Gal-Gone-Camping

Hello Gal Pals!

Hope you’re enjoying the remainder of summer.  Cannot believe August is nearly gone already!  One of my favorite activities is to float in nature’s swimming pools…so relaxing. Not sure you can call that an “activity” since you’re technically not doing anything.

Bigfoot Presentation

So, another super cool activity I did this summer was attend a Bigfoot presentation right in my hometown! Thanks to the Lawrence County Public Library for hosting Charlie Raymond, founder of the KY Bigfoot Research Organization.  He shared his experiences and the crowd interacted; discussing their thoughts. Lots of fun and very interesting information.

Teen Dream Comes True After All These Years!

My next adventure centered around a concert…not just any concert. I stepped back into my pre-teen days when I got to see my teen idol, Shaun Cassidy!!! Some of you probably don’t even know who that is, but to this gal, he was all there was from 1976-1979.  To say I was excited was a total understatement. I’m still smiling; will never forget it. This will go down one of the highlights of my life!

Small Town America

The concert was held at the historic Kent Stage in downtown Kent, Ohio. I fell in love with this little town! Full of charm, clean, friendly, lots of cool shops and restaurants to discover, but I didn’t get to spend much time there; as this was a short trip.

Memorial to Kent State University Tragedy 

The biggest draw to Kent of course, is Kent State University, and I felt compelled to visit the May 4th Visitor Center on campus in Taylor Hall. Kent State, as you know, is the location of one of our country’s saddest and most tragic events.  On May 4, 1970, four students were shot and killed here by the US National Guard during a protest against the invasion of Cambodia during the Vietnam War.

There is a lot of information, exhibits and memorabilia in the visitor center, as well as a short documentary film about the events that transpired that day.  It’s literally like walking back through the 60’s and early 70’s during all the turmoil and unrest of that era. The May 4th Visitor Center is a designated historical site; a marker stands at the walkway into Taylor Hall.  There’s also a self-guided walking trail with a map that explains what happened at each stop.

Be advised…there is not a sign when you pull into the parking lot. I had to ask someone where it was.  You’re GPS will tell you you’re there, but no sign! Look for the historical marker then walk left down a slope to Taylor Hall.  Also, be sure to park in the designated visitor parking spaces…which are also hard to spot.  If I hadn’t left when I did, I would’ve gotten a parking violation. A security officer was in the process of writing me up when I told him what I was doing!

You exit into a beautiful brick courtyard where four marble monuments rest under a canopy of trees memorializing the four students. Here you can look out over the Commons area where the horrific events of that day unfolded. Peaceful now, but to think about what happened here 53 years ago is so hard to imagine. As I stood there in a light mist of rain, I was in tears, thinking about how little has really changed in our society since then.  I found this to be a very moving, emotional experience.

Headlands Beach State Park/Lake Erie

Just an hour away from Kent is Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor, OH, on the shores of Lake Erie! Although I’ve been to Lake Erie before on the PA side, I couldn’t resist hitting the beach and exploring. I had plenty of time; the concert didn’t start till 7:00, so why not?! Don’t ever miss an opportunity to discover a treasure. That’s what this park is; I loved it!

This is a day use only park, so no campground, but I didn’t need a campsite on this trip; planned to overnight park somewhere near the concert venue.  On the way into the park is the Morton Salt Mine. I wasn’t expecting that, pretty cool. Ohio ranks 4th in salt production nationally; producing 5 million tons of rock salt a year! Who knew?!

It was overcast and cool that day; too cold to get in the water, but I enjoyed hanging out there a while. They have a great walking/bike trail and on down the beach is the historic Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse built in 1925. Also nearby is a nature preserve.

Best Hotdog Ever!

On the way to the lake, I spotted a nostalgic hotdog stand; telling myself I would definitely stop on the way out. I did, and can officially say I have eaten the best hotdog ever! If it’s not the best, it certainly has to be in the top five! Scooter’s World Famous Dawg House, Mentor OH!  They also serve fresh cut fries just like at the fair! The smallest size is more than one person can eat.  You should see the family size!

Boondocking at Love’s/Breakfast in the 50’s!

After the concert, I ended up overnighting at a Love’s Travel Center on I-76 I think it was. I love staying at travel centers! While researching this area, I found an awesome restaurant nearby in Stow, OH–Stownut Donut & Diner…all decked out in 50’s decor.  Fantastic breakfast!  I highly recommend it if you’re traveling through northeast Ohio.  After a great night’s sleep and a full belly…and a donut to go, I was on the road again. What a great trip! See video on this awesome little adventure here: https://youtu.be/_OK9K_2MxPA

New Cocktail Discovery!

Y’all know I’m a cocktail girl…well let me tell ya…if you like the flavor of coffee liqueur like Kahlua and a hint of chocolate, you’ll love Chi-Chi’s pre-mixed White Russian. Wow! You will never look at iced coffee the same. Downside is the calories…360 in one cup, but a great cocktail for brunch or anytime really.

Making Memories With the Family!

I ended June and entered July flying down to Myrtle Beach, SC to join my kiddos on vacation for a few days.  It’s been about 10 years since I was there; it’s really grown a lot since then!  I had a great time with them as always; but my best memory of this excursion was building sandcastles and gathering seashells with my sweet granddaughter…who has also grown a lot. How can she be almost 2 years old??!!

Money Saving Tip 

My flight was an early schedule and I had to fly out of an airport that was farther away than my local one. I didn’t want to risk getting caught in traffic or something that might cause me to miss my flight, so I overnighted at the airport parking lot.  I’ve done this before and it works out great! Great tip for saving some bucks by not staying in a motel for just a few hours! See video here: https://youtu.be/G4KtOjXCxkM

Well, that’s about it for now. I’m headed out soon on a Girl Camper trip….this is gonna be a great one; can’t wait to share with y’all!  Take care and enjoy the last little bit of summer.  Be safe out there and remember…. DON’T WAIT TO LIVE!

See ya down the road!

Cat