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Belinda Augustus, Realtor®, ABR®, e-PRO

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Eat Local - Lancaster, Ohio Farmer's Market

06-03-09
Belinda Augustus, Realtor®, ABR®, e-PRO

ocated in the beautiful and historic Downtown Lancaster, the Market, which has been around since the late 1800's, offers only what they grow, bake, or hand-make. They offer 100% Ohio Proud products. Through out the year, they will offer music, activities for children, and many special events, including their famous basket drawing. ~Pet friendly

LOCATION:
Downtown Lancaster, Ohio on Broad Street, between Main and Wheeling

MARKET OPENS:
Saturday May 2 from 8:00 AM-Noon and continues each Saturday through October 5, 2009.

Wednesday May 6 from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM and continues each Wednesday through October 5, 2009

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Quick Pics - Wildlife - Eastern Box Turtle

06-03-09
Belinda Augustus, Realtor®, ABR®, e-PRO
EASTERN BOX TURTLE

Here's a little guy found on the road this past week.
We can all offer a helping hand to our little friends by remembering to keep an eye out when driving through the Hills.
For more wildlife found in Hide-A-Way Hills, be sure to see:
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Hide-A-Way Hills, Ohio - Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle - What's it doing in our Lake

06-03-09
Belinda Augustus, Realtor®, ABR®, e-PRO

Once again, I am a bit puzzled by the wildlife I've been able to catch with my camera. This turtle was spotted on the rocks on the Lake of Four Seasons in Hide-A-Way Hills, Ohio.


Why might I be puzzled? Smooth softshells are typically found in rivers, large streams, and, rarely, large lakes with sandy or muddy bottoms. Those lakes are usually close to a large river. Sandbars are also important for basking and egg laying sites. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, "The smooth softshell is limited primarily to southern and southeastern Ohio, where it inhabits the larger tributaries of the Ohio River, particularly the Scioto River." What a treat to find this creature on our lake here in Hide-A-Way Hills.

While finding the turtle on our lake may be a bit odd, the softshell also differs from other turtles with three very distinctive facts.

1-Softshells do not have to get air from the surface. While it is submerged, it pumps water in and out of its mouth and pharynx. The highly vascular lining of the pharynx removes oxygen from the water and expels carbon dioxide into it.

2- Unlike most turtles, the sex of midland softshell turtles is not dependent on the temperature at which the eggs develop. Eggs are laid in a cavity in a sandbar.

3 - Unlike spiny softshells, these turtles are not aggressive and will remain passive even when picked up.

According to the Iowa's Department of Resources, the Midland Smooth Softshell populations are declining due to human factors, such as agricultural runoff and pollution, so I'm hopeful the species may find some refuge here in Hide-A-Way Hills.

Of course, once again, I could be completely wrong with my identification. If you have any knowledge that you may be able to add, please feel free to help me out by contributing your comments below.

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Hocking Hills Friends of the Park Poker Run - MY REVIEW

06-03-09
Belinda Augustus, Realtor®, ABR®, e-PRO


Saturday May 16th was the Hocking Hills Friends of the Park Annual Poker Run. This was my first attendance of the fundraising event for Southern Ohio State Parks which travels through Hocking, Vinton, and Ross counties.

The scenery was absolutely beautiful as the route winds through at least 6 of Southern Ohio's State Parks. The run's organizers reported there were 207 riders for the event which was a record over previous years' participation. Riders dodged weather most of the day, something the volunteers could not control. There were, however, several items many participants felt the organizers may attempt to improve for future rides.

First, there was issues with the directions and maps. The written directions were difficult to follow even for seasoned riders of Southern Ohio. All riders stayed upbeat even though groups of 50+ bikers would turn the wrong way while waving arms as they looped back to attempt to stop others from making the same wrong turn. Possibly spotters, or markers of some kind could be added to help mark the route.

Second, while most of the route was beautiful State Routes, it also traveled down County Road 1 in Vinton county. This is NOT a biker friendly road. There is gravel everywhere and many sections were even covered with mud. While I would love to get lost on this road while riding alone or with a small group of bikes, taking 200+ bikes on it, may not be a wise idea. Many riders were complaining of spitting out grit and dust when coming off the road.

Third, some stops only had 1 volunteer drawing and recording cards. When traveling in groups of 50+ bikes, the wait times at each stop was easily 30 minutes or more to draw their cards.

And last, food was minimal. Doughnuts were available in the morning for $1.00 a piece. My thoughts were the volunteers may have sold more breakfast items if they had a donation basket rather than pricing each doughnut. After riding for close to 6 hours, a chicken dinner awaited. However, dinners were limited to your choice of 2 sides along with 2 small pieces of chicken or 1 average size per person. One family was actually asking if they could purchase more food as their children were still hungry. Bikers EAT!


My comments are not meant to discourage nor complain, but to help organizers with feedback from out on the road. I would certainly encourage fellow bikers in future participation of the event, but I also would remind riders to pack the Tom Tom for verification of directions, and to add a few munchies to your saddle bags.


With all that said, I had a nice afternoon and enjoyed riding with fellow bike enthusiast in one of the most beautiful areas of Ohio, the Hocking Hills.

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Hide-A-Way Hills Ohio- How Far is the Grocery

06-03-09
Belinda Augustus, Realtor®, ABR®, e-PRO

Hide-A-Way Hills, Ohio - How Far is the Grocery?


After 8 years of conducting tours of the Hide-A-Way Hills community, I am often asked how far the nearest grocery store may be? Depending on what you need, there are several options for the HAH resident.


Large chain grocery stores can be found within about a 20 minute drive to Logan or Lancaster, Ohio. You'll find the typical, Walmart, Kroger, and Meijer's available.

Hide-Away Carry Out, a local mini-mart/gas station is located about 1/4 mile from the front gates of HAH. Beer, wine and gas prices are typically in line with those in town, but be prepared to pay a convenience charge on other forgotten grocery items. They carry worms in the summer for the local anglers, firewood for the HAH weekender, and ice for the coolers.

While I have not visited, there is now some a new option at Lee's General Store. Signs outside the store, which is just a quick left out the front gates of Hide-A-Way Hills, states bait and gift items.


Rienschield's Meats in Bremen, Ohio For specialty meets and cheeses, you'll want to be sure to visit this quaint small town mini-store. They offer a selection of your typical fair such as chicken, beef, and pork, but also serve as a local game processing center. You'll find elk and bison along with a nice selection of specialty cheeses. My favorite is their "Cave Cheese", a super sharp low moisture cheddar cheese that crumbles if you slice it, but it will make the best Mac-n-Cheese, if you can keep it around that long.

Local area Amish living off SR 664 and SR 312 outside Bremen, offer items such as fresh eggs, noodles, breads, chicken, and produce in the summer. Vegetables are typically organic, chickens free range, and the eggs yolks richer and tastier than any brown egg you'll be able to find in the closest large grocery that's 20 minutes away.

Depending on your needs, there are various options available for food and grocery items when living or visiting Hide-A-Way Hills.

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