Rock Climbing at Scioto Audubon Metro Park

Written/Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:

From the Columbus Metro Parks Website:

The three towers and two arches of the main climbing wall reach a height of 35 feet and extend over 6,100 square feet. The wall features bouldering, top rope and lead climbing. There are four auto belays, but climbers must bring their own climbing harness. Climbers must be age 13 or older (ages 13 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult). There is no age restriction for bouldering on the 10-foot boulders. Small 10-foot boulders are available for kids to climb.

Impression:

If you've followed VisualOhio for any time at all, you know that we love all things outdoors.  We here are avid hikers and hit the numerous trails scattered all over Ohio.   There is an annual Arnold Sports Festival coverage and anytime we can cover sports, we jump at the chance.

For those that are looking for the ability to climb mountains...well...you'd need to travel to Appalachia for that or perhaps look to find some kind of rock climbing wall at a facility or event.

What you may not have known is that the Columbus Metro Parks has a dedicated, permanent rock climbing structure at the Scioto Audubon facility.  Found in a lower area directly nature center and just past the pond area.   If you do not want to park and walk there from the main parking lot, there is an access road to a parking lot right next to the sand lot volleyball courts.

When the weather is good, there are usually a good number of people there taking advantage of the rock climbing area.

There are even people there to help you and guide you through the process.

As a sport, rock climbing takes into account everything - endurance, stamina, cardiovascular, strength training.   If you are just starting out, there are shorter sections and arches for you.

If you are more advanced or ready to step up your game, there are higher section that go up to 35 feet.
If rock climbing is not something for you, just watching is great fun.   You can watch from ground level on all sides or for a more eye level view, take the steps of the water tower to the top and you get a good view over the trees.  That is where the majority of the images in this article were taken.

Spring Has Sprung At Slate Run Historical Farm

Written by Dani and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:

The Slate Run Historical Farm is a Columbus Metro Parks facility.  This living historical farm plants crops, and tends to livestock with the techniques from the late 1800's.  This gives people of all ages the opportunity to see what life on a farm was like in that time period.  This immersive experience really makes things come alive.

Impression:

Spring has sprung here at Slate Run Farm and the animals and visitors are out in force.

We arrived on a Saturday morning in early April.  The parking lot was full, and people needed to park in the overflow parking area.  Nice you enter the farm property, you can see that the fields have been cleared of their winter grasses and are being prepared for the spring planting.

Above, 2 volunteers, dressed in period appropriate clothing are planting spring vegetables in the house garden.  The use a hand held tilling machine to turn the ground and create a trough to put the seeds.  They then place the seeds into the ditch and cover them by hand.

Other volunteers in the renovated farm house use spinning wheels to take freshly shaved sheep's wool into thread and yarn.

If you have any questions about the home, property or the activities of the day, this fine lady will answer them!  She was taking a break inside after tending to the garden.

Ever have an opportunity to pet a lamb?   Maybe, but how about a 2 day old lamb?  Volunteers provided this opportunity to visitors on this fine spring day.

Today, electric clippers are used to shear sheep.  Back in 1890?  They had shears, but not the electric kind.  The ones used here are man powered, hand cranked.

It takes quite a bit of muscle to move the sheep around into position for shearing.  The sheep were rather docile for the majority of the process.

We often do a few stories on Slate Run Farm, and for good reason.  There is always something to be done on a farm, no matter if it is modern or historical, so you'll not likely be disappointed or bored on any visit.

Once the fields have matured, there is harvesting activities in the fields and threshing.  The animals always need tending too. 

Make sure to check out the Metro Parks website link above for visiting hours and dates of specific events.

Osprey Lake - Visual Ohio One Shot!

Written/Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Location:  Google Maps Link

If you know Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, then you know that it is home to the small herd of bison, located in several acres of fields close to the metro parks nature center.

Most of the parks traffic is centered there, as you'd expect - because -BISON!

However, if you travel south into the other sections of the park, you'll see a smaller parking area with a small sign for Osprey Lake.

Fishing is allowed here, all applicable State laws are in effect.

The day we visited, it was a bright, sunny day.  Warm with a high of 80F, but with very low humidity.

You can walk right down to the waters edge in many places.   A path surrounds the lake, scattered around the paths are picnic tables.  The path is primitive, a mixture of grass in parts and large stone in others.

What strikes you though is the crystal clear waters.  In many places, you can see right down to the bottom.  This also allows you to see the large fish that inhabit the water as well.

There were a few families there fishing and enjoying the day.

If you are over in western Columbus or the Galloway area and are looking for a nice, quiet waterfront spot to either fish, picnic or just sit and enjoy the silence, this is a great place to check out.  Remember, take only pictures and leave only footprints!

Lanterman's Mill

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Written by  Dani and Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
Tucked up in the Youngstown/Boardman area, North East Ohio we have the Mill Creek Metro Parks. 

Lanterman's Mill was built in 1845-46 by German Lanterman and Samuel Kimberly.   It was built for grinding corn, wheat and buckwheat.  A unique feature of the mill is that it's water wheel is located inside.

The mill went through restoration, starting in 1982 and finished up in 1985, thanks to the Ward and Florence Beecher Foundation.

There are also a few trailheads that start here, so not only can you visit the mill, but also go on a hike.

Parking can be found in 2 lots across the street from the entrance to the mill.  Walking distance is very short and access can be from street level or a dirt path that leads from the closest lot, under the giant bridge.

Impression:
The Mill Creek Metro Park system is very well put together and maintained.  One of the must see areas there is Lanterman's Mill and the surrounding trails.

The mill is open on the inside and for a modest $2 per person, you can get into the wheel room.   Just inside the entrance is a gift shop and park maps.

Behind the mill, you will find a covered bridge that leads to some shorter trails.  Longer trails can be found on the east side of the mill (side facing the waterfall).

A note on the trails.  They are not steep or hilly, but they are covered with large rocks and exposed roots.    We mention this only to give you a heads up that good footwear should be considered.

The back deck give you view to the top of the falls as well as a good view up and down the river.

One of the original mill stones.  There are several on display around the entrance to the mill.

View west from the covered bridge just behind the mill.

This is a typical structure found along the east gorge trail

Stringy moss growing on a tree along the east gorge trail

A family hikes the east gorge trail.

A spur trail that goe up to road access on the east gorge trail.

At the end of hte east gorge loop, you'll find what is called the "princess Bridge".  Not sure of its exact history, but we do know that Idora Park used to be located on the opther side of the bridge in the pictture below. Perhaps this bridge was an entrance to the park or part of the park itself.

Many people take advantage of the park system here.

This person uses the bridges structure to aid in doing some pull ups.

We've been wanting to get to this area for a long time and we finally had the time to get there.  The weather was perfect for the hikes we took and the visit to the mill.  A nice, non strenuous hike coupled with a bit of Ohio history makes for an exciting time here in Youngstown, OH.