Braving the Kentucky Wilderness

This past weekend Trent and I had fall break and we decided that it was time to get out and do some camping. Now, after being disappointed with camping in Kentucky we finally found an area that finally quenched our thirst for some good quality camping and hiking, The Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park. We spent two nights camping in the "Gorge" as it is known by my fellow class mates and enjoyed every moment, other than the 30 minutes searching through the forest in the dark to find that critical piece of the tent which catapulted into the forest while I was being a "MAN" and setting up the tent on my own. Not to worry, after searching everywhere around the tent and the forest we witnessed a modern day miracle - it appeared right next to the tent about the time I was ready to set fire to the tent and sleep under the stars. We strongly encourage anyone who wants some good quality camping to check out "THE GORGE." We loaded a lot of pictures since it is the only way to tell our story...

The "Sky Bridge" at Red River Gorge.

It is absolutely GORGEous, we wished that it had been a little later in the fall to see all of the leaves changing color and a little cooler temps for hiking.

Luckily for everyone crossing the Sky Bridge, Jacob and I provided the muscle to hold them up.
Standing on top of the Sky Bridge with a death grip on Trenton who appears to have no fear of heights or running near cliffs.
" CRASH"
That is what we heard and the above picture is what we saw when our hearts skipped a few beats. After sprinting back to the van we were relieved to find that the tree had missed destroying our van by a comfortable 2 feet.

Termites appear to be the culprits for an other wise healthy looking tree to come crashing to the ground.

Our first hike was to "Hidden Arch" We were surprised to find out that the reason it was hidden was because it was no more the 6-8 feet tall. The forest all around was beautiful and the shade from the trees made it very enjoyable.

A rare occasion that Tren took the time to slow down enough to drink some water. We were very proud that he was such a good hiker, he had to be the "Trail Blazer"

Trent and Jacob at "Angel Windows" Jacob was happy that he actually got to get out of the carrier (and honestly, so was I)

No camping trip is complete with our Trent catching a frog. Seriously, on half of the camping trips we have been on in Kentucky Trent has caught a frog. This frog was a member of our family for 2 hours until Trent hesitantly let it go into the dangerous forest because it was "scared." With a lot of encouragement from mom and dad he was finally able to do it.

After a full day of hiking on Monday, we decided that we would take the easy ride to "Natural Bridge" at Natural Bridge State Park. Jacob liked the part of the chair lift in the chair as we climbed up the cliff because we were "flying."

Jamie, Trenton, and Xander going up the lift.

At the scenic over look for Natural Bridge.

It always makes you nervous as a parent when you are taking a picture near a cliff and your 3 year old makes a comment like, "Daddy, you can jump off because wings will come out of you back and you can fly." "OK Jacob, it's time to move far far away from the cliff..." Dad's are amazing, but I would like to meet the dad that can sprout wings and fly.

Our good little hikers

Jamie and the boys crossing the "Natural Bridge"

Xander LOVES hiking and camping!

Jacob and Daddy coming down, and please, no more talk about flying

Our Friends the Wyatt's who braved the Kentucky wilderness with us. Notice Brad's flip flops, which he hiked in all day with out one blister or problem.

"THE GORGE"