Monthly Archives: August 2006
Birthday hat sadness
A guest at my great-nephew’s birthday party. How can you have a sad look on your face while wearing a party hat? Actually, she was only sad when the camera was pointing in her direction. Possible future Academy Award winner here!
Grabbing some air
With speeds reaching around 75mph, the hydros hit the waves just right to appear that they float on air on the course. During one heat, one of the boats went completly in the air, much to the joy of the crowd, although the driver was not as thrilled!
Vintage hydro boat
During a break in the racing heats, the vintage boats took to the lake and showed the crowd how the races used to look about 30 years ago. Notice the open cockpit, modern drivers have the advantage of closed windowed cockpits to keep the spray from hitting them. Of course, the speeds have increased dramatically too.
Close finish
The Celina (Ohio) Governor’s Cup 2006 race was held August 26th & 27th on Grand Lake. The hydro boats race in different classes ranging from 1.0 Litre modified up to 5.0 Litre. The boats are about 13.6 feet long and weigh in at 750lbs in the lower classes. Speeds are any where from 70 to 140 mph. Very exciting to watch, even though the weather was overcast and strong wind made some waves on the lake.
Hiking trail
A view of one of the trails at the Breaks Interstate Park. The trails in the park are well maintained, even after a heavy rain storm the night before, all the trails I encountered were clear. Only once did I have to be careful of mud on a trail. The park is lush with green and wildlife. While photographing this shot, my camera fogged up from 99% humidity and 97F temperature. It is great to be able to walk alone in the forest, but now I’ll have company with me on my hikes through the wilds. :)
The Breaks
The Breaks Interstate Park is one of two interstate parks in America and encompasses 4,500 acres of woodland. The Breaks, home of the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River, also rises to lofty heights where golden eagles make their home. The Towers and other rock formations, caves, flora and wildlife make the Breaks Park a unique tourist destination. History, legend and lore combine with the scenic beauty of the Park which was the reported destination of several trips by Daniel Boone. It is the home of Pow Wow Cave, used by the Shawnee Indians and those who love mystery and adventure can search for the buried silver treasure of John Swift.