Marblehead, Ohio, sits on the southern edge of Lake Erie with its lighthouse a beacon into the dark for the many ships navigating the treacherous waters of the lake. With modern navigation equipment all of the beautiful lighthouses are really not needed but fortunately they are maintained and kept open for the enjoyment of all, and for those poor slobs who don't have cool navigation equipment. I think Thayer might be getting tired of me wanting to visit lighthouses but too bad. I like em. They tend to get me near the water which is what I need on a hot day. Marblehead is also where a small ferry takes people out to Kelley Island, about a 20 minute ride. I opted to go to the island while Thayer stayed in Marblehead. I took my bike and had a great time cycling around the 4 x 2 mile island. It was just the right size for me to see everything, riding or walking. The roads were mostly paved and traffic was about 2/3 bike and golf cart and 1/3 car traffic. It also turned out to be "Treasure Island" weekend when all the locals have a yard sale! I stopped at about 3 or 4 and was not tempted by a single item. The stuff was so junky I just started riding by. There was too much other good stuff to see!
I slowly cruised the tiny town but didn't stop, I was on my way to see some rocks! Kelley Is. just happens to be the world's BEST place to see the effects of glacial scouring on soft limestone rock. The trenches in this area are 8-10 ft deep, 35-40 feet across and run for about 300 ft. Many more of the marks existed, many of them much more impressive than these, but, alas, they were destroyed during the quarrying of limestone for building blocks. Feast your eyes on these glacial grooves! Yes, I know, I get more excited about this stuff than most of you...you must admit they are impressive.
3-400 years ago the Natives that lived here recorded important events on a large limestone slab, now called the "Inscription Rock." It sits under a shelter now because it is so eroded from weather that you can't really see the marks. Fortunately, a visiting military man made a detailed drawing of it back in the 1870's so we have a record of what it once looked like.
There were other interesting things to see on the island, some pretty beaches, spooky ruins in the forest(remnants of the quarry), and rare ecosystems of freshwater lakes and limestone shores. I took a short walk on a fancy boardwalk around one of only 3 (yes, three) remaining wetlands on this huge Lake Erie. This area was obviously "developed" way before the value of wetlands was recognized. The old story of not knowing what we are losing when we destroy the natural systems that make our planet healthy. I think of the many places we've seen where they are now trying to get wetlands re-established, recognizing the many benefits they provide to animals, plants and communities.
The island was historically interesting as well, before Prohibition there were 25 wineries on the island. They had a lot of agriculture to provide most of their own food, as well as the quarry providing jobs. In the winter they would cut blocks of ice out of the lake and store them in straw, in a barn, for summertime ice for ice boxes. There are many beautiful old homes on the water, many made out of the native stone.
After I returned from the island Thayer and I biked down to the Marblehead Lighthouse for photos. We had to dodge around the 2 weddings that were occurring while we were there.
You are having the time of your lives, aren't you? You are doing such a great job of sharing your travels, conversations with the locals, bike rides, culinary finds, and natural wonders that it does nothing but make me wish we were doing the same thing....this year! Doesn't the travel/work concept sound kind of intriguing? We've met lots of retired folks who work in national parks in lots of different capacities and have thought that would be fun. Met one couple (from New York) who have been the campground hosts at one of the Redwood State Parks (inside the National Park) for many years. They thought they'd do it once, then move to different parks each summer. They've never moved.
ReplyDeleteHi Jean, yes, we are having a great time! and yes, I like the camp/work idea. We have talked about getting in on a Habitat for Humanity work project while we are traveling but that will be farther down the road. Tonight we are enjoying a thunderstorm in Niagara Fall, ON. It feels soooo good after 2 sweltering hot, humid days. I wish you guys were on the road with us, we'd have a great time together!
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