14 June 2023
Today we travel from Beckley, WV to FMCA Headquarters in Cincinnatti, Ohio.
We were up early investigating options for a replacement propane hose. The mining heritage here helped us out. Mining requires heavy equipment with hydraulic hoses, so there is an infrastructure of shops that can make hoses on demand. We called a few places along our route and found that Nova Rubber Company could make one up for us. Located just west of Charleston, West Virginia they had a hose made up for us in just under 30 minutes. A sign stated there was a fifty dollar charge for any rush job, but they were very understanding and we left with a quality hose made up for $38.50.
By noon we had pulled into the little town of Gallipolis. I spotted a freight station and pulled in there.
It turned out to be a Freight Station Museum, but it wasn’t open. A neighbor noticed I was taking pictures and offered to give us a tour!
They were proud of the local history and were doing what they could to preserve it. The station had over three feet of water during a major flood event back in 1937. Our guide pointed out the upside down red fire bucket in this photo. They learned that regular buckets don’t hold much water when used as a scoop in a bucket brigade, but a funnel shaped container can be filled all the way and transport more water with less effort.
A traditional red caboose was on display where we learned that the interiors here were painted green.
This special shade was designed to not show as much dirt from coal and grease as other colors. The things we never would have known had we not stopped in Gallipolis!
The real treat was when our guide’s father powered up a big Lionel train layout. For those of a certain age, this brings back wonderful childhood memories.
With the tour offer, we hadn’t actually made lunch yet, so we set-out from the station to find a waterfront park. Gallipolis has a french heritage as “The City of the Gauls.”
Gallipolis park with a boat launch on the Ohio River
FMCA Headquarters in Cincinnatti was our destination. We’re backed in next to a big class A in what I call the parking lot section.
There are other sites that are more park like around the back of the facility. Either way, a full hookup site in Cincinnatti for $10 a night is a nice member benefit.
A short path led to a nice walking loop around a Pleasant little lake.
Brainbrew, a custom whiskey distillery is on the same walking loop. They weren’t open on the one night we visited, but we’ll keep them in mind for future a future visit. Bourbon tasting within walking distance of our camper van sounds perfect.
Today’s Route
(Click on any image to enlarge it)