Gone Camping... and Spooking...

Tomorrow morning, I'll be leaving the confines of my small town... to the confines of a small, long-vanished town in a valley: Beaver Creek State Park! Thankfully, the weather is supposed to be nice. Perfect for camping! There is a Scavenger Hunt set up for Saturday night, so anyone who is interested, feel free to stop by. I know full well that some of the prizes are quite nice. Here is the flyer, done beautifully by Jeri Holland:

(click to enlarge the image)

Seek and Ye Shall Find...

Even though it's two months away, I thought I might et everyone in the Ohio area know about an event coming up this spring. Details are still being ironed out, but the basic gist of it is in place. And yes, I will be there... unfortunately, not participating but instead helping with the behind-the-scenes goings-on.

Attention all history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts!
Join the folks at Cuyahoga Valley Paranormal for an evening of fun and mystery on Saturday, April 18. Participants will follow historical clues in teams of 2-4 individuals around Beaver Creek State Park to eerie places on the trail of strange and forgotten legends. At each location, color-coded clues will lead you to the next destination. Put on your thinking caps and a sturdy pair of hiking boots, and prepare yourself for a journey into the past. Ages 12 and up. $5 fee includes a donation to the park.

• Registration begins at 7:00pm at the Pioneer Village Pavilion. Hunt begins at 8:00pm. Transportation not provided.

• Participation limited to the first 20 registered teams.

• Door prizes, pizza and hot beverages provided at the Pioneer Village pavilion followed by a midnight bonfire at the `Pretty Boy' Floyd site.

For more information and updates, visit the website.

The Great Outdoors and an Aussie Breakfast

As of this afternoon, I will be taking a brief leave of absence for a couple days. I'm heading out with TOP-Org, a paranormal investigation group, to spend the weekend camping at the haunted Beaver Creek State Park near East Liverpool in Columbiana County, Ohio.

The weather is threatening to make it a damp affair, but I'm trying to remain optimistic. I've decided to travel light in lieu of the weather forecast, so I'm leaving most of my equipment behind. it will be more for relaxation... and perhaps an eye-witness encounter, if I'm lucky.

I'll be returning on Sunday and will fill in all the interesting details. But for now, I have to discuss breakfast...

In an astounding seven days, my package from my dear friend Joel in Australia arrived on my doorstep. It was much more than I expected, in a very nice and sweet way: a flash drive, photo card (the most important part!), a beautiful Australian opal watch.

And yes... there was Vegemite inside!

As an unfortunate American, I shall have to put my own perspective on the taste experience which is Vegemite. I'll admit, I was a bit frightened when Joel mentioned something about "suppressing my urge to gag". Nevertheless, I took the French bread I baked yesterday, slathered on a good dose of the brown goo, and crossed my fingers...

I now understand why I was told to use it sparingly.

it is a very unique, salty, almost charred-smoky flavor, with a hint of veggies. Imagine beef bullion, vegetable spread, and a hint of Guinness blended into a paste. I'll admit, I felt as many Aussie children must while tasting it for the first time, hearing their mothers saying, "It's good for you." I managed to eat both slices (without gagging, of course) and will be sure to eat it on a regular basis (they say we have to taste something 15 times to acquire a taste for it, so it may be a few weeks).

Obviously, the typical American would wretch at the first taste, but I'm a trooper.

And with that introduction to fine Aussie cuisine over for the day, I must get back to work. Noon will be here before I know it!