolutely none of our regulars. I realize they all need to eat, but how 'bout some sharing? This is the first year we've had a blackbird/grackle "problem" at our feeder.

I went out and starting clapping loudly. They all flew off and within minutes the regular crew was back! Cardinals, blue jays, tufted titmice, dark-eyed juncoes, white breasted nuthatches, sparrows and nary a blackbird. I wonder how long this will last?

Mary at Marsh Hollow.

The Ridge Inn: New Restaurant in Laurelville!

2008-01-23T15:40:00.000-05:00

There is a GREAT new addition to dining in Laurelville: The Ridge Inn. My friends Beth, Beth, Kathy and new friend Pat met there for lunch today. I had the cusabi chicken salad and crab chowder. Crab chowder in Laurelville?! Both were wonderful. The salad included diced chicken, pecan pieces and dried cranberries tossed in cusabi dressing, a light cucumber flavor, and was served over mixed greens. The crab chowder was so good I ordered some for take-out - my Dave is sure to love it tonight for dinner.

Everyone enjoyed their lunch, including really, really good coffee. Kathy & Pat ordered hot tea and got to pick from a selection of very fine teas from Harney & Sons. Beth and I had biscotti for dessert, and Beth had a muffin.

So far, the Ridge Inn is only open for breakfast and lunch, Tuesday through Sunday. But they are planning their grand opening for next week and then will start serving dinner.

The lunch menu includes hamburgers, cusabi chicken sandwich, grilled cheese sandwich, chicken salad sandwich, the Ridge salad and the cusabi chicken salad. They also usually have 2 soups and 2 specials.

The building is brand new and the ambience is very fresh and modern. Since very few new buildings and businesses are ever added to the Laurelville village proper, this is a bit of a shock. But the design fits in.Almost all of the tables are near windows. Plus the second floor has a meeting room that can be reserved.

My friends and I HIGHLY recommend the Ridge Inn.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

P.S. I need to ask the owner why she named it "The Ridge Inn" when it is most definitely NOT on a ridge!

Yet another lunch at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

2007-11-02T09:17:00.000-04:00

My girls (Beth, Kathy & Julie) and I had our monthly lunch at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls on Monday. They offer yummie soups, salads & sandwiches, plus desserts on their lunch menu. I had the 1/2 a sandwich/bowl of soup combo for $8.00 (excellent chicken salad), then shared an incredible brownie & oatmeal-raisin cookies with Beth.

It's a little pricey but the high quality and rustic/cozy ambience make it all worthwhile. Plus you're only moments away from Cedar Falls, if you'd like to take a little hike before or after lunch.

If you are staying at Marsh Hollow, the Inn & Spa is a 25 minute drive. Or if you'd prefer in-cabin massage therapy and spa services, we recommend Blue Valley Massage.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Garden Accents Factory Outlet Going Out of Business!

2007-10-27T11:21:00.000-04:00

Oh! This is sad. Garden Accents Factory Outlet at Logan Clay (in Logan) is closing for good on October 31, 2007. We have purchased some wonderful, beautiful, durable clay garden decorations over the years from this outlet: bird baths, stepping stones and planters.

I've always thought that one of the problems with the store was not being open on Sundays. Hopefully, Hocking House will still offer some of these items for sale. Hocking House is the home & gallery of Jean Magdich, the artist responsible for many of the Garden Factory's creations.

I think I'll have to pop over to Logan on Monday to make my final visit. You should too.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Great Outdoor Adventure Show (previously Paul Bunyan Show)

2007-10-05T07:25:00.000-04:00

This weekend (October 5-7, 2007) check out the Great Outdoor Adventure show at Hocking College in Nelsonville. This used to be called the Paul Bunyan Show, but the Ohio Forestry Association "owns" the name and has ended its association with Hocking College after 75 years of togetherness. So the "Paul Bunyan Show" still exists and takes place the same weekend but it's in Guernsey County. It is much more geared to the timber industry.

The Great Outdoor Adventure show is for people who enjoy the outdoors. Visit the show web site at http://www.hocking.edu/goa/ for a schedule of events and a map.

There are some great extras with your $5 admission fee:

Dock dogs competitions - dogs running then jumping as far as they can into a pool; some of the finals on Sunday will be televised.
Robbins Crossing - a 19th century southeastern Ohio village, with costumed interpreters and craft demonstrators.

And Nelsonville also is home to the Rocky Outlet Factory Store, a great place for all of your boot needs, clothing, home accessories, etc. Three floors of great stuff! Rocky's always has a display at the show, but a stop at the store is a must. It's right next to the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway station on U.S. 33.

Plus the show is a great place to pick up a chainsaw sculpture.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

http://www.marsh-hollow.com/

Treats at the Apple House & Thornybrook Farms

2007-09-30T19:09:00.000-04:00

The Apple House in Laurelville, on Route 56 in the village, has great apples, but is also offering apple slushies and parched corn. We haven't tried them yet, but recent guests told us they are quite tasty.

About 4 miles east of Laurelville on Route 56, Thornybrook Farms has pumpkins, gourds, mums & other plants, delicious homemade cinnamon buns, apple dumplings and bread. They aren't open every day, but usually Friday-Sunday.

More Wildflowers

2007-05-05T16:48:00.000-04:00

I've seen a lot more flowers since my last posting, here are the few I've taken the time to try to identify:

Daisy fleabane
Dogwood
Garlic mustard
Lady's slipper
Perfoliate bellwort

And a strangely colored violet, mottled white and purple - haven't figure out what it is yet.

Hocking Hills Wildflowers Right Now

2007-04-25T16:55:00.000-04:00

Friends Beth & Chuck recently hiked through the Rock House area to enjoy spring wildflowers. They report that trillium, jack-in-th-pulpit, Dutchman's-breeches and many others are on full display. I'll have to get over there.

In the meantime, I hiked into the woods behind our house (same woods our Marsh Hollow cabin is near) and found the following beauties today:

Bluets

Common blue violet

Cut-leaved toothwort

Golden ragwort

Hispid buttercup

May-apple (not blooming yet, but getting ready)

Poor man's pepper

Rue anemone

Smooth phlox

Smooth yellow violet

Spring beauty

Sweet white violet

White trillium

I can only hope I got the names right because I'm using the 1968 edition of A Field Guide to Wildflowers of Northeastern and North-central North America by Roger Tory Peterson and Margaret McKenny. Things can change in that amount of time.

Ash Cave Falls in February

2007-02-24T13:44:00.000-05:00

We've had almost a week of somewhat normal temperatures after weeks of well-below-normal temperatures. Dave and I decided to check out the Ash Cave waterfall to see if it was frozen. On our last trip in January, it had big stalagtites reaching down to a really big stalagmite of ice.

Yesterday, it was running freely and there was still a nice pile of ice at the bottom:

Beware: the trail in was a solid sheet of ice. VERY SLIPPERY!

Feeder Birds in the Hocking Hills, February 5-10, 2007

2007-02-16T16:07:00.000-05:00

Last week, our very kind and patient guests reported the following birds at our Marsh Hollow feeder (sunflower seeds in a hopper and a suet cake):

American crow
Black-capped chickadee
Blue jay
Brown creeper
Carolina wren (my favorite, next to roseate spoonbills who live in Florida)
Downey woodpecker
Hairy woodpecker
Northern cardinal
Red-bellied woodpecker
Ruby-crowned kinglet
Tufted titmouse
White-breasted nuthatch

And an unidentified hawk, possibly a Marsh hawk (that would be appropriate, wouldn't it?).

The most unusual creature reported at that feeder, but only in summer, was a flying squirrel.

The feeder area at the Marsh Hollow "homestead" is crowded with gold finches and dark-eyed juncoes, and mourning doves. No kinglets or creepers, but all of the others. Our feeder menu is a little more extensive and includes thistle seed, safflower seeds, and shelled corn.

Photographing Frozen Waterfalls

2007-02-14T15:52:00.000-05:00

The Old Bear's Den is offering an all day photography workshop Saturday, February 17, 2007, focusing on frozen waterfalls. This is definitely going to be a great weekend for frozen waterfalls. We walked up to the ones at Conkle's Hollow last Friday, late afternoon and they were the best we've ever seen. Beautiful blue-green shading, amazing shapes and sure to be even better after the storm this week and VERY COLD temperatures today through the weekend.

More information is at: http://www.theoldbear.com/workshops.html

I really need this workshop. I've got lots of bad pictures of frozen falls!

Our creek is doing its version of a lateral frozen waterfall. There's a layer of running water on the bottom, a thick layer of ice, then another layer of running water. I'm expecting solid ice by tomorrow afternoon.

Birth of a Frozen Waterfall

2007-02-04T17:16:00.000-05:00

Yesterday (Saturday, February 3), we had a wonderful day out and about in the Hocking Hills with our friends Diane & Sherwin.

First stop: Ash Cave. We got to see how a frozen waterfall begins - it grows from both ends. Right now a pile of ice is forming into a sort of stalagmite on the ground. The water is still falling freely, but has also formed a line of huge icicle stalagtites. Dave & I plan to drive back over on Monday to see how close the mite is to the tite. We saw a similar formation at Cedar Falls.

While it was very cold (in the upper teens), the sky was so blue and clear, and the sun was bright. Since I needed boots, Dave needed gloves and Diane ended up needing a sweater, we drove down to Rocky's in Nelsonville for some shopping. Then we met Sherwin's son Dirk and fiance Meredith at the Coffee Cup for lunch.

To finish off our excursion, we stopped at the Midwest Glass Outlet in Logan so Diane could buy 20 candy dishes to celebrate her office's move into new quarters.

Perfect day!

Hocking Hills Indian Run

2006-09-18T08:20:00.000-04:00

I'm beginning to feel a little tender from the 5k "Indian Run" race at the Hocking Hills State Park on Saturday. Dave and I ran/jogged/walked over the trails, and while we improved our time from last year's event, we dropped in the standings! But our Kelly won her division!

This is a great event, with 5k, 10k, 20k, 40k and 60k runs. While some of it is on paved roads, most is on trails. Plenty of hills and tree roots to navigate. Check it out at http://www.1800hocking.com/indianrun because there will be another one next September.

6th Annual Washboard Festival

2006-06-18T07:25:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Dave and I met up with our good friend Sandy for some great music at the Washboard Festival in Logan. Year after year, this festival features incredible music, and this year was no exception. It's not too late for you, because the music continues today (Sunday) until 5 p.m.

The bands must all have a washboard in them, and since the washboard is a funny-kind of instrument, most of the bands are pretty funny too. They all have such a great time, the audience just can't help but join in. The music ranges from jug to blues to jazz to zydeco, plus just plain silly. These are professional musicians and all are very talented.

Yesterday, Dave and I got to see Big Mama Sue & Friends (the voice, the banjo, the piano playin'), the Cincinnati Dancing Pigs (funny funny funny), the Juggernaut Jug Band (such harmonizing) and Robin Lacy & Dezydeco (young, tight leather pants). These were all great, but my favorite was when Buffalo Ridge and the "Washboard Ensemble" took the stage. In addition to the great band, the ensemble included a bunch of amateurs and other professionals. Amatuer might be the wrong word, these people take their music seriously. The closing tune, "When the Saints Go Marching In" was toe tappin', foot stompin', hand clappin' good stuff. And you've never seen that many washboard players in one place. And yes, I might have to get me one of those 'boards!

Hiking, Lunch at Etta's Lunchbox, & Rocky's Boots

2006-06-18T06:59:00.000-04:00

Pat, Patty, Maggie & Makenzie (daughter & family) drove up from Georgia week before last to visit all their folks in Ohio. We were lucky to have them stay with us for almost a week (in the cabin, not in the house for goodness sake).

We had a wonderful time showing them the sites. M&M are finally both old enough to do a little hiking so we tripped over to Ash Cave and Cedar Falls. Then it was off to Etta's Lunchbox Cafe for some eats. Motto: "we're not your Mom, but we'll pack your lunch." Very tasty.
Next stop was Rocky's Outdoor Gear in Nelsonville, one of my favorite places to shop. They've got much more than boots. It's 3 floors of house stuff, clothes, gifts, knives and boots, boots, boots. DEFINTELY worth a stop (about 45 minutes from Marsh Hollow).

Where in the world are Maggie, Mary & Makenzie?

Driving Dangers Differ in the Country

2006-05-13T18:58:00.000-04:00

Our Spring magazine from Geico had a nice little article for teens about different driving dangers, comparing the city to the country. Excellent advice, which I will paraphrase here:

On rural roads:

SLOW DOWN. Our roads are more curvy and hilly than most other highways in Ohio. Please drive slower or you may end up crossing center line accidentally. It happens, with tragic consequences.
BE PREPARED FOR LACK OF LIGHT. It's dark out here. Use the center line or edge line, if there is one. See point #1: SLOW DOWN.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ANIMALS. It's tough to see at dawn and dusk, and that's exactly when animals are most active. Deer are very large animals, but blend in and so are difficult to spot. And where there's one, there's sure to be more. Of course, see point #1: SLOW DOWN.

Enjoy your drive in the country. Just SLOW DOWN.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Whip-poor-will

2006-05-05T08:58:00.000-04:00

For the past week or so, Dave & I have been listening to Whip-poor-wills singing their songs. They are to be heard in the evening, and last a long time. According to A Guide to Field Identification Birds of North America (1983), the song lasts 55-60 minutes! We have never seen this bird, but enjoy its song, as a sign of spring, year after year. The song can be quite loud as the bird gets closer, and one blog writer described whip-poor-wills as "unshut-able."

On another topic, I have mentioned how much I enjoy reading the police & sheriff's reports in the Logan Daily. Here's a sample from the Thursday paper:

Andy Ucker, Cox Road, reported that he found a roofing nail in his driveway on Saturday, April 29. A deputy talked with a neighbor who said he didn't see anything suspicious in the area.

There's probably more to this story, but don't you WISH you lived somewhere where this is considered an important reason to call the law?

Have a great weekend!

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Lilac Time

2006-04-30T20:15:00.000-04:00

Yes, the lilacs are in full bloom as are the dogwood trees. They've been blooming for a week, but this weekend must have been the peak. The redbud trees are starting to leaf out, so the blooms are fading. I really can't decide which is my favorite of these three - guess I don't have too!

Even more exciting news: Dave saw a single hummingbird earlier this week. I'd better get the feeders washed, filled and hung up. Those little birds are very demanding.

Our Eastern phoebes built their regular nest on our front porch. I haven't checked for eggs yet, but mama and papa phoebe are always around. Little Six (our black kitty) loves to sit on the window cell and watch them fly back & forth. They've picked a good spot - Six cannot climb up to the nest.

Mushroom Hunt (Wildflower walk)

2006-04-24T10:02:00.001-04:00

Our friend Sandy came over yesterday to hunt for mushrooms (morels). In past years, we have found a few, but expected better results 'cause we thought Sandy, being a born and raised country girl, would give us an edge. Not so. She told us we had lots of prime locations, but we found no mushrooms. Even the usual little patch had zip. We'll try again in a few days, after we get the next rain.

However, we found a lot of wildflowers, among them Bluets, Violets, White Violets, Wild Sweet William, Large White Trillim and Golden Ragwort. The May Apples are sprouting everywhere, but the flowers aren't open yet . Dogwood blooms appear to be floating at the edge of the woods, and the Redbuds are really putting on a spectacular display this year. Speaking of Dogwoods, there is an absolutely gorgeous old, pink Dogwood on Route 56 in Laurelville, just east of the Apple House. It blooms beautifully, year after year.

While not wild, our crabapple trees are heavy with flowers this year. And smell wonderful. The lilacs should pop open in a few days! My favorite.

Wild Turkeys!

2006-03-30T07:23:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post - this morning I heard a lot of gobbling (as in many gobbles) from the pine grove near our Marsh Hollow cabin! Turkeys are very clever and we don't see any around our home because of our dog patrol (Juice, Mac & Boede). It's spring in the Hocking Hills.

Turkey Vultures Keep Roads Clean

2006-03-29T06:56:00.001-05:00

I can't take credit for this headline. It was in last Saturday's Logan Daily News, which is the quintessential small town newspaper. I love reading it every day, especially the police and sheriff reports. And obituaries for some reason.

Anyway, turkey vultures are back in Hocking County doing their best to keep county and township roads clean. Clean of dead animals only - they leave the rest of the trash for someone else to pick up. They arrived in March, a sure sign a spring. The goldfinches are also starting to turn yellow. They've been in their drab winter dress, but dating season is upon us so the boys will be be bright yellow and black before long.

The Hocking County Tourism Association has a "birding" web page at http://www.1800hocking.com/birding. It includes a link to the Hocking Valley Birding Trail site, which includes a checklist to use during your visits to the area. It also points you toward great places to go watch for birds.

I'm about ready to go out to feed the girls (goats) and boys (horses). While I always enjoy it, the birds will be singing up a storm this morning making it even better.

Great dog finds good home

2006-02-17T16:10:00.000-05:00

Just about everybody we know could see this coming: we've decided to keep "Bode" since no one has come forward to claim him, and because he is a very nice dog. He's been to the vet for shots and "fixing" so now he's definitely a keeper. Dr. Roll thinks he's about 2 or so.

When I went over to Pinewood Cabin to clean today, our pet goats Crystal and Stormy were there to greet me (not a good thing). Bode was a little too helpful rounding them up, so we'll have to work on dog etiquette around goats. Mac did a wonderful job of keeping himself between Bode and the girls. He's a real protector and doesn't hold any grudges: Crystal and Stormy have horned him a couple of times in the past, when he got a little too close.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Great dog needs good home

2006-02-08T15:15:00.000-05:00

We are not sure what to call this stray dog. He's been with us since January 31, when we noticed we had 3 dogs on the front porch instead of the usual 2. He needs a home:

He's a young, un-neutered male dog, very friendly and non-aggressive with other dogs. He hasn't shown any interest in chasing the horses and goats, and since he got zapped by the elecric fence has no further interest in going into their fields.

We have been feeding him outside, so I am not sure if he is house-trained. He would LOVE to come in and I have a feeling he has been in a home before.

There has been no response to the flyers we distributed up and down nearby roads.

If you are looking for a large, sweet dog with a big appetite (for love & food), please contact me at marshhollow@direcway.com or 740-332-9202.

Mary from Marsh Hollow

Incredible food in the Hocking Hills

2006-01-27T17:52:00.000-05:00

Within the last month, Dave and I have dined at the 3 top restaurants in the Hocking Hills. This is unusual behavior for us, but we need to keep on top of the dining situation for the sake of our current and future Marsh Hollow guests. It's a a great job.

Last week, we did a double whammy: dinner at Glenlaurel Inn on Friday night, followed by lunch at the Grouse Nest on Saturday after a long hike up Long Hollow. Glenlaurel has undergone a change in management. The previous proprietor, Michael, was a wonderful innkeeper, and had more poems in his head than anyone I've ever known. I can reassure you that the new owners and innkeeper have followed in Michael's fine tradition. We enjoyed an excellent 5 course meal. Speaking for myself, the Mahi mahi was excellent. And the dessert was a chocolate molten thing that was to die for. Plus, it's a dry township, so we got to bring our own wine. "A+" for Glenlaurel Inn. The inn itself is lovely and out in the middle of nowhere!

On Saturday, along with our friends Diane & Sherwin, we mapped out a multi-stage geocache which we hope to post at geocaching.com. Needless to say after all that hiking around in the woods and through streams, we were hungry. Dave suggested the Grouse Nest, and it turned out to be a great suggestion. We all enjoyed our meals, but I can report that the butternut soup was DELICIOUS. It was served with a hard roll and butter. That actually would have been enough for lunch, but I added on the turkey wrap - also quite tasty and big enough for 2 people. Diane took her 2nd half and mine, so that she and Sherwin could have a quick lunch before they left for home on Sunday. "A" for Grouse Nest lunch. We have been here for dinner quite a few times. Give them an "A" for dinner too! The restaurant itself is nice, but kind of generic. Well, the cathedral ceiling is nice. Friendly staff, of course.

Earlier in January, we decided to drive over to the Inn at Cedar Falls, which has always been a favorite, particularly because it's in an old log cabin, which has been expanded into a nice size restaurant. Among the 3, the Inn at Cedar Falls wins the ambience contest. Rustic & charming. The food was also very good, especially the chocolate mousse! Very fine dining, indeed. Give the Inn at Cedar Falls an "A" too.

Etta's General Store & Lunchbox Cafe is not "fine" dining (and I'm sure the restaurants above are confused about being included in the same article as Etta's), but it is a great place for lunch and a bit different than any other restaurant around here. I was there on Tuesday with friends (Beth, Beth, Julie & Kathy) and we all had great homemade lunches. I had chicken corn chowder - wonderful. And a BLT. Where did they get such good tomatoes in the middle of winter? I understand that they will also pack a lunch for you to take on your hike. Hundreds of lunchboxes are on display. We sat near "The Man from Uncle" lunchbox, and with the combined brain cells of all 5 of us, were able to name the actors and the characters they played. Not immediately, but after much deep thinking. And to think I was so-o-o in love with Illya Kuryakin. But who wasn't!

It's a little bit out of the way, but if you're going to Lake Hope via Route 56, Etta's is a great place to stop. Be aware: it's funky! But it gets an "A" in its own little category.

There are plenty of other great places to eat in the Hocking Hills, but the 3 "inns" are very special. And Etta's is unique. Come down to Marsh Hollow sometime, and splurge on a great restaurant or two.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Wonderful Well Water!

2005-12-30T15:06:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to let you know that the transformation of our well water is complete. If you've stayed with us at Marsh Hollow before, you have experienced some pretty strong well water. I just cleaned the cabin, getting ready for our next guests, and there were no stains, no spots to remove from ANYTHING.

I could actually smell the orange aroma in my dishwashing liquid. And one of our guests this week reported that she developed shiny hair, after washing with, yes, our well water!

So the already fabulous Marsh Hollow vacation log cabin experience just got better.

Now all we have to do is get the trench graded and re-seeded. Probably not til spring.

Well Water at Marsh Hollow

2005-12-19T09:56:00.000-05:00

At last! Our new filtering/sanitizing water system is good to go. While we think our Marsh Hollow cabin offers just about the perfect Hocking Hills vacation, the well water has left a lot to be desired. And filling the hot tub with it has always been a tiresome experience.

But Bob of Hill's Services has installed a pretty nifty system that promises to keep the pretty water flowing. He had to dig a pretty long trench to complete the project so now we have some grading/landscaping to do - after it thaws and dries out a bit.

Come visit us at Marsh Hollow and check out our new improved water!

Ash Cave

2005-12-05T08:11:00.000-05:00

This Saturday enjoy a special Hocking Hills hike. Celebrate the season with a quarter-mile lighted stroll to Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park. Also enjoy a bonfire and refreshments, visits with an old-fashioned Santa and decorating a holiday tree for wildlife. Hours: 5-7 p.m. Free. Call 740-385-6841, or go to www.hockinghillspark.com.

Quilt Barn at Marsh Hollow & Fall Drive Tip

2005-10-29T07:34:00.000-04:00

Well, it's really a quilt garage. I have admired the many quilt patterns that are being painted on a variety of structures in the Hocking Hills, so I painted this "Ohio Star" on the garage/storage building at Marsh Hollow.

Adams County has created a driving tour of more than 20 quilt squares. You can view them online at http://www.adamscountytravel.org/BarnQuiltSquares.htm.

Fall color seems to be making an extended stay this year - the Hocking Hills are still absolutely gorgeous this week. Yesterday, my daughter Carolyn and I drove along Chapel Ridge Road and Route 374 to the Wind Chime Shop at 29205 Ilesboro Road. Just incredible views of oranges, reds, yellows, purples and greens. Plus the Wind Chime Shop had the perfect chime for a wedding gift for friends.

Here's a sample of yesterday's fall color:

Carolyn atop Dusty, Cash looking on

Fall in the Hocking Hills

2005-10-23T14:59:00.000-04:00

The past few days have been pretty rainy, which is good for the waterfalls, but hard on the leaves. Fortunately, there are still quite a few trees that haven't even started to turn so the next week should offer good color. Let's hope the sun comes out.

All summer, deer visited our apple trees for snack time. Lately, they seem much shyer. Or maybe they are sick of apples! Last week, I drove past a large buck (with a very nice rack) on Big Pine Road, just past the intersection with Wagner Road. Our guests (at Marsh Hollow) saw another one near the cabin. Love is in the air!

I am pretty sure this is the same doe & fawns we saw all summer long.

Photo by Dave Kellerman
Despite the rain, this time of year makes me so happy. I enjoy looking at all of the fields we mow and thinking that there are really only 1 or 2 mowing days left. You cannot imagine how comforting that is.

An update on the September 17th Indian Run, which is the series of races that the Hocking Hills Tourism Association offers every year. Dave and I both entered the 5k. He won his age group (well, 1st out of 1 entry), and I was 3rd in mine (well, 3rd out of 3). And we WALKED the race. Overall, there were over 400 entrants - but most were much, much younger than we are.

Adventures in the Hocking Hills

2005-09-11T12:06:00.000-04:00

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:

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

2005-09-01T19:43:00.002-04:00

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.

Grand Opening at Honey Ridge!

2005-08-11T14:17:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for a lovely two-bedroom cabin in the Hocking Hills, check out Honey Ridge at www.honey-ridge.com. It will be available for rental beginning August 19.

Honey Ridge is owned, operated and BUILT by our dear friends Beth & Chuck Marousek. The cottage, which is located on top of a heavily wooded ridge, is very private and has a large deck overlooking a ravine. Beth has put her special touch on everything associated with Honey Ridge, so be prepared for a relaxing vacation in a special spot. It's close to all of the major Hocking Hills attractions including Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls. . .

Beth and Chuck also have a small herd of dairy goats. Last year, we were lucky enough to get our two girls, Stormy & Crystal, from their herd. They are also bee keepers and gardeners. Plus, Chuck is an extraordinarily talented home builder. You will be well taken care of at Honey Ridge!

So if our cabin at Marsh Hollow is not available, or if you need two bedrooms, be sure to consider staying at Honey Ridge.

Hocking Hills State Park: Perseid Meteor Shower

2005-08-04T08:51:00.000-04:00

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to the Hocking Hills State Park, 8 p.m. on August 12 at the dining lodge, to view this month's Perseid meteor shower.

Check out the Ohio Department of Natural Resources press release at www.dnr.state.oh.us/news/aug05/0802meteor.htm.

The Perseids come every year, beginning in late July and stretching into August. Sky watchers outdoors at the right time can see colorful fireballs, occasional outbursts and, almost always, long hours of gracefully streaking meteors. Among the many nights of the shower, there is always one night that is best. This year: August 12th. And here's a a great NASA link concerning this year's display: science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2005/22jul_perseids2005.htm.

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway - Robbery!

2005-07-17T19:41:00.000-04:00

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

2005-07-15T08:41:00.000-04:00

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

2005-07-11T08:57:00.000-04:00

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

2005-07-07T08:50:00.000-04:00

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.

Dog Friendly

2005-06-28T07:31:00.000-04:00

DogFriendly.com just announced its 2005 Top 10 Dog Friendly Resorts. And the Hocking Hills region is number 10! Many cabins in the area allow pets, including our log cabin at Marsh Hollow. Plus, you can take your dog on all of the trails in the Hocking Hills State Park. Dogs aren't allowed in the Conkles Hollow & Rockbridge nature preserves, but they don't seem to mind.

We have had many canine guests at Marsh Hollow. With woods, fields and a creek to run through, most leave here happy and exhausted. Our cabin has an elevated deck with a railing and gates so pets can be secured.

In case you're wondering, number 1 on the DogFriendly.com list is Monterey, California. Not bad company!

Bullfrogs & Fawns

2005-06-21T18:34:00.001-04:00

A quick report on wildlife: this morning I walked along the creek to our adjacent property. Two deer popped out of the woods, and I thought they looked kinda short, or the grass was high. When Mom arrived, I finally realized the short deer were fawns. They kept hopping around, playing with each other, just like kids (the human kind and the goat kind)! Mac caught sight and took chase, so they all scattered.

There's more evidence of deer around our apple trees. The deer come down from the hill in the evenings to have a late snack. And leave droppings everywhere!

And this fine fellow was under our bridge. Very handsome!

Patriotic Visitor

2005-06-20T17:56:00.000-04:00

Saturday morning (6/18), as we were enjoying our morning coffee, our dogs Mac & Juice raised such a racket I had to go check out what the hullabaloo was all about. Turned out to be a very frightened raccoon up our flag pole. Here's another view. We dragged Juice inside, which being a 70 lb redbone coonhound, was not easy. However, we are experienced in this "procedure". Mac, we could not catch, but being a shepherd/Doberman mix, he was not really into raccoons, and lost interest.

Generally, we don't see raccoons in the day time, so this poor thing made a mistake I don't think he, or she, will ever make again!

Dining in the Hills (plus a wildlife sighting)

2005-06-06T17:31:00.000-04:00

Friday, Dave's business partner Tom arrived from Georgia. When we have company, we often like to go out to dinner...and the Grouse Nest is one of our favorite restaurants. It offers gourmet dining (at gourmet dining prices), but has also started to offer a "neighborhood special" every day, priced at a very reasonable 10 bucks or less and they are excellent! However, this Friday, we all opted for the fancy stuff (Tom and Dave each had grilled prime rib, and I had the chicken in a gorgonzola cream sauce). Too wonderful for words.

The following evening, we took Tom to the annual Hocking Hills Chapter of the Ohio Horseman's Council's hog roast and ride at Palmerosa Horse Campground. We didn't ride, but partook of the fabulous roasted hog and chicken prepared by the Anderson boys (Danny & Donnie). Plus, it's a potluck so there were great side dishes and desserts. There was also a silent auction and I won a great purse with a cowgirl outlined in sequins - my kinda stuff!

Finally, we saw a doe and very new fawn up on Thompson Ridge Road. Mom crossed the road, but baby dropped to the ground and stayed still while we passed. I believe that is the youngest deer I have ever seen - still quite wobbly!

Horseback Riding in the Hocking Hills

2005-06-03T14:36:00.000-04:00

I've been wanting to create a Hocking Hills blog for months. Should be a great way to let people know about all of the wonderful ways to enjoy this area. For example, last Friday my daughter Carolyn and I took our horses Dusty & Cash over to the state forest trails. It was my first time to ride there without an experienced trail guide. Carolyn is a wonderful rider but had never ridden on these very challenging (HILLS! MUD! CREEKS!) trails.

We got a little bit lost so ended up riding for about 3 1/2 hours. We had a pretty good map of the Hocking State Forest trails but missed a key turn that kept us riding about an hour longer than we had planned. Here's our intended route:

Ride the Orange Trail out of the Horseman's Camp on Keister Road.
At Point "J", turn on to the Purple Trail.
Follow the Purple Trail all the way back to Keister Road (makes a nice loop ride), but don't ride out onto the road (this was our error).
Just before the road, turn right on a very narrow trail. It is marked with a purple post, but there's so much foliage it's hard to see.
Continue on this trail for a short distance til you come back to Keister Road.
Cross the road, then turn right onto another very narrow trail to continue on the Purple Trail. You will make this turn right in front of the Point "G" sign.
Continue on the Purple Trail which eventually merges with the Red Trail to take you back to camp.

All of the main trails are marked with colored posts and big colored dots on trees. The side trails are marked with white posts and dots on trees. Carolyn had her GPS unit with her which helped guide us back to our starting point (but it was tough to get a good reading due to the dense foliage).

If you don't have your own horses, there are lots of great stables in the Hocking Hills to choose from. Spotted Horse Ranch and Happy Trails are closest to Marsh Hollow (vacation log cabin). Contact me at mailto:marshhollow@hughes.net for more information about riding in the Hocking State Forest.