62°f/16.6°C, cloudy with light rain off and on all last night and today.
Today was errands day---feed store for rabbit and chicken feed, picking up our checks at the antique malls, then to Mineral Wells for gas, a (very productive) Goodwill browse, Aldi's for a few things, etc.
After all those were completed we moseyed up to Marietta for a look at the Sternwheel Festival. And look was all we did! The town was packed, parking was $10 everywhere, and it was raining. After looking things over, we decided we just weren't up for it, so we went back across the river, where I found a spot to snap a few zoomed shots.
Disappointing, but after yesterday's long trip to Huntington neither of us were feeling like battling parking, crowds, rain and chilly weather. And at least I got to see the boats!
A few other pics from today:
A beautiful mural on the side of the Mother Earth Natural Foods store in Parkersburg. The store celebrated its 50th anniversary last week. I used to shop there occasionally, back in the 70s and early 80s, but I had no idea they were still in business. Next time we are on Parkersburg we need to stop in.
A fantastic wood carving outside the store, apparently done with the trunk of a tree that either fell, died, or had to be cut down for some reason.
I found this intersection rather sad. It was the site of the residence of Parkersburg's founder, as well as of a historic fort, and yet today? Billboards, rundown businesses and homes, and very busy traffic. Ivan intersection in more ways than one-- the intersection of the past and the present, of preservation efforts and the seeming desire to pave over or build over everything.
And finally on the road home, where signs of autumn are everywhere.
What's special about those boats? I love that mural!
ReplyDeleteAngie, they have a large wheel at the back that churns the water and propels the boat. Years ago they were powered by wood or coal (steamboats) and there were hundreds of them on the rivers, bringing mail and goods to the river ports. The rivers were the big highways of those days! I used to do a presentation of stories about steamboat disasters on the Ohio, as they were prone to blowing up. Today the boats are powered by diesel engines that turn the wheel. They are fun to ride on!
DeleteI do love the changing leaves!
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DeleteI tend to avoid most events that involve lots of cars and people. It's just not worth the hassle, usually.
ReplyDeleteI agree. We like small festivals, which this one used to be. But it was huge this year.
DeleteTrees are changing colour here too, but I think that drought-induced stress is a factor in this early slide into fall.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's true here for sure. Poor trees. It's been a rough couple of years for them.
DeleteI find that crowds appeal to me less and less as I get older and older. I may also define ‘crowd’ much more strictly now. 😎
ReplyDeleteSame. Maybe next year we will get a room at the hotel. Little tall building that overlooks the event. I am sure it would be pricey, but sure would be nice to be able to see it and walk around without the hassle.
Delete...Mother Earth Foods plus CBD!
ReplyDeleteGood stuff!
DeleteI'd never heard of a sternwheel before and now twice this week in different posts! This looks like a fun event and a great day for it.
ReplyDeleteThey are such fun to ride on, just something about that big wheel churning up the water.
DeleteI love the mural and the carving. Appropriate for the store. I used to like going to fairs and festivals. Not so much anymore.
ReplyDeleteYou two are on the go a lot. I'm enjoying seeing some of the colors of Fall starting up around here, too.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to get home.
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