KY Adventure Day 5

I'm writing this, the next day, because yesterday I was flat exhausted.   It was a good day overall though.   We got up and had breakfast here at the cabin.  Shannon and Linda made avocado toast and then we were off.   We headed off to our reservations at the boat.   

So, let's talk about this boat.  It was reservation to go on a boat tour of a local cave.   The internet really hyped it up - well, that is what it was hype.   No one else had booked our time slot so we ended up on a private tour.  The cave is not cave, but an abandoned mine that was abandoned after they drilled into the ceiling absolutely hitting a water table that filled it up.  It was a limestone cave and the limestone was pretty.  The water is kept by the geothermic conditions at a cool 30 degrees...     They have trucked fish in (rainbow trout) and feed them. The water is a temperature they can survive (as they have two hearts) but not populate.   They have bits of it lit up with green lights so you can see, but overall it was a bunch of nothing.   Boring beyond boring and certainly not worth $50.  Shannon and Linda enjoyed it more than we did but, I wouldn't do it again.

After that we came back home to reset and figure out the remainder of the day.  I took a couple of Mama's Agilese as I was really starting to hurt from the day before.  My lower back especially.  I also put on Deep Relief and some CBD- between the 3 something worked and I was all set.   We ate some leftovers and Mama decided stay here and rest.   So the rest of us went off to and did a 2 mile hike one way  - it was marked as moderate but on the easier side and I must say it wasn't bad at all.   Some climbing, but not really that bad.... unless you had killed yourself the day before.     We got 1.5 miles in and came to a nice overview and I told them to leave me and come back.   Up to that point I was steady getting more and more tired... my body was screaming to stop.  It was a nice hike though - some pretty vista's and lots of mushrooms, flowers and well just being out in nature was nice.    Along the way I laid several times just flat on my back in a vista to rest and let my back stop screaming.

I chilled for about 30 minutes at that last vista while they want to the next one.   I took off my shoes and just relaxed.   Shannon got back a little bit before Linda and Jack and at that point she was as done as I was.   Once Linda and Jack made it back we put up the cameras and started going back to the car - at this point we wanted to be sure and get back before dark, not to mention the fact Shannon and I were on fumes.   I felt a little feverish to me, but Jack said I felt fine as far as he could tell - what I do know is that my body was screaming at me to stop.    Shannon and I were together most of the hike back going at a lower pace.    We survived ... about 3/4 of the way back Shannon started walking with Linda and I Jack.  It's like we both went to the people we were most comfortable with while we were at our weakest - I know I gave Jack a look that I wouldn't have given anyone else, the one that said I can't do this - help.     It was one of the hardest things I've ever done - pushing my body to finish that hike.  It was screaming.  But we made it out!  

Couple of more notes about our hike:   I pea'd in the woods :) HAHA!   We had thought about doing the longer looper that was more strenuous - thank GOD we didn't do that. 

We came straight to the house and got showers.   While Linda was cooking dinner I laid down in the bed for a bit.  At this point I'm almost positive I have a fever - I can't get warm.  I have the comforter, a throw, my robe and several sweaters laying over me.   When I finished eating I apologized for leaving early and went to bed.     I've been taking inner defense for a few days, but I doubled up last night and I've have been doing my be well and headache rollers.   I've been fighting a headache for a few days now... I don't have all of my migraine oils with me....   Anyway, I laid down and rested some.  Mama and the rest of the girls played scrabble.  I could hear them having a good time and it made me smile :)

Around 10 Jack came in to bed and at this point I have a serious fever.  No idea what the number was, but I was hot and freezing at the same time.  I pushed my body beyond it's breaking point for sure.   I laid there for a bit and finally got up and asked Linda if she has any Advil.  Shannon did so I took 2 of them, took more inner defense, put some happy tummy on, drink some OJ and laid back down.   This time I really went to sleep. 

This morning I woke up around 7:30 - and felt human.  I'm still fighting a bit of a headache so I took a couple of more Advil and laid back down.  When I woke up at 9:45 I felt human.  The fever is gone and the aches are normal aches from hiking too much.   The headache is coming and going and I have a slight cough.   The goldenrod up here has been playing absolute heck with my sinuses since day one.  I made a joke the other day that goldenrod is great for penises, but not for breathing :) 

Today we are taking a lazy day.   We got up and I made breakfast (Jack grilled the sausage) and we've been playing games and just resting.  It was a good day to rest because it's been raining most of the day.    We may get out a bit here soon - not sure.    I'm just grateful I feel human again.   You all have a blessed day.

KY Adventure - Day 4

Too day was intense!   But we did it, we had fun and we are all still here so - YAY!   Ok, so now for the details.

I didn't particularly sleep well last night.   This cabin has no sound proofing, but the bed is comfortable.  So when my alarm went off at 7:45 I was not ready.   I got up though, got mostly dressed and went and cooked eggs and bacon.  Mama washed all the fruit and by 8:50ish breakfast was ready to eat.   We all enjoyed it - at least I hope they did, and then we were off. 

Let me just preface to say I typically plan everything out.   If you've been around this blog for any length of time  you know I have restaurant options, times we are going to be at certain places, all of it planned.  I'm good with changing the plan, but we have a plan.  This trip - No Plan.   Yep, no plan.  I'm regretting that decision, but here we are.   So our loose idea was to go to Natural Bridge State Park.  I had planned to go to the visitor center, get the lay of the land and go about our day.   Well, there is no visitor center.   Just a gift shop with a lady that was nice, but not really a park ranger or anything of that nature.     She said the trails we discussed with her to go to the arch were all moderate and had some steep steps.   Ok... I heard her.

It was raining a bit so we decided to go back away from the sky lift to the nature center and see what they had.  Maybe it was a visitor center - nope.  We got over there and park.  We start to head down and I realize that for 1 of my 2 camera's I don't have everything I need for it.  My brain is not firing on all cylinders today....   So, I tell them I'll be right back.   What I didn't realize is how far the trail was from where we parked - it took forever for me to get the batteries, cards, and go back.   I get back to see Jack walking up to meet me.  The others have gone on a bit so I begin to walk with him - then I see the stairs.   I asked - "did Mama go down that" - "yes" he said.   Well.... no way she's getting back up it without her O2, this I know.  She thinks she can I'm sure but... yea not happening.  So... I go back to the car while Jack heads on to meet the others.

When I get to the car I decide to at least drive her car closer and park next to the lodge.  It's for lodge guest only, but at this point I don't really give a flying ****.   So, I get the car moved.  Strap her oxygen on my back (that crap is heavy - I know why she hates wearing it) and off I go.    I get down and there is a fork in the path.   I call Jack - no answer.    I call again - no answer.   So I see a building - they were going to the nature center so I climb the steps to it.    It's closed.... and then Jack calls.   They apparently went the opposite direction.   FUN.  So I climb back down the steps... of which there are more than a few and join up with them.     I thought it was a lot, but as you will soon learn that a lot is a relative term.

I get Mama on her O2 with me still having the backpack, cause well it's heavy.  So it's a bit like a leash situation between the two of us,  but if nothing else its funny.   And she needed the O2 before we got back so I'm glad I went and grabbed it.   But, I digress.   Once I join up with them I start to join in and take pictures.  I decided that today I would just use 2 camera's vs. swapping lenses back and forth all the time and to leave the camera bag in the truck (thus the hike back the first time).   The problem is 3 fold - A) I haven't shot with the 50D in forever and have almost forgotten how, B) between Mama's O2 hose, the 2 camera's and the backpack carrying the O2 it's difficult to get the cameras where I need them and I feel a bit like a science experiment with hoses everywhere, and the final straw C) the battery I charged for the 50D isn't holding the charge....  Just eek.

So we walk around a bit - take a few pictures and decide to head back to the car.   There are some trails on this side here that come down from the arch.  Please note: I honestly didn't equate these to the trails on the other side that the lady said were moderate.    Seriously spacey today.  Anyway - they seem to have lots of steps as they are going up... so we decide we will ride the skylift up and then walk back down.  We all agree that down won't be bad at all and that everyone will be able to do it....   So we leave Mama's car on this side and ride the truck over to take the sky lift up to the top.

I swap back to the camera bag, 2 lens, and the 7D (whew).   I also called the hotel from the other night to see if they have found a charger for my 7D batteries because I can't find it :(  Which prompt's a truck wide discussion on how I could get one, what we would do, etc...    Rolling on the oils at this point.

We go back into the original gift shop,  get our tickets and off we go.   The skylift was peaceful, beautiful and at a nice sedate pace that allowed me to breathe.  It was just me and Jack and I talked to him about how I was feeling.   Told him I wanted to reset my day and start over... so that is what I did.    I was going to breathe and just enjoy the day.

So when we got to the top that is what we did.   We tromped around the arch - we walked on top of it.   We got pictures.   We left Mama for a bit at the top and walked up underneath it - so pretty.   We took pictures and more pictures.   It was fun - it was a reset and I was grateful.

We then joined Mama at the top again and began the walk down.  There are several trails down and we intend to take the short, easier one that goes back to the lodge.   I later realized that is called the Original Trail.  Instead we took the Balanced Rock Trail.    The sign said 3/4 of a mile to the lodge, no big deal - easy,  so off we went. 

HA - This trail is something else.   Most of it was down hill (the good bit) - there was some climbing at first and Mama was cussing about that, given we left her O2 and ..well.. easy it was not.   Just so you know we didn't forget her O2.  The air today is cool and going down doesn't tax her the way going up does so we are fairly confident she will be good without it.  We did bring her inhaler as a CYA... which she did use so I'm grateful we did.    Honestly, I'm glad we left the O2 as neither of could have handled carrying it the entire trip, but during that brief UP section I was worried, but overall most of it was down hill which was good.   Anyway, I digress - Just wanted you to understand the O2 bit some more so you didn't think we were complete idiots.  Though by the end of the day I wonder...

The trail however, while down was not a gradual descent with event steps.  It was in parts extremly step and the steps uneven and often times huge.   And not just a few steps it was steps with steps, more steps and more steps.  It had slippery rocks, limbs and roots, areas with rotten wood, areas where the handrails had fallen... maybe 20 minutes of the hike was simple in any shape form or fashion.   Now keep in mind my mother is 76 and Shannon has Fibromyalgia  -  and we are on this trail that is... well I'd say difficult.  None of us, save Linda, were remotely ready for this level of trail....  

What I will say is:

a) I'm so grateful Mama had grabbed her walking stick - it made the trip possible.

b) I'm so grateful Shannon had gotten two trekking poles and let me use one, because I couldn't have done it without one.

c) I'm grateful Mama had on real hiking boots.

d) My mother is a freaking rockstar who just kept going and had a good time overall.  By the end she was ready for it to be done, but we had fun.

e) Jack's mother is like the energizer bunny.  She never got tired, maybe kind of slipped once, and could have hiked 10 more miles when we got done.

f) We took so many pictures and had such a good time.

g) We were so glad to see the end - my legs were vibrating so bad they would barely hold me up.  I can only imagine what Mama's were doing. 

It was quite the adventure and we really had a great time.  We got on the airlift around 10AM and didn't get down until 3PM.   I'd say we got on this 3/4 of a mile "trail" by noon at the latest but probably closer to 11.   Yea 3/4 of a mile in probably 4 hours, maybe 3 😮   

At one point I asked Mama - Just think about how great it is that you were able to do this!  The accomplishment.   Her answer - "You mean think about what an idiot I am to do this?"  😂🤣

Fun - Exhilarating - Full Day and we are all exhausted.

We were going to picnic, but everyone was ready to come home.  So we came back, ate sandwiches, got cleaned up and rested.  Well most of us did - Linda, Jack's Mama- went in search of the trails on the cabin property.  Energizer Bunny she is...

She got back around 6 and we all started stirring again.   Mama and I got dinner ready - Jack grilled, but I got the hamburgers ready for him.   None of us are really hungry at this point given we ate so late so I just got everything prepped.    The girls played Ticket to Ride while Jack read and grilled.      Once the game was over (around 8:45), we all ate something and called it a night.

It was a really great day after I reset it in my brain.   And that little section of mild irritation I had was only maybe 45 minutes.   We conquered a trail most of us knew we could (or would have tried on purpose) not do and lived to tell the tail.   

KY Adventure - Day 3

 Today was jammed packed and awesome!  We got up, ate the amazing continental breakfast again, said by to Amanda and headed out.   

First stop was Flat Lick Falls.   It was about an hour from the hotel and was AWESOME.  It was a very easy walk to the top of it.  There you found wading pools, moss covered rocks and beautiful forest.   Mama joined us for this part and then she found somewhere to chill and enjoy the area while Jack and I headed down to the bottom.  The trails going down would not have been something she could have done.   The All Trails map showed a longer trail down, but we watched another couple cross the creek and go straight down so that is what we did.   I may have slipped and fell at least once but it was great.   The walk down had a couple of really hairy spots where it was sheer and not very much room to walk on (thus the reason All Trails recommended the other one), but the adventure itself made it fun.  I must say Jack scared me a couple of times getting to close to the edge though.   

The trek down we had several different vista's to stop and take pictures - the falls were tall and narrow and flowing well.  It really was quite neat.    At the bottom was another wading pool and several rocky shoals all surrounded by rocky cliffs and forest.   It was so cool.   Jack and I took the safer path up so we really made the loop - I'm glad we did - I felt like we got to see it all :)   And I wasn't hiking because I stopped every two seconds to take pictures of mushrooms, but I loved it.

Once at the top we met back up with Mama, who by this time had made it to her A/C in her car and headed to the next set of falls, McCammon Falls.  

Now McCammon Falls, read as an "easy trail" on All Trails so I told Mama it would be good... well after we hiked down a pretty steep, uneven, trail we thought - hmmm... maybe not so easy, but by this time she was down and the rest looked pretty straight so I told her to come on.  The worst was probably over....  and as far as going down it was.  However, this trail was not really a trail, but more of a rough path through the woods, next to sheer drop offs.   I almost had 5 heart attacks, thinking she was going to fall, but she did great.   I was the one freaking.     The falls themselves were pretty, there was a house right beside them behind where the trail came out at which I found interesting.   The falls are partly obscured by vegetation and you can't get to the bottom (though people have thrown some trash :( down there).   We were able to walk over to the top area and it is cool...  I'm glad we went, the adventure itself was worth it, even if I have a few more grey hairs.

We left there and headed to Booneville KY.   The plan was to eat at the Ole' Bus Stop Diner, see the visitor center/museum and head to the cabin.   After seeing the town, or lack there, of we decided just to eat and head on.    Lunch was.... interesting.   Mama and Jack both enjoyed theirs, though Mama's hamburger steak was a bit dry.   Mine... well mine was yellow.   Very Yellow.   I ordered Chicken and Dumplings and they bring out something that looks like the color of yellow daisy's.  I kept looking at it - we all took a bite and Mama and Jack said it tasted fine, but I couldn't get past the fact it was yellow.  I finally asked and he said they put yellow food dye in them.... WHY?  Just WHY?    I ate my cabbage a bite or two of my fried apples and a piece of lemon meringue pie and called it done.   Mama insisted on getting the dumplings to go - I'll let you know by the nd of the week if she ate them or not.

We left the restaurant and headed up to the cabin, taking the scenic route.  The roads were windy and I'm sure Jack hated driving that big truck through them, but I enjoyed the ride.    We passed the cabin by accident once we got here and I'm so glad our cabin isn't higher up this gravel road - Mama's car simply wouldn't go up it.   We were on the road past the cabin and her car was just not going to do it.  I ended up backing the car down the road and then saw our cabin and was thinking Jesus it was there and not higher.    We only have 2 parking places so Shannon is parked at the office... overall that is my only issue with the cabin.  It's beautiful, has almost everything we need and is literally in the middle of the woods.

Once we got here we were able to chill for 2-3 hours while Shannon and them were still on there way and I think we all needed it.  Jack and I walked down a bit to the stream... but mainly we relaxed.    Once they here we ran over to Miquel's for pizza.  It's famous around here and I know why - the pizza was really good.   It was raining so we ate in the basement - if I come back I'd love to sit at their outside seating though, it looked so inviting.   

We then went to the grocery store to grab food for the week - we got there about an hour before closing so we were scrambling to get it all.  It was like a scavenger hunt and it was so much fun.  I had tried to do Kroger Clicklist but they don't offer it up here and upon seeing the store I know why.  It's like an old Ingles size store - not very big at all.   After the mad dash though I'm grateful I couldn't order it - the dash to find everything was really so much fun.  Most fun I've ever had grocery shopping.   

Once back at the cabin we all dived in, unloaded, put stuff away and headed to bed.   Its about 12:30 now and I'm no breakfast duty tomorrow with Mama so I plan to get up around 7:45.... so with that goodnight :)

KY Adventure - Day 2

Today ended up being a really nice day.   We got up and ate breakfast at the hotel.   For a continental breakfast it was surprisingly good.   I wouldn't recommend the cheese omelets, but the biscuits and gravy were divine.   We had some time to kill before the wedding so we drove up to Indian Mountain State Park.   It has a lake and a few small trails that circle it, but unfortunately it rained on us.   We still drove around for an hour or so and just enjoyed the scenery.

We also did the Walmart run for the poncho's and the hose that are still in our Honda back in GA - as I was afraid of yesterday they did not make it into the truck, lol.    

We then came back to the hotel and went to my brother's wedding.   It was nice to see everyone all dressed up and the wedding was small, simple and perfect.   I must say it was the fastest wedding and I've attended and the first one I've attended in a while I didn't photograph.   The photographer they had seemed more than competent and I  think there pictures will be amazing.  One really cute thing that happened in the wedding, my great-niece Graylynn was the flower girl - well she didn't throw any flowers.  Then she got to the end and was just kinda standing there.   So her Mama (who was a bridesmaid) grabbed her, threw some flowers on the ground and called it a day - it was so cute!   Amie always amazes me with her ability to manage 4 kids - she is a go with the flow Mama that is just natural and seemingly effortless.   I admire her greatly for it.  I would be so stressed, worried about every little thing - she's like "great, he ate dirt, that will be fun coming out" :)  Not really - but you get my point LOL. 

Anyway, I digress.  The wedding was nice and the reception was also great.   The food was amazing - I'm not sure who made that BBQ, but I had 2 sandwiches.  It was awesome and they had tons of fruits and veggies which is always a win with me!   

After the big send off we headed back to their house for a few minutes.  They got into comfortable clothes and we just visited with the nieces/nephews, etc.   I also got to play with micro lens and took some pictures of Sherri's (my new sister-in-law's flowers), they were beautiful.  You can tell she loves working in the yard- it shows.

After a bit everyone was getting ready to head on to their destinations so we came back to the hotel, changed, and ventured out on our own for a bit.  We went down to Cumberland Falls State Park and explored.  We didn't do any real trails as we only had about 30 minutes of daylight left, but we got to explore the immediate area and just enjoyed our "nature walks" as Jack calls them.   The falls were really roaring as it's been raining a lot.       As it got dark we headed back to the hotel, ate our left over Maggiano's and called it a night.

Tomorrow we head up to the cabin, exploring all along the way!   

KY Adventure - Day 1

Wow, it's been year's since I've published a travel journal.  I guess that is about right - COVID hit in 2020 and other than a brief beach trip we've pretty much stayed home.  I know there may have been a side jaunt here or there, but nothing major.     Can I tell you it feels good to be back on the road, to have something to share here? Well, it does!

My brother, Donald, is getting married tomorrow near Williamsburg KY.  Given it's  a 6-7 hour trek up here, we haven't traveled in forever, and well because I wanted to we are creating a vacation out of it.  I'm so excited.   

Before I dive in to deep about today though I need to tell you about packing - it was a bit different and I want to remember it.   For some of this trip we will be in a cabin and we plan to cook as restaurants are a good bit away.   The cabin has some basic kitchen stuff, but who wants to be stuck using that?   So I grabbed a big container and brought my 2 Instant Pots, a crockpot, a couple of Cutco knives, my cutting boards, spices that I would need and a few other staples :)   I also brought yoga mats, board games galore, toilet paper and paper towels :)   So yea... not my typical packing.   I probably over packed, heck I know I did, but it will be fun.

Before we get to the cabin though there is the wedding... so we are in a Holiday Inn Express tonight.  We took our time today getting up here though and it was nice.   We started out running the truck to get he brakes/rotors done as I forgot to do it yesterday.  While it was being serviced, we grabbed breakfast, grabbed a few things at Walmart (that I hope made it in the truck 🙄) and then we headed out.

We stopped in Atlanta and checked out the Van Goug Immersive Experience.    There was a bit of trouble with purchasing the tickets - I went to buy it online, but it said there would be a $10 internet fee.  There were several tickets available so I figured I'd just buy them when I got there.   Well  - it was $20 more than the advertised price.    They guy said "it's more if you buy here"...  we paid, walked in and I was like... wait - no!  I pulled up the pricing on there site and it says no where that there is a fee to pay at door more than what was advertised.   It just didn't sit right with me so I headed back and asked for the manager.   It took a bit to get to the right person, but once I did I'm happy to report they made it more than right.  She actually comped me my ticket and thanked me for showing her the issue - so hopefully they will fix it.   Apparently the pricing is set by another party or some something... 

Once that was straightened out I actually breathed and really started enjoying the event.   I know you are probably like  - it's $20 why let it ruin your event.   But it wasn't $20 - it was the principal of false advertising and customer service.  I was kind - so were they and in the end they made it right so... good deal.... anyway I digress

The first section is more like a art museum with paintings, a couple of cool 3D things and info about the artist.  Jack read it - I streamed through.  Though they did serve a flower tea from Japan that I need to find - it was yummy.  Anyone have any ideas?

Next up was the actual experience - it's a room with light projections all around you.   Where they made his art come alive.   We had a seat in a lounge chair and just absorbed his masterpieces for an hour +.  The art of making Van Gogh's pieces come alive like that was a master piece unto itself.   So amazing.  There was a little girl who was running around chasing the light show that appeared on the ground.  She was running all over the place having a great time.   I'll admit to thinking her parents should try to keep her quiet and more contained, but then I remembered how Jesus thought of the children.    I'm no Jesus - Kids are not my jam - but it did reframe it for me and I was able to look at her in a new light.  She had fun, we had fun, it was a win.   

If you are near one of these - they are all over the country - I highly recommend checking it out.  Just buy your tickets online :) 

Next we went for a late lunch at my favorite, Maggiano's.   The waiter was amazing and as always the food was delicious!   It made for a great "date day" with the hubs.

Then we headed on up here to KY.  It was about a 4 hour drive from ATL and was fairly uneventful and quiet.  Neither of us felt like talking much so we just rode.   I drove the last bit and we had to figure out how to adjust the seat differently so my neck stopped screaming.   Since I was on here last I've been having some neck pain and am really careful to hold my neck and posture correctly to mitigate it.  This is the first time I've driven the truck for any length of time since the issue and well the car seat was all wrong - the head rest was pushing  my head forward away from may back and well OUCH !   But after a quick pit stop my amazing husband fixed it and here we are - safe and sound in KY!

Tomorrow we will hopefully do something before the wedding, which doesn't begin until 3.  Not sure yet what that will be.    I'll let you know  - until then, sleep well.