Day 19 Caesar Creek State Park to Franklin OH

May 30, 2023

We’re staying at Caesar Creek Sate Park for 3 nights because Peter’s nephew Ricardo and his wife Lety and son Sebastian are coming up from Texas to camp with us for a couple of days. We very excited to see them! Unfortunately there was a terrible accident on the highway and they got waylaid a few hours so will probably arrive late today. Seeing as how I have about 15 miles to get to Waynesville then 69 miles to get to Connellsville where we are camping on Thursday, I decided to take a short ride today to cover some of that distance.

Today was such delightful cycling! Not long after leaving the Sate Park, l encountered my cute farmhouse for the day amid rolling farmland.

Shortly after, the route joined the Little Miami River Scenic Trail, a mostly wooded paved path. I encountered only a few local cyclists and no pedestrians in 5.5 miles.

So should you do turtle saves on a bike trail? As I had just passed a non responsive couple of my vintage, I decided it was wise to get the poor little guy off the trail for their sake and his.

The trail was peppered with multiflora roses and golden Alexander.

This is a Queeen Anne’s Lace lookalike- very toxic to mammals , especially grazing ones:

Poison Hemlock; the leaves look like carrot leaves.

I passed this massive horse farm on the way to Springboro. It seemed to span both sides of the road. Someone has money here.

Springboro is a cute little town. I was happy to see these signs throughout the town:

Outside Springboro, there were many housing developments that reminded me of the northern suburbs of Milwaukee WI. The kind where you can only paint your house certain shades of beige, gray or white, keep your garage door closed, and don’t hang any laundry outside. There were, however, several expansive parks with many baseball fields and soccer fields.

I rode by this unusual agricultural endeavor. I wonder if they’re going to plant through the plastic (mulch?) and run harvesting vehicles/ machinery down the dirt paths.

I decided to call it a day in Franklin; it was a truly enjoyable ride. And Thursday should be a 57 mile day!
Peter and Henry picked me up and we took Henry to a dog park in Springboro to catch balls.
Family arrived after 7 pm. Ricardo surprised us by bringing his Mom from Mexico! We had a great meal; only one steak fell in the campfire. Stayed up way too late talking and catching up.

Today's ride: 28 miles (45 km)
Total: 659 miles (1,061 km)

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Bill ShaneyfeltI live in Dayton and frequent our local trails. Enjoyed seeing the flora you found
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1 year ago

Sandy EarleTo Bill ShaneyfeltThanks Bill! I’m enjoying your neck of the country.
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1 year ago

Julie O’NeillEnjoy camping with your family! You have had such pleasant weather, I hope it continues for your visit. And for your entire ride!

Are you feeling like Superwoman yet?
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1 year ago

Nancy HornikSo proud of you Sandy! You are FINALLY living your life dream. Hope you are enjoying your tine with family. Enjoy every memory. Thanks for taking me on your journey.
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1 year ago

Sandy EarleTo Nancy HornikRemember when I tried to take time off from work for this?
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1 year ago