June 2

We were up early and on our way.  The sun rose and greeted us as we drove east out of Indianapolis and then disappeared behind a wall of fog, which was lovely and not hot.  Our goal for the day was the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.  

We had some deja vu as we were speeding down the 71 as that is the route we took when we lived in Ohio many years ago.  We would catch the 71 in Cincinnati and when we got close to Columbus had to squeeze and nudge into the far right lane due to construction and then dart across 4 lanes of BUSY traffic immediately to make sure we were in the correct lane. That still brings back tremors!  We did pull off the Bellville exit but only to use the restroom.  We would have continued on through Perrysville and then through Loudonville to get home as we lived just past Loudonville.  That was way back when!  We have many great memories of our time there even though it was hard to move there and leave everything familiar behind.  The rail trails for biking, the hemlock areas for hiking, that amazing library (!), the Mohican Lodge and Park, Malabar Farm, Amish country (!), and so much more. 

 

We have visited the Hall of Fame several times, and for those even remotely passionate about music, a visit is suggested at least once.  It is a great venue that offers insight into the personalities and styles that have greatly influenced and still influence artists and music in the past and today.  It is quite interesting.  We hadn't been in a long time and they did switch some things up a bit!  Not in a bad way at all, as it was still extremely interesting.  We did JUST miss a John Mellencamp display by a few days but a display on the influence of TV on music and performers was something to see.  It is just amazing to see things that have been donated to the Rock Hall over the years, clothes and shoes, guitars and other instruments, songs lists, furniture, etc.  

Our reason for visiting this time was a bit more personal.  As some of you may know, we enjoy donating to causes near and dear to our hearts.  Giving is receiving.  The power of music is important to us, especially Andrew, and the mission of the Rock Hall aligns perfectly:  "To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll."   So when the opportunity to donate presented itself we contributed to their "brick campaign."  Kyana Woodstock has now been immortalized at the Hall of Fame itself with an 8" brick.  

The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame was actually "organized" in 1985, with inductees in 1986 that included Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry among others.  Cleveland lured the foundation in building there, beating out New York, San Francisco, Memphis, and Chicago!  The building opened its doors in 1995, with a prime location right on Lake Erie. It has created a huge economic impact for Cleveland and the surrounding areas.  Just a tidbit of info, a band or individual cannot be nominated until 25 years after the release of their first album.   

After enjoying some music in the Rock Hall courtyard (a group of very young people from Seattle, Washington, wearing Jimi Hendrix shirts and singing Jimi as well as other artists!), we headed on, destination Brandywine Falls.  This area is part of a larger area designated as Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  It is tricky to park our truck as it sticks out with our bike hitch on it but Andrew is really good at backing and we can usually "hang" the back end over the edge.  The falls were really cool and the hike just rigorous enough to end the day.  :)  It was about an hour hike up, down, and around.  The temperature wasn't too bad at 72.  

Unfortunately, we forgot a few things and also wanted to buy a few food items we planned on getting this evening so we had to hunt down a Walmart.  Yes, we know, but we got a bike for me to ride but forgot to put on the gel seat at home (the buying of said bike is another really interesting story we shall share another time!).  Gel seats are critical for biking success.  We couldn't find a bear bell (something we forgot) but hopefully will come across one sometime before we really get into the wild.  Actually we learned when we went to Alaska and Canada two years ago that bear bells really don't work on bears anymore as they are too used to them, but we are hoping to make enough noise to scare away snakes and such too.  I am sure Andrew would be very gallant if a bear would attack, but since Cheryl attracts any and all insects and Andrew repels any and all insects, the bear would probably prefer her to Andrew anyway :O.  

We then headed to Stow, Ohio, to the Silver Springs Campground.  Lucky us, spot #13 was still available, and it was the LAST spot.  We backed the truck in and set up our screen and heated up some supper (actually leftovers we brought from home :); Andrew took a loop with his bike while Cheryl finished up the blog.  It may look odd but the screen will keep most bugs out (we hope).  

We will soon call it a night as our destination tomorrow is Woodstock, NY.  Yes, THAT Woodstock.