The Gorge Gazette - May 2024

The Official (only!) Newspaper of The Red River Gorge

The newest attraction to hit the gorge is now open!!

Kate has traveled all over the state finding the friendliest animals there are! Many of the animals have been bottle fed and hand raised in her home (no literally in her home). The love and care she has shown her furry family makes them sweet and cuddly for everyone to enjoy.

Our petting zoo offers many different personalities for the whole family to enjoy.

What should you expect when walking through the gates?

Copper, the Scottish highland bull, Maisie the bottle fed mini panda and highland cross, Millie and Milo the bottle fed Nigerian dwarf twins, Ali and Etta the alpacas, Dolly the bottle fed Juliana mini pig, Daisy and Delilah the miniature donkeys, Salt and his family of rams, and Squirt and Jolene the mini ponies.

The barn offers all the rabbits, ducks, chickens, and all the current bottle babies. There are many upcoming plans including playgrounds, duck ponds, and exotics.

Follow them on facebook @kateskritters to stay informed on all the new happenings at Kate’s Kritters.

Thank you

for “Tuning In” to the Red River Gorge Vacation Destination

Hello and welcome to the Red River Gorge area and thank you for picking up our Gazette. The Gazette is your ultimate Family Fun Guide to Adventure, Gorgeous Scenery, Amazing Venues and Total Relaxation.

Brought to you by the folks who have conceived Family Venues Designed to Exceed your Expectations. Welcome to The Gorge Area!

The Fun Forecast for May calls for pleasant quiet evenings followed by extended periods of days filled with increasing wondrous discoveries. This will be followed by 100 % chance of serious excitement and widespread joy.

Some category five levels of adrenaline pumping thrills are predicted as are unique opportunities for awe inspiring vistas.

Adventurous conditions are expected to be tapering off to the serene evenings of total relaxation followed by scattered periods of fireflies and twinkling stars in clear mountain skies.

Low, whispy mists will be gathered around the majestic mountains above the valleys and gorges in the early mornings. Those will be followed by sunny skies and warming trends each day. The rest of the week promises to bring west winds heavily laden with the scent of honeysuckle leading into a cloudburst of butterflies, humming birds, honey bees and myriad pollinators.

Sunrise tomorrow will be announced by trees full of birds. Sunsets will occur accompanied by a chorus from croaking frogs, and chirping crickets.

Our forecast could not be any more accurate unless we told you more because there certainly is more to the Gorge. Lots more! Find them at your own pace and believe us, you will be pleased.

Get up early tomorrow so you have time to explore all the possibilities. After all, as one famous Southerner said, “Tomorrow is another day!”

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.

Safe

Hiking in Cliffview and State and Federal Forests of the Red River Gorge Geological Area

The hiking season is now in full swing. Hundreds, thousands of folks from all over the country regularly visit Cliffview Resort and the Red River Gorge Area to enjoy nature’s bounty. There is no better way to experience all the area has to offer than to hike the hundreds of trails in federal, state and private land. We want everyone to have the best hiking experience possible and leave the area with fond memories and beautiful pictures and videos. To make the experience fun, informative and safe we offer a few hints and some do’s and don’ts.

∗ First and foremost, the Boy Scouts are right, Be Prepared!\

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

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

* Take enough food, clothing, and equipment to keep you comfortable for at least another day and night longer than planned in case of emergency.

* Notify others of where you will be, and when you plan to be home, in case someone needs to contact you. Let them know when you return.

* If you are a beginner, contact local outfitters or camping and hiking locations for a general check list of needed equipment. It’s a very good idea to have a comprehensive Red Cross approved First Aid kit and manual.

* Take a cell phone with a fully charged battery. Make certain there is service in the area you plan to explore

* Download a GPS app so friends and family can track your progress and always know exactly where you are. In areas with no service, inexpensive walkie-talkies are a reasonable alternative .

* Always bring waterproof matches or a couple of Bic lighters and a knife of some kind.

* A loud whistle is another good idea. It can be used to attract attention if ‘confused’ and may convince an unwelcome animal to leave the area.

* If hiking in an area bears are known to habituate, make some noise while hiking. Sing, clap your hands, talk, whatever. Bears don’t like to be surprised and if they know you’re approaching, they’ll usually go the other way.

* Remember, you’re a guest, be courteous and appreciative.

If you carry it in, please carry it out!

Take only pictures; leave only footprints and only on designated trails and areas.

* Remember, when you’re enjoying any federal area, guidelines forbid the taking of even a pebble from national parks.

* Never, ever cut a live tree for firewood or for any other reason.

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

* If hiking with Fido, keep him on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

RUCKING

by Sally Cox

The U.S. military has been rucking since WWI. Training with a weighted "ruck sack" prepares the troops for walking long, arduous distances with heavy gear on their backs. Eventually, exercise enthusiasts discovered the plethora of physical benefits including cross training for other sports. Being mindful of your fitness level, rucking regularly helps build your muscles, core, shoulders, legs, and overall back.

To get started, load some weights high in your backpack and close to your spine. You may have to put a towel in the bottom of your pack to raise the weights. This promotes a healthy posture and takes undue pressure off your back and neck. Don't let your shoulders or body lean forward. Even though, walking with a weighted backpack is fairly low impact and easier on the joints, there is a risk of injury like any sport. If you ruck too often and/or use weights that are too heavy, it can cause lower back, shoulder or neck pain. So how much weight should you carry? Well, if you consult with the sports "experts" online, the ultimate goal is to carry 1/3 of your body weight. Yowza! For example, since I weigh 150 lbs, I should begin with a 12 lb. backpack and eventually tote 50 lbs. on my back! Obviously, these goals were created by hardcore fitness aficionados or boot camp drill instructors. Be extremely cautious when seeking online advise. The standards set do not take in consideration critical wellness factors such as age and health issues i.e. comorbidities, previous injuries, etc.

The U.S. Army's ruck hike goal is 15 minutes. per mile but beginners shouldn't walk faster than 20 minutes per mile. Remember, always walk don't run with a weighted backpack.

I started with a regular backpack filled with hand weights but you can use food cans, etc., as long as they're immobile in your pack. I already walked 4-5 miles a day but still only started with 6 lbs on my back and less than 2 miles. I would advise rucking in a close vicinity for 15 minutes before venturing further or longer. Proper walking shoes are a must. Rucking according to the recommended guideline of 150 minutes a week improves cognitive ability, stamina, and reduces stress. Burning extra calories with weighted steps is also a bonus. For older participants, rucking helps build stronger, denser bones which reduces the risk of injury if you fall. Some safety tips to follow: 1) Always tell someone your route and destination 2) Bring plenty of water 3) Bring your cellphone and be aware of your surroundings.

As with any new exercise program, consult your physician before rucking. Unless you're training for a competition or the military, set reachable pain free goals. Take walking breaks to stop and smell the wildflowers! I always take a restful moment to pet my neighbor's lovable cows along the way!

Herpetology Weekend

Join HHS at Herpetology Weekend at Natural Bridge State Park, Slade, KY! Part of the stunning Red River Gorge, enjoy presentations, field herping, and venom extractions by Kentucky Reptile Zoo. A must-attend for herp enthusiasts! For more information visit Natural Bridge State Park's facebook page. May 03, 2024, 7:00pm May 04, 2024, 10:00 PM

Bluegrass Bits

Wolfe County Tourism Must See Nature Locations

Muir Valley Nature Preserve and Climbing Area- 48 Muir Rd, Rogers, KY

Southeast Mountain Guides- 1617 KY-11, Campton, KY

Graining Fork Nature Preserve- KY-11, Campton, KY

Hike to- Chimney Top Rock, Rock Bridge, Skybridge, Angel Windows, Silvermine Arch, Creation falls, Princess Arch, Indian Staircase and so much more.

Wolfe Lake- Lake Rd, Campton KY

Mill Creek Lake- 2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY

Okay,Let’sgetto thebottomofthis. TheWellistheone andonlyliquor storeinBeattyville sellingliquor,beer Located in Beattyville on KY Rte 52 in the Boneyard Building at River’s Edge.

Enjoy a peaceful, relaxing eve on the patio sipping a glass of wine watching the river flow.

bryan@theboneyardwell.com