Mini-Journal

Our six day journey through Ohio and Michigan lived up to all expectations. Columbus was hot and sunny upon our arrival and remained that way for most of the trip. The Capitol and Zoo were first day highlights and a pilgrimage to the Ohio State "Buckeye" Football Stadium was obligatory. Detroit next at the lovely Comerica Park to see the Tigers play, while the city itself was less inviting. Next, Dearborn, MI and the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village which everyone agreed was the pinnacle of our itinerary. Every bit as engaging as Williamsburg with an ecclectic combination of select early American homes and buildings. A big hit was finding the toll house from the East Haverhill (Rocks Village) bridge that Mr. Ford acquired for his collection many years ago. Onward to Sandusky, OH and the amusement park at Cedar Point with its 11 roller coasters (I rode eight of them!). The Kids had a great time and wore everybody out. Father's Day: Cleveland and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which we enjoyed thoroughly while Bobby, Bryce and Marsh bolted early and ran the 4 blocks to Jacobs Field in time to catch the last 5 innings in the cheap seats. Spent the night at a hotel in Akron that was converted from the old Quaker Oats Company grain silos. Very cool. On Monday Ted Boyd met us at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton where he serves as a Trustee. Arranged for a great tour followed by lunch with him and Cricket at their beautiful home. We bid Ada, Addie, Zoe and Helen adieu at the airport in Columbus that afternoon and headed to Deer Creek Resort about 25 miles south. A relaxing and bucolic last night on the road. Our last day was surprisingly busy as we found the German Village to be a delightful discovery and the Colmubus Museum of Art was a marvelous accidental stop with a terrific collection of notable American and European artists.

Veaseys, Splaines and McKenzies all travel well together and the kids kept one another entertained. A special part of road-tripping is enjoying the sights and sounds as we traveled the Hi-ways and by-ways by farms, barns and fields as far as the eye can see. The little things like stopping at a White Castle so that Bobby could order a #3 with 10 hamburgers, or the Japanese restaurant with the flaming Mexican chef are fun remembrances that will put a smile on our faces when we look back years from now. I think we will do it again.

Cast: McKenzies - Ada, Kevin, Bryce, Marshall, Addie and Zoe
Splaines - David (Tourmaster), Janet, Ruth and Decia
Veaseys - Arthur, Susan, Helen and Bobby