No amount of money can buy freedom; it has to be achieved by people, mostly young people, willing to sacrifice comfort, safety even their own well-being so we as Americans can enjoy the uniquely American way of living. The envious freedoms and prosperity unequaled in history, found nowhere else on earth. W are truly blessed!
In the summer of 1893, Katherine Lee Bates, a professor at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, left Wellesley to teach English in Colorado Springs at the Colorado Summer School.
Not long after her arrival several of her fellow teachers invited Bates to come along with them on a day-long trek to the summit of nearby Pikes Peak. By now, she knew all about Pikes Peak; if you’re in Colorado Springs, the mountain is visible from almost anywhere. It rules the skyline!
So Bates jumped at the chance to experience the mountain firsthand. They traveled in a wagon pulled by a team of mules but it was still a long tiring journey. It took most of the morning to travel those 150+ curves in the road’s 19 miles from base to summit.
Katherine was exhausted when they finally reached the top. However, one glance at the beautiful landscape stretching in every direction overpowered the tiredness. She was awe struck, having never seen anything that came close to the spectacular landscape that lay before her.
From the perfect vantage point, she could view the majestic purple mountains to the west. A turn of the head and there in the east, the vast prairie and endless fields of wheat, the amber grain waving in the gentle breeze of west Kansas.
Politicians, judges, lawyers, talking heads, journalists; even the police don’t guarantee your freedom. It’s the young people in uniform who do.
They secure your liberty at great cost to themselves.
In sacrifice, loneliness and some times the ultimate selflessness!
Don’t forget - it’s them who deserve your gratitude!
Katherine Bates was a well published writer and poet, talents which gave her a vision that begged to be shared. Later that evening after a much quicker trip down, she felt compelled to compose a poem that would capture what she had felt while gazing upon a land that seemed to go on and on in every direction. A land of unbridled beauty and promise. Thankfully, she created a poem that would quickly catch the hearts of Americans all across the country; then and to this day.
Actually, from sea to shining sea.
The poem’s lyrics and natural rhythm attracted scores of musicians who set it to a variety of different tunes over the years.
Samuel A. Ward published the poem set to a tune called “Moderna.”
Nowadays we know that song as “America The Beautiful”.
Thank you Katherine Lee Bates. Jerry Ison
The official Red River Gorge Newsletter
Publisher
Jenny Ison
Editor
Jerry Ison
Contributors
Sally Cox
Jerry Ison
Nancy Hamann
Graphics
Ingrid Miller
Red River Gorge Earth Shop
We gratefully acknowledge the information and assistance by the State of Kentucky Parks Department and the staff of the Natural Bridge State Park. The Gorge Gazette is published monthly except January and February for entertainment of Red River Gorge Guests, Owners, Visitors, Staff, Tourists and Friends.
All contents including ads are copyrighted by Jerry Ison/Jay Eye Communications Talbott, TN 37877 Distributed free of charge courtesy of our advertisers!
Natural Bridge State Resort Park General Information 606.663-2214 or 1-800-325-1710 (reservations) 2135 Natural Bridge Rd. Slade, KY 40376 Trail map & descriptions, park laws and regulations, lodging, camping, group meeting facilities, group programs "Natural Bridge State Resort Park is hiking, arches, exploring, scenery, reflection, and making memories." www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb
Kentucky State Nature Preserve Commission www.naturepreserves.ky.gov
Red River Gorge National Geological Area 606) 663-8100
www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/redriver_gorge.shtml Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center 606.663-8100 www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/gladie.shtml
Red River Gorge Trail Crew (Volunteers) www.RRGTC.com Leave No Trace – Outdoor Ethics www.lnt.org
Kentucky State Parks - Create your own Experience. www.parks.ky.gov Become a KYSP fan at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kentucky-State-Parks/152588316577
Lee County Tourism Commision Dedra Brandenburg Director 606.464.5038 www.visitleecountyky.com
Cliffview Resort & Cliffview Retreat 606.668.6222
www.cliffviewresort.com 455 Cliff View Road, Campton, KY 41031
The Lodge, The Retreat and Lakeside Lodges are available for groups, weddings and retreats. Also available is the 8,000 sq foot Reception Hall
Red River Gorge Zip Lines 855.ZIP.TOUR 855.947.8687
606.668.6222 www.redrivergorgezipline.com
Scenic Cabin Rentals 606.663.0000 www.sceniccabin.com
Black Bear Lodge Motel 606.663.0061
Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals 844.692.2246 www.redrivergorgecabinrentals.com The Gorge Underground 844.254.6244 Thrillsville.org The Red River Inn On Parkway, Campton
The Gorge Gazette Jenny or Jerry Ison 865.674.6740 Email stories, ideas, suggestions, news to: jerrywrison@gmail.com
• Red River Gorge Earth Shop Local Art gallery & Gift Shop 606.668.5228 Nat Bridge Rd. Slade
• Red River Climbing Guides where “Your Adventure Awaits!” Catering to all ages and experience levels. Visit: RedRiverClimbingGuides.com or call 629.207.0697
• HillTop Pizza: Pizza, Salads, Subs, Spaghetti, Lasagna. Delivery to Cliffview available. 606.464.9990 2034 Hwy 11N Beattyville.
• Daniel Boone Coffee Shoppe & Deli: Gourmet Coffees, Deli Foods, Camping Supplies 606-663-2549 Natural Bridge Road (KY Rt. 11) near Slade Exit 33
• Gorge Underground: A Unique Waterborne Family Adventure On The Water, Underground! Kayak and Pontoon Boat Tours 844-254-6244 Thegorgeunderground.com
• Natural Bridge State Park, Lodge & Sky Lift: Camping, Hiking, Rooms, Fine Dining parks.ky.gov/resortparks/nb/index.htm
• Mill Creek Lake: Kayak & SUP Rentals 859.300.1330
• Red River General Store: Hand Dipped Ice Cream, Hoodies, Gifts, Camping Supplies, T-Shirts Fudge, Local Artisan Crafts 1321 Natural Bridge Road (KY Rt. 11) Slade, KY 606.663.885
• Daniel Boone Liquor: 606-663-2549; Natural Bridge Rd (KY Rt 11)
• Red River Gorge Hiking, Rock Climbing: fs.fed.us/r8/boone/
• Red River Adventure: Kayaking and Canoeing redriveradventure.net 606-663-1012
• Via Ferrata Rock Climbing Park: Great for beginners 606-668-6441 torrentfalls.com
• Mr. Ed’s Hot Dogs Great Hot Dogs smothered with Famous Chili Sauce 209 N. Main Stanton, KY 606.569.8170 Check us on Facebook
• The Well Beattyville’s only liquor store selling Liquor, Beer & Wine Come down and sip a glass sitting on the patio watching the Kentucky River flow. On rte 52 Beattyville 606.208.8017 tony@theboneyardwell.com
• Beech Fork Golf Club: In Clay City - 606-663-9479
• Sag Hollow Golf Course: In Booneville 606-593-4653
• Beattyville Public Golf Course: Off Rt. 52 in Beattyville, KY 606.356.4199
If a Holiday Party, any Party, Family Reunion, Corporate Meeting, Church Retreat or Wedding is on your to-do list, go ahead and check it off. We have the perfect solution to party planning from catering to lodging to activities. The Lodge at Cliffview will sleep 64. The 7000 square foot Reception/Activity Center seats up to 250 and has a fully equipped commercial grade kitchen. Our newest Lodges, the Retreat and Lakeside will each sleep up to 50. Both have double appliances kitchens and technically compatible theater style media rooms Call: 606.668.6222 for details.
The Artistic Evolution Of Appalachian Craft
Red River Gorge is not only known for its breathtaking natural beauty but also for the vibrant events that take place throughout the year. One of the most popular events in this region is live music performances, which attract locals and tourists alike. Nestled amidst the towering cliffs and lush forests, these indoor and outdoor concerts offer a unique experience, allowing visitors to enjoy bluegrass, folk, rock and more. Not only can you find live music in the region, there are plenty of other events from farmers markets to guided hikes to nature presentations. There is no lack of choices on things to do in Powell County.
The Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen, in partnership with KCHEA, celebrates America 250 through Power of Place - a traveling exhibition rooted in the legacy of the Kentucky Guild Train, a "cultural caravan" that once carried our story and craft from town to town. Inspired by this history, we carry that spirit forward, bringing Appalachian craft across the Commonwealth.
The exhibition is open until Sunday July 19th at The Red River Gorge Visitor Center at Slade.
Other upcoming events you'll want to check out:
Red River Gorge Farmer's Market at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Look for the Skylift Parking Lot. Every Saturday 10 am to 2 pm, weather permitting.
Goat Yoga at The Red River Gorge Petting Zoo. Every Saturday morning at 9:30 am
Hoedown Island is back every Saturday at Natural Bridge State Resort Park.
Hoedown Island is a family-friendly Appalachian tradition that has been entertaining generations with line dancing, clogging, hokey pokey, waltzes and more. Keep the tradition alive and make memories under the stars.
Kentucky Dragway - Supercharged Series. Fridays and Saturdays in July and August, Clay City. Live music at The Pit House on Saturday,
Stop in the Powell County Welcome Center any day, we are open every day from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 9 am-3 pm. The Center may very well bethe easiest place in the Gorge to find. It’s the first thing you’ll see after you turn right from Slade exit 33 onto Natural Bridge Road/ KY Hwy 11 South. You can’t miss us; there a big red train caboose sittin’ in our yard!
We're here to help make your trip the very best it can be. Excuse us, will be!
30 L & E Railroad Place Slade, KY 40376 606-663-1161 info@gopoco.org GoPoCo.org
While it's true that you usually can't beat the odds, you can beat the heat. Your body is designed to regulate its temperature and it does a good job most of the time. The problems start when weather conditions are so extreme that the body's cooling system is over taxed. The trick to beating the heat is to help your body regulate its temperature within a tolerable range. Here are ten easy ways to help your body keep it's cool. You probably already know all this, but, hey, maybe one of these tid bits will hit a note with ya’.
1. Be shady. Avoid direct sunlight whenever possible. Wear a wide brimmed hat. Don't walk on the sunny side of the street. Take an afternoon siesta.
2. Drink cool. Water is best. Fruit juices, iced tea, caffeine-free soda pop (avoid really sweet drinks), skim milk and thirst quenchers are good. Drink even though you aren't thirsty. Avoid alcoholic drinks as they don't really replace fluids lost through sweating.
3. Dress cool. Light colored clothes reflect a good bit of the sunlight. Loose fitting, lightweight clothes will allow the air to reach your skin so it can carry heat away. Binding clothes not tend to hold in the heat.
4. Eat cool. Your body generates heat by processing food. Eat small amounts more often instead of a few big meals. Keep your eating schedule and have meals that are varied. Vegetable and fruits help replace minerals such as the sodium lost by sweating.
5. Work cool. Do outside chores early in the morning or after the sun is low in the western sky. If you must work outside in the heat of the day, do so in small chunks with a reasonable rest between efforts. Keep plenty of fluids close by and drink regularly. Rest in a shaded area.
6. Be your own fan. If desperate, stiff piece of cardboard will move some air. Fanning yourself will cause the moving air to carry away heat coming off your skin. It helps the evaporation of sweat, increasing the cooling effect. These days, there are several little battery-powered “neck fans”: that will really move that air around your throat. The can cool the blood headed to the brain. Cool the brain, cool the body.
7. It's cool to be fit. Don't let yourself get run down. Get plenty of sleep. Take numerous rest breaks. A healthy body resists the heat bes
8. Shades are cool. Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet. Then you won’t have to squint which tends to have a tiring effect. Being comfortable seems to make heat more tolerable
9. Water is cool. Go jump in the lake, the pool, pond or river. Take frequent baths or showers. The water carries away great quantities of heat from the skin, continues to cool through evaporation. And of course, nothing refreshes like a long cleansing shower.
10. Sunburn isn’t cool. A sunburned area creates even more heat and problems for your body to deal with, as well as all the other health risks inherent. Avoid sunburn by avoiding too much sun for too long and use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more. Your skin will look and feel better much longer.
Want to stay as cool as the proverbial cucumber? Of course you do. One way is to eat those cucumbers. Oh yeah. That really works and is tasty and refreshing!
Head on over to the Farmers Market in Beattyville and pick up a bunch juicy cukes’. Peel em, ‘slice ‘em and marinate in apple cider vinegar over night in the fridge. They will cool you down and help hydrate a bit from the insides out.
Watermelon stashed alongside those cukes will also help you tolerate hot days in July . Plus they provide a sweet way to quench your thirst. Hey, they aren’t called Water melons without good reason.
Oh by the way can’t forget the coolest place in the Gorge the Gorge Underground. Get the entire family on board and really cool it! The year-round temperatures are in the 50’s! no matter what the jungle-ish Fahrenheit is outdoors.
Mi Finca- 318 Main St, Campton, ~ Kel's Patriot Pizza- 133 KY-15, Campton
Dixie Freeze II-194 Main St, Campton ~ Shebrews Coffee Shop-569 KY-15, Campton 145 Roadhouse- 148 Main St, Campton ~ Sky Bridge Station- 8 KY-715, Pine Ridge Hop's- 2613 KY-11, Campton ~ The Wicked Wolfe- 301 Mtn Pkway Spur, Campton Subway- 30 KY-15, Campton ~ Sweet Art by Stephanie- 110 Main St, Campton
Dairy Queen- 690 KY-15, Campton ~ Red River Rockhouse- 4000 KY-11, Campton Bites & Bargains- 658 KY-205N, Campton ~ Spanks Franks- 1008 KY-191, Campton The Brick- 5412 KY-15 N, Pine Ridge ~ RedPoint Barbeque- 356 Smith Rd, Campton
