This past weekend we went camping at Carter Caves in Kentucky. It's a pretty nice state park and the campground is well run. I'm still not entirely sold on using a camper but our site was nice and configured in a way that felt more private that most of the other RV spots. It is our third time at that park and we've enjoyed it, in different ways, each time. It's nice to have it as an option that is only about an hour away.
This time around we got off to a late start on Friday evening but we were setup in no time and we just kind of hung out and relaxed with some friends who were camping in the tent area nearby. On Saturday I had planned on doing nothing but relaxing but those hopes were quickly dashed when we agreed to go to a short hike through a nearby canyon, then to wade through a creek in search for a crawfish along with a picnic lunch. It was pretty hot out but the woods, caves, and creek all kept it feeling much cooler. It was nice.
When we finally returned to the campground I was feeling exceptionally sleepy but then our other friend, Sarah, arrived and asked if anyone wanted go to for a hike. I agreed and before I knew it we had begun a hike that was much longer than either of us had initially planned on - when all was said and done we hiked 15 miles. The trial was in pretty good shape and, it turns out, it is a mountain biking trail too. I think I will bring my bike next time because it was a pretty non-technical trail that I think I could actually handle based on my limited experience - sure, I'd have to push up a bunch of hills but the downhills seemed pretty reasonable. I'm kind of looking forward to it.
Because we got out late I didn't get a chance to load up the canoe so I still haven't used it. I will do so at some point this summer. I'm sick of it mocking me from the rafters of the garage.
On Sunday we came home and then I got ready for the first weekend of kickball. Our team is pretty darn good. It is very athletic; especially this one guy named Simon. In our first game he kicked four home runs! We actually scored 28 points (to zero) but we lost the game by forfeit because we didn't have enough girls show up. Two of the absent women had a horrible but valid reason to not be there; they are a mother and daughter pair and the daughters sister was in the ICU at the local hospital. Fortunately, she is recovering well but it sounded like it was touch and go for a bit. While I normally don't like forfeiting I didn't really mind doing so this weekend (though it did count for 1/5 of the season).
The worst part of the kickball was the heat. It was really really hot out. I didn't notice it much while I was out there but afterwards I just felt exhausted. I slept like a dead man last night and still felt tired when I woke this morning. Maybe it was the 15 mile hike and not the kickball? I know the hike kicked Ghost's butt because, at about mile 8, as we were walking he just laid down and refused to move further. After a nice rest he got up and resumed but the, at about mile 13 he did it again. I prodded him to get up but after about four steps he laid back down. Needless to say we took another good rest.
Overall it was a good weekend. We are really busy all summer long so I think these camping trips will be nice for the simple act of letting us "get away" even when we stay really close to home.