Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade, Kentucky
It is better not to vow, than to make a vow and not fulfill it. ~ Ecclesiastes 5:5
Today was supposed to be a rest day. And it was. For the first couple of hours. I even went back to bed after breakfast and slept for an additional hour or so, while Blaine relaxed and dozed on the couch. And then . . .
We just couldn’t help ourselves.
About 10:30 or so, we took off to look for the Natural Bridge trail. Blaine had read how packed the trail has been on the weekends, and with the promise of a Thursday wash-out, we decided that the short trip should be taken on today.
And then it became a 4-hour hike, because it was a gorgeous (though overcast) day, and quite a few trails here join together.
It was a little breath-taking at first. Literally breath-taking, as in, we were huffing and puffing and feeling really out of shape. But before long, our bodies remembered that they were in better condition than that, and things got easier.
Wonderful first day! Take a look at how God has blessed east-central Kentucky!
But never have we been warned about Hazardous Trees! : )
It was originally built in the 1890s by the Lexington and Eastern Railroad. You’ll see why later on.
Today, it’s still the shortest and easiest way to get to the Natural Bridge.
In 1967, they built a skylift to offer a “sweat-free” way to the bridge.
We thought the price was about twice what it should be – $15/person for an 11-minute ride.
How spectacular Fall is!
We should be so grateful God created this for us!
If you look closely, you’ll see there are people over there.
We want to find that place!
We were really glad to have a handrail – and these days, sanitizer in the pack.
The sad thing is, what goes down, must eventually go back up to the Jeep. Yikes!
We’re certain we’ve never encountered them before.
According to North Carolina State University – –
This unusual tree is rarely found in the wild,
being limited mainly to a few rich wooded areas in river valleys and ravines
in the southeastern United States.
Which explains why we’ve never seen them before. : )
And a balancing rock. Not quite as impressive as the ones we saw out west, but still quite the balancing act! 
just in time for Blaine to discover a bench to sit on and bask in its glory.
It’s called Hoedown Island. Such a strange name, but here’s why!
By the way, the brown and glass building up higher is the State Park Lodge.
We’re not sure if they held them at all this year.
Sad if they couldn’t, but not surprising. : (
Makes us feel all cozy and safe.
Of course, we don’t often get lost in our own backyard . . .
Tomorrow brings more hiking!