Snowy Range Pass

Snowy Range Pass

Sunday, July 03, 2011

Off the beaten path and a trip to Cleveland


















We have continued to visit with friends from the Toledo area and check on our storage unit with stuff that we may eventually use when we move back in to a sticks and bricks. We have lived in the Toledo area on two separate occasions for a total of 15 years. We did very little sightseeing of the local area while we lived here. This was probably because of work/ child rearing and spending most of our free time sailing or on camping trips.

So on a free day we grabbed the Maumee Bay visitors guide and picked out a few places that were recommended. Some of these were just minutes from where we used to live. In the process, we also visited all three houses that we have lived in. None of these were on the recommended list. So much for being famous!

The first stop was the Johlin cabin that was built in 1867 in the Great Black Swamp that covered the southern coastal region of Lake Erie. This cabin remained in the Johlin family until 2006, when it was donated to the Metro Park system and moved 1.5 miles to its current location. The area is landscaped to give a feel for what it would have been like to live in the Great Black Swamp.

Just down the road is the Our Lady of Toledo Shrine. We must have passed by this site many times over the years but had no idea it was there. Judging by the huge parking lot, it must be pretty well known. For me the most interesting object at the shrine is a replica of the “Pieta” by Michelangelo. The original was completed in 1498 and resides in the St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. I have been to St Peter’s on several occasions and never fail to spend some time in front of this sculpture. The Toledo Pieta is said to be cast directly from the original.

The town hall in Genoa, Oh was built in 1883 as an Opera House and quickly became the center of activity for the surrounding area. While it is still used for entertainment venues, its primary function is serving as the town hall. This Gothic revival structure with bell tower was the highest structure in the area for many decades and is the centerpiece of the historic downtown. It appears that shrines are big in this area. There is a grotto located near downtown Genoa, so we stopped by on the way out.

We were invited to Cleveland for a luncheon by friends we have known for many years. Mark and Carol also invited another couple (Dick and June) who are mutual friends. We had a great time catching up and recalling the good old days. Mark and I served in the Coast Guard together. Dick worked for a steamship company that I had dealings with while stationed in Ohio and as things sometimes happen, we ended up working together after I retired from the Coast Guard. We wanted to make a photo of the group, which turned into a bit of a hoot.

As we were leaving we got a look at Dick’s new car. It seems that if you are not dragging it behind a motorhome apparently there are better options. Dick is a bit old for a midlife crisis but he says that he knows for a fact that it will do 120.

9 comments:

Travels with Emma said...

Seems to be pretty common that we don't do the tourist thing in the places we have lived. It's a shame really. Good reason to return and see all the things we should have long ago. :)

Happytrails said...

Great tour!! Thanks for taking us along. I think alot of folks realize that they have never REALLY explored the places they lived because of being just too busy working and raising a family. We felt that way about where we lived. We actually discovered some things we never knew were there. It makes it all new again! Kinda neat!!
Glad you enjoyed your explorations!!

Karen and Al said...

120... yikes!

Jerry and Suzy said...

It is amazing how little we see of our own hometowns while we live there. A nice visit "back home!"

Paul and Marti Dahl said...

I used to think Ohio was just a pass through state, with nothing interesting to see or do. Now that I've seen all the neat places you posted I'll have to slow down and take a look around next time I'm in Ohio.

Unknown said...

You have reminded me to do some exploring while we are here this summer, thanks. I love your friends car!

Gail Houle said...

NICE car! :)

We just breezed through Ohio on our way to Wisconsin. I can see that it is definitely worth a return trip to stop and actually "see" it. Thanks for the tour.

Rick said...

Hot automobile! Thanks for the tour of the Toledo Shrine, it was very interesting.

Have a terrific 4th of July.

Kevin Read said...

I think most people are like you. when it comes to being a tourist in your own town/city. The only time we really went to some of the toursity places in Ottawa was when we had company come for a visit from out of town. Surprising how many little gems that are so close to home.

Kevin and Ruth
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com