Over the past week, we've been enjoying some much needed time away. With a scant amount of available funds, we've been imposing upon family for our R&R. But we did travel to southern Kentucky Sunday and Monday to see a couple of sites unique to our state: Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace and Mammoth Cave.
Many, many years ago I visited Lincoln's home in Springfield, Illinois and have been to his monument in Washington, D.C., three times so it seemed only fitting that I should see the place where it all began.
The original cabin is no longer there, but the Sinking Spring where his family would have "fetched" their water is. A memorial was built in the early 1900's and looks very similar to what I remember about the Springfield burial site.
There's a lot to do at the park, but we probably would have done more if it had been warmer and we'd had more time. All guests have free use of the pool and beach (both open seasonally), shuffleboard, tennis, hiking trails (which are short and not very rugged) and they'll even loan fishing rods and tackle to registered guests. There's also a marina where you can rent boats and the park is located on a golf course. The lodge has a restaurant. We ate there and while it was a little high for our normal budget, the food was good and there was something for each of the kids picky palates. We even bought dessert to go for each of us and it cost under what Dale and I spent alone at Bonefish Grill for our anniversary.
I even played around with the new camera a little and took a panoramic view of the lake.
After breakfast in nearby Glasgow, Kentucky, we headed just a little north to Mammoth Cave National Park. This was National Parks week and they were providing free tours. But of course, it was the shortest tour and the one where you saw the least amount of the cave. So naturally, not wanting to make the three and half hours in the car the day before a total waste, we paid for the Historic Tour. I'm glad we did. I love tours and this one did not disappoint. Even though we had to duck a few times (although Leah never did!) and the one serpentine course was a little tricky and I think there were even a few bumps and head bonks...it was well worth the money. It sounded like a lot when I was handing over the cash, but I quickly was reminded (I think a little nudge by the Holy Spirit) that it was less than just one ticket into Disney World!
It was difficult to get good photos, but Abbey kept trying and came away with some good ones.
Many, many years ago I visited Lincoln's home in Springfield, Illinois and have been to his monument in Washington, D.C., three times so it seemed only fitting that I should see the place where it all began.
Yes, Noah's a little goofy...but we've all become quite accustomed to this!
We stayed at Barren River Lake State Park and I cannot recommend it highly enough. We stayed in a nice cottage and decided we'll probably go back when we can stay longer. It would also be a fun place to go with another family. Each cottage has a full kitchen and all the linens you need, plus sleeps up to eight people. We even found an internet special which I think they're still running.
There's a lot to do at the park, but we probably would have done more if it had been warmer and we'd had more time. All guests have free use of the pool and beach (both open seasonally), shuffleboard, tennis, hiking trails (which are short and not very rugged) and they'll even loan fishing rods and tackle to registered guests. There's also a marina where you can rent boats and the park is located on a golf course. The lodge has a restaurant. We ate there and while it was a little high for our normal budget, the food was good and there was something for each of the kids picky palates. We even bought dessert to go for each of us and it cost under what Dale and I spent alone at Bonefish Grill for our anniversary.
Rebekah and I went for an early morning walk and saw some wild turkeys.
I even played around with the new camera a little and took a panoramic view of the lake.
After breakfast in nearby Glasgow, Kentucky, we headed just a little north to Mammoth Cave National Park. This was National Parks week and they were providing free tours. But of course, it was the shortest tour and the one where you saw the least amount of the cave. So naturally, not wanting to make the three and half hours in the car the day before a total waste, we paid for the Historic Tour. I'm glad we did. I love tours and this one did not disappoint. Even though we had to duck a few times (although Leah never did!) and the one serpentine course was a little tricky and I think there were even a few bumps and head bonks...it was well worth the money. It sounded like a lot when I was handing over the cash, but I quickly was reminded (I think a little nudge by the Holy Spirit) that it was less than just one ticket into Disney World!
It was difficult to get good photos, but Abbey kept trying and came away with some good ones.
This is when you walk over the "bottomless pit"!
There's much more to see and do at Mammoth Cave, but we were short on time. It's definitely a national park where you could spend a few days and still not see everything.
After leaving Mammoth Cave, we headed back home for a night before we left to visit family in Ohio. Overall, I enjoyed our little getaway and was pleased to discover a little more about this state we've called home for almost 6 years.
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