We stopped at Howard Eston Reservoir to find a geocache and take a walk with the dogs. We were treated to a very nice great blue heron as we started our journey.
Seeing turtlehead in bloom this late was a treat.
This was a beautiful cedar waxwing we spotted on the walk.
The trail was ours as we took a 3-mile journey around the lake.
Our second day at the Geauga Fair is always centered on the Donkey and Mule Show. It's a very small group of donkey and mule owners proudly showing the talents of their animals. Many of the four-legged participants are rescued wild animals. The event is a mix of young and old.
Despite the bonds between these people and their animals, they can still be stubborn moments in the relationship.
They are dedicated community showing their love and pride in the animals they show. The annual ahow is always a must see for us.
When I was growing up, my dad loved reading Marmaduke. He laughed at the adventures of the huge great dane in the comics. I was passing through Portland, New York and stopped to see this tribute. Marmaduke lives on in the world of the internet. My Dad would approve.
Swallowtails are visiting the asters.
Rogers Field is wonderful place for wildflowers. The wildflowers make this home to birds, insects and butterflies. This evening a beautiful yellow swallowtail was enjoying the late season wildflowers.
The Lockport Car Show always gets a visit from me if I am in town during the summer on show night. The size of the show has slimmed down likely from the aging out of owners, but the quality of cars is first rate.
A few years had passed with COVID and a busy work schedule since I had last taken a long ride. I started out with no idea of how far my stamina would take me on a familiar, hilly road in Pennsylvania. The big test for me has been riding to the south end of the nearest "town" to the south. The Allegheny River was peaceful as it accompanied me roadside.
The side tributaries are always attractive.
Most of the ride is dirt road with very little traffic.
Large rock formations are a part of the scenery.
I made it! It was a happy surprise to complete the trip and the return. I was about half-way back when the skies opened.
