Cycling the Underground Railroad--Part 2

 DAY 7:  CINCINNATI, OH (REST DAY)

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is an impressive complex on the banks of the Ohio River.  Amanda's (my daughter) and her children (my grandkids) have been studying the history of the Underground Railroad and following me on these rides.  They drove down from Michigan so we could go to this museum together.

But first, as is our tradition, we had to feast on donuts.  Dunkin's was located in a nearby complex, so we headed over for our morning meal.  As soon as they saw escalators... let's just say we made a few trips.

Of course, now that we're hooked, we had to get to our destinations by scooter!

Notice little Adina hitching a ride on the front of my scooter. 

The Center was not a disappointment! It was very well organized, featured key players, both white and black, in this "first Civil Rights Movement." It traced important legal/court decisions,  and did an excellent job of realistically portraying the dangers that all involved faced in this enterprise.

There were several movies that enacted escapes.  I got a bit emotional when viewing the main feature, "Brothers of the Borderland," depicting an escape across the Ohio through Ripley, Ohio.  Just two days ago I hiked the hill from John Parker's home on Front Street to John Rankin's house over 1/2 mile up a very steep hill.  At some level, I could viscerally identify with the historical persons in the film.

The children enjoyed the interactive exhibits and the pieces of artwork displayed throughout the center.  I found this sculpture particularly moving.

In the evening we hung around Fountain Square, listened to a live Salsa band, found a playground at Smale Riverfront Park, enjoying some of Cincinnati's night sights. 

Fountain on the Square 

Lighted waterfall on Cincinnati's Riverfront. 

AND, my body got some additional time off the bike, which it appreciated!