After the Storm

We were out most of the day on Sunday, September 14. Mike, Dan and I did what we normally do. We went to Cracker Barrel for lunch then went for a long Sunday drive up towards Mansfield then headed back home to Columbus. No matter where we went it was windy. We just didn't realize how windy.

Around 4 o'clock we dropped Dan off at his house and decided to go to a movie at Easton Town Center. After the movie we were going to eat at Max & Ermas at the mall, but the lights were out. We figured they probably just closed early because it was Sunday night. As we opened the door from the mall to the parking garage the wind almost blew us over. We still weren't aware of the affect the wind had had on the entire state of Ohio. We got in the car to go look for a restaurant.

I turned on my cell phone and immediately got a call from son, Evan, asking me if there was power at Easton. They were looking for a place to eat and power was out at their house and surrounding area. They live not far from us, so, I immediately assumed our power was out also. They found a Taco Bell open in the Easton area and we went to a steakhouse nearby. We were shocked at the number of people waiting to get in. We finally got seated and served and were slowly becoming aware that this wind storm was a pretty big deal.

Driving home a number of traffic lights were out and the road we normally would have taken home was blocked off with fallen trees. We finally got home and parked behind the house where we always do. It was dark and we hadn't seen the front yard yet. We were glad to see that our 60 foot pine tree behind the house was still in tact.

The power had gone off but had come back on before we got home, so we were truly one of the lucky ones. We heard many sirens going down our street and they seemed to turn south of us right at our intersection. Mike went to investigate and a house one block away was on fire. Flames were shooting 30 feet in the air above the roof. Mike came home and because it was dark, still hadn't noticed the front yard.

The next morning we opened the front door to see our large Sweet Gum tree on our front porch. Attached are pictures of our yard. Mike is cleaning up as I type. No damage other than some paint removed from the house and maybe some gutter damage.

Son, Evan, has power. Son, Todd, still doesn't and won't until next Sunday. I'm sure anyone reading this who lives in Ohio has seen and felt the devastation this storm has caused. Grocery stores have no lights and ice is scarce. Restaurants (if they're open) are running out of food.

The good news is we know this will end soon. You can't help but think, however, about people who have had to endure this for years as the result of mother nature or war.

Rock Mill

Mike wanted to visit the Rock Mill in Fairfield County, Ohio after reading an article about it in the paper. So, last Sunday, Mike, Dan (my brother in law) and I went for a drive to Lancaster, Ohio to try and find the Rock Mill. After winding around several long and hilly country roads we finally stumbled upon the Rock Mill off of Lithopolis Rd.

The Rock Mill was built originally in 1799 along with a distillery and tavern but was abandoned when the settlers and indians forced the builders to leave because of the disturbances caused by the alcohol. The current structure was built in 1824 and operated until 1854 with the death of the owner.

Today, Rock Mill stands 4 1/2 stories tall and rests on a stone foundation. The mill has a frame construction made of oak with a red tin roof. I believe it is in the process of being restored. You can view the Mill from the road but you must cross a covered bridge to get up close. Behind the mill is the water source, which is great for picture taking. There is a 42 foot drop from the base of the mill to the surface of the water below. A waterfall from about 25-30 ft above the pool contributes to the beauty of the area. The pool of water below is from 17-25 feet deep.

The reason I know about these measurements is that while we were visiting a group of teenage boys were leaping from various spots above the pool into the water. I asked one of them how far down it was and he pulled a measuring tape from his car and measured it. Even though there are no trespassing signs posted, the kids seemed like they were regular visitors.