Cave-in-Rock, IL and Land Between the Lakes, KY

[caroledee1]

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 (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!

[adrianinflorida]

Originally Posted by caroledee1

The nature center had most of the indiginous animals, reptiles and

insects. Either live or stuffed variety.

Stuffed insects would be truly impressive.

[caroledee1]

They did have an impressive amount of lepidoptera if you like them. The wild turkeys, owls,

hawk and bald eagle were amazing. Red wolves, coyote, and an albino buck fallow deer.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by caroledee1

642 miles round trip. The bike
performed flawlessly! Sorry I didn't take pictures. Too busy riding!

WOW....good trip.
And I was wondering if asking you to a meet in Clinton would be too much !! :biggrin:
I think it's going to have to wait 'til May....cause I'm not as adventurous as you.....and I'm still praying for good weather at the end of April for my Atlanta trip.

[caroledee1]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

I think it's going to have to wait 'til May....cause I'm not as adventurous as you.....and I'm still praying for good weather at the end of April for my Atlanta trip.

We should have plenty of warm weather by then! I bought some new Nelson-Riggs CL850

soft-sided saddlebags for the trip that worked real well. They hold 33 liters each! They

have rain covers that were used. LOL.

[alanmcorcoran]

Glad to see that things have thawed out in the Land of Lincoln.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

Glad to see that things have thawed out in the Land of Lincoln.

Don't count your chickens yet.....or OUR chickens.
Today the high was about 38 and it SNOWED overnight.

Better days are coming. :cool:

[alantf]

Originally Posted by caroledee1

They did have an impressive amount of lepidoptera if you like them. The wild turkeys, owls,

hawk and bald eagle were amazing. Red wolves, coyote, and an albino buck fallow deer.

Delicious!

[caroledee1]

Originally Posted by alantf

Delicious!

Hey now! The conservation police frown on that here with the exception of wild turkey in season of course. Don't know how coyote would taste. :lol: