Camping at Carter Caves, Kentucky

The meteorologists called for rain and thunderstorms this weekend...luckily, we didn't listen to them. We almost called off our camping trip, but Heather, who is infinitely wiser than I, said we should go. So, being a man who enjoys having a female partner, I agreed with Heather and we headed to Olive Hill Friday night.

We arrived at the campsite around 11 P.M. Usually it takes me 5 minutes to set up the tent, but this time I took twice that. Hey, it was dark, my daughter was with us and this was my first time camping at this spot so I was disorientated. With the tent up, and most of our stuff unpacked we hit the sack for the night. I will admit that it took me awhile to go to sleep, I was very excited to be camping with my family and looking forward to Saturday.

Saturday morning I was up at around 7 and ready to go. Heather and my daughter, on the other hand, were not.

I sat by myself in the chill of the early morning and enjoyed the beginning of the day, while letting the girls sleep in...Actually, Heather had got on to me for trying to wake them up so I did the smart thing, and left them alone.

When the girls finally got up, around 9:30, we had breakfast. I cooked, therefore it was pork and beans along with fried bologna.

Once we finished eating, we decided to go on a cave tour. Since it is Spring, certain caves are closed so we only had two choices for guided tours, Cascade Caves or X Cave. We headed to the Welcome center, got tickets for the X Cave tour, and bought some ice cream to snack on while we waited for the tour to start.

This was the first cave my daughter has ever saw, we were, understandably, a little nervous about how she would we behave once we went into the cave. She was excited about going to see a cave, but you know how excitement can turn to fear in kids once you actually go inside.

I am very glad to report my daughter enjoyed every moment in the cave. She was not scared, at least she showed no fear, or her curiosity overcame her fear. Either way, she was attentive to the guide and definitely interested in the cave we were in. It was a nice time for us, the group we were with was filled with the type of people you hope, but never seem to get on tours. There is usually one or two people in group tours that are rude, or just not aware enough of others and get in the way, but this group was made up of pleasant and thoughtful persons, thankfully.

After the tour, we decided that we would walk a trail. We found a short one by the Welcome Center called The Natural Bridge Trail. It was about a mile long trail that went under and then over a natural bridge in the hill. The slopes were gentle, and the scenery was stunning.



A really neat ammenity that the natural bridge has is a hole in the cieling. Hikers pass the hole twice, once under the bridge, then again on top of the bridge. I was especially taken with this little geographical formation for whatever reason. I would like to say I thought of duality or something poetic, truth is I just thought it was really cool.

Here is the inside of the natural bridge.

The hole as viewed from below.

The hole from above.

Looking down through the hole.

One would think I would have explored The Carter Caves Park alot since I live less than an hour away, but truthfully, I have never spent any time there before this other than a cave tour or two. I was amazed at how beautiful the scenery is. As you know from my previous post, I have found that I really love our region, though it took me awhile to realize it. The rock formations along the paths, the flowers, and the trees really swept me away. Willingly, I went. Several times I was reminded of the images that would come to my mind while reading a fantasy novel. Surely, the authors of those books must have traveled through Kentucky sometime during thier writng process. I do not have a sufficient vocabulary for the beauty I saw, so, I will give you some pictures and let you judge.

On the Natural Bridge Trail.

<--Yes, I am COOL.

I don't care what you say.

Follow me--->

After the hike, we headed back to the camp. We played the longest game of miniature golf that I have ever played in my life. I will spare you the details. That evening I left to get Skittles, and Heather wanted to go to the old-time ice cream making workshop. So, I headed out for the dog while Dakota and Heather went to for some sweet dairy.

It seems that they had good time. Dakota worked the crank the best she could to earn her ice cream.

Later that night, we sat by the fire, roasted some hot dogs and made smores. Dakota ate a hot dog and two smores then called it a night, proof that the day was full enough for her. Skittles was happy to be at the campsite, not only because she was with us, but also because she really loves the outdoors. Heather and I stayed up for a little while longer and enjoyed the fire.

Sunday, I was the first up again. Well, Skittles got up with me. I fixed breakfast for the dog and I and let the girls sleep longer. When they got up, we decided to take another trail before packing up and heading home. We hiked part of the Three Bridges Trail and, again, I found breathtaking views and my love for Kentucky grew stronger. This trail is a 3.5 mile hike that takes you up, down, and around some very beatiful cliffs. The park labels it difficult, I label it moderate and enjoyable. The sites are definitely worth the hiking.

<---Start of the trail

One of the cliffs on the trail-->

Yes, I have a stupid look on my face (Heather is an expert at capturing them with the camera) but this is the crevice I am straddling.