Summers are here and people are out in open to have their time out with nature. It is vacation times for students. Time of the year when mostly sky is bright blue with white fluffy clouds floating from this end to that end. Green forests with their comforting shades and soft light welcome one to their depths. Rivers, streams and brooks flow freely gurgling, murmuring. Water falls cascade down full of gaiety.
Every where vehicles with boats, cycles tied on their back can be seen running towards one or another destination.
That day we were near Mohican river in Loudonville area. Banks of Mohican river were buzzing with activities. As our vehicle took a turn from Landoll’s Mohican castle we could see people down there on the banks of stream. Lower boughs of trees from both the sides of stream bowed down trying to tickle the water and the naughty waves with spritely gait moved away filling the surroundings with their twinkling laughter.
We moved further …..
About 32 miles of Mohican river is officially designated as Ohio state scenic river. It winds through Knox, Ashland, Holms and Coshocton counties. Scenic rivers retain most of their natural characteristics and atleast 25 percent of their riparian corridors should run through the forest covers. This area in Loudonville is known as the most popular camping and canoe destination of Ohio.
Walking on clear, cool water was relaxing. At many places small rocks were lodged firmly on water bed. Some rested on them absorbing nature’s sound and scenes while children played and jumped from one to another. Some sat relaxing on the benches on the banks under the shade of tall, majestic trees while others were busy at barbeques. The wooden bridge at a distance joined one bank to another. View of the river from the bridge is beautiful. Absorbing everything heart filled with warmth and peace.
This little girl with her parents was enjoying her water sojourn a lot. Her joy and laughter filled our hearts too with happiness.
covered wooden bridge on the river
Stopped at Mohican Little brown inn for some time. A cycle track and biking track runs in front of the inn. The open space in front of motel allows the winds to run freely. Children were cycling in the track. Near it is an Amish furniture shop. It being Sunday, the shop was closed but many furniture pieces were lying there in open. Beautiful pieces with lovely colours and smooth finishing. Amish people are known to adhere to their traditional way of living. Their home-made jam, ham and cheese are said to be delicious. However, we missed having a taste of that as the store was closed.
The log cabin of the motel and the Amish furniture shop .
Two pieces of the furniture, just a glimpse of craftsmanship.
On the way we stopped at Mohican state park gorge overlook. From the stone deck we had an awesome view of about 330 feet deep valley and hills beyond. In fact at that time of the year those hills beyond look like a dense green impenetrable wall of trees. In the valley down too the trees are so dense that one can see just the simmering green. Except that lone branch hovering on the valley from this side on which a bird sat, I was not able to make out distinct shapes of trees. But the view was overwhelming.
The tree near the stone stand facing the gorge.
way to gorge.
We also spent some time near an area designated for RVs carrying the horse carriers along with them. Few recreational vehicles were parked there. Horses were being taken out, massaged and being freshened up. Families were under preparation to settle down. Children were playing around while others were harnessing the horses. Fun and recreation areas were designated. For boating, tubing and kayaking and canoeing near the rivers, for cycling and biking well laid tracks and for gauging the wilderness from horse back another patch .
Saw few Amish families travelling in theirs Bagghis, the traditional horse driven coach. This community tries to avoid the use of engine driven vehicles
Our last destination of the day was Pleasant hill Lake Marina. Pleasant hill has an 850 acre unlimited horse power lake surrounded by 1350 land with lush green fields, forest.
Pleasant hill lake is situated in the heart of Mohican county just outside the village Perrisville, Ohio. Variety of outdoor recreational activities fishing, boating, water skiing.
Pleasant boat marina offers waverunners, ski, pontoon, fishing and paddle boats.
A view from boat of the lush green area surrounding area of peasant lake….
Fishing in solitude
The dense forests appear to harbour untold secrets, inviting one to go deep to unravel the mystries, the sole contemplator stands lost in his own world and then there are those adventurers running over the length and width of waters as if to be one with nature.
It was amazing to watch those little kids on tube tied to the rushing, speeding boat. What thrill they were feeling… they sat there unperturbed through all jumps and turns of tube…. their hearts were full of trust on their parents and with all their innocence they perhaps thought ..nothing can go wrong… God always is there with such unwavering faith. I thought so while watching them from our boat.
The River… It’s my world, and I don’t want any other. What it hasn’t got is not worth having, and what it doesn’t know is not worth knowing. Lord! the times we’ve had together!
I have a very special relationship with river. It flows inside me.
Adventure is worthwhile in itself.
An outing is perfect when you are with your own people, your group.
And the ended with memories to cherish, moments to treasure.
All the pictures by sunder iyer
bits and pieces 