The Kentucky Two Fer

   I decided to title this blog The Kentucky Two Fer for the simple fact we hiked in two different parks in West Central Kentucky in one day.

     The Fall temps keep spurring me on to explore more, go new places and spend lots of time in the forests. Another weekend coming up and I was hitting the internet researching places to hike and explore. I stumbled upon Panther Creek Park, near Owensboro and learned that their walking/hiking trail had a suspension bridge. Well that would be a new experience for us, so when we started discussing plans I mentioned Panther Creek and to my delight, Donald was up for a little trip to check it out.

     We made reservations at a chain hotel, not willing to risk the uncertainty of an off brand motel again as we did at Reelfoot Lake. Early on Saturday morning we loaded up my car and headed East towards the rising sun before turning North at Madisonville and making our way towards Owensboro. The morning temps hovered in the low 50's, making for a chilly start to the day but it felt good after a long Kentucky Summer with sweltering temps and humidity. 

   Panther Creek Park, we found, sits back behind an upper middle class neighborhood. Estate style homes with carefully manicured lawns lining the freshly blacktopped street. We made our way inside the park, Donald noting bridge sightings through the woods as we went. After a quick trip to the bathrooms we set out from the Nature Shelter trail head with hiking the Marksberry Special Trail in mind. 

    A large portion of the trail system is a long raised boardwalk through bottom lands that leads to a gazebo. The gazebo had been noted on the map with a symbol that was white with pillars, a typical representation of a park gazebo. The gazebo we found was more rustic, full of graffiti and the sign for our trail head placed at a angle where there was no trail or boardwalk. 

  We ambled down the boardwalk trail to the left only to come to a road with no indication which way the trail continued. Turning back we returned to the gazebo and decided to make our way along the covered bridge portion of the boardwalk.
 Not long after passing under the covered bridge the boardwalk came to an end and we were back on solid ground, but not for long. Hiking along the packed dirt path we were able to spy homes and manicured lawns along with a large breed dog barking at us as we made our way along.  Several yards later we came to the suspension bridge noted on the park map and I rather nervously made my way across with Kennedy leading the way. The bridge swayed very little until you reach the middle portion. All the swaying left me trying to get my "sea legs" once back on solid ground.
  Once across "The Swinger" we were met with more blacktop and another suspension bridge laying in wait for us on the next portion of the trail. Debbie's Dream Catcher as it's named was bigger and longer than The Swinger. The park map indicated we should be turning at this point to stay on the Marksberry Special Trail but again no trail markers to help us discern the direction of our selected trail. We made our way across Debbie's Dream Catcher only to find a sign pointing us straight on for the Marksberry Special Trail and so we followed.
  Hiking along on solid ground again we found ourselves at the edge of the disc golf course.....??? What? Wait a minute. We pulled our map out again to find that the trail sign had routed us onto different trails. I wasn't up for this game of trail hide and seek. I was honestly sick of playing it over the past few weeks.
  Two young trail runners made their way past us, all of about 9 and 11 years of age. I was glad to see some youth hitting the trails, doing so quietly and with respect. After the boys passed, we turned ourselves around and headed back to the trail sign at the end of Debbie's Dream Catcher.
  Once there we noted the direction of the sign again and checked our map. It appeared from the map we were to hike along the blacktop road between the two suspension bridges. Donald nudged me and made me take note of the fact the two boys from earlier near the disc golf course, were now on Debbie's Dream Catcher. How the hell did they do that so fast? I could only shake my head and comment on how it sucked getting old and fat. Clearly they knew the trails and weren't having to rely on the material we were. Before we knew it the two boys darted off in the opposite direction and were gone. We decided to do the same, tired of trying to figure out the trail system between signage and the map.

  Panther Creek Park while beautiful, with novel suspension bridges and boardwalks but it had left a lot to be desired for a person more accustomed to hiking National Forest and Recreations Areas. Turns out Donald had done a little research of his own on the way up and chimed in with a new destination, Lake Malone State Park in Dunmor, KY.
  It was located over an hour south of our current location so we decided to make our way there with a stop for lunch along the way. We made our way through the countryside just outside of Owensboro before skirting the city limits and turning South towards Central City.  We took aim at the Sonic in Central City and after wolfing down a fare of fast food we headed South again toward Dunmor.
  There was some debate between my Garmin GPS and Donald's Google Maps application on his phone. My Garmin seems delusional at times so I opted to follow the directions Google Maps was providing only to find myself on some little one and half lane road meandering around a Kentucky hillside. No big deal, no schedules, no curfews and no time limits. We are just going to enjoy the drive through the countryside and....oh hello! Is that huge massive farm equipment coming at me head on? Yes, yes it is. Buckle up, Buttercup, time to get skinny!! As the tractors approached I edged my car as far over onto the shoulder of the road as I could, coming to a stop to keep from plowing down mailboxes or hurtling down into the little ditch next to the field. We sat and waited as the tractors edged their way up and finally past us, giving a friendly little wave to the farmers inside the cabins as they went by.
  Clear of the farm equipment but still on this little road that we both wanted off of, we followed it  a few more miles before we finally made our way onto a typical two lane highway where we soon turned into the entrance of Lake Malone State Park. There was some confusion between where the downloaded map showed the trail heads and where they actually were in the park. Finally after circling what I assume was the lodge area, then heading into the campground and turning around, we drove down toward the picnic area. It was marked as such in the park with signage but listed on the map as back country camping area, we pulled in and parked.
 We spied both trail heads from the picnic area and opted for the longer Laurel Trail that skirted along the shore of Lake Malone. A cool Fall breeze was blowing from up off the water and rustling the dry leaves in the wind as we set out down the trail. The trail was described as easy to moderate but we soon found ourselves hiking along a steep rocky hillside. The trail was uneven and at one point the roots of a tree were used as a set of natural stairs in the trail.
  Pressing on we came to area that overlooked a small bay of the lake. I took this opportunity to head back into the woods to take care of some business, leaving my husband and dog to wait for me. Apparently greasy food wasn't a good idea for me to eat before hitting the trails again. Since having my gallbladder removed it can be a guessing game. It happens, we all have to deal with it some time or other if we are out in the woods enough and I was going to have to do just that, there was no other option.
  Now it had been a couple years since I've been forced to handle such a task in the back country. Things typically work out were it's not needed other than maybe a quick pee but I find taking care of the other business requires more balance for a longer period. Here lies a problem for someone whose knees hates them and they have a well, crappy sense of balance. My Kelty hiking pole couldn't help me here. I chose my spot wisely, next to a tall sturdy tree with a thick base. I dug my little hole, removed my pack, and using the tree as support, I got things done. I was proud of myself, I used what I learned through other blogs and some really funny videos, to get done what HAD to be done.
  Feeling better I rejoined my pack at the base of the hill in the overlook area and found a large tree down in across the trail. I stayed back with Kennedy while Donald went ahead and scouted the trail. He shook his head, it didn't look like the trail beyond the tree. There had been a little side trail up the hill so we figured that must be the main trail and turned around. Up we went, through a small pine grove, seeing more rocky bluffs and hillside ahead as the trail turned left, leveling off along the hillside.
  On occasion we could feel the breeze blowing through the trees and others it was completely devoid of any air movement. The trees were mostly green still although dead and dried leaves crunched under our feet and lined the forest floor. Late Summer had been dry and it's going to make for some disappointing  Fall colors, I believe although I still hold some hope for a vibrant Fall.
  We followed along the mostly packed dirt trail marveling at the steep hillside as we made our way across a small wooden bridge over a dry creek bed. The trail turned, following the curve of the bay back out to the main lake. The amazingly tall hillside began to jut out with huge limestone boulders, the trail became rugged again, requiring us to navigate around and down large rocks.

  Pressing on we found many places to explore, overhangs and small caves abounded in the rocky bluff. I would like to tell you that we hiked to the end of the trail before turning ourselves around but our legs and ankles were sore from the terrain. We still had to make our way back and navigate the steep hillside close to the shore. As beautiful as the day was and as much as we both wanted to stay in the forest it was clear everyone was getting tired and the afternoon was getting late.
  By the time we reached the parking lot I was glad to have called it, easy to moderate was not an accurate description in my experience. Moderate to difficult or rugged, even somewhat rugged would suit Laurel Trail better. If that's even the trail we were on since once again in Kentucky, my own home state that I love, there was inadequate trail markings. They were actually non-existent along this trail in particular.
 Despite the lack of trail markings I would definitely like to return to Lake Malone.  Maybe we can camp in the "picnic area" and even bring our canoe! While there I can try to hike all of the Laurel Trail again hopefully without need to test my back country bathroom skills.

As always......

Adventure Awaits!!!



  

Rim Rock Trail Etiquette

Rim Rock National Recreational Trail

Trail Etiquette

I took a little hiatus from blogging but I'm back and ready for more adventures! I've probably blogged about this trail before but this trip was special, highlights the Summer hiking adventure along the trail along with bad and good trail etiquette.

     This past Memorial Day weekend my cousin came to visit with her husband and kids. Now this particular cousin, Dana, and her family used to come stay with my family every long holiday weekend while growing up. On these occasions we would always hit the Shawnee National Forest for a hike or a cool place to take a swim so when she returned after many years away I couldn't be more excited. Even more exciting was being able to take her children to some of the same places we roamed ourselves at their ages.

      It seemed mandatory that visit Rim Rock National Recreational Trail in the Shawnee National Forest. Just a few miles from Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock is less frequented, doesn't have the amazing views as the aforementioned but has a spectacular beauty all it's own.
    Once parked in lot along the circular drive that leads in/out, you head out along a flagstone lined path that offers glimpses of the opposing ridge line and exposed sandstone bluffs along the way. Benches dot the trail offering a resting place or somewhere just to stop and soak up some nature.
   My cousins youngest insisted upon bringing his toy T-Rex dinosaur with him and they both seemed to enjoy this little section of the trail leading the way and making sure no predators lurked on the trail ahead (LOL).
    The flagstone path leads you to an observation deck overlooking the little canyon below and offering awe inspiring views of moss covered sandstone bluffs and boulders. Once you've soaked in the beauty of the moment you begin to descend wooden stairs that lead down between the damp, moss covered boulders and the walls of the bluff. The stairs end and you are left with a dirt path, hopefully dirt, not mud, that meanders through the narrow passageways of high stone walls, finally leading out into the open forest and stone steps leading off the edge of the bluff. 

   

    Following the stone path and stairs down delivers you to the mouth of Ox Lot Cave. A small stream babbles it's way along the forest floor off to your left as you marvel at the size of the exposed bluffs to your right.

     As you follow the path beyond Ox Lot Cave you find yourself between sandstone bluffs, the creek following the trail, ferns and moss clinging to the rock faces along the way.

     Soon the trail intersects with Beaver Trail  that leads to Pounds Hollow. Here you will find several bridges over small feeder creeks and we also found a small family of the carnivalesque variety playing in the stream. Screams and yells abounded from them, echoing off the bluffs around us and we were soon informed by what seemed like a "Matriarch" of the family they were there just to let loose and have fun. I smiled & nodded as we made our way by following the Beaver Trail in order to distance ourselves from them.
      We made our way down Beaver Trail, over a couple of the bridges trying to kill time and allow the boisterous family to move ahead of us on the trail as it seemed their creek party was over.

     Our efforts were to no avail as the little rowdy clan decided to take a break 30 foot up trail and wasn't putting any distance between us. My cousin decides it's now time for a military style hike starting with a daring dash through the rambunctious family that were spread out along and on/off the trail on both sides.

     Yet another small creek bed follows this section of the trail, offering up more beauty and wonderment. Still able to hear the shouts and yells of the rowdy little clan more than several hundred yards behind me I tried to just enjoy the beauty before me and shut them out. There were a few stops for photo opportunities but we feared lingering too long lest we face hiking along with those we were trying to avoid.

     The trail starts to take an upward trend and becomes  narrow with overgrown brush and weeds crowding the trail. We plodded our way through, the youngest leading the way and me trailing with back/hip issues flaring up. The forest was now quiet again but also the day was warming up and the humidity to go with it as it always does in the South.
    We reached the large wooden bridge which crosses a mostly dry wash and found several young ladies taking a break from hiking in the shelter of a small overhang of the bluff just off trail. They smiled, politely nodded and sipped from their CamelBaks as we passed by before continuing their conversation about how many times they would do the trail today. All I could think was "How many times had they done it already?" as I put a hand up above my hip on my lower back.
    I was struggling this trip, I hadn't done much hiking recently being busy with the other factors of life that keep people busy and I hadn't had my routine massage therapy in almost a month. The trail had switch backed once crossing the bridge and was now mostly uphill, not too steep but anyone with back issues knows uphill is the pits.
  We were now well clear of the rowdy ones but the pace didn't slow and I was soon trailing by quite a bit. I don't normally hike at such a fast pace, I enjoy strolling along taking in the sights and sounds of nature. My back was unrelenting so I stopped for a rest on a old moss covered stump and the three pert young ladies made their way back by me again acknowledging me with a smile and nod. I let them pass making their way up the trail some ways before I righted myself and forced my body back into a trudging march up the trail.
     I plodded along, resting again upon a bench and trying to stretch out the cramps in my back before crossing a couple more small wooden bridges and entering the area of the parking lot. The trail through this final section is mostly forested and a little overgrown.

    I really would like to stress trail etiquette to those considering an adventure into the woods, even if your end goal isn't to hike you will have to make use of the trails to get to that perfect swimming hole or climbing spot. There's no reason we all can't enjoy the forests even though we may do it differently if we all follow a few simple rules. There are many different "rules" in hiking or for any outing on public lands, I suggest following some very simple ones best laid out by the American Hiking Society.
    What started out as a very peaceful group hike with three very well behaved children turn into a mission to avoid those lacking trail etiquette and a mute button. Overall it wasn't a horrible hike, it was amazingly beautiful, got several good photos, and got to hike with my cousin again on a trail that had us struggling when we were in our teens. Yes, it did get quite humid and my back was killing me but it made for a good adventure!!

Adventure Awaits!!

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!

Ever see Gone Girl? Amy's hiding place was filmed in the main lodge. Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park offers plenty of hiking, including the River to River trail, a touch of history without it's ties to the CCC, Civilian Conservation Corps, and the prehistoric Stone Fort Site. Walk among giants on the Giant City Nature Trail, huge sandstone bluffs formed 12,000 years ago and climb the 82ft water tower and behold the scene from its observation deck. You can also enjoy rock climbing, horse back riding, or a little fishing on Little Grassy Lake.

https://m.facebook.com/Anniesadventuresinnatureview=page