The Gorge Gazette - June 2024

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Official (only!) Newspaper of The Red River Gorge

K KK Kentucky Lucky entucky

Around here, we have a saying, “Any time you’re lucky enough to be in the mountains, you’re lucky.” And when you’re in the Red River Gorge Area, we say, “You’re Kentucky lucky!”

So.. Hello and Welcome! We’re glad you came and we’re betting, if you aren’t already, you are surely gonna be real soon. One of America’s best known pioneers, good ole Daniel Boone himself once said, “Heaven must be a Kentucky kind of place!”

Nestled in the heart of Slade, Kentucky, the Black Bear Lodge Motel offers a charming and picturesque log cabin motel experience in the Adventure Capital of the Red River Gorge.

Tucked away behind the middle fork of the Red River, this family owned, 10 room, two-story motel provides a cozy & private retreat. Located away from the main road, you’re ensured of a tranquil stay. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with large vanity, shower/tub, coffee maker, microwave, mini fridge, satellite TV, and a hanging rack for clothes.

All that and privacy too makes the Black Bear Lodge Motel perfect for adventurers, and families alike, offering comfort, convenience and affordability.

Call us: 606.663.0061

BOOK ONLINE

Sceniccabin.com/blackbearmotel

We tend to agree and here’s why.

First of all, the Gorge Area is extravagantly outdoorable!

There is a world of adventure and unforgettable experiences to be found with hundreds of miles of trails, waterways and back roads beckoning you to come discover their treasures. Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations. We have ruggedly beautiful breathtaking vistas, lush greenery and huge tracts of mature hardwood forests teeming with wildlife.

In and around the Gorge Area, you’ll have opportunities to observe a wide range of wildlife including black bears, deer, wild turkeys, retiles, amphibians and insects. Kentucky has hundreds of species of wildflowers and at least 350 species of birds.

The Daniel Boone National Forest is home to 100 or so of those that live here year round and many others just “visiting”.

Recreational activities are endless such as fishing, ziplining, miniature golf, kayaking, a water-borne tour underground, off road mud slingin’, scaling cliffs, horseback riding, camping, even mining for gems! When it comes time to finally settle down and enjoy a soft, quiet Mountain evening, there are accommodations for every person’s preference. From tents to yurts to cozy B&B style lodges to private, comfortable cabins with all the modern conveniences including fully equipped kitchens, satellite TV and climate controls. Oh yeah, and tree houses!

You and your family are gonna love it here!

Publisher

Jenny Ison

Editor

Jerry Ison

Contributors

Jerry Ison

Miranda Fallen

Nancy Hamann

Sally Cox

Graphics

Ingrid Miller Red River Gorge Earth Shop

State, County & City Facilities

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

Private Facilities

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

T TT Things To Do, Places To Visit, hings To Do, Places To Visit, hings Do, Places hings Do, Places Where To Eat In

The Red River Gorge Where The River Gorge

• 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.

Preparation

* The Mountains are known for unpredictable weather. Check the weather forecast for the area.

* Plan your trip--know about the area and how to get there. Get detailed maps.

* Take enough food, clothing, and equipment to keep you comfortable in case of emergency.

* Notify others of where you will be, and when you plan to be home.

* If you are a beginning camper, contact your local camping outfitter for a general checklist of camping equipment.

* Take a cell phone with a fully charged battery - anda spare fully charged battery. Make certain there is service in the area you’ll be camping. Turn it off until you need to place a call.

* Inexpensive walkie-talkies are also a good idea; with fresh batteries and spares.

* A loud whistle is another good idea. It can be used to attract attention and is a good way to ward off an unwelcome animal.

Personal Safety

* Prevent animals from getting into your food. Consider placing it in your vehicle, or hanging it in a tree (12’ high, 4’ from tree trunk).

* State and national forest campground wells are approved by that governing body.

* Keep a few logs in your tent to keep them dry.

* Always bring extra matches and at least three or four Bic lighters.

* Never even consider a camping trip without a comprehensive and fully stocked first aid kit and the American Red Cross first aid handbook. These may be more important in an emergency than any other items you could have.

The ‘No Impact’ Camper follows these guidelines to ensure that today’s forest and campground resources are available to tomorrow’s users:

* If you carry it in, please carry it out-this will eliminate litter.

* Camp in a designated campsite within designated campgrounds, unless you have obtained an undesignated camping permit.

* Protect water sources from contamination; do any washing at least 100’ away from source.

* Use biodegradable soap, or try hot water, soapless dishwashing, bathing and clothes washing.

* When using soap (even biodegradable) and toothpaste, do so at least 100’ away from natural water sources, well or faucet water sources.

* Take only pictures; leave only footprints and leave those only on designated trails and areas. Remember, when camping in any federal area, guidelines forbid the taking of even a pebble from national parks.

* Never, ever cut a live tree for firewood. Never, ever bring wood from another area or state to local forest areas. Check with visitor center about obtaining approved firewood of local origin.

Prevent forest fires

* Keep fires small.

* Have water available to extinguish the fire properly.

* Never leave a fire unattended.

* Maintain a 10’ diameter and debris-free area around the fire.

* Make sure ashes are cold when you leave a fire.

Reminder

* Be careful with your campfire -- keep it small.

* Be a good neighbor -- control your noise and pets.

* Be respectful of your state and national forests; keep the trees and shrubs alive and growing.

* Always keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and away from public swimming areas.

Our Very Important Person of the Month

Hello!

My name is Samantha Evans and I have been the Park Naturalist at Natural Bridge State Resort Park for 5 years!

A day in the life of a Naturalist is always different, which is one reason why I love my job. Some days I'll be leading guided cave tours for a school group, other days I am tie dying in the campground, and some days I am helping rescue owls, hawks, foxes or anyone of the many wildlife species living here in the Park. Another aspect of my career that I enjoy a great deal is meeting and talking to all the different Park Guests. Being a Naturalist I focus on interpretation and education for Park guests and ensure that they have a wonderful experience visiting the park. Focusing on Leave No Trace and teaching visitors how they can enjoy natural resources in the area, while being stewards of the land plays a major role in my day-to-day life.

If you're interested in visiting Natural Bridge, follow us on face book and look for our program schedules. In the next couple of weeks our recreation staff will start their daily programming activities. These can range from guided hikes to turtle talks, to making ice cream and so much more.

We look forward to seeing you at Natural Bridge!

Ed Note: Samantha is one of the dedicated people whose working life is mostly aimed at making things better for the area, the Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the folks who come here again and again to enjoy the results of their work.

You owe it to yourselves and family to visit the Natural Bridge Park and try to take in all it offers. I say try because there is so much there to appreciate and enjoy. It would take many more visits to discover the vast array of natural beauty and variety of nature’s offerings and the dedicated people and unique facilities of the Park.

T TT The Gorgeburger he Gorgeburger he

After all, you are gonna be grillin’ when you’re not out there thrillin’!

Ingredients:

6 ounces freshly ground beef .

Pretzel burger buns

Lettuce, tomatoes and pickles

16 ounces sharp white cheddar, grated

16 ounces extra-sharp cheddar, grated

2 (2-ounce) jars pimentos

1/4 Cup cream cheese

1/4 Cup olive oil mayo

1/2 Tsp Cumin

Several splashes of any good hot sauce

Dash or two of pickle juice

Directions:

Knead the cumin, salt and pepper into the meat. Divide meat into equal 3 ounce patties. Set aside. Combine the last seven ingredients for the pimento cheese in a bowl until smooth.

Measure out 1+ ounce (s) of the pimento cheese mixture, and place in the middle of one of the patties. Top with the other patty, and pinch the edges to seal until the surface is smooth. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Smoosh the middle down just a tad. With the grill hot, about 475/500 degrees cook the patty 3 minutes per side. Move them to a cooler spot and cook for another 3 minutes to finish the burger for a total cook time of 9 to 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, toast the buns. Place a patty on a bun and garnish with lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. Serve hot with “normal” burger sides - potato salad, baked beans, fries, deep fried mushrooms, chips, etc and of course, an ice cold drink.

Bluegrass Bits

Wolfe County Tourism Local Activities

Music on the Green at Hazel Green Academy every Thursday @6 -Seasonal Trivia every Tuesday starting @7 at Skybridge Station

Karaoke every Thursday @6 at 145 Roadhouse

Dart nights every Wednesday @7 at 145 Roadhouse

The Gorge Underground- 2478 Glencairn Rd, Rogers, KY

Red River Gorge Ziplines-455 Cliffview Rd, Campton, KY

RedPoint Disk Golf- 356 Smith Rd, Campton, KY

Cable's Riding Stables- 632 Little Bend Rd, Zachariah,