caroledee1
03-29-2009, 07:10 PM
I decided it was time to get away from work for a few days. Rode down to Cave-in-Rock, IL
on Wednesday. Mid-50's and quite windy. They had a horrible ice storm in February and
downed trees by the thousands. The roads in the state park were cleared and I toured all
the destruction. The campground was empty and the showerhouse didn't open until Apr 1st.
Being an old soldier, this didn't deter me. The water spigot was on. The campground host
didn't charge me for my stay either. In the morning, after a fine cup of french press coffee,
I packed up. I rode up to the state park restaurant that overlooks the Ohio river. A
beautiful, sunny 65 degree day. After a good breakfast, I explored the cave.
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PA ... VEROCK.HTM (http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R5/CAVEROCK.HTM) (If you want to read about
the history of it.) I then took the free ferry across the Ohio into Kentucky. There are some
Amish farms right after you get into the state. On down to Land Between the Lakes and
reserved a campsite at Energy Lake. This time I had to share the campground with three
fishermen and a young couple. Not too crowded! After paying $12 to stay the night I was
ready to see the sights. The staff are very friendly and helpful answering any questions.
I decided to see the nature center. They also have a planetarium and an old homestead
1800's working farm. The nature center had most of the indiginous animals, reptiles and
insects. Either live or stuffed variety. The most fun I had was riding the hilly winding roads!
I will go back some day. I had planned for six days, however the weather changed. Friday
morning it rained and the forecast for up in Illinois for the weekend was snow! I headed
north and finally got ahead of the rain after three hours. The temp dropped considerably
by the time I arrived home. We did get snow today too. 642 miles round trip. The bike
performed flawlessly! Sorry I didn't take pictures. Too busy riding!
on Wednesday. Mid-50's and quite windy. They had a horrible ice storm in February and
downed trees by the thousands. The roads in the state park were cleared and I toured all
the destruction. The campground was empty and the showerhouse didn't open until Apr 1st.
Being an old soldier, this didn't deter me. The water spigot was on. The campground host
didn't charge me for my stay either. In the morning, after a fine cup of french press coffee,
I packed up. I rode up to the state park restaurant that overlooks the Ohio river. A
beautiful, sunny 65 degree day. After a good breakfast, I explored the cave.
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PA ... VEROCK.HTM (http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R5/CAVEROCK.HTM) (If you want to read about
the history of it.) I then took the free ferry across the Ohio into Kentucky. There are some
Amish farms right after you get into the state. On down to Land Between the Lakes and
reserved a campsite at Energy Lake. This time I had to share the campground with three
fishermen and a young couple. Not too crowded! After paying $12 to stay the night I was
ready to see the sights. The staff are very friendly and helpful answering any questions.
I decided to see the nature center. They also have a planetarium and an old homestead
1800's working farm. The nature center had most of the indiginous animals, reptiles and
insects. Either live or stuffed variety. The most fun I had was riding the hilly winding roads!
I will go back some day. I had planned for six days, however the weather changed. Friday
morning it rained and the forecast for up in Illinois for the weekend was snow! I headed
north and finally got ahead of the rain after three hours. The temp dropped considerably
by the time I arrived home. We did get snow today too. 642 miles round trip. The bike
performed flawlessly! Sorry I didn't take pictures. Too busy riding!