Cantwell Cliffs

Around Ohio
 

The last set of rock formations in the Hocking Hills area is known as Cantwell Cliffs. It is located farthest north, 17 miles from Old Man's Cave. But it is one of the most picturesque areas in Hocking County. Large slump blocks which fell away from the main cliffs have created many narrow passageways which trails wind through today.

Narrow Passage

 

This view looks straight up from between two huge rock masses.

Crevice

 

The uneven ground requires stone steps in some places. Rock cliffs form vertical walls on either side of these stairs.

Rock Walls

Yellow Streetcar

Around Ohio

Yellow Streetcar

This streetcar was a nice addition to the miniature village. In this shot it is passing the police and fire stations.

Train in Snow

Around Ohio

Train in Snow

This part of the museum looks a little colder than the last. The church, evergreens and red train seem to remind us of Christmas. The snow on the tree limbs makes the scene more realistic.

Purple Train

Around Ohio

Purple Train

This comical-looking train was one of the largest at the model railroad "station" that housed it, actually a model railroad museum. My family visited this fascinating place on our trip to Lake Erie. This engine stood out because of its size and unusual color. This picture shows the railroad crossing with a working gate and light post.

Mountain Railroad

Favorite Pastimes

Mountain Railroad

Here is a special treat for you, my friends. I used my camera's video feature to capture my train in action. I combined eight videos to create the effect I wanted. In the background you can hear "Life's Railway to Heaven" played by Steve Kaufman, my favorite guitarist.

Ford Van

Favorite Pastimes

Ford Van

Here is another model I enjoyed making. It came in a box with lots of little white plastic pieces. I had to paint each piece—silver, blue, brown—it had a lot of different colors. Then I somehow glued together all the little pieces. There were brown decals that I applied to the insets on the doors. I entered it in the fair, and it won a blue ribbon for me. It's funny to see some of the newer SUV models going back to this square, boxy shape.

String Ship

Favorite Pastimes

String Ship

You have been a great audience for my zoo pictures. I thought it might be time for a short break, since I do have quite a few more. I made this string art ship about three years ago. I like how the designer made the sails stand out from the ship. I have tried to make a few other ship models, but this one came out the nicest.

Model Train

Favorite Pastimes

Model Train

Recently I took some pictures of my model train. My layout is three feet by five feet. It has three turnouts and two loops. I bought flexible track and then glued it to long strips of cardboard. In this picture you can see the railroad bridge emerging from a hillside tunnel. I wonder what the passengers in this tiny engine think of the view.

Blue Ribbon

Favorite Pastimes

Blue Ribbon

I thought you might like to see what I won at the fair. This was the first time I had entered something. There were many other entries as well. Photographs, paintings, dolls, quilts, sweaters, canned goods, and even wedding cakes were all displayed in a large hall. I enjoyed seeing the interesting things other people had made. I entered three models and a miniature wooden dresser along with my train, and each one won a ribbon. It was definitely a blue-ribbon day for me.

Wire Train

Favorite Pastimes

Wire Train

Trains and wires combine two of my favorite hobbies. I've spent many hours wiring my model train into a complex series of circles and crossovers. This string art project was a fun way to "wire up" another train. I plan to show it at our county fair next week in the arts and crafts hall. Whether it wins or not, I know I will enjoy the fair.

First Flight

Favorite Pastimes

First Flight

You probably didn't know I was there when man first took flight. Did I fool you? I made this model of the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk when I was thirteen years old. Then I had fun setting up a rather realistic shot. I have actually flown a Wright simulator at some of the museums around Dayton, home of the Wright Brothers. Each hand operates a lever to control speed and direction. A big screen in front shows you how soon you're going to crash. What a thrill!