Red River Gorge/outdoors thread

[fastkat]

I'll start the new thread for this just to share my photos from my recent trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway

[Pobilly]

Thank you for sharing. Love the pictures.

[Downes Van Zandt]

Ah, yes. Another step toward normalcy! Your pics are exceptional, fastkat. Thanks for sharing.

[Blue Heaven]

Glad it's back up. I'll get some pics up once I figure out this dang iPad.

[matt colvin]

I'd be nearly ashamed to post photos after seeing what fastkat and Bluesong can do with a camera I started to post quite a few yesterday but was over the size limit on the first one I tried to upload. Maybe I'll need to use something like photobucket in order to post pictures now.

I did want to ask, though, what is it that draws you to Kentucky and its outdoor opportunities? What do you enjoy most about our state?

I'm of the belief that today (aside from mountain top removal and trash) is the "good old days" of Kentucky outdoors. It's as though we're going through a renaissance period in terms of wildlife management, from Elk to Whitetail Deer to Turkey to all manner of Bass, Panfish, Catfish species, Muskellunge, and more...the state has it going on right now. We have such a variety of terrain, too, that it's as though this is 4-5 different states.

I think variety is what really impresses me the most. While I don't necessarily think any one feature is "best in the world", there are so many that are first class/elite/etc. and they're around nearly every turn. Of course I like the eastern side the most, with EKY and the Daniel Boone National Forest and all of the lakes, but the entire state is chock full of great offerings.

[Bluesong]

Great Photos, FastKat!

I agree, Matt. Kentucky has everything but ocean front and I would choose the hills any day. And NOBODY has Kentucky basketball.

[fastkat]

Some photos from a trip to Big South Fork. I really just discovered this gem in the last 10-15 years

[Blue Heaven]

T minus 2 weeks and counting for our annual Gorge trip and I can't wait.

[Vinnie]

I'd be nearly ashamed to post photos after seeing what fastkat and Bluesong can do with a camera I started to post quite a few yesterday but was over the size limit on the first one I tried to upload. Maybe I'll need to use something like photobucket in order to post pictures now.

I did want to ask, though, what is it that draws you to Kentucky and its outdoor opportunities? What do you enjoy most about our state?

I'm of the belief that today (aside from mountain top removal and trash) is the "good old days" of Kentucky outdoors. It's as though we're going through a renaissance period in terms of wildlife management, from Elk to Whitetail Deer to Turkey to all manner of Bass, Panfish, Catfish species, Muskellunge, and more...the state has it going on right now. We have such a variety of terrain, too, that it's as though this is 4-5 different states.

I think variety is what really impresses me the most. While I don't necessarily think any one feature is "best in the world", there are so many that are first class/elite/etc. and they're around nearly every turn. Of course I like the eastern side the most, with EKY and the Daniel Boone National Forest and all of the lakes, but the entire state is chock full of great offerings.

I agree Matt I too like the eastern side of the state the best and I am not sure that they have elk on the western side of the state but the deer, elk, wild turkeys and great fishing makes east Kentucky very appealing. I too wish that people would have more respect for outdoors from people throwing out trash to destroying our hill sides.

[matt colvin]

Had an opportunity for a quick jaunt to Red River Gorge yesterday, had planned on going out Auxier Ridge but unfortunately the forest roads are closed and I didn't have enough time to walk the extra 10 miles. So, I drove around the circle with the thought of walking up the Douglas Trail but that looked like it was swamped with people...so I ended up parking at the end of Rough Trail and walking in about 2 miles, and then coming back out. The temp was a perfect 65 degrees and water was draining over rock ledges everywhere. Here's some of the scenery at Parched Corn Creek (pretty sure, anyway):

[Lighthouse]

Beautiful!! He builds everything that way!

[Blue Heaven]

Well our annual trip didn't happen. Schedules and weather played a major part.

[matt colvin]

Ran down to the Gorge today, went to Rock Bridge and Sky Bridge, then drove counter clockwise around the area and ended with lunch at "Sky Bridge Station". Due to photo size limitations I can't post a bunch of pictures like we used to be able to do, but here is a panoramic view of Rock Bridge and also a photo take from the proximal 1/3 of Sky Bridge facing the Red River. I was the only person at Rock Bridge, and had Sky Bridge to myself for a solid 15 minutes...rare!

[fastkat]

Ran down to the Gorge today, went to Rock Bridge and Sky Bridge, then drove counter clockwise around the area and ended with lunch at "Sky Bridge Station". Due to photo size limitations I can't post a bunch of pictures like we used to be able to do, but here is a panoramic view of Rock Bridge and also a photo take from the proximal 1/3 of Sky Bridge facing the Red River. I was the only person at Rock Bridge, and had Sky Bridge to myself for a solid 15 minutes...rare!

Good shots. I'm going to try to go either the Saturday before or after the Auburn game

[matt colvin]

^Thank you, if I can figure out how to post some pictures, I will do so. Our last thread was quite enjoyable.