My dad, who was in the drivers seat, began to steer onto a gravel lane that was recognized as the lane to campsite D. I was suddenly very anxious to get out of the car considering we had been in it for approximately an hour and a half. I was exhausted and desired my sleeping bag. Unfortunately it was necessary we first set up the tent and prepare things for the rest of the weekend. I simply imagined what the next day would be like and I was quickly ready to get to work. Setting up the tent was not as easily done as usual because of the fact it was dark. Reluctantly, to our benefit, we had flashlights and that improved our progress. We eventually fell asleep after setting up the tent and we restlessly awaited the morning.
As we were there it was obviously impossible to refrain from using the outhouse that contained many insects and arachnids. I feared the present insects and arachnids were destined to ferociously attack me, but I knew I would eventually be forced to become somewhat 'friends' with them. The condition of the outhouse was devastating because of all the visible insects and arachnids, but what wasn't visible was what I feared most.
This particular outhouse at campsite D consisted of wooden boards, a door (excluding a door knob, but it could still lock) , a roof, and an object that appeared similar to a toilet. This toilet was not flushable, evoking a fatal aroma to spread throughout the restroom. The aroma would not bother me too bad very frequently, however, an individual who just finished eating might need to eat again. This restroom in many ways may be viewed for many reasons as more of a permanent port-a-potty, but it served it's purpose.
Although the restroom, in my opinion, was horrid (mostly the smell) nearly everything else was quite satisfying. Throughout our time at AEP Recreational Land we were free to roam around miles of land and occupy ourselves with fishing! The several times we have visited AEP we fished numerous ponds/lakes. Two of these fishing spots are never to be forgotten.
My dad and I separated from my brother and my dad's friend Mike. We took the kayaks out onto a lake to fish as they hiked for an alternative place to fish. I had to put sunscreen on that hot sunny day which ran into my eye, this lessened the excitement I had anticipated. Also the hike to this particular pond was what seemed to be 20 miles long and we were tugging the kayaks! The fact the kayaks did not move themselves along the lake/pond indicates that we had to paddle them with our already worn out arms. As I paddled the kayak my hands developed annoying blisters. The kayaking was still enjoyable, and I learned new ways to control the kayaks and fish all at once.
My dad and I later met up with Mike and Justin again. We were all anxious to get water but, we first wanted to fish the waterhole Justin and Mike found. After we got to the waterhole we fished and reeled in many fish. We caught catfish and bluegill. The fish we saw on several occasions included catfish, bluegill, bass, and very large carp. The carp and bass for some disappointing reason avoided our worms and lures. The fish may not have been attracted to our lures, but a snake was attracted to us.
The snake appeared as if it were a copperhead slithering on top of the water. The creature was small yet we took precautions and scattered the area. It was later we were informed the snake which looked as a copperhead was simply a harmless snake that seemed very similar to the venomous type. We soon after left the waterhole and began the journey back to the car tugging the kayaks and fish up and down hills of pain. The feeling of thirst discouraged us to walk the way to the car. We did realize the pain would be paid off once we reached the cooler and could grasp hold of a cold bottle of water, that would quench our thirst. I was desperate for water and felt nauseous. The misery was only temporary and ended after I gulped the water from a cold bottle. I cannot describe the amount of relief I felt as the water trickled down my throat.During our time at AEP Justin and I were acquainted with two over sized bears. It
was rumor the bears ate ice-cream provided by the owner which may explain their massive size. The bears were in captivity by a store named “Old Man's
Money”. The shop was small, however, it was convenient for individuals camping at AEP. Decent tasting sandwiches were available and that was unusually delicious, probably because of what we were eating at the campsite for a period of time. The time there at Old Man's Money was also fun because of the adorable cats and kittens wandering around. Still none of this amounted to the excitement of observing the bears.Old Man's Money was the nearest shop, but it was still a ways off. The food stock from what I remember was not great to take back and cook. They seemed to mostly have things made for people rather than selling individual items. The shop was an entertaining part of the trip considering the bears found there, as well as the kittens/cats, I also thought the shop was comfortable and interesting.
The serene scenery of the AEP Recreational Land had been far more pleasurable than nearly any other factor I've mentioned, with the exception of fishing. I am not demeaning the other activities in any way, simply the landscape was
beautiful. There was one negative opinion I had of the landscape which is that AEP has allowed miners to demolish land that has great potential of being one of the more scenic lands of Ohio. Many hills have been cut into and searched for coal. Trees were removed in this process but AEP is still astonishingly beautiful. Amongst land are many creatures and the times I have visited AEP I have encountered creatures that are rare in a city and more commonly found in a rural area such as AEP. One visit to AEP I captured a preying-mantis that kept me occupied for a good while. The preying-mantis was near a wooden bridge I assume resting on a leaf. I found, on another occasion, a cicada and that turned out to be exciting also. Although these insects are found in some cities, they are not frequently seen by many and that made these two experiences more enjoyable. The snake was also a creature we saw, this creature was more frightening than most else. Raccoons were also exploring our food containers, but I personally was not witness to any of that. These animals and insects made this a better trip.Justin, my dad , Mike, and I could not remain at AEP any longer, other-wise I would, with out a doubt, still be camping at AEP.
