Travelling East

Unexpectedly we needed to drive several days north around Lake Michigan after our 4 hour ferry trip across the lake was cancelled. You need to be flexible when traveling during these unusual times and we adjusted our schedule accordingly.

 

Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

This botanical garden and outdoor sculpture park, located in Grand Rapids, MI has both a variety of plants in greenhouses and large sculptures placed throughout the park.

   
Hungry plants

Wandering through the outdoor area we discovered the interesting Farm Garden reminiscent of the 1930s.

     
Horse at work                                                                     Leading the cow

   Milking time                                                                            Pig fun

 

Birth of the Petroleum Industry

 In 1859 near Titusville, PA , as an agent for the Seneca Oil Co, Edwin Drake struck the first ever oil deposit. By the 1870s one engine could pump many wells at once by powering long networks of rods and levers connected to pump jacks at each well (contact Jim if you want the details of how they worked). At one time, in this area there were over 23 flowing wells on a 38 acre tract producing up to 3,000 barrels of oil per day.

     
Drake Well replica                                                              Pumping oil

   
 Remains of early derricks                                                                                  Oil fields

 

Waterfall Paradise

Rickets Glen State Park
One of the best hikes in all of Pennsylvania with a reputation of being difficult and dangerous is the Rickets Glen Falls Trail, a 3.4 mile loop exploring the glen along a series of 22 named wild, free-flowing waterfalls (up to 94 feet high) cascading through rock-strewn cliffs. Due to recent rains the water flow was high and we proceeded with necessary caution from the Lake Rose Trailhead past many steep drop-offs, down uneven stairs cut into the rocks and slippery trail conditions.

    
Hiking the Falls Trail                                                               A narrow trails

   
Many cascades                                                         Wildlife in the Glen

 

Stopping Along the Way

    
Beer break                                                                     Quilt break

   Flower break                                                                      Ice Cream break

 

We got home again for a few weeks to get ready for our next adventure in September. 

See you then.

 

Click this link to go directly to our next posting
Return to HOME page