Derecho

June 30 was a Friday. It was warm but there was no rain locally on the radar at 5:00. There was a little red section on radar NE of Columbus. No problem; we need the rain but that storm will dissipate, as most such storms do as they move east and lose energy. Anyway, it would not arrive here until late evening.

I returned from picking up take-out food about 6:00 and noticed the sky was really black. I looked up weather radar on my phone while sitting at a traffic light. Wow! That tiny red spot seen earlier was here already; now a giant swath of red and orange sweeping towards us. Another glance to the west, and I could see sheets of rain moving fast. Suddenly the storm hit - huge gusts of wind, mainly. I could not see for the dust. Trees bent 90 degrees from wind. Trash cans were airborne. At Greene St. and Colegate Drive a traffic light is out already. We shouldn't have to worry about power at home; it almost never goes out.

I turn onto Glendale Road and head out the ridge. Will I make it home? The van lurches from wind gusts. Trees fall into the road; then just as quickly blow across to the other side. A tree trunk lands in my lane. Gingerly I inch the van forward, and it clunks over and past the trunk. Traffic slowly meanders into and out of lanes dodging around obstacles and other vehicles trying to get through.

I made it home; branches, leaves, and grit littered the streets. But there were no large trees down, thankfully. We sat down to eat the takeout burgers I so bravely carried home through the storm. Suddenly there was a loud crack and....no power. No problem; it would be back soon as in the past. The rain stopped - for all the wind, there was almost no rain.

It was quiet with no power - no TV blathering, air conditioner silent. An occasional vehicle passed out on Glendale Road. I decided to locate the handcrank radio that I had bought a few years ago - and had not really needed since then. We did have a cell phone signal, so could access the internet on mobile devices. But there was nothing as yet on local news or emergency web sites telling us what was happening. Two hours later it was getting dark.

We deployed lanterns, candles, and flashlights. Heck, I decided to dig out the headlamps I use when camping. They are so convenient because their light is there all the time and it is hands-free. I also retrieved the camp stove; we may need it for coffee and cooking. We try not to think about the food at risk in two full refrigerator-freezers.

We retreat to the basement where it is several degrees cooler. Suz works Sudoku puzzles. I read a little by lantern light and occasionally glance at the internet. The dogs look at us strangely. They know things are not right. Time for bed; no fan and no breeze means it's warm and humid. Fitful sleep gradually sets in.


Early morning. Internet news indicates almost no one in a several-state area has power. I decide to drive around town. It is eerily quiet in the dawn twilight. No one has power. Traffic lights are dark. Drivers mostly realize that all intersections become 4-way stop streets with no traffic control devices.

I notice that gas stations are dark, too, yet cars are waiting at all open pumps, hoping the power comes back soon. There were no functioning gas stations within 50 miles because of the power outage.

We work outside cleaning up the lone large branch that fell in the woods and doing our normal yard work. There is no respite from the heat. Gabbie and Tess are noticeably uncomfortable in the heat. We decide to fill up the black tub with water. The dogs climb in the water to cool off. Suz and I douse ourselves with water from the hose and sit on the patio.

Later we enjoy leftovers from a still cool fridge and read before turning in. Only WMOA radio has updates on what has been a major event for millions of people in several states. We cringe at official statements from AEP that power restoration is days away.

Sunday we attend mass at St. Mary church. With the warm weather and no power, mass is over in 30 minutes. On the way home we discover that ice is available and stuff several bags into the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

Later I decide to golf. Why not? Turns out the country club has power now. When I return - could it be?....I hear the AC running. Power is back. Wow. What a relief. But we can't help thinking about how many others still have no power.

I realize how much we take for granted when power is on - so many electronic devices, the fixation with on-line access, emails, and other "stuff." We had a chance, for a day or two, to try other things like reading, talking, and doing nothing. Perhaps we can learn something about the experience.

Theme Park Adventure

We planned our Orlando trip a year ago - for our grandchildren, you would suppose. You would be wrong. The adults became tired of the youths' apathy when each year we asked the loaded question: you'd like to go see Mickey, WOULDN'T YOU? The years were slipping away. Someone needed to take a leadership role. Nana and Pap rose to the occasion.

We reserved two condo units at Marriott's Cypress Harbour. June 9 finally arrived. After an all night drive, we arrive comatose but revved up for a fun week. We picked up Todd at the airport that evening. The first day we attended church, then did little else except sit by the pool and ride paddle boats.

Then we hit the parks. One group went during the day; others used the previous group's tickets to return later in the day. My first outing was an evening shift to Magic Kingdom, with Gregg, Emily, and Katrina. The place was packed. We hoped to see the electric parade and the finale. Despite the crowd, the place is still magic. The castle was a spell binding presence, bathed in alternating colors.



The parade started, but we couldn't move, or even get decent view. The girls were troopers - no whining. We caught a glimpse of the parade floats.





When the parade ended, we threaded our way to the Haunted House. Sitting down was a welcome break; theme park visitors realize that most of the "experience" is walking and waiting in line. On the way back to the park entrance, the fireworks started. Then we realized from announcements that the laser light show was next. I had heard about it but did not see it in any literature. We watched from the train station; the girls were tired but patiently allowed the adults to watch the spectacular laser light show.

Then the real fun began; going home. Long lines to leave, wait for the boat ride to the parking area, then wait for a tram, then finally the short drive home. Arrive at condo around 12:25 am and do a fast fade.

In between park visits, we lounged by the pool, shopped at numerous retail venues, and at times kept busy doing nothing. Connor, Todd, and Dave played tennis. Late afternoon showers helped break the heat.



Next park stop: Epcot. Connor, Suz, and I set out early in the morning. First stop: Space Mission ride. Since our last visit, they have added a "less intense" ride experience. I did that first. Then Connor shamed me into doing the more intense Space Mission version. It was intense; I was within milliseconds of blacking out (really) on the takeoff run. After that ride, we roamed around the international section and enjoyed a beautiful day.

Last park visit was Animal Kingdom. None of us had been there before. There was lots of variety. I passed on the Mount Everest rollercoaster ride. We liked the river raft ride, but it was too short. The silverback gorillas were majestic; really up close views. Then there was the very large dino photo opportunity.



Time is growing short. The trip home back to Bittersweet Woods and reality will soon intrude on our pleasant break. Time for the obligatory resort portrait. This one was quite good, actually.


Good memories until the next visit.

My Friends Are Back

Summer is here, even if it is only mid-May. All of my summer friends are back, and there are a few new ones. Here are some of them.

Warm weather, a so-called fair weather friend, is great. May is usually warm but not oppressive.

The days are longer. The bad news is that in just a few weeks after the summer solstice, days start getting shorter.

Flowers and trees are in bloom. With warmer than normal temperatures, some wildflowers seem to be more prolific than usual. Examples include blue eyed grass with their striking blue indigo color and star of david. Marble sized apples and peaches dot the dwarf fruit trees. Should be a good crop this year - first ever for the new peach trees.

Blue-eyed grass

Star of David

Our woods is now in full vegetation mode. The trail is now a green corridor, masking much of the open vistas of the leafless winter months.

Wooded canopy along the trail

Birds are singing. Their early morning serenades give the new day a hopeful start. I especially enjoy the fluted melodies of the wood thrush. Rufus sided towhees with their black capes flit in the underbrush as we amble along the trail. I marvel at the improvised choruses of the mockingbird. Hearing the plaintive bleat of nighthawks just before daybreak is a sure sign of summer for me. A flycatcher nest, hiding in plain sight on the downspout of our house, is full of young about to fledge. Didn't see them until a few days ago.

Cicadas are starting to buzz. We see several abandoned larval shells from which the cicadas emerge each year. Hearing them reminded me that the 17 year cicada for our area will return in 2016. I tell Suz, who has a phobia about buzzing insects, about this. "I'll be leaving town then," she said resolutely.

Our snake buddies are around; they've never really left. Blackie, our resident black rat snake, hangs out in a plastic storage unit with flower pots. All 5 feet of it was draped across the trail the other day when Suz and the dogs walked by the wood pile. She also observed our garter snake by the patio; it even posed for a photo. A black racer appeared in the mulch near the driveway.

And, a baby black racer appeared in the garage. It was about the size of a large earthworm, squirming mightily as I rescued it from certain demise when our car pulled out. I noted the bright colored pattern of the snake but at the time had no idea what it was. The colors reminded me vaguely of a copperhead. I looked on the internet for "baby copperhead." This snake's picture appeared, labeled as a baby copperhead. That was ominous. If there was one baby, there would likely be more. Could one get into the house or be venomous enough to hurt or kill our dogs. But I noted the shape of the head. It did not look like a viper-shape. But what did I know? Not to worry; the picture was mislabled. On a suggestion from Suz, I looked up a photo of a black racer. It was an exact replica of the one we saw. Whew!

Black racer hiding in plain sight near driveway

Baby black snake

In three weeks, we'll be in Orlando for a family vacation. But that's getting ahead of ourselves. Today, we'll enjoy May and it's charms in Bittersweet Woods.

Hawaii

We just returned from Hawaii. We've been there before, but each time it continues to amaze. We spent a week on Maui and the second week on the Big Island.

I like the pleasant weather, scenery, microclimates, and the culture of native Hawaiians. The microclimates are unexpected for first time visitors and are fascinating each time I visit. There is the ocean, mountains, arid scrub, rain forest, open plains, and vast stretches of old lava flows on the Big Island. Weather can be totally different in each microclimate area, even within a half hour drive.

Here were the high points of this trip:

Relaxation: Suz and I are able to relax. We can enjoy walks, sitting by the ocean, staring out at the incredible scenery and, for minutes at a time, do nothing. This is a nice break from the often continuous activity at home.

Hearing native Hawaiian Veni explain the culture, history, and values of native Hawaiians. Their culture respects the environment, family, and fellow human beings. It is so refreshing to hear; why can't we live this way now? Their outlook is reflected in the greeting "Aloha." In Hawaiian, Aloha means affection, peace, compassion, and mercy.

Preparing for luau.

Being in and near the ocean. I learned how to stand-up paddle board, snorkeled, and kayaked every day.

Sea turtle taking a break on beach


Seeing Todd's reaction to the scenery, especially on the Big Island which he had not seen before.

Akaka Falls - 442 foot high falls on Big Island.

Helicopter Tour with Paradise Helicopter Tours of volcano area near Hilo on Big Island


Learning about Kona coffee at Heavenly Hill Coffee Farm. It was fascinating to learn how coffee is grown, processed, and marketed. Kona coffee's milder taste is gaining in popularity.

Attending mass at local churches, Maria Lanakila in Lahaina on Maui and St. Michael's church in Kailua on the Big Island. Maria Lanakila means "Victorious Mary" in Hawaiian. During mass I glanced out the window to see the sun breaking through the shrouded West Maui mountains. It was almost a heavenly experience. St. Michael's Church has no church building now. It was damaged in a 6.7 earthquake in 2006 and was razed in 2010. They meet in a large tent. What a lively group. A new church will be built when funds are raised.

St. Michael's Church - a reminder that church is the people, not the building.


Enjoying Hawaiian and reggae music on KWXX, the "feel good" station in Hilo. I now listen on line at home.

Going home. Even in such an amazing setting, it is good to get home to our own little patch of heaven in Bittersweet Woods.

Backpacking at Mohican

My grandson Connor and I had completed an overnight backpack last November. I picked Mohican State Park because of the area's reputation for scenery. It also had unique "park and pack" system of sites. They offer a backpacking experience but with parking close by, so the hike to the site is no more than a mile or two. Then we day hike - without packs. This plan works for Connor, who likes camping more than hiking and for Connor's Dad, Gregg who favors the hiking more than the camping.

The week before, I gathered my own equipment, plus extra gear (and a few food items) that Connor and Gregg did not have. Early Friday, I'm on the road to the camping area. The drive takes me through Amish country in Tuscarawus and Holmes counties in Ohio. I had not been there in decades. It is beautiful on this sunny, mild morning. There horse drawn buggies, nicely decorated buildings, and bustling activity.

I drive through nearby Loudenville and head into the park. Loudenville is a pretty town - even has a McDonalds. I won't mention that to the campers just yet, so I can preserve some measure of a wilderness experience. Campsite 3 had plenty of parking, and looks like a good place to start. I wait at our designated rendezvous location but without cell service don't know where they are. They arrive ready to hike.

We decide to do a hike first before setting up camp since there is time, and the day is sunny. We hike the upper end of the Clear Fork gorge, starting from the covered bridge towards two waterfalls and the dam. It is a beautiful hike. Along the way, we recall humorous vacation adventures. The falls and views from the dam are impressive.

Gregg stands under Big Lyons Falls; Connor is above the falls - out of sight.

Dave and Connor at the dam.


Connor loves the steep hills and scrambles to the top of the falls. We return to the covered bridge on the gorge trail. The sun is hot; many wildflowers carpet the low areas around the creek.

Virginia Blue Bells

At the camp site parking lot, we sort gear, pack up, and hike to Camp site 3. The trail even featurs a new hiking experience for them - a shoes-off stream crossing of Pine Creek just before arriving at the campsite. It is a perfect site - flat, with a fire ring, several good tent sites, stone tables that someone built, and proximity to Pine Creek for water.

We set up camp and gather fire wood. Incredibly, no major camp item has been forgotten - or malfunctions. Connor tends the fire and cranks up the camp stoves. It is a relaxing time. We devour our respective camp food preparations. Then we gather more firewood, and relax around the fire talking about family, camp gear, and Connor's school activities. We turn in shortly after dark. The stars are brightly shining; Pine Creek gurgles in the distance.

The next morning dawns gray and cool. Connor revives the campfire which is burning brightly as I emerge from my tent. We are planning a base camp, so there is no rush to pack up stuff. I like that. Oatmeal tastes good as we fortify ourselves for the day's hiking. The plan is hike the gorge trail, then check our other trails or points of interest. As we leave camp, a few rain drops are falling....hmmmmm.

We hike the gorge trail. The rain becomes less intermittent, more steady. A shelter at trail's end gives us a break for a snack and review of plans. We decide to hike to Gregg's car, since it is closer - instead of returning to my car along the gorge trail. The rain has stopped. I decide to play the McDonalds card. We stop for lunch but mainly for the wi-fi, so we can check the weather forecast.

I'm not a McDonalds regular, and decide to order a Happy Meal because it has smaller portions and apple slices. I disclose my cluelessness about Happy Meals. When asked what kind of Happy Meal, I respond, "the one with apple slices." Connor becomes hysterical - all Happy Meals have apple slices, it turns out.

The weather radar sounds the death knell for our trip. A huge green blob of rain looms for two states to the west, assuring us of rain the rest of the day and through the night. We finish our McDonalds, return to camp, pack up and head home. I am bummed out - had been looking forward to another pleasant night around camp and had no idea the weather would be that bad.

But I'm grateful for the good experience. Connor had become a mostly self sufficient backpacker. Seeing the excitement he displayed at climbing the hills and tending the fire was a high point for me. Gregg seemed to enjoy himself despite a self professed discomfort with tent camping.

We're planning a trip for Emily and Catrina - a more toned down car camping - but still getting them experience in the out of doors. That's what counts.

Daybreak

My office window looks out over a broad vista of the Ohio River valley, facing southeast. I have a perfect view of the horizon when the sun comes up.

Sunrise views are often there - if only I take time to notice them. There was just the right mix of clouds, atmospheric conditions, and jet contrails on this crisp January morning to produce this spectacular sunrise. I saw it and trekked up to the roof of the building. I gently trudged over glazed ice, framed the picture, and shot it. A minute or two later the colors faded into daylight.

A usual, the photo falls short of depicting the real beauty of the scene. But it is still a wonderful picture, testimony that the heavens do reveal the glory of God - Psalm 19:1-4:

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.

Ice Age

It has been a warmer than average winter so far - lots of days in the 50's interspersed with relatively few bitter cold days. Today has been one of the latter. I could see the pink blotches over our area on weather radar. And there was mention of a "wintry mix" in the forecast. When we went outside this morning, everything was coated in ice. It was treacherous walking on any pavement - a complete glaze. Our physics teacher would describe the situation as a VERY low coefficient of friction. 



The woods were a filigree of shiny ice coatings. A few branches were down, but fortunately this was not a severe ice storm that leaves a grotesque aftermath of downed trees and broken limbs.



Some trees were drooping; evergreens had a downcast appearance, as though hibernating. By noon, much of the pavements were clear. A slight mist and subfreezing temps kept the ice from melting from branches and the ground. Gabbie and Tess quickly learned to avoid any pavement or boardwalks. Otherwise it was business usual except they had to wait on me as I tiptoed and quick-stepped through the slick zones.



This Ice Age will last only 24 hours or so. Soon the spectacle will disappear. Another beautiful scene in Bittersweet Woods will be sealed in our memories - or at least in our digital memories, as long as our backups are done properly.