2005.01.14 - After visiting the highest point in Indiana at sunrise, Friday morning found me pushing forward to Campbell Hill in Ohio. Rolling fields and frozen flood water provided ample scenery along the way. The two highpoints are separated by a mere 76 miles of pavement, though I din't make as good of time as I'd hoped since it was mostly 2-lane roads. As Murphy would have it, I got stuck behind several 18-wheelers causing further delay. Although I like to complain when traffic doesn't go my way, it was quite nice being able to visit two highpoints within an hour-and-a-half of each other! I'm used to Texas driving where I can go for 10-hours and not cross a single state line.

Upon arriving in Bellefontaine, I immeditely noticed that the uppermost branches on almost all the trees lining the side of the road had been broken. A system of freezing rain had moved through this area earlier in the week, which cut off power to many homes and businesses. Local crews had been working ceaselessly, and within only a few days, repaired much of the damage. Unseasonably warm temperatures melted the ice, keeping Bellefontaine safe from further ice damae, though a new problem had begun to the south; flooding.

In spite of these problems, I drove easily out to the Hi-Point Academy, run by Ohio State University. The school's gate is open to the public during regular business hours throughout the week, and I had no problem finding my way to the base of Campbell Hill. A brief jaunt up a snowy, groomed slope led me to the highest point in Ohio, or # 14 for me. The wind had picked up significantly by this point, which made a fun experience out of setting up my tripod. Thinking it wouldn't be that cold, I had left my gloves in the car. After the cold rendered my fingers useless, I had to descend in order to get my gloves. Returning back in much more comfort, I finished taking pictures and departed. Does this mean that I can claim 2 ascents of Campbell Hill?

I drove around a bit more to try and find a decent vantage point of the Hill, though I never was successful. The only view that showed relief from a distance had too many power lines and roads in the frame to be appealing. Not too discouraged, I noted that time might allow me an actual hike that day on Backbone Mountain, MD. With this minor change in plans, I decided to at least try and break my personal record of 2 highpoints in a single day.