The Official (only!) Newspaper of The Red River Gorge
Mission Statement
To provide Christian ministries during appropriate seasons of the year, including Christmas and Easter, through a system of delivering clothes, food, toys, and school supplies to impoverished families; to assist in repair of existing homes or relocating to other homes when appropriate; to provide scholarships for qualifying children of the area; to assist in developing skills or other expertise for the creation of new or expanded jobs in the area; and to assist in locating jobs for persons who are willing to relocate outside the area. The Mission of Hope is a year round ministry blessed to assist many of our less fortunate Appalachian neighbors with much needed goods and resources; college scholarships; and help with basic educational, health care and home repair needs.
If you would like to make a financial donation to Mission of Hope for our year round ministry expenses it would be greatly appreciated. The 2010 independent financial audit confirmed that 90 percent of every dollar donated went directly back into programs assisting individuals. Thank you for caring enough to help those who still have hope. www.MissionofHope.org
Great (Gorge) Expectations
Don’t you just love it when you make the right decision, the perfect choice? Well, since you are reading this, we must assume you are either here in the Red River Gorge Area or preparing to arrive.
So, you’re batting 1,000 so far.
Actually, that was the easy part, the easiest decision. Now all you have to do is choose which great adventure, what scenic area to visit first and where to eat. (hint: Daniel Boone Deli is one choice. La Cabana another) Then you will want to be even more specific.
After you check into your perfectly appointed and equipped cabin, inn or lodge, get settled in and relax a bit, you and the family will be anxious to get out there and truly appreciate what you are about to experience. Every venue in the Gorge Area has been conceived, designed and constructed to exceed expectations. We know that goal has been attained cause we enjoy ‘em too!
There’s hiking on any of the hundreds of trails ranging from easy-peasy to rough and tough.
Within just a few miles you have access to off-road mud flingin’ excitement, miniature golf and eighteen hole courses.
There’s canoeing and kayaking, horseback riding and rock climbing. By the way the rock climbing here is world class. As a matter of fact, due to the number – hundreds - and variety of sandstone cliffs, the area is one of the best and most popular climbing destinations on the planet! People come here from all across the globe. The majority of our visitors come back, usually bringing friends or family, time and time again.
If you are looking for some truly adrenaline pumpin’ excitement there’s the Red River Gorge Zipline located in the Cliffview Resort. The five stations virtually fly you through the air at 50 miles per hour, 300 feet above the canopy below. The last two runs have parallel lines so you can challenge your companions for the Zipline Championship of the Day. It’s priceless. (That means there are no prizes just braggin’ rights.)
And, if that didn’t do it for you, think Helicopter.
Grab the gang of all ages and take a whirly bird trip up, up and away. So, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised when you discover The Gorge Area is way more than just a fun vacation destination - it’s the fun-est vacation destination!
I guarantee you’re gonna be as tickled to be here as much we are to have you with us.
Jerry Ison Jerry Ison Jerry Ison Jerry Ison
Publisher Jenny Ison
Editor Jerry Ison
Contributors
Jerry Ison
Miranda Fallen
Nancy Hamann
Sally Cox
Graphics
Ingrid Miller
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.
Peace Peace Peace Peace
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." ---Luke 2:14
Peace on earth. What a terrific idea. But what is peace? The dictionary gives many definitions ranging from quiet and tranquility to lack of motion or movement. Peace is defined as the freedom from war, conflict and hostilities; concord and amity; a state of mutual harmony. Aside from a physical condition where one is free from disorder and civil commotion, peace is also a mental and spiritual calmness and freedom from disturbances arising from passion or a sense of guilt. Peace is an important concept to Christians; indeed, Jesus is often referred to as the "Prince of Peace"
The word peace or words based on the word peace are found in more than 130 Old Testament verses and more than 100 New Testament verses. One of the most enduring Christian icons is the dove as a symbolic representation of peace. This of course is taken from the tale of Noah in the book of Genesis. Through the years, other symbols have come to be associated with the idea of peace; none more familiar than the so- called "peace sign".
This was originally a representation of a jet bomber and was used in the "Ban the Bomb" protests of the very early 60's in England.
England is also the origin of the other peace sign, two fingers raised. It is believed Winston Churchill used this as a "V" for Victory salute and the gesture later became associated with the hippies and "Peaceniks"
"Peace!", is an expression of well-wishing or a salutation. as well as a word of parting, so let me say, once again.... Peace, man!
Why December 25 Why December 25
Why December Why December
Christmas is a celebration of the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ and many Christmas customs are based on that event. The tradition of giving presents originated with the Wise Men bringing gifts for the baby Jesus.
Most Christmas Carols are songs of praise for the Christ Child or poems which tell the story of the Birth and other phenomena which occurred that night set to music.
Many of the decorations we use during this season are symbolic of the events: angels, shepherds, the Christmas Star, even the animals which surrounded the Baby Jesus. However, many of the ways people celebrate this holiday have nothing at all to do with the birth of Christ.
The very date of the Christmas celebration, December 25th, may have it's origins in pagan superstitions and customs. In many cultures, it was customary to celebrate the winter solstice, which occurs at about this time of year. Some scholars believe the date chosen was to turn the pagans away from their own celebration and to embrace the tenants of Christianity.
It is believed the Nativity did take place on the 25th. but of which month?
Theologians of the third century interpreted some prophetic scriptures as saying that Christ was indeed born at the time of the winter solstice. During this same period, a set of writings, The Apostolic Constitutions, set forth the idea that the Apostles ordained that the Feast of the Nativity be kept on the 25th day of the ninth month. At that time, December was the ninth month.
In 310 A.D., the Roman Church fixed the birth of Jesus Christ as taking place on December 25 and that day is the date we celebrate today.
The Gingerbread Man in the Gorge
It was a cold Christmas Eve in the Red River Gorge. Chilly December winds were whipping through the holler and over the ridge. Ella thought a homemade batch of gingerbread men cookies would warm up her cozy cabin.
As the cookies were cooling, one gingerbread man suddenly realized he was alive! A glance at the woman and he shuddered when he recognized her, although much older than his recall. He still suffered from PTSD from when a little girl entrapped him in an Easy Bake oven on Christmas Day in 1975. And that little girl was inches away! He knew his only chance for survival was to escape. Just then, he heard a tap-tap-tap on the window pane and sees that his old friend Suzy Snowflake has come to town. With a cheerful, "Come out and play with me", the kitchen window flew open. There was no time to hesitate so out the window he fled. The gingerbread man an, ran as fast as he could through the snow-covered Daniel Boone Forest. Suddenly, the fugitive cookie stumbled upon a couple of dodgy elf-like characters in the thick of the woods making hooch in their still. The two pointyeared scallywags had been fired from their toy making jobs way up North and came South to do a little "freelancing". Being the generous blokes that they were, they enticed the thirsty G-man to a cup of "cider". Unbeknownst to the gullible cookie, it was homemade moonshine. Within minutes of partaking in the mystery glug, G-man sensed he was in danger.
In a drunken stupor, he quickly took flight, running away yelling, "Run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the Gingerbread man!"
Now desperate to get home and with luck on his side, the gingerbread man ran into Rudy the reindeer who offered him a ride home. But as soon as he saw the deer's nose light up, G-man high-tailed it out of there. The temperature was dropping and with no place to go, the gingerbread man decided there was safety in numbers and headed back to reunite with the "cool" batch in the warm cabin. Despite being "lit up", he staggered to the fireplace hearth to warm up and sleep off the effects of the moonshine, "When what to his wondering eyes should appear but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer".
Startled awake by a white bearded man in a red suit, "He knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow" as he proceeded to eat G-man from head to toe!
As he drove out of sight, the Jolly Old Elf exclaimed “That was the best cookie I've had all night!”
Merry Christmas everyone Merry everyone everyone! !!
Note: The beloved song "Suzy Snowflake" was written by Sid Tepper and Roy Bennett and made famous by Kentuckian, Rosemary Clooney, in 1951. Author Clement Clark Moore wrote the iconic, "Night Before Christmas" for his children in 1822 but wasn't published until 1844 in a book of poetry
We thank Sally of Sally’sBakingAddiction.c Sally’sBakingAddiction.com om for the perfect picture of the Gorge G-Man. Sally actually baked the cookies you see in this picture and you can too!
Yep, just paste this link into your browser address bar: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/best-gingerbread-cookies/ and, as they say up in Frenchburg - Voila!
Here you will find the recipe for these G-men, there are literally thousands and thousands of recipes on her site just waiting for you. That’s not all, either. There are step by step instructions with photos of pies, cakes, cookies and side dishes.
“To provide basic and emergency care to all those in need.”
P.O. Box 51824
Knoxville, TN 37950
Phone: 865-584-7571
www.MissionofHope.org
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
