28 July 2018 Preble County

We were nearing the end of our journey to find ten caches in each Ohio County. Today's target was Preble County. We stopped on the way through Vandalia at Jim's Donuts for some pre-caching sustenance before making our way to Fort St. Clair to enjoy out donuts and start to work off those calories with a walk around the historical grounds. The fort was built in 1792 and appears to have been the scene of one large battle with multiple casualities. Today the grounds are a quiet park with the graves of soldiers who were killed at the site and memorials to other more recent military actions. The entrance is marked by an old tank and the grounds appear to be home to the local holiday light display. We enjoyed our walk, the caches we found, and a few of nature's sights.

Ohio Spiderwort in bloom

Southwest Ohio has some well preserved covered bridges. We made a stop at the popular Harshman Bridge on our journey.

This was an interesting old fastner inside the bridge. I have no idea of the purpose of the piece and can't find more information on line. Still, it was something I haven't noticed on other covered bridge constuction.

Hueston Woods was one of the first state parks we visited together many years ago. We were eager for a return trip and a visit to the trails. The caches weren't stellar, but it was fun to return. There are a reasonable number of paw paw trees which survive near home, but they rarely fruit. The state park had a number of trees bearing fruit today.

A pearly eyed butterfly along the trail

Our trip back to the hotel included a stop for a cache at this old steel bridge. These are vanishing in Pennsylvania. It was great to see this one had just received a refurbishment.

Vandalia also was the home of Airline Dairy Creme. While the airport across the road looked lightly used and sleepy, Airline Dairy was very popular among the locals. The offered lemon soft serve which made a very tasty cone when mixed with chocolate.