Posted 15 April 2023

A quick visit to Truma’s North American headquarters before heading east
along the Lake Erie shoreline.

0830  48,914  Elkhart, Indiana  – Truma 

The crew at Truma was ready for us right on time.

One of the bolts was cross-threaded when they did the original install
and we didn’t notice it until we were in Wisconsin. They were very apologetic
and set-up a time for a repair at our convenience.  This photo is looking
up at our van ceiling.

0920 71°  Left Truma with a new air handler. They didn’t just
rethread the bolt, but installed a whole new air handler.

This photo is of a demo unit with the cover cut open to reveal the inner
workings of the air conditioner.

For more about our experience with the new Truma Aventa air conditioner, check
out this post:

Three Months with the Truma Aventa

1100  48,932  Middlebury, IN

Waiting to turn left, we found ourselves facing a one horsepower carriage. We
were leaving a nearby Amish bakery for apple fritters.

Our first stop on Lake Erie’s south shore was at Waterworks Park.

The lighthouse has only been here since 2016, but stood at the end of a local
jetty in the 1800’s.

Shielded from shining on the land side, only the side facing the water
has glass panes.

The tiny Lighthouse Keeper’s Boathouse

Tributes to Lake Erie battles and the region’s fishing heritage adorn
local buildings.

The port is a transportation hub for Middle and South Bass Islands with
frequent service to Put-In-Bay.

Fishing fleets still ply the lake waters in search of Carp.  The
Port Clinton Fish Company is a family owned fishery established in 1976.

We enjoy looking at the architecture of County Courthouses. Port Clinton
is the Ottawa County seat, so we walked in search of the courthouse.

Completed in 1901 after three years of construction, the structure has
beautiful carvings in the sandstone walls.

Very much an active courthouse, we had to pass through a metal detector to
proceed into the building.

A significant event in the war of 1812 was commodore Perry’s victory
over the British fleet here in Lake Erie. It is commemorated in this large
painting above the courthouse’s double stairway.

The cupola ceiling contains four paintings representing Fishing,
Quarrying, Farming, and Fruit Growing.

For our quilt loving friends, here’s an Ohio Bicentennial Quilt that
hangs in the courthouse.

After the courthouse adventure, we walked a few of the nearby streets
and were struck by the elegance of this grand home.

1515  48,103  75°  Marblehead, OH

A short drive east brought us to the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula and
Marblehead State Park.

Marblehead Lighthouse
is the oldest continuously operated lighthouse in the Great Lakes and was
celebrating its 200th birthday.

Seventy-seven steps lead to the platform and a great view of Lake Erie.

The US Lifesaving Service, a precursor to the Coast Guard, stationed
boats here.

A beautifully preserved rescue boat sits on a tracked cart, ready to
roll down the hill into a stormy Lake Erie.

A wooden Keeper’s House stands next to the Lighthouse tower.

Looking east, we could see the world famous roller coasters at Cedar
Point.

(you may want to click on the image to enlarge it)

Warm and steady wind conditions had us wishing we had trailered the Hobie for
some fun sailing. 

From Marblehead we returned to Route 2 and crossed Sandusky Bay before
heading east in search of a place for the night.

1735  49,157  75°   Wakeman, OH

Consulting our Harvest Host directory, Beth found that the
Wakeman Elevator Craft Beer & Wine Barn
had room for us.

We boondocked in a quiet spot beside storage units behind the Wakeman
Elevator.

The hosts were friendly and had a fun sense for decorating. We elected
to eat outside in pleasant weather and lingering concerns about Covid-19.

We enjoyed acoustic music, a nice covered deck, 88¢ shrimp, and a good Reuben
sandwich. We heartily recommend this stop.

Wakeman is a very quiet town after five o’clock.

Walking to this bridge and dam on the Vermillion River, we discovered
there is access to the 28 mile long North Coast Inland rail trail.

Goodnight from Wakeman, Ohio.

Today’s Route
(Click any image to enlarge)