I can’t believe this is Ohio.
Having never been to Marblehead or the dozens of ports and harbors that dot the Lake Erie shore, I felt sometimes like I was in a coastal state as I drove past seafood restaurants, boat docks and outdoor bars.
But when I pulled into East Harbor State Park as the sunlight glistened off the lake, I knew I was in Ohio again.
Known for its friendly deer herds, marshes and lake view trails, East Harbor State Park was alive with autumn colors when I got out of my car and made my way to the lake.
I sat on the rocks overlooking the lake and stared for a long time.
Then I took off hiking, following a trail through the woods. I could hear the water lapping against the shore just outside the tree line. Now and then, a break in the woods gave way to a stunning view of the lake.
The trail led up and down small hills, always keeping close to the shore. I could hear distant fishing boats making their way across to the harbor at Marblehead.
I paused in the woods for a while, warming in the sunlight and absorbing the autumn colors in the woods around me.
Later, I watched a herd of deer cross from the marshes to the woods. I didn’t stop my car. Having just finished with the African Safari, I’d had enough animals come through my windows.
But as I pulled out of the park, it was hard to take my eyes off the woods and lake in the rearview mirror. It had been one of my favorite places to visit.