A Touch of Italy on Lake Erie!

I love staying in B&Bs while on my adventures. I meet great people who know the history of not only their B&B, but also of their town. Owners are often generous with their time and knowledge and sometimes they go so far beyond in their efforts to welcome guests.





Deb and Jim Pufnock, owners of A Touch of Italy B&B in Port Clinton greeted me with open arms. Deb was thrilled that I was beginning my adventure in Port Clinton. She even created a welcome sign for me and put it outside with a bunch of balloons!







Deb and Jim have transformed this historic home in Port Clinton into one of the best appointed B&Bs I have ever seen. From the game room and veranda on the third floor, to the massage room and mini-gym in the basement, there is fun on every floor.

{photo: Deb by the mural she painted in the dining room}
Deb was also gracious in contacting local media about my first book and new adventure. She even contacted local businesses who sent over a huge gift bag of local products!





Two reporters came to the shores of Lake Erie to take photos and wish me well on my journey.

If your travels take you anywhere near Port Clinton, be sure to stay at A TOUCH OF ITALY B&B!

Location:Port Clinton, OH

What A Way To Begin!

My adventure began with a road trip to Port Clinton, Ohio, with Leslie and Milene (two of my most favorite people).
We checked in at the B&B where I was staying -- A Touch of Italy B&B (more on that in a moment) -- then had a fabulous brunch at the Mon Ami Winery.








We had a bit of time, so we explored the area and toured the Marblehead Lighthouse.




Les & Mi noticed some open stores in Marblehead and we stopped in a couple.




There is such rich history and natural wonders in this area. I am looking forward to sharing what I've discovered on this blog and in my next book!




(Les & Mi at the Marblehead Lighthouse)

Location:Port Clinton, OH

The Next Adventure!

Check out the new image at the top of this blog!

This is the route I will be following on my next adventure, a journey of over 1000-miles that will allow me to touch all five great lakes.

#1: I hike a portion of Ohio's northern edge beginning at Port Clinton, then will continue to do most of the edge of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This will allow me to touch three Great Lakes: Erie, Huron and Michigan.

#2: I will do two sections of shoreline on Lake Superior including all of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (the longer highlighted part – which is part of the North Country Trail) and Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary (the shorter highlighted part – which protects some of the last old-growth trees in Michigan, some as old as 600 years).

#3: Takes me along Canada’s shoreline on Lake Ontario. I will begin in Toronto and hike east to Sandbanks Park near where Lake Ontario egresses into the Saint Lawrence River.

#4: This is the two-day finale hiking from the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls along the Niagara River Recreational Trail. This will take place on a Friday-Saturday in October (dates being nailed down) and I’ll invite people to come and hike these last two days with me and to celebrate the end of my second 1000-mile adventure! I’m working on a deal for lodging and celebratory dinner, so watch for details! Also note that this will take place on the Canadian side of the river, so you will need a passport or enhanced driver’s license in order to cross the border into Canada.

If you haven’t already, please go ahead and “LIKE” my fan page to stay current on my writing and hiking and activism on behalf of our Great Lakes. And, if you'd like updates mailed to you, please shoot me an e-mail at Loreen@LakeTrek.com with the subject line: Updates!

Life should be an adventure!

Press Release link: http://prlog.org/11781680