I took one of my grandsons to an island. I have always lived on Lake Erie. Before, it was the eastern end of the lake. Now I live on the western side of the lake. In the middle of Lake Erie in the western end of the lake, there are islands. Some are inhabited and some not. Ohio State University has property out there where they conduct experiments and do a lot of observation.

 

So we packed up Tyler and drove out there, west of my home, to take the ferry out to Put in Bay.  It is very built up and there are a few people who live on the island year around. In winter, it is cold. My sister and I when out there one sunny November day a few years ago. It was cold. The lake wasn’t frozen and we went to the locals restaurant where a great many of the locals were there swapping tales and singing. The food was good and it was fun hearing the tales and legends.

 

 

The morning crossing on the ferry was a bit cool. The waves were fairly small and my grandson never took his eyes off of the water. We passed sailboats and speed boats and other ferries. He was amazed at how big the lake was. He was so excited, he fairly vibrated with it. It was really a good trip over and we rented a golf cart to get around the island. I can’t do the amount of walking visiting the island requires, anymore. I used to be able to walk it, and I loved it. but this time the golf cart was necessary.  On the island, they were celebrating Christmas in July and everything was decorated. We saw some garland, some Santas, a few trees. Some people were wearing Santa hats. I have never been there before for the Christmas in July celebration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The island is full of things for everyone to do. Sailing, cruising, walking, touring the wineries, eating great food. There is a beautiful park where kids run and play, as they always have done. We had lunch at a great restaurant with live acoustic music. The pulled pork I had was delicious. We were in a booth so we made paper airplanes out of napkins and threw them back and forth to each other ( we cleaned up before we left ). There is nothing like the sound of a child laughing and giggling to bring a smile to your face.  After lunch, we drove around the island so my grandson could see it. We stopped at the fish hatchery.  We found a young woman who was fishing for her dinner. She showed him her catch and he was really impressed. He asked her if there were sharks and she assured him there were no sharks in fresh water, just in salt water like an ocean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went to the butterfly house and they had a wonderful collection of perhaps 100-120 butterflies. They were so pretty and so many different colors. The exhibition was butterflies flying all over. They had all flowers planted that would attract the butterflies. Some would land on you as see above. Some flew in little groups. Some would fly closely to peoples’ heads. It was a wonderful experience. It actually was one of the best butterfly gardens I have been too. This was followed by putt-putt golf which was loads of fun. My grandson had never golfed before. It is a joy to children trying something new.