Lake Erie to Harrison Lake State Park OH

June 4, 2025

I awoke to cool temperatures and a nice breeze. The sun will be hot later, but the temps are lovely now. I made coffee and took a short walk. I am hoping for breakfast today down by the water. I am starting to feel like I am traveling. I am fiquring things out.

I checked out a nice little breakfast place called Jack's down by the lake. The nice local staff greeted me while the locals chatted. I had a nice omelete with toast and a grilled blueberry muffin. As I ate, I got to know the ZumoGPS better and planned a route. After breakfast, I took some pictures of some nearby boats next to a marina. I then walked down to a beach and there was Lake Erie in all its ocean like vastness. I remembered what my friend LInda told me once. " Sometimes you just have to stop." I took her advice here and sat down on a big driftwood log and took it all in. The waves splashed up on the sand turning the rocks many shades of grey.

It was getting late, so I made my way back to my bike and got on my way. It was going to be a hot one. I started on the highway for awhile. I forgot to turn up my master volume on the GPS, so music was not an option at 72MPH. After playing leap frog with the trucks, I eventually got off on the back raods for a bit. Today is the day of Wind, Tractor Trailer Trucks and Heat. As I meander through the slower back roads 55 or 60mph, I go by several farms with horses. I see 2 cowboys riding in an outdoor arena next to their barn. I wondered how they rode with the strong winds that were blowing. I guess the barn blocks the wind.

I go back on the highway to battle the elements and the trucks. I go another stint and was happy when I saw a truck stop to stop at. I am very hot. I get lunch and an ice tea and sit enjoying the AC. I stay as long as I can, not wanting to join the rat race again. I am thinking that tomorrow may need to be a shorter day. Onward I go...... After another stint I stop again for coffee. Ice Coffee. I sit and contemplate whether I can go as far as Harrison Lake. I look up hotels closer, as a back up plan. I must go on. I remember to up the volume on the GPS, so at least I will be able to hear a little music. I pull up to the gas pumps to fill up. Once finished the handle sticks and doesn't shut off. I manage to spill gas on the ground as well as my bike. That hotel is looking better every minute.

On I go.... The coffee kicks in and I get my third wind. I make it to Harrison Lake State Park. I arrive and the North part of the park is closed. I have to ask for directions to the other side, the South side. There is no one around. I call the number and no one answers. I am tired and getting a bit overwhelmed. I finally figure out how to book online after many attemps. It then takes me a drive around to find the hosts to ask where my site is. I get set up and meet a nice neighbor who is wandering too. He used to be a physical therapist and we have a nice conversation about the benefits of theraputic riding. I also met a couple from Seattle who were on their way to NY to visit family. After meeting the neighbors, I took a shower to cool me off a bit and then I got into my tent to read. I am tired, but I am kept up a bit by the campers across from me, a couple of young guys camping for a few days. It starts to rain, which quitets the neighbors so I can get some sleep. Happy Birthday DAD.