Always finding more to do

Sunday, October 4, 2026

There was an artist collaboration called The Best of West Virginia very close to our hotel, so before we set out on the road, we wandered around. It was so interesting! So many gorgeous things. Keith asked why we are so cheap, because we didn’t buy anything. I asked if he wanted something. No. I told him that was why we didn’t buy anything. I also told him I didn’t think he was cheap. He thinks he is. Huh.

A trash can!

The sign outside. I said, “oh no, someone tore off a bunch in the middle of all the pictures.” Um. No. West Virginia. I saw it, eventually.

We drove through the foothills of the Appalachians in West Virginia this morning, singing along with John Denver. It was absolutely beautiful – a picture could not do it justice.

We drove for about 4 hours to Dayton (we listened to Harry Chapin’s Mr. Tanner, because Dayton). On our way to the Aullwood Audubon place, we saw that there was going to be a Carillon bell tower concert at 3pm at Carillon Historical Park. We were going to be going right by, so we went there first. The gift shop was great. I wanted a shirt and a cash register. I figured I hadn’t actually gone into the park, so I shouldn’t have the shirt. The cash register wasn’t for sale. I pushed the buttons a lot. It made a big dinging sound when you opened the drawer.

Culp’s Cafe lured us in for lunch while we waited the half hour for the concert. I had a Nectar Cream Soda. OHMYGOODNESS! I loved it so much. Almond and cherry flavor over vanilla ice cream and fizzy water. Before lunch! What a treat!

I had French Onion Soup that was perfect and exactly what I wanted. Keith had a chicken sandwich with a mixity slaw that was amazing and seasoned honey that was AMAZING. He even asked the waiter if he could buy some, but alas, no, the chef makes it special for the sammich and it is secret.

It was warm and sunny and we sat on our blanket and listened to the concert. It was classical until the last four tunes – all Beatles! Well worth our tiny detour.

We got to the Aullwood Audubon place. It was the first time we had to pay to get in to see trolls. Well, that’s technically true, but at the place in Kentucky we would have had to pay if we hadn’t gotten an arboretum pass at home. The visitor center was really cool. We did not have much time to look around, because of dawdling in Dayton. (We’re still in Dayton)

Anyway, first troll, down by the river, was Bo.

Way at the end of the park, past the farm, was Bodil.

Our third was our favorite – Bibbi! She is sure she can take off! We saw her first after climbing an overlook tower. What a fun thing to find.

Walking back, we saw a shortcut of our own devising. We cut across the woods to a little stream. Keith walked right over on the rocks. I stood and planned my route…and decided to take my shoes off and walk through the water. It seemed refreshing and better than falling. I took off one shoe, and I heard a Cushman truck coming. Even though my shoes slip on and off easily, I have to have something to balance on – especially when panicking. I was sure the worker man was going to tell us not to walk off the path and definitely do not go in the creek. I ran while Keith talked to him, all the while trying to get my shoe on. I held on to a tree and got myself together. Keith crossed back over the water. I asked if we got yelled at. He said, no. The guy was just asking if we needed help or directions. Oh. Keith went back and I hippity hopped right behind him, without falling. I just needed a little confidence (and adrenaline).

We drove on a two lane highway for the last 2.5 hours to Auburn, Indiana. We were basically alone on the road. That was pretty great. Ohio and Indiana are very flat. We stopped at Super America for gas and I voted we get roller food for dinner. I was never going to be very hungry and I wanted a taco tornado. Keith got two hot dogs. We sat in the car, having a pandemic-era kind of date, and enjoyed our dinner.

We both thought Auburn had about 25 people in it. Mmm. There are three gas stations and 8 restaurants at our exit. I think we may not have read much about Auburn. Our hotel is adorable!