Road trips with the VWAPC

By Rex Dolby and Stuart Jewett

The Van Wert Area Photography Club along with several members of the Grand Lake Photography Club took a road trip together to the Black Pine Animal Sanctuary in Albion Indiana Sunday, Sept. 20.  They were treated to a private tour and behind-the-fence photo opportunities for many of the animals, giving the photographers an opportunity to get right up to the cages.  Fourteen members participated and got some magnificent photos.

Club members will travel to the 13^th annual Woodland Indian Celebration, presented by the Black Swamp Inter-Tribal Foundation, near Grand Rapids on Saturday, Sept. 26.  It is perhaps a 75- to 90-minute drive to the Seven Eagles Historical Education Center at 16486 Wapakoneta Rd., which will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.    The group will be able to experience Native American arts and crafts, dancers, food, games and music. The area offers 40 acres of forest, a Woodland Indian village, a 1750 Trading Post, a 1790 Tavern and an 1800 Log Cabin. The cost per person is $5 for adults or $3 for seniors for admission to the event, plus whatever you chip in for gas.

We plan to meet at McDonalds on the north side of Van Wert, and pull out by 8:30 a.m. Come earlier for breakfast if you like, but be aware the group intends to leave by 8:30 a.m.  The trip offers many opportunities for some great photos, as well as good conversation on the way up and back.

If you’re a camera enthusiast, you too can enjoy tours like this by joining the VWAPC.    We meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at 114 S. Race St. in Van Wert.  We’d love to meet new interested photo enthusiasts.