Quickstops in Cumberland Falls State Park

1. Cumberland River Bridge (KY 90)

This two-lane arch bridge over the Cumberland River above Cumberland Falls at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park carries Kentucky State Route 90. This bridge looks extra special in the glow of the golden evening light.

2. Natural Arch



Towering above the forest, Natural Arch stands as an impressive monument to the forces of nature in action. The 50- by 90-foot arch was formed by the eroding forces of wind, water, and ice that cut away the soft sandstone leaving a hard rock cap that arches dramatically across the sky. This park did require a $3 per vehicle entrance fee. We would have gotten a lot more for our money had we taken the hike leading you to the underside of the arch, but at the time we didn't know it existed! Please note: This is not located in the park, however, it only takes a short drive to get there. It is definitely not something you'd want to miss seeing if in that area.


3. Riverview Restaurant @ the Dupont Lodge



We enjoyed dinner with a stunning view that overlooked the Cumberland River as it wound its way through the hillside. The night we were there they were offering a seafood buffet. Cody was sold as soon as he saw crab legs on the menu. Homemade desserts were also included, which for me was probably the highlight. I couldn't help but sample a few different sweet treats.



The food was as outstanding as the view! Be prepared to wait if you'd like a window side table, although we lucked out and got one despite the packed dining room.



It was a great experience watching the multicolored sunset fade and the full moon appear. The same moon that would be illuminating Cumberland Falls, and at the same time creating the most beautiful spectacle in the process. (More on that in my next post!)

More Info:
2. Natural Arch Scenic Area Website
3. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

No End in Sight

Some see a hopeless end, while others see an endless hope.
~Author Unknown~


This is where I hang on as tight as I can.

Our First Hike in California

California : Big Sur : Partington Cove

One of Many



This was our warm-up hike, and one that stands out in my mind as the coolest. Not that I don't have a monstrous amount of photos that are equally as cool from other hikes, but a TUNNEL!?!?! I mean, seriously that's pretty dang cool. haha Other than being "cool" the tunnel did serve a purpose at some point in time. Around the turn of the nineteenth century this tunnel was used to reach a loading point in which mules hauled tanbark to.


Partington Cove Tunnel

While walking through the 60 foot tunnel, the past transpires with each and every step; I can't help but think about how many others have traveled between these walls decade after decade.


Inside the Tunnel

After exiting the tunnel you follow a winding path semi-open to the cove on your left, complete with a kelp forest below. The path ends at a wooden bench to overlook the pacific ocean and surrounding cliffs. You'll also notice something that is a little out of place, two tall pieces of wood embedded into the edge of the cliff that form a pinnacle.



The old hoist station was used to load cargo, lumber, and tanning bark. As you can see in the photo, Cody isn't paying attention to the beware sign, but that's not half as bad as the locals that were hanging out around the corner - very bad influences, indeed.



After backtracking, and strolling back through the tunnel, you take a fork in the trail down to a scenic rocky beach. As dorky as it sounds, I was so amazed to see the the river racing to reach the ocean. Never in my life have I seen a river meet the ocean, it was a wondrous sight - for me at least.


Where the River Flows

All in all it was a pretty steep little trail, especially on the way out. But at just one mile, it was well worth the effort. Amazing at it sounds, this was just one hike of three that we did on the first day. I couldn't bear just posting a couple photos of each hike done on that Sunday, so I just decided to do them all separately. By the time I'm done telling you all about the trip, you might just be sick of it all?!?! haha In the end, it is really going to help me get the material together so that I can make a photobook as a vacation keepsake. There is still so much more to share! Stay Tuned......

If you're interested, there are a few more photos from this hike - HERE

Water Under the Bridge

I felt a little like Cinderella today. I didn't want to sit around all day stuffing my face and watching t.v. so I took to cleaning the house. I did about 4 loads of laundry, I cleaned & reorganized the bathroom, and washed the dishes. Now, those don't sound like things that would have taken me 4 1/2 hours, but it did! What bothers me is that I didn't even get to the living room or bedroom so it seems as though I didn't get a whole lot done, even though I was worn out. At times it's a little disheartening once you realize that maintaining and keeping an organized and clean environment takes constant labor. Sometimes it takes too much work, once you're done with one thing there's just something else waiting for your attention. When it suits my mood I let things go, for example if I'm too tired or hurting..............some things can wait until tomorrow. Anyhow, these little things make a big difference overall, the bathroom looks so much better to me now that things are rearranged. We'll see what we can accomplish come tomorrow!

*To Cody's defense, he had to work today......
**This photo was taken on our snow day this past Thursday when we took a walk on the Greenway Trail. The post processing makes it a whole lot more interesting, believe me....

Cleanliness is next to impossible. ~Author Unknown

Tunnel Bridge

There aren't enough days in the weekend.
~Rod Schmidt


Saturday I went for a hike while Cody was at work. It reminded me of "old times" hiking along the trail alone. When I first moved up here it was extremely hard to find another person who shared in my enthusiasm to go hiking, so normally I went alone. I don't necessarily miss those days, having a partner is so much more fun. I can however do it when necessary. I hiked down to Trout Lake which was frozen over. The confused ducks were hanging out near the middle standing on one leg while quacking uncontrollably. A group of people had their 'herd' of dogs out there (without leashes) who were terrorizing the poor little ducks.
Thankfully there were no fatalities.............

~ Where Clouds and Peaks Meet ~

Only 507 biospheres exist worldwide and Grandfather Mountain is the only one that is privately owned. To meet biosphere criteria, properties must have global ecological significance. They must also be legally protected from development, have a history of scientific study, and provide for public education. At 5,634 feet above sea level it is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Range. What's more amazing is that the mountain itself is said to be 65 million years old!

Me being the semi-adventurous soul I have become the hike I wanted to do was one that had cables and ladders in-place because if I remember right I thought it would be fun! The hike went for longer than one mile but our time constraints wouldn't really allow us to go any further, but maybe next time. Our hike took us to a fabulous view of Macrae's Peak and as trying as some sections were for me it was well worth the difficulty involved. The boulder-strewn path was enough to get your heart pumping but didn't push too hard, the problems I had were with some of the steeper parts of the ascent as we reached the pinnacle, but you'll here about those later on. The views were absolutely spectacular; and the continuity of the mountains lend an emotional depth which holds an ethereal beauty I believe all should bear witness to at some point in their lives.