Traverse City Adventure: 48 miles, crossing Ohio

DAY 13 • 24 AUGUST 2017 • OAKDALE

This was our toughest day yet.  Lots of mountains to climb, in and out of Steubenville, crossing the mighty Ohio, and 48 miles to get to Hidden Hollow Campground on the edge of Fernwood State Forest. We finished the Panhandle Trail in West Virginia and crossed into Ohio at Steubenville, on the banks of the Ohio.  

Rough town Steubenville, waiting for the Great American Renaissance that surely lies ahead. But like the hills we had to climb in our lowest gear, all 60 pounds of gear screaming no, until we had to get off and walk, pushing the bikes upward, until we reached the crest of one hill after another - the renaissance won’t come easy. But the immigrants see opportunity, and the schools and colleges are prepping the kids for the brighter days ahead. And so many towns and small cities like Steubenville are like a table ready to be set for the party. So those who say it can’t be done need to get out of the way of those who are doing it. That’s the American way.

Needless to say, we crashed into our tent, read a little while - Becky: Lilac Girls; and me Game of Thrones on Cliff’s recommendation  - and then fell hard asleep as the temperatures dropped into the high 40s. Nice to get away from the high humidity that bathed us with stickiness along the C&O towpath.  Nice too to be getting on the westward side of the Appalachians.

The 48 miles we ground our way through on this day put our total on this adventure up to 464 miles.  At Hidden Hollow, the camping was free.  Taxpayer dollars at work.  Thanks to all the Ohioans who contribute and thanks to all who are reading this.