Rockbridge

Monday
Roger and I left today for a few days away to celebrate our wedding anniversary, which is tomorrow - 36 years! Unfortunately, we couldn't get away until about noon as Roger had a commitment in the morning, but once he was home we were soon on the road to Hocking Hills in south-eastern Ohio, about two and a half hours drive. We go there most years, but usually in the summer with our pop-up camper. We've been twice at other times of year for special occasions, and stayed at the Inn at Cedar Falls, which is very nice. This time however we were trying a different place I've been wanting to try for a while - Glenlaurel, a Scottish-themed Inn, a little bit north of the main area of Hocking Hills. We stopped on the way for a bit of lunch, and then before heading for the Inn, we did some walking at Rockbridge State Nature Preserve, which is quite close to the Inn. "Wind, rain and percolating groundwater have worked together for centuries, carving a deep cave-like recess in the softer midportion of the Mississippian Black Hand sandstone. Gradually, erosional forces also worked along a natural joint plane some distance behind the brink of the cliff. Over the centuries, this ongoing process has widened the crevice, and all that remains of the overhanging ledge is the narrow rock arch." It is around 100 feet long and between ten and twenty feet wide. Ohio has around 12 of these natural bridges, which are found primarily in the area characterized by massive sandstone outcroppings in south central and eastern Ohio. Rockbridge is considered to be the longest. As we were walking, we could see that Spring was coming a little later to this part of Ohio - compared to our walk at Rowe Woods on Saturday, things seemed a good week or so behind. Though with the temperatures we have promised for the next few days, things will soon begin to change. Today was overcast, but very warm. After our walk it was time to go and check in at Glenlaurel. The Inn sits on 140 acres and has rooms and suites in two main buildings - the Manor House and the Carriage House, and then has about 12-15 cottages or "crofts" set amongst the trees. Our room was in the Carriage House, and was beautifully appointed, including a small kitchenette area, a comfortable two-seater sofa, a large whirlpool tub in one corner and a large private deck. We just had time for a quick shower, then it was time to go over to the Manor House for the social hour in the "pub" below the dining room. As we were about to enter, a young couple came up to us, asking if we could take their picture - they were celebrating their engagement! The young man had planned it as a surprise, calling her work himself arranging for a couple of days off! Inside there was another couple, around our age I would guess, from Indianapolis. We had a pleasant chat over drinks and appetizers, then we were called up to dinner, which was delicious., and we went back to our room well-filled! A very pleasant day!

One year ago: Happy Easter!