Canoeing with Kennedy

Demumbers Bay

 So my husband and I decided it was time to take our dog, Jack Russell Terrier/Dachshund mix, Kennedy, canoeing with us. We chose our bay on Lake Barkley, Demumbers, loaded up our gear and headed off.

 Kennedy is always on leash outdoors, as he a hyper breed, easily distracted, and a natural tracker, then add to that he's fast as greased lighting. I simply hooked the leash to a nearby tree and we unloaded our gear, my last task was fitting Kennedy in his life jacket. No problem, things are moving smooth. We had chosen to put in opposite of the ramp and back country camping area, we tend to get out early and didn't want to disturb anyone camping. 

 A chill hung in the early morning air, cool temps had moved in giving respite from the usual Summer heat and humidity. A light fog rose off the water as it was so much warmer than the ambient air. Combined it created great weather to get outdoors and dramatic scenery.

 I picked up Kennedy and got myself seated in the bow with him on my lap, although not fond of water, Kennedy was being very well behaved. My husband took his seat at the stern and I breathed a little sigh of relief as we managed not to tip over during the boarding.

My husband reached back with his oar to push off the bank and with the new center of gravity he leaned just a little to far. The Old Town rocked hard to the left, then again back to the right, I continued to lean right but she rolled again to the left. I watched as the water flowed over the rail, into the bow, and our little family tumbled into the warm waters of Lake Barkley.

 I immediately checked on Kennedy, he was fine, life jacket doing it's job, as he paddled his way back toward the canoe. My husband was also okay, and had managed not to get as wet as I had.  I landed on my knees, the bottom being nice and rocky, I paid no mind. I made my way toward the canoe and the dry bag with my cellphone in it. My husband had forgot to put his phone in a dry bag and left it clipped to his belt. We gathered our gear that had floated out of the canoe then drug it and ourselves back to shore, Kennedy right there with us. 

We immediately began drying off our phones and other items as steam rose from our bodies. Kennedy shook himself off and I could tell he was questioning this whole adventure by this point as were we. Water dripping from our clothes i began to wring myself out when I  noticed my knees were bleeding. Nothing more than a few scrapes and scratches from the rocky bottom.

We debated our next move but my resolve to get back on horse so to say, had us all loading back up in the canoe. Kennedy was a little hesitant but offered no resistance when re boarding. This time we were successful and we paddled away from the shore. We usually stay within 20 yards of shore unless crossing a bay which we weren't ready to try yet with Kennedy.

Kennedy took in all the new sights and sounds as we paddled, huddled close in my lap. I began to feel the chill of the air and was grateful for his warmth. I set him down in the bottom of the bow, his back feet straddling the "v", his front perched upon the rail. He's not very sure footed, like his mom, and with his short stature he struggled so back in my lap he went. I have to say I hadn't realized the depth of the Old Town Sarnac's interior until that trip. 

 We made our way along the shore taking in the beauty and sounds of nature for a while before pulling up on the back shore of the bay to stretch and let Kennedy conduct matters of his own nature.  Standing on shore, still wringing water from my short and shirt, I felt the chill even more. The water had been bathtub warm but the cool air quickly whisked away all traces of any warmth. 

 My husband finished walking Kennedy around and we decided to call it at trip. I wasn't the only one feeling the chill. We once again set off successfully and made our way back to the truck with Kennedy again riding in my lap.  

 After loading the gear, canoe, and dog back up we headed down the worn mostly dirt road back to a gravel road, while my husband drained water from his phone blasting heat from the vents. The only thing that had saved my phone was the dry bag, although some water did get in it was very minimal, so other than my phone the only thing that was dried out was the dog. 

Once home we took the back off the phone and put it in a bowl of rice. I then immediately jumped in the shower washing off all the pieces of decomposed leaves, which was a lot and took some time with my thick head of hair. Everyone, even Kennedy, had his turn in the bath.

Turns out my husbands phone was not ruined and he is still using it. Lesson learned, dry boxes have been purchased and were used on our very next trip which just so happen to be the very same bay.

New dry box!

 Never allow yourself to become complacent and have safe adventures!

Tradewater River, Dawson Springs, KY

Trade water River

Another hidden gem of the Pennyrile Region of Kentucky is Dawson Springs, KY and their 7 mile paddle trail down the Tradewater River.  Don't own your own canoe or kayak? Rent one from Hank over at

 Tradewater Canoe and Kayak

Located right on the river in Dawson Springs off Highway 109. Hank has very reasonable rates and will even shuttle an additional boat not rented from him at no charge. 

We found the paddle trail while searching for hiking trails in the

 Pennyrile State Forest

and instantly began planning a trip. We planned for a couple weeks with our best friend and his girlfriend to paddle all 7 miles of the trail and finally on a gorgeous Saturday morning we loaded up in our Black Chevy extended cab with our Old Town Sarnac XL 146 and headed east of the lakes region to Dawson Springs.
 We arrived to find Hank at Tradewater Canoe and Kayak prepping for a busy day despite the chilly start. Hank advised me the map I had printed off only covered the section of the river through Dawson Springs and not the upper portion and actual start of the trail. Once our friend rented a 14ft Sun Dolphin Canoe from Hank we helped him load the rental and transferred our canoe to the trailer also and headed to McKinney road to catch the start of the paddle trail.
 Our friend, Nick, owns a kayak, but it's for a single person and his girlfriend, Jackie, had never been paddling. Nick decided to rent a canoe from Hank vs. a kayak due to Jackie's novice level. We gave her a few pointers that morning and a reminder her of them again just as we set off.
 We launched the canoes and set off for miles of sernre country and quiet.

High banks of the upper Tradewater

The upper Tradewater with it's high banks didn't allow for much scenery but the wild flowers growing along the edge of the banks sporadically, mixed with knarled roots of old growth trees, and the occasional rock wall or outcropping gave enough interest to make this section worthy of the trip. We navigated past log jams from recent rains that had clearly raised the water level of the Tradewater for a time, but being a natural river it had abated to normal flow before our trip.

 Paddling our way past feeder creeks we found the only rapids of the Tradewater which could hardly be called such. A small dam just below the surface created this little section of rapids and provided a break up of the slow current.

 Rapids of the Tradewater Video

 Once we had paddled an hour or so we came to the first big bluff along the river, Dripping Rock. The massive rock outcropping hung over the Tradewater with ground water dripping from it's high edge.

Dripping Rock

 Due to the recent high water there was a lot of debris in this section but it was navigatabled, after passing Dripping Rock and a small island we looked to our left and spied a Doe standing along the bank.

We continued on, paddling past budding leaves, the ever growing green  of Spring, and under Blue skies only occasionally dotted with a white cloud or two. Happening upon what appeared to be a rather rocky bank and beyond ready to stretch our legs and get off our bottoms, we banked the canoes only to find the rock an illusion of sturdy ground. Our feet sunk several inches into the muddy silt with every step but we paid little mind, desperate to be out of the canoes. After milling about for 15 minutes or so we boarded our canoes and headed down river again. 

   The banks became less steep in this section and afforded views of pastures mixed with more rock outcroppings and the occasional high bluff.

 Thankfully Nick brought along lunch cakes as we had left our cooler with bread, lunch meat, chips, etc. back at the truck and it was taking us longer than we had expected to get back to Tradewater Canoe and Kayaks where we had left the truck.

Our friends paddle past Far Bluff

After rounding a bend we could see another large rock bluff abutting the river and a bridge crossing the river. We recognized the bridge as the one near Tradewater Canoe and Kayaks and knew we were minutes from retrieving the other cooler then finishing the last portion of the trail.

Suddenly a Blue Kayak entered the water at the bridge, followed by two more and finally a fourth. By the time we reached the bridge which now Hank stood on, the Blue Kayaks had paddle on down river.  We made our way to the foot of the stairs and Hank greeted us. I popped out of our canoe, ran up to the truck and grabbed the cooler of food. Once I was again seated and had set a pick up time with Hank at the last take out before the dam, we continued on.

I was starving at this point with little in my belly, I made sandwiches for each of us with the cooler positioned between my calves in the bow of the canoe and used my thigh as a table to assemble the sandwiches. We got the canoes close enough I could pass off a couple sandwiches to our friends as we paddled on and then another sandwhich I passed back to my husband before finally making one for myself. 

Highwya 109 bridge over Tradewater

By the time we reach the bridge that carries Highway 109 across the river we were all filling our bellies and leisurely making our way down river. We had been on the river for 3.5 hours at this point, the sun had gotten high in the sky and the chill was completely gone from the air, the day warming into the mid 70's. 

 The banks of the Tradweater remained less steep and the scenic views continued. Now recharged and almost finished we made our way past Ghost Sign Cliff to Devil's Dining Table where the river opened up a bit, staying right we paddled past a family fishing and lounging upon the banks. On occasion we would catch a glimpse of the Blue Kayaks ahead but had no desire to catch them and continued at our leisurely pace.

Ghost Sign Cliff

Devil's Dining Table

A field came into view on our right, a long rock bluff along its edge a couple hundred yards beyond. It ran diagonal in the field till its edge met the Tradewater.  We paddled on, our arms beginning to feel the days work. I began to wonder if we would ever reach the final take out, my bottom completely numb at this point.

 In my haste to finally get off the water I missed Moonshiners Bend, not realizing so till we reached Chalk Cliffs and now had the railroad bridge in sight which meant we were closing in on the finish of our trip.

Rock outcroppings along the Tradewater

 After paddling underneath the bridge the Bule Kayaks could be seen ahead as well as Hank waiting at the take out. Grateful the end was near despite the beauty of the trip I paddle harder, ready to finally be off my bottom again. The roar of the water flowing over the dam was loud and the local baseball field sat off to our left, Tradewater Pirates blazened across the grandstand.

Ashore we loaded up and headed back toward the place we started off our day, we made a quick stop to drop off the other party whom I found out to be the woman behind Kayak Kentucky on Facebook
 and had the pleasure of meeting. Shara was awesome and it was nice to finally meet someone in person who shares the same passion for the outdoors and inspiring others to get outdoors and explore. You can follow Shara, Kayak Kentucky via her Facebook page or check out Explore Kentucky 
 And Facebook 
 Or even follow #ExploreKentucky

 Back at Tradewater Canoe and Kayak we loaded our Old Town back into our truck and made the drive back home. Overall it was an amazing trip although an additional spot or two to get out and stretch would be an added benefit. We spent a total of 5 hours paddling all 7 miles, quite a bit longer than anticipated but well worth every second.
 Go ahead and Explore Kentucky!

Happy Facebook OOr

Pennyrile State Forest - Dawson Springs

 Pennyrile State Forest

I'm a member of a Facebook group called Hike Kentucky and through this group I received my inspiration to return to Pennyrile State Forest in Dawson Springs, KY.

Once research had been done and with a freshly printed map of the park I hit the road with my husband and Jackshund, Kennedy. Unfortunately my Garmin can not take the shortest route and still avoid gravel roads, not my preferred driving surface in my Malibu. I followed the GPS route off Highway 109 and onto a State Forest road which had occasional patches of pavement but was also pocked marked with potholes. Only bonus to this route was the wildlife, a wild turkey and deer which I would have enjoyed more if we had taken the truck and not my car. Once I dodged the potholes and navigated a small bridge, we were back to the main paved park road.

We made our way back toward the ball fields and Pennyrile Lake to find the Clifty Creek Trailhead. We started near the dam of the lake, which was overflowing from snow melt and recent rains. The Sun was shinning, leaf buds hung on the tree branches, a chill hung in the early Spring morning, and the sound of the water flowing over the dam provided a very relaxing feel to the day.

We made our way up the trail next to Cliffy Creek, past rock out croppings with green moss and ferns beginning to gain their luster again. The sound of the overflowing water growing louder with each step and Kennedy leading the way, we came to an open area skirted by rock walls and concrete at the base of the dam. 

I began taking pictures and video while my husband walked Kennedy around. My husband called to me to look at our dog and when I did I saw the little 18lb. Jack Russell - Daschuand mix had jumped up onto the retaining wall that forms the beginning of Cliffy Creek. Kennedy pranced along the top of the wall then decided he wanted off, but on the creek side. The water here wasn't deep but I didn't want him to risk injury jumping off onto slick p, water covered concrete nor did I wish to ride home with a wet, smelly pup so I called out to stop his jump down from the wall. 

Done exploring the foot of the dam we found a way to cross the upper portion of the creek via rocks protruding up out of the water, only thing was I had to carry Kennedy. Despite his last escapade of almost jumping down into the creek just moments before, he doesn't like to get wet and this water was deeper and faster than he will normally brave. So with Kennedy tucked under one arm, he behaves better for me than my husband, I began following my husband across the creek who thankfully gave me his walking stick to better balance myself with. The rocks were slick and unsteady with the extra weight on one side I struggled to keep my balance without the stick but with it I was able to steady myself and pick way across. 

Once across the creek I put Kennedy down and we headed downstream toward a small foot bridge that provides an easier crossing for less adventurous hikers. We passed the bridge, losing the trail in a still brown bamboo stand, but it wasn't thick and easy to find our way back to the trail which skirted along the creek and the bottom of a large hill that had exposed rock along its base. On the opposite side of the creek more exposed rock at the base of another hill, hung over the edges of Cliffy Creek creating stunning scenery. 

We continued on the trail which now followed beside the creek and entered another stand of brown bamboo still dormant from the long, hard Winter. The trail was more pronounced through this bamboo stand and easy to trek along. The hills on either side of us began to shrink and we soon found ourselves at the end of Clifty Creek Trail and back to the park road with the ball fields sitting across it. 

Hiking along the road side we made our way back to to the car and piled in to drive back toward the next trail we had decided to hike that day. I parked the Malibu in a gravel area near a utility box for the park facilities and headed across the road to the Indian Bluff Trailhead.  

The trail was obvious as it picked its way through the trees, over gently rolling hills, and made its way back to the base of yet another large hill with exposed rock at the base. Following the trail along the exposed rock there were all kinds of knooks, crannies, and crevices in it. Green moss had also began to gain its been luster back in this spot and the day had warmed enough we shed our light jackets, tying them around our waists. Large boulders sat opposite of the hill along the trail and soon the hill gave way and it seemed there was nothing but stone next to us. 

Keeping along the trail we soon came to a large overhang of rock that created quite a large cave, the floor bone dry with sporadic smooth stones and covered in fine dust. An odd sound was heard from a large crevice in the back of the cave, by getting close my husband was able to discern to be bats from the sound and smell of guano.  

We continued on the trail making our way by tall bluffs on one side and large boulders scattered about that other side, obviously the boulders had broken off the bluff and hillside at some time eons before. Now they stood in groups or by themselves leaving one to wonder when the next one would come away from the hill and tumble down toward the park road. 

The view was amazing, close by the aforementioned scene of hill, bluff, stone, and caves but also off in the distance with the trees only baring the buds of leaves one could see the high forested hills of the Pennyrile meeting the horizon. The rolling peaks crested against the sky,  the tops of the trees breaking the clean blue line of the sky merging the brown, greens and blues all in one place.

Continuing on the trail the hill and exposed rock to our right began to blend back into level ground and the park road became more prominent on our left as we reached the end of the trail. We either had to exit the trail and continue back along the road again or return the way we had come, so we decided to return the way we had come, besides we knew the view was good.

The Pennyrile is a beautiful place and well worth exploring and it has all the amenities of a State Park. Next we explore the Trade water River also in Dawson Springs, Ky and take the Old Town Canoe to a new location as well as our first river trip!

Taylor Bay, Lake Barkley

Taylor Bay

Taylor Bay, Lake Barkley

Spring has finally sprung in Kentucky and I wasted no time on our first day above 60°. The bay had been chosen over the Winter, the gear prepped the night before, and dawn finally broke on canoe day. 

As the sun crested over the horizon I could see a patchy fog hung in the air, the temperature had dropped overnight to 40°, and I was still eager to set out.

We layered up on clothing so as the day warmed we could shed layers as needed. Once loaded I wheeled the truck to Land Between the Lakes and down past the Nature Station, and to Taylor Bay. 

Fog rises off Lake Barkley, Taylor Bay.

A chill hung in the morning air but there wasn't a cloud, a single RV was parked at the back country campground, it's generator humming, and the fog hung about the surface of the water. We unloaded the gear and canoe, then portaged the canoe to the water's edge. Once situated I climbed in the bow, my feet stinging in the cold water, and got seated. My husband took his seat in the stern and we set off. 

The views of the morning sun mixed with the rising fog were breathtaking. 

View in Taylor Bay

My feet bordered on numbness but I said nothing as we paddled out into the bay. We tried to paddle to the back of the bay, towards Taylor Creek, but despite the rainfall the water level remained low, thanks to TVA and Barkley Dam. Paddling across the bay to the far side, we began working our way toward a couple islands at the mouth. It was a good warm up and Mother Nature continued to awe us with here beauty in the early morning hours.

The Sun peers over the trees

View from the bow

Video Canoeing Lake Barkley

After leisurely paddling to the island we disembarked to stretch and explore. The ground was fairly rocky but it was a false sense of security as you soon began sinking into the muddy earth. Luckily it was firm enough and not soupy so exploring was still possible. While wandering we heard a barge blowing it's horn every now and again, it made us curious as to the reason. 

Island view looking toward Cumberland River or Lake Barkley

We wandered about and took a few photos before shoving off again. Paddling past the island and toward the adjoining bay of Jake's Fork I found the reason for the barge's horn. A fog bank hung out over the lake, river channel, and other islands.

Fog bank on Lake Barkley

Shore and fog bank from the bow

My husband noted a large bird with White tail feathers to our right and one look told me it was an American Bald Eagle. I watched as it swooped down to the water, snagged a small fish, and then flew toward the neighboring tree line. 

Paddling on we made our way to the far side of Jake's Fork Bay and spotted our Eagle friend again, perched high a top a tree branch, watching the lake for his next meal. Not far down the shore, into the bay, we spotted his nest off some yards into the woods. We took a moment to marvel at the creation and then paddled on into the bay further. 

A loud pair of geese voiced their disapproval of our visit and flew past above our heads, honking the whole way. My husband now spots a Doe in the woods on the ridge line and we watched her silently as we paddled to the back to the bay till the water became to shallow to continue much further. 

Guiding the canoe to the bank we again disembarked to stretch, explore and grab a bite. It had warmed to the mid 50's and we began removing layers. Setting up our picnic we noticed the Doe behind us in the woods, still following the ridge line. She paused to watch us and us her between prepping our food. No alarm was raised, the doe quietly watched us before finally continuing on her way. 

I stood eating a sandwich and wishing I could feel my feet, now completely numb from the cold water. Another boat entered the bay and trolled halfway back before setting a jug line. Brunch in our bellies now we set out again paddling to deeper water then cutting across the bay. As I photographed the Sun and sky to my right my husband spied a Beaver approaching. I quickly switched to video and recorded the swim by. 

Watch video here

We made the final push back to the boat ramp and our trusty Black Chevy. Our arms were feeling the burn from paddling so much but every bit was worth it! 

Happy Paddling & Hiking

Giveaway!!

Giveaway!! 

Prize!!

You must like Annie's Adventures Facebook page, comment, and share to be entered! Contest ends March 15th, winner will be announced on the page at 5pm CST. Grand Prize is an 8x10 framed photo of Spring in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hurry and enter to win! Good luck! 

Enter Giveaway Here!

Like the Facebook Page Here!

Must be 18 years old or older to enter, contest limited to residents of contingent Untied States, AK, HI, and US Territories excluded.

Elk & Bison Prairie, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Bull Elk grazing on the prairie

Elk & Bison Prairie, Land Between the Lakes

Another great attraction at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) is the Elk & Bison Prairie. Located near the southern end of the 170,00 acre land peninsula, near the Golden Pond Visitor's Center and Highway 68/80 interchange, sits this fenced prairie of 700 acres. A small fee of $5 per vehicle is charged for entrance, no motorcycles allowed, and  bus rates are available. 

Bull Elk and Cow resting 

Bull Elk 

Drive a 3.5 mile loop through the prairie, look and listen for the wildlife. Elk & Bison can be hard to spot and are not always near the road, although I've had to drive through the Bison herd on more than one occasion. It does give you the close up experience you think you want but when the adolescents started to play I became nervous, it wouldn't take much from one to total a Malibu. The Bison didn't care about rules of the road and headed the wrong way down the one way loop, I breathed a sigh of relief as I headed the correct way and out of the herd. 

Once further down the loop we spotted the Elk herd, nestled on a hillside. We pulled to the side, leaving room for other cars to pass, and watched the herd before they moved off toward another area of the prairie. We continued on the loop hoping to catch them as they emerged on the other side of the wooded area in the loop center but we encountered the Bison again. Once again I had to pick my way through them, dodging around one and then another two. Finally I had gotten through the herd but for one and he stood directly in my path. There was no going around, he stood directly in the middle of the road, and just stared at my car as if going around was to much effort. I sat and waited patiently, the Bison waited as well and we were at a standoff. Several minutes passed before the thing relented his course and gave me the right of way. 

Bison mulling about

A young Bison scratches himself on an informational
plaque stand on the prairie

There are informative areas, as pictured above, but it is against the law to approach them when wildlife is near, any animal when threatened or scared can be dangerous if not deadly.

 Many people may not be aware that the herd here in Land Between the Lakes was used to repopulate The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and now visitors there can see Elk roaming free. I myself had the pleasure of stopping for the herd to cross the main highway in Cherokee, N.C. When we stopped at the Oconaluftee Visitor's Center we were asked by the Ranger on duty where we lived and when told he asked if we had come to check on our Elk with a chuckle. I have a great love for both places and now they are connected, hopefully forever.

Wild Turkeys roam the prairie

When driving through the prairie Elk & Bison won't be all you find. Turkey abound in LBL and the prairie is no exception, large flocks can be seen pecking their way through the tall grass. Birds of every kind can be found and an occasional Eagle maybe seen flying above. 

When you explore Kentucky and the Elk & Bison Prairie I advised you to stick to all laws and recommendations. They are in place to protect the public and the wildlife. We must have respect for both nature and the laws of man.

Happy Exploring and Hiking!

Thor Western Kentucky 2015

Nearly 20" of snow

Thor strikes Kentucky 

A weeks worth of hype has more than exceeded expectations. Predictions were for up to 2" of sleet followed by 8-10" of snow, so you can imagine my surprise when I awoke this morning. 

My view this morning

My first task was to get coffee going, of course, then I had to layer up to shovel a path on the deck, clear the deck steps, and a spot for my Jackshaund do to his business. 

That's a lot of snow for Western Kentucky

I tried to settle the pup down while I got the coffee brewing but he was being insistent with bounding energy. Ugh, so early still. I tried not to wake my husband when I went back into the bedroom to get dressed but Kennedy, the Jackshaund, didn't care. He bounded onto the bed, trampling up my husbands body, and as I found my thermals, he started to bark, loudly. My husband now awake wanted to know what I was doing, I informed him and with a grunt of sympathy he began to fully wake up. 

Geared up with Kennedy bouncing about excitedly, I finally made my way out the front door and grabbed the awaiting shovel. The wind was blowing up off the lake, putting an extra bite into it as it blew. Overcast skies above kept the sun from warming the day or having any chance at melting some of the snow. Damn, should have got a scarf. Oh well, and I set to shoveling. The snow was light and fluffy but there was so much of it! I stopped to measure a few spots on the deck and averaged 18" between the two. 

There are two seats in that John boat

Back to shoveling, I managed to clear a path on the deck to the stairs when my husband peeped out. He was stunned at all the snow, I asked him to fetch me the broom and he obliged. I kept digging out the steps and finally thought I cleared the last one but when I went to clear an area at the landing I found what turned out to be the last step. 

Once I had the stairs cleared, I set about to clearing an area in the corner of the deck and steps. It took 10 minutes of digging and scrapping to reach the ground, clearing an area of only two feet by two feet. I climbed back up the deck and asked my husband to let the dog out while I grabbed the broom and began sweeping off more snow. 

View up my street

Kennedy needed some encouraging to go down the steps and venture into the little snow canyon I had created but he did and managed to do his necessaries while I finished sweeping the steps off. 

Kennedy now warm, looking out his window and
wondering where all the wildlife is

 Thankfully my husband had hot cup of coffee waiting for me when I got back in, later he ventured out to clean off the roofs of our storage sheds, HVAC unit, and our new gas meter that was installed in emergency conditions during the last 11" snow storm due to a leak. 

I'm really thankful also that I'm not stuck on Interstate 24 or 65 like a lot of people are right now, waiting for the National Guard to rescue them. The Governor has declared a State of Emergency due to the conditions and people being stranded. Some places have drifts of three feet to clear in the highways and this is the South. We aren't equipped for 20" or more of snow as some places have seen, I've seen posts on Facebook from our local road department where they are struggling to clear roads. 

If you're in the area, stay home, warm, and safe. If not I'm probably a bit jealous depending on your weather conditions. I'm providing a list of links for more information and current conditions. 

Jim Cantore's Facebook Page

(He's frequently been posting updates on the area)

West Kentucky Star

(Local media source)

Kentucky Road Conditions, 511

American Pelican Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

American Pelicans fly past TVA's Kentucky Dam

Scrolling through my Facebook page today and Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park posted a photo of an American Pelican with a caption that a flock had decided to visit the park. I inquired on the location and Laura with the park let me know where I could find them. The park covers not only a portion of Kentucky Lake but the Tennessee River also. 

American Pelicans fishing over the Tennessee River
at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Laura advised me I would find them on the Southwest corner of the Tennessee River and they were visible from the fishing pier off Highway 282, near the campground. 

Flock of American Pelicans

I grabbed my camera and made the short drive up the lake to see for myself, I had never seen a pelican before. I had also never visited the fishing pier before but using Laura's direction I found it easily. 

Nestled under the new Highway 62 bridge sat a zig-zagging concrete pier with blue railings that stretched out into the churning river. The roar of the water through the gates of the dam was loud, causing the river to churn with swift currents and undertows, the air was much chillier here. The American Pelicans were easy to spot, rather large birds with their famous brightly colored beaks.  They looked kind of out place on the brown water of the Tennessee River and a gray overcast sky seeming to camouflage their white feathers against it.

American Pelicans floating and flying above
the Tennessee River

Plenty of fish for plenty of pelicans

It was wondrous to watch them take flight from the river and soar above looking for their next snack. I was impressed with their wing span and the way they glided in unison through the sky, much more elegant than a flock of geese.

I'm glad I took the time to see them, they are quite beautiful and it made me feel more centered to enjoy their company. If you ever see such a post on social media from your local State Park, Nature Reserve, or Recreation Area take a minute to pay a visit and enjoy the present sent by Mother Nature.

Happy Hiking!

Girl's Canoe Day, Lake Barkley, Kentucky

Me and my bestie Nikki

 Girl's Canoe Day

I had told my girlfriend, Nikki, how relaxing and enjoyable I found canoeing. Being an outdoor loving lady also she wanted to go and have a girl's day. We planned for a month for her to meet me near my home early one morning so we could go paddling in a bay on Lake Barkley. 

I made sure Nikki brought everything needed for an enjoyable outing, sandals that can get wet and be comfortable as well as a light jacket for the early morning chill. 

Canoe locked and loaded

I was a bit nervous about taking the husbands truck with the canoe loaded onto the bed extender but then I remembered I could handle such things, that I wasn't a puss, and got my confidence back. Off I went to meet Nikki and get Girl's Canoe Day underway! 

We launched the canoe in one of my favorite bays and began paddling along the shore. The day was beautiful, full sun, only a few cotton ball type clouds, and a slight chill hung in the early Fall air. We soon warmed up enough to remove our jackets and bask in the warmth of the day.

Beautiful day to be on the water!

Enjoying the day

Paddling around the bay for a bit we decided to pull up on shore, stretch our legs, and get off our bottoms for a minute. I love my Sarnac XL but Old Town needs to add more padding on the molded seats. After only an hour or so your but starts to get a bit restless and yes, sore. We found a good spot to pull up, or at least we thought it was a good spot. The bank was gently sloped down to the waters edge but it was muddy and not sandy or rocky like a lot of places. No big deal, we stood on the bank talking girl talk and had a couple deer run up on us before changing directions once they noticed our presence, and ran off over the ridge behind us. 

Once we were stretched and rehydrated we began maneuvering the canoe along the bank to get back in and relaunch. My feet became stuck deep in the mud and I had to pull up quite hard to free them. I pulled my left foot up hard and with a loud sucking sound it came free, as I tried the same with my right I felt my sandal begin to tear. They weren't expensive and were a pair I had for years so no big deal, right? Wrong, the fabric and padded insert that was sewn to the bottom sole of the shoe had come completely apart and ripped near the top. 

Casualty of Girl's Canoe Day

We managed to get the canoe situated, got ourselves back in, and out on the water again. I didn't let the sandal set back bother me, we were out on the water in a canoe, who needs shoes anyway? I'm a Southern Country Girl and avid outdoors woman, I've gone barefoot plenty. We continued on, exploring the back of the bay, a small bridge, and feeder creek. 

Bridge at back of bay at feeder creek
 and Nikki hamming it up

We had paddled the entire bay in just a few hours and were not ready to call it a day yet, so we pulled up on the bank to load back up and head over to another nearby bay. Now is when a good sandal would be useful, I slid my torn sandal back on to portage the canoe back to the truck, but found it flopping this way and that. There was no way to step or walk and keep the darned thing from doing what it wanted. It ended up folded under my foot when carrying the canoe or the sole flopped off to the side of my foot, providing no protection from the ground. 

Finally it popped in my head, I have my husband's truck with toolbox! Surely I could find something to rig my sandal to last the rest of the trip, so I began digging, looking for duct tape, wire, string, twine or anything. Unless I planned to use a ratchet strap, there was nothing of use. I found a small bungee cord type fastening cable, the kind with a hook at each end, lying in the bed of the truck. I took this and looped it around my foot in the sandal and hooked each end together. It worked for one trip to load gear and the fastener cord broke, it was rotted. I finished loading the gear barefooted which might be easy as a kid once you do it for awhile but as an adult who must wear sensible shoes to work every day you become very tender footed, but I sucked it up and got it done.

Gear and canoe loaded we headed down the back roads of Land Between the Lakes to the next bay I notice the canoe bouncing quite a bit and decide to stop the truck to investigate. I hop out, bare feet and all, to find one of the ratchet straps had slipped off the bumper. I secured it again and we were back underway.

Accessing the next bay was a little tricky, the road becomes severely rutted and mostly made of packed dirt just past a small cemetery and requires some skill to navigate. I had forgotten the road condition and became nervous driving my husband's truck down it. Once past a certain point though there is no turning back, literally. The road is narrow, the tree branches occasionally brushing the side of the truck, and there's no where to pull in to turn a truck around, let alone a full sized one with a 14ft canoe hanging out the back. Onward I went, dodging the deep ruts I could only assume a monster truck had made during a monsoon, and managed to make it to the end where it opened up to the forest and shoreline. 

Before we began unloading again I scrambled to find a replacement repair for my sandal, searching now in the cab of the truck, under the back bench seat I found a fish stringer. I know what your thinking and yes I did. Leaving about two inches free on the end of the stringer I wrapped it around my sandal to secure the flopping, flapping thing to my foot. Once wrapped I threaded the sharp pointed metal end through the metal loop on the other end, several times and began to unload the canoe. When returning for the life jackets it came undone so I took the metal spike end and weaved it through the openings in the top of the sandal. I now officially had a lethal weapon on my foot and it was reminiscent of something from the Flintstones. It worked though and allowed us to finish unloading without further issues.

A better place to pull up on shore

Nikki and I launched the canoe again and set about to paddling the shoreline of the bay. We zig-zagged back and forth in the bay, paddling from one side to the other and into smaller inlets searching and exploring the feeder creeks. Finally we had covered the second bay, it was late afternoon now and we were ready to call it a day. We loaded up the canoe and gear with my stone age looking sandal repair holding and made it back to Nikki's SUV without drama. 

Despite the little set back we had an awesome Girl's Canoe Day and can't wait to do it again this Spring. Nikki enjoyed it so much she is now looking for her own canoe or kayak. I'm glad I'm not a drama queen and don't let something small such as the ruined sandal spoil the day. I already purchased new water shoes last year on clearance at Dick's and can't wait to try them out! 

Happy Paddling and Hiking!