Joe Root- The Man the Myth

Joe Root- 

The Legend has fascinated me since I first heard it.

If you are not yet familiar:

In my head The "Legend of Joe Root" primarily refers to Joseph Root (1860-1912), a colorful, eccentric hermit who lived on Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania in Erie, Pennsylvania, becoming a beloved local folk figure known for his ventriloquism, storytelling, and unique survival skills, earning nicknames like the "King of the Peninsula". He built shacks from driftwood, entertained locals with his "Jee-Bees" (nature spirits), and embodied a romanticized image of a man living in harmony with nature,  Though the state made him out to be a a homeless man struggling with mental health. 

It just so happens that probably both are somewhat true. 

As long as I can remember 1% of me has wanted to be Joe Root on the Peninsula - alone.

Presque Isle is a magical place.

The biodiversity in this small park is insane.

I’ve often told people if i put a blindfold and march you to the middle of dead pond trail on a hot and hazy day in August- and took the blindfold off- you’d swear you were in some  sub Saraharan oasis.  Similarly if I took you to the end of Gull Point Trail in February you’d guess either Antarctica or hell. 

Put a dot into the middle of the bay- and draw a circle that extends out to the foot of east ave- around 360 degrees

That has been the approximate boundary of my playground here along the shores of Lake Erie- guarded by Presque Isle Bay. I will paint this until I quit painting. I am in love and I hope you enjoy: