This is a combined meetup with the "Jeff and Sally's Excellent adventures" group.
HIGHLIGHTS: East Harbor State Park in Marblehead is situated on a Lake Erie peninsula that includes more than 1800 acres of wetlands and a 2-mile-long barrier beach. The wetlands are remnants of the Great Black Swamp, which once extended 120 miles along the lake. Let's head to the beach area and walk the dunes trail for most of its length for a total of 3+ miles. Expect there to be sand between your toes while taking in great views of Kelleys and South Bass Islands and the Marblehead peninsula in the distance. Let's meet at the beach parking area at the end of the park road - the large one to the RIGHT - at 1:00. Jeff will be wearing a meetup sign.
After our hike, let's head 7 miles north to Twin Oast Estate Brewery in Catawba. This place has to be seen to be believed. Built around two English-style oast houses it is surrounded by groves of fruit trees, natural caves, and 60 acres of landscape. The brewery features a nice assortment of craft beers and a menu offering meals that pair perfectly. The extensive grounds are a perfect gathering place and we should all bring a chair just in case it is crowded.
DIRECTIONS: The best way to get to East Harbor is to take Route 2 across Sandusky Bay and get off at the first exit - Route 269. Turn right onto Route 269 and drive 2.2 miles until it ends at Route 163. Turn right and go .4 miles to Route 269 on the left. Turn left and go 1 mile to the main entrance of East Harbor State Park on the right. The beach parking is 1.3 miles STRAIGHT down this road where it ends at the lake. Follow all park signs directing you to the BEACH. The parking lot where we will meet is the huge one to the RIGHT when you arrive at the beach.
ABOUT OUR "HIKES": We are NOT a hard-core hiking group. Our "hikes" are not intended to be non-stop, cardio workouts, but are simply a way for us to visit areas that contain unique scenery. You will get plenty of exercise, but we will be stopping occasionally to experience the surroundings, take pictures and let slower walkers catch up. We will travel at no MORE than 3MPH (20 minute miles) and never leave anyone behind. If you need to move at a faster, non-stop pace or don't care about your surroundings, this may not be an event for you.
East Harbor State Park: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/east-harbor-state-park
1169 N. Buck Rd., Lakeside-Marblehead, OH 43440
Twin Oast Brewery: https://www.twinoast.com/
3630 NE Catawba Rd. Port Clinton, OH 43452
