We’re packed, RV full of our gear and trailer full of motorcycle and all its necessary gear, and tomorrow we’re on our way to cool Coolville in the southeast corner of Ohio. It may well be the smallest town I’ve ever stayed in–population of 496 as of 2010. Unless they’ve had a major baby boom in the past five years (and there’ve been some pretty cold winters in Ohio recently), I think it’s likely that the people leaving Coolville one way or another likely balance out those making it their new home. For a few hours we’ll make it 498.

There is some logic to the name. The town was platted by Simeon W. Cooley in 1818. By the 1830’s, it contained two stores, a gristmill and a sawmill. and historians have found it notable for being close to three other “hot/cold” communities: Torch, Frost and Snowville. I’ll settle for just being cool, cuddled in a blanket in the back of the RV. Then we’re on our way to Lansing and Grand Rapids and all the major cities of Eastern Canada. This may be our last time to savor the peace and quiet of small town living until we reach Cape Breton. I intend to enjoy it.