Vacation Part 6 - Old Man's Cave

On Tuesday of our vacation we went to Hocking Hills State Park.

The roads in the area were very narrow but very pretty.

We decided to go to Old Man's Cave and hike the trails.

It was more like a giant crevasse between two enormous rocks than a cave.

Still had gorgeous views.

The lighting was shadowy on one side and very bright on the other...

made for interesting photos.

Inside the "cave".

Cool looking stone bridge.

There were a couple of rock tunnels.

Interesting exposed roots on this tree.

The boys' favorite tunnel.

Two bridges with contrasting architecture.

Truth be told, I didn't think this was a bridge at first.

From a distance I thought it was something under construction, until I saw someone crossing it.

I wasn't fond of this bridge.

No rails to keep you back (not that it was a long fall).

This was the main reason I didn't like it... the gaps in the steps.

Very cool stone steps.

The upper falls.

Nolan took this picture for us.

We asked if the falls were behind us.

Yep, right on Dwayne's head!

Looking down on the upper falls.

Vacation Part 5 - Hocking Hills Campground

Our second campground was the Hocking Hills Campground in the town of Rockbridge.

A tiny town with a large campground... over 80 sites!

We were one of two campers and we were able to pick the sight we wanted.

We drove to all 80 sights along the Hocking river and chose this one.

It was right next to the beach/boat launch area... and we had it all to ourselves for two days!

It was so quiet and secluded, just perfect for us.

...and no ducks!

This was the view from our camp site. 

View looking at our site from the river. 

Connor talking on the phone to grandma... hands free.

The only draw back of this campground was the shower house.

You had two choices: either drive a 1/4 mile (which included driving up a steep drive)

or hike up a steep trail.

There were, of course, port-a-pottys close to our camp site for the immediate needs.

A shower required planning ;)

The shower house hike included steep drop offs as well.

Looking down river.

Looking up river.

We spent some time at the river.

We even brought our quad chairs and watched the boys play.

Our first morning we had a deer run right past the tent.

This was our first time camping and we really enjoyed it.

We can't wait to try it again.

Vacation Part 4 - Travel Day

Monday was another travel day.

We packed up the tent, our gear and headed to southern Ohio.

This picture was actually taken on our way to northwest Ohio...

I just wanted to prove to myself that at one point

the van was neatly packed!

We thought this sign to be a little humorous.

We went though Columbus... so I had to take pictures

of the big city buildings.

Eventually we came to the hills of southern Ohio.

When we first saw them, we told the boys to look out the front window and tell us what you see.

Connor hollered out, "I see mountains!"

No, son, those are just hills.

I guess any hill higher than 30 feet is a mountain to a Hoosier.

The boys are such good travelers.

Nolan wrote short stories while we drove.

Connor read a stack of books.