I've always wanted to go to Kentucky and this past Sunday we did just that.
We headed to Carter Caves State Resort Park. It took us 4hrs to get there because Wayne took a wrong turn and drove a half hr before we turned around and got back on track. Here is the bridge that crosses over the Ohio river from Portsmouth,OH into Kentucky
The trip once we were into Kentucky was very interesting. Everything is so green and trees are everywhere. As you can see from the bridge. This was pretty much the view we had for most of the trip.Which was beautiful BTW. Some of the side roads were just a little gravel pathways and there were lots of cemetaries- some right beind peoples houses and the little country churches just sat in the middle of no where. The roads we traveled were mostly back country roads but yet state routes. We stopped at a little country gas station and the pumps were the old fashioned ones where the numbers rolled instead of being digital. It was very quaint and it just seemed so peaceful and relaxing.
that lead outside.
And here we are enjoying ourselves beside it.
There were lots of stalagtites 
and a few stalagmites and there was even an undergorund waterfall.
We had a wonderful time and even got in a bit of trail hiking.
The trip once we were into Kentucky was very interesting. Everything is so green and trees are everywhere. As you can see from the bridge. This was pretty much the view we had for most of the trip.Which was beautiful BTW. Some of the side roads were just a little gravel pathways and there were lots of cemetaries- some right beind peoples houses and the little country churches just sat in the middle of no where. The roads we traveled were mostly back country roads but yet state routes. We stopped at a little country gas station and the pumps were the old fashioned ones where the numbers rolled instead of being digital. It was very quaint and it just seemed so peaceful and relaxing.
Once we arrived at our destination it was amazing. It was like entering a world of it's own. 
We toured Cascade caves. It was very wet but enjoyable. The was an underground pool
We toured Cascade caves. It was very wet but enjoyable. The was an underground pool
that lead outside.
And here we are enjoying ourselves beside it.
There were lots of stalagtites 
and a few stalagmites and there was even an undergorund waterfall.
We had a wonderful time and even got in a bit of trail hiking. 
There will definately be a return trip when we can stay a few more days and enjoy more of the sites. Wayne has already said so. All in all we had a very nice time in Kentucky.Edited to remove any content that was offencive to anyone even though I only posted what I saw and meant nothing bad by it.
Living 30 miles from Carter Caves, I was a little offended in your post. Not everyone has junk cars in their yards and junked up porches. I don't know where you live in Ohio, but I was borned and raised near Dayton and there are many, many places in that area that are junked up. I would not trade living here for all the houses in Ohio. Life here is so much less stressful! And the people are just so friendly and you usually know everyone who lives for miles around you. Neighbors help each other and respect others here.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'm glad you enjoyed your visit to the caves. Next time you come to our beautiful state you could go on down to Natural Bridge. It is not too far from Cater Caves and it is absolutely beautiful! Especially in the spring and fall. There is a sky lift and lots of hiking trails also. All kinds of things to see and do in that area. Also the Red River Gorge! Wow, just talking about it makes me want to start planning some day trips!
Bonnie
That sounds like a fun time!
ReplyDeleteI actually lived in Kentucky for a year when I was a child. I have fun memories from that time.
Have a great week!
Tammy
I've lived in Kentucky all of my life. I'm not the biggest fan of the state of Ohio but every state has it's rough spots. Everyone should know the reputation or Eastern Kentucky by now. While it is very beautiful the people that live there are not exactly made of money and if I have to pass homes with junk cars to get a little piece of paradise then that's just the way it is.
ReplyDeleteI did go hiking up at Lake Vesuvius in Wayne National Forest and after that trip I vowed to do all my hiking 'at home'. I don't want to bash Ohio...right now...but let's just say Portsmouth and Ironton aren't places I see myself even traveling through, much less spending time in, anytime soon.
what a delightful trip and I find nothing offensive at all about your write up. I too prefer taking the back roads and seeing the quaint shops and buildings , talking with shop keepers, residents, etc..itis how you learn the true history of a state...great pictures. we plan on visiting Kentuchy this fall...I call it God's country..just as lovely then , as you said it is now . I like to think it best people don't modernize..ruins the true beauty we can see otherwise.
ReplyDelete