KY Natural Bridge State Park, country roads

The first weekend here was our 40th wedding anniversary, so to celebrate the day, we went out for dinner at the Natural Bridge State Park. The park was founded in 1895 by the Lexington and Eastern Railroad, a subsidiary of Kentucky Lumber Company. At the time, the only way to reach the park was with a ticket on the railroad. It was donated to the state in 1926. The noon dinner was the Easter buffet and it was a fantastic meal. After dinner, we hiked up to the Natural Bridge.... it was really quite a sight! Larger than I had expected.

There were no railings at the top!

When we got to the top, I showed Paul the alternative route......

but we had more fun the way we went! The trail up and back was a delight.

(including Lover's Leap)

On another weekends while working in Kentucky, we did a bit of "meandering" on some back roads

Saw swinging bridges

and other funky stuff!

We ended up at an Elk Viewing area, but only saw wild horses.

In spite of the ladies working 55 hours during this project, we were able to plan two ladies days out. The first one we shopped at a couple of thrift stores and had lunch out in Jackson, and as usual had a great time of fun. The second day out was more adventurous; we tried to find a craft store that was out in the country....

but when we couldn't find it, we were told it had moved to town. I talked to a local, who was working at the church next to where the store used to be located.

He was there to catch groundhogs that had been destroying the flowers. He only kills what he can eat... and was surprised I had not eaten groundhog. It is the best meal you can have if you can find one of the old ladies around that know how to cook it right! We learned later the store had actually closed. We did find another craft store in Boonesville to visit. But we saw more interesting things as we drove through the countryside; a bed of flowers,

and a little pioneer village

and stopping in Boonesville to eat at Mel's Diner for lunch!

One weekend the school had an open house for potential students, with Courage as the theme. There was a variety show that night, with cute skits.

and Kentucky band.

Wouldn't you be surprised if you thought this was a ball and it was a real person's head?

as well as games

But also became serious when they showcased their singing groups

and showed the movie "Courage". The college has an impressive 80% rate for graduates going into ministry, which is the primary purpose of the students. It is a privilege to support the work at such an organization.