Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve

Written by Dani and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:

Blackhand Gorge got its name from a Native American hand shaped petroglyph on the side of a cave found near the gorge.  That has since been destroyed, when in 1828 the cliff face was removed to make way for the Ohio-Erie canal.

The park is 956 acres with hiking paths and mountain bike trails.  The gorge was formed by the Licking River which carved its way through the sandstone.

Impression:

With other more well known attractions close by like Dawes Arboretum and Dillon State Park, it is understandable that a lot of people from outside the area might overlook this great treasure.

There are quite a few places to find trailheads, but one of our favorites is just off Toboso Road.  There is a main parking lot with a log cabin by it.  Just down is an overflow lot.  We parked there and found a trail head marked on the map as "L".  You'll see some fence posts and a bike rack at the start of it.

Follow the trail and eventually you'll find this cave as seen in the images below.  Along the way, there are flowers of all kinds and easy to follow trails.

Close to the beginning of the trailhead, you'll find a short spur trail that will take you by one of the old Ohio-Erie Canal locks.  Make sure to check that out, especially if you've never seen one before.

Continuing further down, you'll see a path that goes to the left and up the rocks.   Definitely take that path and you'll be gifted with the site of seeing the view from our opening image.

Even if you don't come out to this area specifically for Blackhand Gorge...take some time and visit this little gem.  The hiking trails are great, you can kayak, and there is access to the water.

Not only is the nature beautiful, but the people are very friendly.  You never know, you might find a new friend out here too!

Dillon State Park

Written by Dani and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:

East central Ohio state park with swimming, boating, fishing and hiking activities.

Impression:

We initially went here looking for American Bald Eagles, but we were too early in the season.  Talking with a park ranger, the eagles are more visible in the spring and fall months.  Never one to pass up an opportunity to be in the outdoors, we went searching for other exciting visual awesomeness!

It did not take us long to find around 30 Heron scattered about the lake area.

Here are just a few pictures we captured of these majestic birds!

This is also a popular fishing spot.  Here you can see some leftovers from recent fishing activity.

This is a great day trip area, with nice trails and water features.  It is also very close to Black Hand Gorge, which also has some great views of its own.

We plan on returning later in 2018 to see if we can find some of those American Bald Eagles in the wild!

Polo At Bryn Du Park

Written/Photography by

Andrew Livelsberger

Background:

Schedules for Polo at Bryn Du can be found here:

http://www.playpoloclub.us/schedule/

Polo is a team sport played on horse back.  The objective of the game is to strike a white ball with a mallet into the goal.  Rules surrounding the game are to ensure safety during play.

Periods or chukkas are played which are 7 minutes each in duration.  Generally there are 4-8 chukkas per match, and riders change horse between chukkas.  There is also a 10 minute halftime period.

The Polo field is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide.

Impression:

Upon entering the Bryn Du estate, you cannot but be taken aback by the sheer vastness of it.  From the far end of the field, looking back, you can see the mansion sitting atop the hill.

When the chukka starts, there is a scrum, where the referee throws the ball into the crowd of horses.  Here the riders attempt to to clear the ball from the pack and once done, play moves up and down the field.

The game can be both strategically slow and lightning fast, changing each at the drop of a hat.  

Sitting at the side line, you can get an excellent view of the match as it unfolds.

I cannot imagine the skill it takes to swing a 50+ inch mallet while in full stride on a horse and striking a white ball.   All this and also directing the horses actions make for an exciting watch.

During the halftime, fans and onlookers were invited to walk out onto the field and replace divots.

Competition can be fierce and players block others swings to prevent a goal.

If you've never seen a polo match live, I highly recommend it.   Only a short 30 minute drive from Columbus will get you to a great 2 hours of play.

Dawes Arboretum - The Jewel of Newark

There are a lot of great things about Newark, Ohio.  It has many small mom and pop shops, restaurants.  It is close enough to Columbus to be able to still get your dose of the city if you wish.

One of the most outstanding features of Newark, is The Dawes Arboretum.  Memberships are available to help maintain the gorgeous grounds, but it is free to visit.   I highly recommend giving a donation or buying a membership.

The visitor's center houses a section for Japanese bonsai trees, a nature library and a bird and bee viewing area.

On the grounds, you'll find the Dawes family house(Daweswood), that has special tour hours.

Close to the house, you'll find the family cemetery.  There is a mausoleum and several markers of family and close friends and employees of the Dawes family.

There are several walking paths that go through the entire arboretum as well as an auto tour.

One of the first stops on the auto tour is the Japanese Garden.  Here you will find a zen style rock garden, a pond with small island and Japanese style bridge.

There is also a meditation house.

The grounds are sectioned off into different areas and contain different types of trees and landscapes.  These include the following:  Garden Gateway, Glacier Ridge, Daweswood, Woodlands, Dawes Lake, Red Barn Area, Arboretum East, and Dutch Fork Wetlands.

This is from the Red Barn area.

From the Dawes Lake island area.

Regardless of the time of year, the Dawes Arboretum shares its beautiful landscapes with you.

Winter-time views:

Please make sure to take the time to visit this great place with your friends and family!

Pigeon Roost Farms

Fall is a great time of year, especially for the young ones.  It is the start of cooler weather, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

A fun place to take the family is Pigeon Roost Farms in Hebron, OH

Check out more of this unique destination after the break...