Days 11 & 12, Friday June 18, Saturday June 19

Days 11 & 12, Friday June 18, Saturday June 19

37.5 miles (includingFriday June 18 :: 3.5 miles in Ashtabula)

:: trip total 414 miles   Michael Cahill B&B 1106 Walnut Blvd,                                         Bob & JoAnne

This morning began with special omelets prepared by our host, Bob and many questions about our bike trip by guests, Dave and Kristin from Charlotte, NC. The Michael Cahill House,  built in 1887, was the perfect place for a rest day. This harbor section of Ashtabula has quieted since the late 19th century when Finnish, Swedish and Italian immigrants worked this bustling port loading iron ore from the Pittsburgh area on to freighters for Lake Erie transport. The 53 Bridge Street saloons of those years have now transformed into the harbor historic district with shops and restaurants, just down the hill from our lodging.

Our cycling grand total was 3.5 miles. We biked down Walnut Blvd (same street as our lodging) to see the family home of our dear friend, Anne, whose father owned Laird Lumber for years.
 

 

The Harbor-Topky library, on the same street, was our hangout for several hours to catch up with our blog and change the itinerary to finish our riding in Cleveland.

 

 

Unfortunately the Hubbard Underground Railroad Museum next to the library will not reopen until mid July. The Hubbard home was often the last station for fugitive slaves before crossing Lake Erie to safety in Canada.

Marney enjoyed a beach walk along Lake Erie at Walnut Park, surprised to see so many swimmers already. No beach glass was found, but in early July every year , the town hosts a Beach Glass Festival. We have so many memories of collecting beach glass on the Martha Vineyard beaches with our girls years ago. We sleep so well after all our exercise.

      Ashtabula to Painesville, Saturday June 19 :: 34 miles  

                                                       :: trip total 448 miles

Fitzgerald Irish B&B, 47 Mentor Ave 

 

 

 

 

In 1869 a family opened a public picnic grounds, added a carousel and Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio's first summer resort began. We headed there (8 miles along the lake) this cloudy, humid morning in search of Madsen Donuts, a local tradition since 1938.

We were not disappointed; the taste met our high expectations. 

 

The commercial strip has the Americana feel of the 50s: arcades, salt water taffy, games, ice cream shops, old motels and cottages, music and sports venues, shaded park at the town entrance,  motorcyclists cruising the street with us. The major question confronting us today was when to put on rain gear. With the help of a mechanical swan, Bob got prepared and was ready when the showers came.

 

We biked east through the adjoining Geneva State Park. Throughout this trip, we have been so impressed by the beautiful state parks. We arrived at the Fitzgerald Irish B and B in the Mentor Street Historic District--a beautiful 16 room French Tudor home built in 1937 with a slate roof and even a turret. Along with a warm welcome by Tom and Debra, we received lots of quack enthusiasm from their pets, two resident ducks who happily live in the lovely backyard. Nice to be here a couple of nites.