Although we are seekers of adventure, it is nice to occasionally report that our drives are uneventful. Such was the case from Buffalo to Ohio, where we are now courtesy parked next to our friends’ home southwest of Cleveland.
However, I did notice some odd tire wear on the right side wheels, and I think it may be related to axle alignment. We’re going to detour down to Jackson Center, home of Airstream, on Tuesday to have them check the axles and align if necessary. I’ll have some questions for them about this, since these axles were newly installed in December and have only about 7,000 miles on them to date. Seems too soon to be needing an alignment, and we haven’t hit any big potholes or curbs. Once I know more I’ll report on the issue further.
We are parked in Ohio for the Labor Day weekend, just chilling out with some local friends. Yesterday’s primary activity was a visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one we’ve missed on all the other times we’ve passed this way. It’s a beautiful area of small villages lined along the Cuyahoga River (the one that was famous for catching on fire forty years ago) and the historic Ohio & Erie Canal. There’s little trace of the Cuyahoga’s “grossly polluted” past now, except for limitations suggested on the eating of fish caught in the river. Some species still have lead and mercury in them. Otherwise, the valley is a beautifully scenic area with a tourist train, charming villages and historic sites, an excellent multi-use trail along the former canal towpath, hikes, waterfalls, and even a tiny ski area.
The Junior Ranger program at this park seems to require three separate visits, a week apart, so Emma could not participate. That’s the first time we’ve ever seen such a requirement. There’s one badge that won’t make her collection. She did, however, get to help operate a restored lock on the canal for a demonstration.
A bunch of Airstream buddies are expected to show up tonight for a group dinner. Lou says we are celebrating the anniversary of the hot dog being unveiled at some World’s Fair, but I’m pretty sure that’s a ruse. The theme of the weekend seems to be more about just hanging out. Larry and I have tackled a few small tasks, like washing the Airstream and adjusting the grease fittings on the replacement hitch head, but otherwise we’ve avoided work like most Americans in anticipation of “Labor Day.”
Culinary note: Lou introduced Emma and I to peanut butter & mayo sandwiches. The whole idea was so horrible-sounding that we had to try it. The strange thing is, it’s really not half bad. I’m not wild about them but have to admit that the flavor combination actually works. Try it at your own risk.
Routing note: Our plans have been completely re-arranged in the past week. We are now heading to Jackson Center OH, then Grand Rapids MI, then the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, then somewhere in northern Wisconsin, and then the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. We’re looking for courtesy parking or camping suggestions in northern Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Hmmm. Peanut butter and mayo. Could it possibly be more tasty than peanut butter, marshmellow fluff, and bananas? 🙂
Try Peanut Butter and Mircle Whip…..it’s even better and if you add potato chips on the sandwich and drink cold milk with it you have dinner fit for a King!
Yep! Miracle Whip and peanut butter is exactly right! That IS what we used! Emma is not too sure that it is the correct food for her! I enjoy them even tho they are probably not good for me!
I concur on the PB & MW. My grandmother used to make me a dessert. Cut a banana in half, spread PB on the halves, MW on top of that, top it with walnuts. Very good!
Big Al suggested to me last time he was in the area, to try PB & ketchup. Doesn’t sound so appealing… but is a combination to definitely try for those looking for something unique. It works rather well… similar to PB & J.
Psst… Emma, ketchup on EVERYTHING! 🙂
I apologize that Emma couldn’t participate in the CVNP Junior Ranger Program. The park actually has a variety of ways that kids can become junior rangers. One is attending 3 of our scheduled Junior Ranger programs. This is geared for the large local visitation we receive that can come on a variety of days. For visitors who are “passing through” each visitor center has a free Junior Ranger booklet that can be completed during one visit and ends with receiving the CVNP Junior Ranger badge.I apologize for the confusion.
peanut butter and mayo sounds disgusting. it’s like corned beef and mayo sandwiches. it breaks some rule I’m sure. peanut butter and bananas and marshmallows is more like it…or peanut butter and chocolate…but mayo…yukkkkkk
safe travels.
Steve, thanks for the clarification. We were indeed confused by things we read on the web site, so it’s good that you set the record straight. Emma will be doing the CVNP program next time we come through!
It’s so good to know that somebody else likes PB & mayo!! It was an experiment when I was 12 … we only had Hellman’s mayonnaise, it’s tangy, so had to watch the proportions. I’ll try it with Miracle Whip sometime. Thanks for mentioning it in the blog!
On a related note: ever tried blending honey in with peanut butter? Not only is it tasty, but the funny thing is, the result is not as sticky as either of the two ingredients. You have to blend it before spreading it.
Put the honey/PB blend on one slice of bread, some American cheese on another slice, and put them both under the broiler for a minute or two. Let them cool for another minute or two before putting the two pieces of bread together. It’s cheap and yummy on a cold day. Mayo is optional on the bread before the other ingredients go on.