We woke up around "7ish" Monday morning, had a wonderful breakfast that only an Embassy can put on for free. Of course Gail isn't shy, and she spoke to the airline pilots to see where there travels were taking them and wished them a safe trip. We took a few pictures in the hotel lobby and then with full bellies, gas tank and DC & SO in hand we hit the road at 9am. We were so looking forward to driving during the day in WV and it didn't disappoint us. Fog and a little cool, descending out of the mountains with the wonderful views was amazing. The ups and downs of the roadway with steep accent and descents made me focus on maintaining a steady speed. We made it to Ohio in record time and stopped at the Welcome Station. Did you know that Buckeyes were a “worthless nut” and have no use whatsoever except by what Ohioans are called? We spent a little time taking some silly pictures at a the rest area (i've posted a few)
We even spent 10 minutes listening to Jean and Gail narrating about an older lady with we assume were her 3 small grandchildren and 2 dogs. Well the kids were in the backseat and being treated sternly by their grandmother, and the dogs had "nice fluffy pillows" to sit on in the front seat. Well, need I say more if you know family history here..... all kinds of comments were flying about that one.
We got off I-77 in Canton, just after passing the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which Gaid said "that would be a good place to have an induction ceremony" Oh That Gail!!!!
We were so glad to get off the interstate and see some of the countryside. And boy did we see some nice farmland and some of the coolest small towns. We stopped for gas in Randolph, Ohio and when heading out of town, Gail saw a sign about the Randolph Underground Railroad.... Sooo, guess what... U got it ... Uturn and back we went. Jean and Gail got their pics taken at the Randolph City Hall sign. Gail decided to go into the library (in sock feet) to see if there was any historic information as to how the town got its name (I think also hoping for some ancestoral insights). As she was opening the door, Bob was rang the 1802 Town Hall Bell that was on display out in front of the building. The librarian said, "what IDIOT is ringing the bell" and Gail said "that would be my idiot" Gail got no info after that, apologized and said she needed to go before someone rang the bell again. Hey I agree with Bob, if the bell wasn't meant to be rung, the bell donger with attached strap should have been removed--- I would have done it too. But, we got on the road and left Randolph in our rearview mirror. Kids... you just can't take them anywhere can you?
We made it to the John Johnson Farm and got a nice tour from Elder and Sister Darwin from Denver, CO. The "foundation" of the Church was laid while the saints were in Kirtland. We learned that during the year that the Church Headquarters was there at the Johnson Farm, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith, among other revelations - 76th section of D&C were revealed as well as the well known story of Joseph being tarred and feathered with Sidney Rigdon and then Joseph delivered a powerful sermon the next morning. We also learned where the saying "pop goes the weasel" comes from.. ask us later. This was a very touching and moving experience by us all.
Next stop was the Kirtland Temple which is owned by the Community of Christ (RLDS Church). It was nice to see, but the presentation didn't leave us with the "warm fuzzies" They let other churches use the temple for special ocassions besides Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter services.
Next we went to "our" church visitors center. We toured the Newell Whitney Store which was the Church Headquarters for 18 months. Br. Whitney was the 2nd bishop of the Church. Several revelations to include the Word of Wisdom was revealed there.
We also checked out the sawmill where all the lumber and woodwork for the Kirtland Temple. We even saw the the wood that Troy Wright had cut when he worked in Kirtland for the Church. I never knew what an Ashery was. This was where Newell Whitney made more money than at his general store. He would buy ashes from peoples fireplaces, etc. for 25 cents a barrel, and through different processes make lye for soap, potash for gunpowder and fertilizer, or pearl ash which could be for making china. The pearl ash could be sold for up to $200 a barrel.... quite a profit huh?
We left Kirtland, got on I-90 and drove to Niagara Falls arriving at 11pm... We were all ready for bed. Big anticipation for a day at the falls on Tuesday.
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