Everyone knows about the abundant natural beauty of Adams County. Well, a few people are in the know. If you were born and raised in Adams County you sometimes take for granted the amazing natural environment in which we reside in daily. Then others happen upon it purely by accident.
Such is the case with Nikki Gerber and Jamie Philhower, who had decided they need a change and things just weren’t quite right yet. Making the choice to travel and find out what kind of adventures and experiences were out there and making an attempt to find themselves at the same time. Then came the point upon which their travels brought them to Adams County. Speaking with Nikki from the edge of Brush Creek near their small island at Moondoggie Liveree, just downstream of the Beasly Fork Bridge, talk about their new endeavor; it was quite apparent that Nikki had been taken by the beauty of the environment around her.
They had come to Adams County for a few days and tried out many of our nature related activities and finally had quite been surprised by lack of livery services for the amazing waterways here. To make a long story short. They ending up buying land and changing their goals and aspirations several times and have landed on the Mooddoggie Liveree.
One of my first priorities on visiting, being a dog person, was to meet Moondoggie only to find out that Moondoggie is a fictional surfer from the Gidget Novels of the late 1950’s. Needless to say I was a little bummed. ***Editors note they do have a dog named Benny which I have not got to meet yet. ***
Getting over my disappointment and back on track. I found out that they are going to open on the first weekend in July. Located at 4590 Brush Creek Road, Manchester, OH 45144. Remember to use caution when driving on Brush Creek road, the road is narrow and has a tendency to be rough.
The Livery is going to operate in two capacities. The first is daily boat rentals from the Manchester Islands in the Ohio River. Specific details are still be working out on that part of the operation.
The second is the traditional operation of a livery. The are starting with a selection of 12 kayaks and 8 two person Old Town Canoes for a total of 20 boats available for rent. The will offer 3 different floats to choose from. Paddlers can also you bring their own gear and utilize the shuttle for a small fee. The three floats they are offering vary in length and are as follows.
The Legendary Float – starts at 348 (Twin Bridges) and is approx. 9 miles in length. The cost for this float will be $50.
The Moondoggie Float – starts at 125 Bridge and is approx. 5 miles in length. The cost for this float will be $40.
Moondoggie Shorty – starts at Creeks Bend and is approx. 2 miles in length. The cost for this float will be $30.
Shuttle services only start at $10 for the shorty and go up from there.
Nikki and Jamie, are excited to bring this service to Adams County and mentioned several times that the people of Adams County have been especially nice and helpful as the launch this endeavor. They especially wanted to thank Holly Johnson of the AC Office of Economic Development for her help in getting up and running.
For more information about Moondoggie Liveree you can check them out on facebook by searching for Moondoggie Liveree or by emailing moondoggieliveree2020@gmail.com
Left Above: Owners Nikki Gerber and Jamie Philhower with their son Brandon Philhower and friend Charlie McBreen showing around the Liberty Classy Clovers 4H group before getting started on the wall painting the 4H group did for their volunteer hours. Right Above: A picture of their work
