I was beginning to think God was warning us away from our visit to Kentucky's Natural Bridge State Park. Before the trip even began, my dad called me at 8 a.m. to tell me that all the trails were closed. The first bear attack that anyone can remember ever happening in Kentucky had occurred during the week we were going to be there.
Still, we persisted, for the trip was planned around going to a reptile zoo nearby. My nephew loves snakes, and the zoo is the sideline of a business that milks venomous snakes for research purposes.. On arriving, we found that though the rest of the place was open, there would be no extraction today. The man who did this dangerous task had been bitten and was still recovering. We saw him, and his red, puffy hand. And that this maybe wasn't a one time event as he was missing parts of fingers.
We did find that we could take the ski lift to the top of the ridge, and surprise! the park rangers would take us under the bridge and give a little talk on geology of the region. Here you see William and I standing on the top of the Natural Bridge arch. I asked the man if he was prepared to fight to the death to save us should a bear appeared. He laughed and assured me (not) that he would.
My sister, nephew, Wm and I spent the days instead of hiking reading books by streams, throwing rocks, swimming and laughing as we walked in the dark along the road. I assured the boys that if we sang, the bears would be scared off, if nothing else by my voice. So I began, "The bear went over the mountain, the bear went over the mountain, the bear went over the mou...ou...tain! To see what he could see!...."
As of today, the bear is still running. I am conflicted with mentally telling him, "Run, Forest, run!" and wanting them to shoot him dead. Which is what they will do.
Notes:
I think I might start another blog that is more serious on field trips and things to do. 'Cause I don't have enough to do.
I am having my foot operated on tomorrow. What will they do, I am asked? Well, to not be too gory, take it all apart, use a saw, and sew it all back together. That's all you really want to know. Really.
Saw a raccoon near the chicken coop, 9:30 p.m.
Had a nice ride with dh. Last one for 3 months.
2 comments:
Well, I can honestly say that it was not MY raccoon, since mine was at my house. I'm glad it didn't get any of your chickens.
We went to Natural Bridge a few weeks ago. It was one of the most beautiful places we've camped.
Great post. I'd love to go there someday. Unfortunately, my days of field trips with my children are gone, so enjoy them while you can. They are fleeting.
Would love to see your new blog. You write so well, and you are so entertaining. You could be your own reality show. Cathy's World. Ha!
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