September 3, 2014

Mill Creek CG, Berlin Center, OH

Of the 300 plus camp sites there are perhaps 10 occupied so it was a pleasure to take a bike ride around the park.

We sat for a while down at the boat launch area just taking in the beauty of our surroundings.

 

 

 

 

After we rode around the entire campground we left the park and rode a mile down to Noahs Lost Ark, a sanctuary for unwanted and abused exotic animals. 

Unfortunately they are only open on weekends. 

 We took a brochure to get more information about the facility and may return on Saturday. 

In the late afternoon we had a nice chat with Lisa, the campground host, who lives in the area.  She told us it has been a cold, rainy summer so I guess our timing was good because the weather has been awesome-warm sunny days sandwiched by cool mornings and evenings.

September 2, 2014

Mill Creek CG, Berlin Center, OH

It was very overcast as we took a ride up to the ranger station. We decided to stay until the park closes for the season on Sunday.  The ranger station is closed on Tuesday so we dropped our fee envelope off in the iron ranger.

 

We took a ride to the nearby Berlin Dam stopping off at Berlin Boat Covers first.  Approximately an inch of our awning is pulling away at one corner.  Monte went inside the store to see if they could suggest a repair.  He ended up buying a seam tape called Tear-Aid Patch that can be used on canvas, nylon, rubber and plastic products. 

The owner told Monte that if wanted to bring in the awning it could be cut where it is ripped and the end sewn at a very reasonable cost.  I’m not sure how involved it would be to take the awning off so we are going to have to assess the situation.

It was already after noon when we arrived at the Dam so we decided to eat the picnic lunch I had prepared before checking out the Dam. 

 The table was situated on a hill.  Monte sat on the side that was sloped down.

After we ate we walked up the hill to get a better picture of the top of the Dam.

 Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938, Berlin Lake is one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District. The project provides flood protection for the Mahoning River Valley was well as for the Beaver and Upper Ohio Rivers. Since its completion in 1943, Berlin has prevented flood damages estimated to be in excess of $1.7 billion. The project has the capability to store the equivalent run-off of 6.9 inches of precipitation from its 249 square mile drainage area.

 

 

Next we drove over to the area of the Dam where fishing is allowed.  

 There were a couple of cars in the parking lot when we arrived.  Monte and I began walking down the trail leading to the water.  But it got too steep for me because I was wearing sandals so Monte continued on down while I went back to the Jeep to change into sneakers.

 

We noticed a couple of fishermen across the water. 

We couldn’t figure out how they got there.

When it began to drizzle we climbed up as fast as we could.  We knew it would be difficult to climb the dirt trail if it got wet.  Our timing was good because just after getting back to the Jeep it began to pour.

The rain let up in the early evening so I sat outside enjoying the beautiful sunset.

 

 

September 1, 2014

Mill Creek CG, Berlin Center, OH

I had made the comment yesterday that I like my creature comforts and when I spotted our neighbors tent I saw that they like their creature comforts as well.  In all the RV parks we have been to, I can honestly say I have never seen anyone set up an air conditioner in their tent so this was a first. 

 

Monte did some outdoor chores

 and then took his scooter for a ride.

 

It looked like fun so I took a turn.

We walked over to the bathhouse in the early evening.

  On our way back to our site we encountered a few deer. 

They didn’t appear to be concerned as I kept getting closer. 

 But, I guess I got a little too close for Momma’s comfort because she gave me a look that suggested I should move on.

August 31, 2014

Mill Creek CG, Berlin Center, OH

It rained almost the entire evening—Several times when I woke up through the night I couldn’t help but thinking about all the people in their tents-I guess it is all part of the camping experience but I sure am glad to have our creature comforts.

When the rain let up in the afternoon, we went for a walk.

I suggested we take a walk to the ranger station to pick up a fee envelope.  We were only paid up until Tuesday and have decided to stay until the park closes next Sunday.  The ranger station is closed on Monday and Tuesday so we would need the envelope to pay for additional nights.

We had started off on the paved road but when we noticed this path we checked it out.

It led down to the water.

 

I was surprised to see so many sailboats. 

Rather than go back on the trail we walked along the shore. 

 

It was very muddy at some points. 

 

 

When we came to a rocky area we found another trail leading back to the road. 

 

 

August 30, 2014

Mill Creek CG, Berlin Center, OH

Absolutely lazy wonderful day---The campground filled up for the holiday weekend so we didn’t stray far from home.  It was lovely to just lounge around.