Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

I thought I had been to a good number of the caves in the US, but then I stumbled upon this information:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_caves_in_the_United_States.

And I realized that I had visited just a few - Carlsbad Caverns (NM), Wind Cave (SD), Jewel Cave (SD) Linville Caverns (NC), and now Mammoth Cave (KY).

And I found out that there are over 9500 caves in my home state of TN!!!

I was quite impressed with Mammoth Cave - not just because of the caves, but probably even more so for the above ground features this National Park has to offer.  The other caves I have been to have been just that - caves only.  But at Mammoth Cave, there are over 75 miles of scenic backcountry trails in the park.  We opted to take advantage of those trails and stayed at one of the backcountry campsites, rather than spend the night at one of the three overpopulated and overpriced campgrounds in the park.

Speaking of money, I was completely prepared to pay to enter the park, but it was free.  I was completely prepared to pay for the backcountry campsites, but they were free.  Like a National Park should be!  I've already paid my dues thank you!  Of course you had to pay for the personalized cave tours, but the fees were reasonable, and this is the longest cave system in the US - they would have a reason to have astronomical prices if they wanted to. 

We also had no problem reserving one of the sites, despite walking up that day to request it, and the park service personnel were so helpful and nice.  They are also staying true to the natural habitat of the land.  They refuse to build bridges over the rivers throughout the park (although they are in the process of adding on to the really nice visitor's center); instead, you take a ferry across.  You drive your car onto the ferry and scurry across.  That was neat.  Because of the motivation of keeping human impact low, we saw lots of deer and turkey during our weekend stay.  Speaking of rivers, canoe and kayaking options abound as well, and you can couple a multi-day river run with camping options throughout the park, with very little restrictions.

All in all, I plan to head back to Mammoth Cave, not so much for the caves as for a long weekend backpacking trip.

September 23, 2011

This date marked the 365th day that I have not turned on the television.

It also marked the 460th day since I last drank corn syrup.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, KY

The Niagara of KY - this monster is 125 feet across and a wall of water over 60 feet high.  It was flowing at full pond when we visited.  We had never been to this park, but are so glad we did!  This park was beautiful, nicely kept, and everything was so fresh and green - very Fall-like.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to get that great of pictures because there was so much water spraying up everywhere - even from far away!

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, TN/KY

3 day trip to commemorate the start of Fall

Sheltowee Trace Trail (http://www.sheltoweetrace.com/)
perfect nights by the campfire smoke

We happened to spend most of our time in the KY area around Alum Ford and Yahoo Falls.  It rained on us one day, but that made for some good photos.

The Distinguished Golden Orb Weaver!

Fall has arrived! (But don't tell it to these guys)

It was in the 50s until 10am today!!!  It was in the 60s until 1pm!!!  It never got above 75 all day!!!  Of course we spent most of the day outside. 

Below, giving new meaning to the birds and the bees (we didnt stick around to see if she ate him):

Pisgah Woods Bushwhack

A wet afternoon was a good excuse to go play in the rain, tromp through some puddles, and wade through some lush, wet vegetation.  Very refreshing!

The dogs really enjoyed singing in the rain....a little too much so.  This is the first time I've had a problem with them chasing deer.  I caught a glimpse of five whitetail does, two egrets, and lots of wildflowers.  Thankfully the rain kept most of the bugs away.