Kentucky State Parks Looking for Campground Volunteer Hosts

Would you like to be a campground volunteer? 

by Gil Lawson - FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State Parks are looking for volunteers to serve as campground hosts during the spring, summer and fall of 2013.

Campground hosts perform a number of duties such as checking in campers, making sure camping areas, picnic areas and bathrooms are clean, answering questions and a variety of other duties. In return, campground hosts receive free camping at the host property during their tenure.

Hosts will be given a criminal background check and should possess a valid driver’s license.

The Kentucky State Parks operate 31 campgrounds across the state from April through October.

If you are interested in applying, visit THIS LINK and look under “Park News” to download an application.

Winter Adventure Weekend at Carter Caves

Carter Caves Winter Adventure Weekend (WAW)

Take a ride on the "wild side." Pictured left is Kentucky Parks Commissioner Elaine N. Walker getting ready to zipline.  Also, below is video of the Commissioner enjoying her "zipline ride" at Carter Caves State Resort Park. This temporary zipline was a part of over 300 activities this past weekend. Commissioner Walker commented that, "It was one of the best organized events in our Kentucky State Parks." It was great fun for many guests at this well-attended event. Other activities included cave adventures, .22 caliber shooting, archery, canoe trips, rappelling, recreational tree climbing, birding, winter tree identification, and so much more. Mark you calendars for January 24-26, 2014 for next years event.   For additional information and to view pictures from this year's event, go to this LINK.  For other Kentucky State Park events, visit the PARKS WEBSITE. 

Video compliments of Andy Niekamp.

Winter Adventure Weekend at Carter Caves

Winter Adventure Weekend at Carter Caves

Planned for January 25-27 at Carter Caves State Resort Park

OLIVE HILL, Ky. – Carter Caves State Resort Park will present a weekend of hiking, kayaking, recreational tree climbing, cave tours, winter survival, rappelling, archeological field trips, a zip line and other adventures with its fourth annual Winter Adventure Weekend, Jan. 25-27, 2013.  Guests will be able to select from a list of trips they want to take – for beginners and advanced winter adventurers alike. All of the trips and events are led by guides.  Each trip level is based on the difficulty and skills required. The higher the level, the more skills and special equipment are needed. Guests will be responsible for appropriate dress, water, snacks and other items.

The list of the trips, along with registration information and other details for the 2013 event are available at THIS LINK. All participants must register online at this site. The non-refundable fee for adults (age 13 and older) is $30, and the nonrefundable fee for children ages 6-12 is $20. Some of the trips have additional fees. (All participants must be at least 6 years old. Some trips have additional age requirements.)

There are many new trips at this year's event, including but not limited to a rock climbing workshop, a .22-caliber shooting workshop, nature photography workshop and a rope climbing competition, along with six new adventure presentations held on Saturday. The park is also incorporating some wild caving trips in this year’s event, including one being led by old-style carbide cap lamps. Some trips will be offered on Friday afternoon.

Participants will be able to submit photos in the Winter Photo Salon competition. Categories include winter adventure, caving and local nature-adventure photos. The images will be shown during the Saturday night program, and winners will be awarded ribbons.

Carter Caves State Resort Park is located at 344 Caveland Drive in Olive Hill. The park has a lodge with a restaurant, cottages and campground. Besides cave tours, activities include hiking, swimming, boating and fishing.

The park is off Interstate 64 at exit 161. Take U.S. 60 east. Go approximately two miles and turn left on KY 182 north. The park entrance is three miles from the left turn onto KY 182 north.

The phone number for the park is 1-800-325-0059.

Meet Me Under The Mistletoe

Meet me under the mistletoe!  Yes, mistletoe has intrigued people for years.  I remember as a small lad taking a shotgun and shooting the mistletoe out of trees in hopes that the succulent, evergreen plant would work its magic with some "kissing" adventures.  As I look back on those years, I cannot help but chuckle with much laughter about that. 

Recently, while driving down I-75, I asked my two sons, “What type of plant is that in the top of those trees.”  Their reply was, “I don’t know.”  After telling them the answer, they both wanted me to immediately stop the vehicle, get out, and climb the tree for a sprig of mistletoe.  Why?  It was the “kissing thing” again!  I guess you could say that history does repeat itself.

Where have I seen the most mistletoe plants?  The stretch of Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway, between Winchester and Clay City, has trees along the roadway that are absolutely covered with these parasitic plants.   Also, in Frankfort, you can get a quick view off route 421 near Hardees'.  In fact, it is in the same vicinity where I mentioned the Black Vultures in a recent blog.  During this time of the year, look for the evergreen plants hanging in the branches.