I promised a Part 2, and I'm finally getting around to it. It's amazing just how busy the new year has proven to be. I'm encouraged and enthused that the market in our area appears to be looking up. That's always a good thing!
The second part of our Christmas Adventure took us out to Providence Metropark in Waterville, OH. Waterville is a quaint little town that has one of the best local artists in the area. But that's another story!
Providence Metropark is bordered with the Miami Erie Canal and travels all the way down to Grand Rapids, OH. The entire area is rife with the history of NW Ohio and how we came to be so spread out.
As you can see from the sign, there are multiple ways to enjoy Providence Metropark. Granted this is much more of a summer venue, but it's even beautiful in the cold of winter.
As you walk along the towpath you can just feel the strain of the mules used to pull the barges along the canal into the locks at the Ludwig Mill. Just trying to imagine such a laborious task eludes me altogether. We have become such creatures of comfort it is difficult to understand the stamina that was required of the early settlers.
Once you cross the footbridge into the park area you are greeted by signs of the past. I don't see too many signs along the roadside that warns me to be alert for mules! Deer maybe, but mules ... ?
This is the beginning of the Towpath, and as you can see it just winds on down the waterway. Being an impatient person most of the time I can't fathom having to wait to get where I'm going! It would drive me crazy to just plod along.
As you walk the path you will find remnants of times gone by. Things like an old wagon, left to return to the dust. The image prompts mental visions of how austere life was, back in the day ...
And then you get to the stable - the mule stable. I was happy to see that it was empty, as the thought of those poor mules being left out there in the cold would really bother me.
Unfortunately, the photo of the stable didn't turn out well, so it's missing. But I think you can get a feel for the terrain nonetheless.
As you near the encroachment of civilization (paved roads and modern traffic) you can view the Ludwig Mill and the Livery through the haze. We crossed over and walked around the mill. SO much history. I never get tired of it.
I hope you enjoy the photos and will consider taking a trip to our area to see it for yourself! If you enjoy living history, then this is the place for you. You will never run out of stories or landmarks.
And then the perfect scene to head back home. Watching this kind of sunset is like watching God paint a picture right before your eyes.....
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