Hello Gal Pals!
I’m writing this with a swollen nose, black eye and a stoved up thumb! “Did you fall?’ everyone asks. If only that were true…I wouldn’t have to tell you about one of the most embarrassing things I’ve ever done! Yes, I know I don’t have to tell you, but the Gal is real y’all! In this case…maybe a little too real.
Can’t believe I did that!
Bull in a China Shop I am!
So, I was leaving a meeting at a facility where the whole front section has glass doors, walls, and windows. In a hurry as usual, I left the meeting about five minutes early; headed to the left parking lot. Walking in that direction, I was going through what I thought it was a side door. It was a nice day and several of the doors were open. Unfortunately, I didn’t use one of those. No, instead, I walked full force into a glass wall! Thought I might possibly have a concussion, but so far, so good, I think. Still can’t believe I did that, but the moral of this story is: Slow down, pay attention (sometimes things are not as they appear) … AND always be able to laugh at yourself…even if it hurts…really bad!
Detective Adventure
Now on to a fun adventure! I found myself on another Girl Camper escapade a while back, this time in Mohican State Park, Loudonville, OH, where we Girl Campers became super sleuths led by a retired forensics officer! After learning how to dust and lift fingerprints, collect blood samples, and other detective skills, we put ’em to work as we investigated a mock crime scene. Super cool!
We worked in teams to investigate the crime scene
Waterfront Campsite
My campsite was right along the river, which was awesome, but it had rained a lot the night before and it was running full force. More rain was predicted, so I kept a close eye on it. PLEASE be alert to flash flooding when camping along low-lying rivers, creeks, and streams! The weather can change so quickly, so always be on guard.
Camping on the Mohican River
Surviving Shawshank!
Staying in the theme of crime, we watched the classic 1994 movie ‘Shawshank Redemption’ outside at the campground.
Watching ‘Shawshank Redemption’ at the campground
Ohio State Reformatory aka Shawshank!
The next day we actually went to Shawshank Prison!…aka the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, OH where the movie was filmed! WOW! I cannot say enough about this experience. I highly recommend taking that tour, it was amazing! I guess I have a thing for old prisons and old buildings in general. I wore my Alcatraz (another amazing experience!) shirt to Shawshank! LOL!
Hangin’ with Red & Andy inside Shawshank
Exploring
Other highlights of this excursion included visiting historic downtown Loudonville where I ate the best Bavarian Pretzel ever at the Black Fork Bistro, exploring Clear Fork Gorge, walking across part of the Mohican River on a 1968 covered bridge inside Mohican Lake State Park.
Best Bavarian Pretzel ever!
Clear Fork Gorge
Girl Camper Club
I had a blast with my Girl Camper buddies. Was great to see old friends and make some new ones as well. Gals…if you would like to join the Girl Camper group, check out their website at: http://girlcamper.com
It costs only $10 to join and there are lots of chapters with tons of great adventures all across the country…even some beyond!
Festival Hopping
After that great trip, I set about festival hopping; which included finally getting two under my beIt that I had been wanting to do forever: Mothman Festival in Point Pleasant, WV and the World Chicken Festival in London, KY!
Inside the Mothman Museum
The Mothman Festival is unlike any other! If you have not heard of Mothman, look it up. A 1966 incident occurring in the Point Pleasant, WV area that became a world wide phenomenon! This festival is insane! I loved every minute of it! It is held each year in September, but you can visit the Mothman Museum and the TNT Area anytime; dodging the crowds if you wish. However, witnessing Mothman mania is part of the experience! See video here: https://youtu.be/zzg5_G0LdE4
The World Chicken Festival in London, KY celebrates the life of Colonel Sanders, founder of world-renowned Kentucky Fried Chicken. What a fun and flavorful event this is! From getting a
World Chicken Festival, London, KY
dinner where the chicken is cooked in the world’s largest stainless steel skillet, to visiting the massive amount of vendors, this is a top-notch festival. Super clean with attention to detail, check it out if you get a chance. Also in this area is the Sanders Cafe/Museum...the original Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. Be sure to stop in for a meal and see all the KFC & Col. Sanders memorabilia!
Everybody loves Colonel Sanders!
Other festivals included on this trek were the Tobacco Festival in Sandy Hook, KY, which celebrates one of the biggest agriculture crops in the state. You probably already know about the huge amount of musical talent in Kentucky, but eastern KY is to the MAX!
Memorial statue of the late great Keith Whitley
I finally got to visit the Keith Whitley Memorial here in his hometown. A bright and shining star that left us way too soon. He will always be one of my favorites.
I took in a few festivals closer to home as well, including Septemberfest in Louisa, KY and the Harvest Festival in Inez, KY. Hope to hit some new ones soon! Playing catch-up again on these posts, but we’ll get there, so just hang with me, it will be fun…as long as we don’t run into any glass walls!
Coming up…
- Cool Gadget
- New adventures
- Product reviews & more!
This quote from ‘Shawshank Redemption’ is exactly what I mean when I say
“Don’t Wait to Live!”
The shirt from Shawshank has become one of my favorites!
See Ya down the road,
Cat