My Ol Kentucy Home Scene Two

My Ol Kentucky Home

Scene Two

  When my Aunt and I started discussing their stay she expressed interests in renting a pontoon boat from one of the local marinas and taking a day to hit the waters of Kentucky Lake.  I began researching rentals on the internet and asking around among friends. I honestly didn't want to rent from the resort closest to me because of cost. They have the newest pontoon boats on the lake but you pay a hefty price to rent them. Turns out Kentucky Dam Marina was pretty much the same way, $350 big ones for a full day rental, not including gas.....gas at the marina too which is always higher than at at any gas station. Finally after checking a few other resorts we settled on a rental from Big Bear Resort & Marina, just a few miles from my home and reasonably priced at $235 for 8 hours. We weren't trying to be cheap, we were just trying not to go broke in one adventure. 

    On a Monday morning, we opted for a weekday rental to avoid the weekend rush, we gathered up our gear, our floats, beach towels, coolers, and sunblock. A short drive landed us creeping into the resort fairly lost as to which way to go. A sign demanded everyone obtain a parking pass but we found no one in the main office to do so. We followed the signs down to the marina and marina store, along the way I was a bit surprised at how small the resort seemed compared to the one near my home but found it's overall appearance to be well kept and quite nice.

   Once parked we headed down the dock and into the marina store where we found a very nice female employee who assisted us not only with the boat rental but with fishing licenses as well. My Aunt forgot her driver's license so my Uncle had to use his which was apparently falling apart as it seems they aren't made very well. When the clerk handed it back, the state in the address portion fell off! When everyone had what they needed the guys brought the gear and coolers down to load onto the boat. We had brought along our best friend to captain the boat as he has a lot more experience and is more familiar with navigating Kentucky Lake.  

  The female employee began to go over a checklist of damage on the boat, noting some black electrical tape and metal band used to repair the arm of the canopy, damage to the upholstery on the captains chair and on one of the front bench seats.  There was also some issue with the depth/fish finder, it was in working order but not mounted properly on the dash. None of the issues were of any real concern to us and seemed merely cosmetic so with a tank full of gas we headed out of the bay and into the main waters of Kentucky Lake. 

  We cruised the shoreline closest to the marinas and houses, allowing my Aunt and Uncle to get look at the big expensive homes that line the bank on the West shore.  Sprawling estates with gentle slopes to the water and houses almost on top of each other with so many stairs down to the dock it made my knees ache to look at them. We ducked into a small uninhabited bay just south of Kentucky Dam and set the anchor. 

   My Aunt and I chilled in the shade of the canopy and visited while the guys tried their luck at fishing. The weather was absolutely sublime, especially for August in Kentucky. Highs were only forecast for the uppers 80's, a gentle breeze, mostly sunny and lower humidity all combined for epic boating weather.
   It seems the fish weren't in the biting mood as suddenly our friend decided to use bologna as bait, we had forgotten live bait. Low and behold he sets his pole down to grab a drink and his hook is stripped of bait. Meanwhile my Husband and Uncle weren't having any luck with the lures they were using. Fishing was quickly becoming a bust in the little bay we had chosen. 

 

   On the main water again we still hung to the West shoreline and began to pass Kentucky Dam Marina, it's blue and white sign with accompanying blue anchor sign sitting high atop the breaker wall. As we made our was past a flock of Loons decided to join us, flying between us and the shore as we headed toward the dam. We passed the free beach area of Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park and hooked toward the East. Keeping a safe distance we cruised by TVA Kentucky Dam.

     Once on the Eastern shoreline, clear of the locking area and of the barge tie offs we stayed just out of the Tennessee River channel making our way past Lighthouse Landing and towards the canal. The shoreline was now free of houses and resorts. The waters surface became much rougher crossing the main river channel until we were clear of it and headed into the canal itself. We passed another boat, anchored off, fishing and waived as we passed before crossing under the canal bridge.
   Lake Barkley is a bit more difficult to navigate especially at Winter pool when the lake is at its shallowest levels. The best practice is to stay within the buoys that mark the main channel of the Cumberland River. The Cumberland like the Tennessee River flow South to North in this portion of Kentucky eventually dumping into the Ohio River just a few miles apart.
   Taking the navigation struggles into account as well as being in a rented boat we opted to drop anchor just a few yards upstream from a barge tie off on the Western shore of Lake Barkley. It was now nearing noon and everyone was ready for a bite to eat so it turned into a lunch stop. We broke out the supplies and had a little picnic style lunch. Ham sandwiches, chips, and snack cakes for everyone!
   Our bellies full we headed back through the canal and back onto Kentucky Lake. Once again we headed south, or upstream, and towards the Rock Quarry. The Captain wanted to make his yearly jump into the from the cliffs of the Quarry.
   Navigating the entry can be tricky as a shallow rock wall, just under the water's surface, protrudes across three fourths of the water in the entry to the Quarry. There is also a small protrusion from the opposite side, leaving a clear narrow path approximately 25 yards across to pilot boats in/out. This danger is magnified when piloting larger boats but the pontoon we had rented was just 21' making it a breeze.
   The waters of the Quarry are deep once inside like most would expect. You can forget about dropping anchor in most areas unless you have over a 100' of rope with you. We pulled up just a few yards from the 50-65' exposed cliff faces that are covered in an array of graffiti from welcome signs, cartoon characters, to initials and dates.

My husband now minding the helm our Captain jumped into the lake and swam over to the cliffs where he then began climbing up the craggy almost step like face. There is a large tug rope in one spot to assist with an over sized "step". Can't say you'd find me relying it or climbing a 50' cliff face with out being anchored to it at least for that matter but to each his own. The nimble Captain didn't waste time once atop the cliffs and quickly jumped off a shear face without hesitation. His form was flawed but acceptable, there was to much splash upon entry but I'll give him a 8 for guts and effort alone!

Back on board our Captain navigated us back out of the Rock Quarry and just across the next inlet to a sandy beach near the popular weekend party spot called The Sands. There were but a few boats beached upon the actual Sands and the one we had chosen was completely void of other vessels.

  We slowly pulled up to the shore making sure to trim up the motor as the water became shallower and beached the pontoon on the soft sandy shore. I began to pull out the floats and realized I should have brought a hand pump or inflated them before setting out. Several of us set to blowing them up the old fashioned way before a couple gave out from being unable to get the technique down. I was left to solo huff and puff the plastic floats to life. Of course I had to purchase ones with more than one compartment to air up as well. Resilience paid off, in between allowing my cheeks to rest and I succeeded in inflating 3 of the 4 floats I had brought. I figured if anyone wanted the 4th one bad enough it was up to them to breath life into it. The next few hours were spent swimming and cooling off in the water in between slathering sunblock on.
  At days end when it was time to head back into the marina we were ready but at the same time saddened our little lake adventure was coming to an end. We had plenty of fun, laughter and relaxation but also sun as some of us were turning red despite all the sunblock. I would definitely recommend renting from Big Bear Resort and Marina if your looking for practicality without the price tag. For all our boating and touring around the lakes, our gas tally came to just over $30.00. You could expect to spend more if you tube, ski or travel further than we did. Yes, the boat wasn't perfect and had it's flaws but it was reliable and served our purpose well.

As always, till next time, Adventure Awaits!!

My Ol Kentucky Home Scene One

My Ol Kentucky Home

Scene One

      Recently my Aunt and Uncle came from North Carolina to visit and vacation here at Kentucky Lake. My husband and I had vacationed at their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains many times, it was a pleasure to finally return the favor and to show them our "backyard" here in Western Kentucky. 

      I had spent the better part of a month cleaning, organizing, and  prepping for their visit. The lake view from this cottage is bigger than the cottage itself and when you love the outdoors as much as we do your gear can kind of overflow, all over the place if you let it. We managed to keep ours contained to our extra bedroom for the most part but with canoeing, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting in the Fall it can look like a gear graveyard. Condensing all of that gear and finding suitable storage locations requires some creativity which I will go into more detail on in another blog later.

    The weather was good for a Kentucky Summer, the heat and the humidity had given way to morning and early afternoon storms. When the storms had cleared the area, the humidity had dropped only just slightly and the skies were partly sunny.  We, my husband, aunt, uncle, & myself, first started the visit with a trip to Lighthouse Landing in Grand Rivers where we marveled at the sailboats in the marina as we made our way down to the parking lot nearest the jetty. 

 

     My Aunt just loved the little lighthouse situated off the opposite side of the marina and her excitement of being at Kentucky Lake was evident. The four of us strolled along the walkway atop the jetty, smelling the lake water and taking the in the view. We made our way to the end where we found a gazebo centered in the circular end of the jetty where an older couple sat facing the main lake, the gentleman's arm wrapped around his companion's shoulders. 

   The village of Grand Rivers has done an amazing job with their tourism and attractions overall but the gem in my eye is the Walking Trail. The two mile trail makes it way through downtown before ending at the jetty on Kentucky Lake or at Little Lake Park depending on where you start.

   Once we lollygagged at the end of the jetty for a little while we headed over to  Patti's 1880's Settlement. We checked into Mr. Bill's where we had made reservations as Patti's dining room didn't have an opening until much later in the evening. If your not familiar with Patti's there are two dinning rooms, Patti's & Bill's both served by the same kitchen and offering the same menu. There is some slight variation in decor but you will find the same atmosphere in both. 

   While waiting for our table to be ready I took our pager, shoved it into my back pocket and headed out onto the grounds to explore and maybe do a little shopping. Patti's 1880's Settlement offers way more than an amazing meal of 2" thick pork chops and mile high meringue pies. There are numerous gardens with lighted gazebos and ever changing colors to wander. Miniature golf, a playground, an animal park, 7 different shops/boutiques to suit anyone's fancy, Old Tyme Photos, plus Patti's storefront where you can purchase homemade pies, fudge and more! You almost need a day just to explore the entire settlement. 

  We meandered down the flagstone path past beautiful flowers and plants of every assortment it seemed. Hostas, Geraniums, Pansies, Lavender, Ferns, Ivy, Willows, Maples, Oaks, and more filled the landscape. Several people were posing in front of the Grist Mill for photos so we made our past to the large gazebo that can be reserved for weddings in the center of the grounds. No wedding taking place we strolled through marveling at the decor and the humidity the afternoon was offering up. There was very little breeze on the grounds unlike the jetty on Kentucky Lake and I fought the urge to turn on the ceiling fans in the gazebo. Wouldn't want to get kicked out before I got my grub on. 

  Exiting at the opposite end of the gazebo over a small man made stream we found ourselves at the shops on the rear of the grounds with one sparking our interests enough to enter. We may find something we like or at least find some relief from the Kentucky Summer. My aunt and I entered first our husbands in tow, we found it mostly a clothing shop devoid of anything remotely close to it's namesake which had peaked our interests. Our husbands didn't enter 10 feet past the door and didn't linger long as the air conditioner seemed to be doing very little in the tight little boutique. My aunt and I looked over the racks for a bit but found nothing we had to have, certainly nothing cool to keep us there let alone anything to make us want to  try to get into a fitting room and wriggle into or out of any article of clothing. We exited to find our guys wiping the sweat off their brows and grateful we hadn't lingered to long inside. 

   I noted the time and we began making our way back towards the dining rooms via the shops opposite of the Grist Mill side of the grounds. We strolled passed another shop that looked to be  clothing boutique also , possibly cool but too soon to torture the guys again. The next shop looked a bit more our style and held promise of interests for everyone so we entered. 

   We were immediately greeted with a blast of cold air which instantly cooled the sweat that was building on us and felt like an Arctic blast compared to the outdoors. No sooner than entering we were stopped by lake decor items in the foyer that I had to pull myself away from lest I buy the whole lot. We were given a friendly greeting once we stepped into the main shop and found a myriad of items for sale. Can/bottle coozies, Western decor, shirts, mugs, hats, wall signs, and even handmade folk art. The pricing was as of wide of range as the products in the shop but we found several items to suit our fancy as well as soaking up plenty of the air conditioning. 

   Once we made our purchases I noted the time and decided to head back to the waiting area as it was now 10 minutes past our reservation time. No sooner than our party walked in the pager went off, indicating our table was ready. We were lead through a packed dining room, dodging other guests, waiters and servers which left some of our party trailing behind. A small moment of waiting allowed everyone to catch up and we were lead back to a table for four and seated. 

   Immediately upon being seated I noticed a small bucket in the floor behind one of the outer chairs and it occurred to me a busboy may have accidentally left it when clearing a nearby table. I thought nothing more of it as we were handed our menus.  We conversed over the menu selections and the decision was made to avoid the appetizers as you can find yourself quickly overwhelmed with food and no hope of completing it if you don't pace yourself properly.

  We had made our meal choices and placed our orders before the waiter returned with the signature Flower Pot Bread with homemade traditional butter and Strawberry butter. Patti's bakes their bread in small clay flower pots. The bread rises above the rim of the pot, giving it a flowering effect. It's delicious by it's self but add the Strawberry butter and you can fill up quick before your salad ever arrives. 

  While waiting for our entrees to arrive we discovered the reason behind the bucket of water. My husband had taken the seat in front of the bucket and had a small drop of water land on him. Seems the ceiling was leaking or there was an issue with an air conditioner drain any result we simply scooted the table back allowing him to move out of the line of fire. 

  Once we had snacked on the Flower Pot Bread, homemade butters and grazed on our salads the main course was served. My husband and I had opted for chicken dishes while my Aunt and Uncle went for steaks. My Aunt was quickly feeling like John Candy in The Great Outdoors scene where he eats the Old 96'er. I kept waiting for my Uncle to check and see if she was "Processing nicely" as Dan Aykroyd put it. The Rib-eye loin they had ordered must have taken up half the plate, albeit perfectly cooked steak, the other side was reserved for Patti's loaded baked potato with homemade cheese sauce. An experienced Patti's diner I had known that the steaks were large and almost impossible for a woman with a normal appetite to finish. She finally resigned herself to a doggie bag for the remainder as many do when finishing a meal there. 

  After paying for our meal we began to make our way back through crowded main dining room, my husband leading the way and oblivious to my calls for him to slow down or wait up. My Aunt and Uncle wanted to make use of the facilities before leaving but my husband bee lined for the exit unaware. I stayed in the waiting area and held my Aunt's doggie and shopping bag until they finished. My Uncle rejoined me first and asked of my husband whereabouts, I informed him he had gone out but I was unsure which exit as there were two. He chose the one we came in and went out in search of him. A minute or two later my Aunt joined me and we made our way our the same exit my Uncle had only to find him there by himself. I walked to the corner of the building toward the grounds and saw no sign of my husband. We took several steps out into the side parking lot and again no sign of my husband. My Aunt asked if he had his cell so I pulled mine out just as it began to ring with a call from guess who........my husband. "Where are ya'll at?' he asked. I informed him we were at the side exit and he advised he was at the front. A few paces and around the corner of the building we were reunited in laughter both of us hanging up our phones at the same time. 

   Our bellies full with a fabulous meal, my Aunt and Uncle having drove 9 hours already that day we decided to call it a night, besides we were starting to loose members of our party no sense it risking it anymore and there were more adventures planned for later in the week. 

   

 Follow up blog(s) to come, in the meantime Adventure Awaits!! 

   

   

  

  

  

   

  

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!