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Artist:  WhiteShepherd

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This is WhiteShepherd. After getting the news that a good fur friend (Swifty) was leaving, I decided it was time for one last memorable outing for Swifty. I rented a bunkhouse in the Kentucky state park "Carter Caves" and we headed out with all the local furs who chose to come!

=Whenever I feel a picture shows a great nature scene I'll mark it with a gold star in it's description. Those pictures I highly recommend you view in full size for it's effect. :)
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The drive there was beautiful. Seeing the park was breath taking. :) IMO Carter Caves is one of the best parks in the country as far as great natural beauty.
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We got to "bunkhouse 1" and it was nestled deep in the woods of the park. We also had some tent campers around us too.
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The bunkhouse came with 6 bunk beds able to sleep 12. It's a simple design but was clean and insulated from the cold. Electric was also provided. Swifty claims his top bunk. :)

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OakShadow took a top bunk next to Swifty.
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A dirt and gravel road lead to the bunkhouse. We parked as close as we could and unloaded.
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As you can see there was plenty of yard but lots of trees and great nature views around the bunk house.
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Kwan, another local fur, getting settled into her bunk.

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Swifty really liked the park. Kwan's dog kept close to Swifty where she always got lots of petting.
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Kwan gave us the evil eye for taking her picture. Kind of a silly oxymoron since she was taking our photo. She was jesting with us. ;D
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Swifty and OakShadow hanging out in their bunks.
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Me and Swifty joking around.

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All hail the mighty Swift!
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Once we got settled I started cooking (cutting on a cutting board) before we all got ready to go out.
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Kwan's cute dog Maddy.
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Maddy, "You don't see me... and if you drop any food I'll be right here."

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Look ma I can fly!
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Here I am "WhiteShepherd" sorting supplies.
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I made a so-so "Indian" meal the first night there. People seemed to like it. But I wasn't that impressed.
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Friday was Kada's birthday! She loves chocolate so I got her a German chocolate cake and we all sang happy birthday. :) Afterwards I gave her a present (Dog Whisperer full 2nd season).
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Dishes was a family affair with Kwan asking questions geared to make sure us guys did it "right". ;D
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Around the public well. :)
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Path to the bunk house from the back of the camp registration building.

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Entrance to the camp registration. (photo taken from behind the camp registration building)
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This, I think, is one of the best group shots of the trip! (Kada-Ru was taking the picture.)
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This is a natural bridge formed by prehistoric massive water system. There are caves here as well.
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This is me and the Swift man exploring. We have stopped on a large piece of fallen limestone. The bridge was HUGE.

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There were lots of places to explore under the bridge.
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Entrance to some caves.
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It was a sunny day and the bridge was a pretty contrast to the forest.
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Another scene of the forest from the other side of the bridge.

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Someone spots Kada!
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The shape of the cave rock in various geometric shapes was just amazing on it's shear scale of size.
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Here is Swifty following a trail.
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Here, Kwan is exploring where water juts out of the rock and flows down the cave wall. It leaves a trail of moss and minerals.

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The shear beauty of the place was indescribable! There were caves everywhere and the huge old rocks intermeshed with the old growth of nature was like some fantastic prehistoric dream only rarely seen but in fantasy.
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There was a LOT of rock climbing. Each trip bringing another breath taking view.
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"I am Kwan! Queen of the mountain!" Note: Swifty said he was the competing queen! ;D Lot of good fun!
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This is me, WhiteShepherd. No one noticed this before but after seeing the photo everyone thought this rock looked like an elephant.

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Trail walking we found lots of rocks that protrude from the earth. Great for hide and seek.
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A LOT of hill climbing with creeks often running between them.
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In this land trees and rocks constantly compete for the highest peak. Of course, trees continue to grow with proper settings so I believe the trees are going to win the battle. Though the rocks will be there long after the trees are gone.
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Many caves large and small. Just perfect for the bats.

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Kwan taking in all the scenery!
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Kwan and Kada-Ru stop there exploring for a picture shot! Yay!
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This photo of OakShadow should give you an idea of the size of some of these places.
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Sunlight would kit the creek flowing through and reflect up on the rock. You could see all the ripples flowing outward in the wavy light shows.

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There was many trails to follow.
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Swifty and OakShadow.
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Exploring the bridge again.
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Trees grew right out of the rock many stories above us!
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I found this flower and Kada took a picture of it. It just has that passing feel of "fall" that went over the whole valley.
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This giant rock formation looked like a giant whale with it's mouth open.

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Finding new caves often meant following the creeks.
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Look how high the creek cut through the rock.
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There are MANY trails in the park great for hiking. They range from 2 to 300 miles in length.
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Following creeks is a great way to find caves.

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A soft fern growing out between two old giant rocks.
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Kada caught me trail walking.
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Then she asked me to turn around.

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The hills are soil on hard rock (mostly limestone). It supports a diverse platform of plants and animals.
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The fading of fall flowers.
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Trees even grow out of the rock shelves!
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In this moisture rich land moss and liken commonly grow on the rocks.

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We are near the camp welcome center where they have stone paths built in the 1930s-1940s by the Kentucky WPA.
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Traveling the trails from time to time we'd come across a bridge.
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Kwan and Swifty taking in the natural beauty.
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Look hard and you might find a cave... ;)

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We are now exploring a system by the name of X-cave. This cave is dry and not to hard to walk.
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It doesn't take long to go DEEP within the earth.
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Minerals wash away at different rates leaving unique shapes, colors and formations.
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This is "cave coral" and is the mineral deposits left by splashing watter.

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Down, down, the cave goes. :)
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This is a stalactite that appears at least 30 feet in length (doesn't all fit in camera). It takes 250 years for a stalactite to grow 1 inch. Guess how old this piece of living mother earth has been growing?? :)
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Running water leaves heavier deposits of minerals.
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A REALLY big cave cricket.

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A brown bat in X-cave. Kwan teased that it was a stuffed bat because it wasn't moving. It is fall and hibernation time for bats.
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Not only did cave chambers open up in the left and right, there were also vast tunnels that went up above our heads.
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Ok look it's another stuffed bat says Kwan. ;D
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At one point in X-cave we came to an exit way above a cliff.

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The last cave we entered was a system by the name of "Laural Cave".  It is a BIG cave and navigation can be a little tricky (though not as hard as Bat cave).  The camera kept picking up this strange mist that we never saw.  Perhaps it was an old cave ghost to warn us? :)
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Laural is a "living" growing cave with water running through it.  It can get quite wet and muddy at times.
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Clusters of bats hang on the walls here.
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They seem to group together and "chirp" loudly at each other when they compete for space.

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This way they really look like little flying mice!
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Some little black bats hanging together.
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And for your entertainment the X-Wing bat fighter!
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They seemed to prefer cracks in the walls slightly recessed from the rest of the cave.

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This is a neat basin that was formed smooth by falling water.  Notice how wide it is at the top then as the flow decreased the basin form got smaller farther down.
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Traveling through Laural Cave was neat but we had to be careful.  The cave is staggered with underground pools which we had to navigate around by clinging to walls.
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The rock in Laural took many different shapes.
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Some pretty mineral deposits left by running watter.

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Dripping water from the ceiling makes it's own mini rock basin pools.
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OakShadow taking pictures in Laural Cave.
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Small stream of watter flowing through the cave near an entrance.
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The ceiling was VERY tall in Laural.

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Carter Caves runs a GREAT haunted trail around Christmas. One of the visitors decided to dress as Santa and chase monsters. :) Here Kada poses for a picture.
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We saw this guy wandering the woods that night. Hmm, he seems to look familiar.
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Ah yes, it's just William Shatner here to kill Santa for taking to much attention. Time for a new Generation. :)
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Following a trail behind the welcome center we found a "beautiful" little picnic area by a stream and cave.

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Over the river and through the woods...
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Following the creek the trees were amazing.
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A little seed pod sat on a moss covered stump. I just thought it was pretty.
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A kid was breaking rocks near a natural bridge. We told him to stop and leave the place as he found it so others could enjoy it.

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Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you tomorrow, your only a day... a... way!
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Kwan thinks it's funny I'm being such a mother hen. ;D
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Swifty in the ZONE!
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Aww! Kwan decides to hug the cute Swifty!

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I suggest to Kwan that she check out the ceiling from the big rock.
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...and what a view it is!
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Camp registration center.
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The drive home was a pretty one. Full of life and memories.

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Clear blue skies on a fall day.
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It was pne of the best of trips. But who knows.. next time may be even better. :)

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The WhiteShepherd (fuzzydog{at}whiteshepherd.net)

0-10-21-07_013.jpg original file (2845 kb) (pp:0) This is WhiteShepherd. After getting the news that a good fur friend (Swifty) was leaving, I decided it was time for one last memorable outing for Swifty. I rented a bunkhouse in the Kentucky state park "Carter Caves" and we headed out with all the local furs who chose to come! =Whenever I feel a picture shows a great nature scene I'll mark it with a gold star in it's description. Those pictures I highly recommend you view in full size for it's effect. :)	10-19-07_409.jpg original file (2771 kb) (pp:0) The drive there was beautiful. Seeing the park was breath taking. :) IMO Carter Caves is one of the best parks in the country as far as great natural beauty.	10-19-07_414.jpg original file (2557 kb) (pp:0) We got to "bunkhouse 1" and it was nestled deep in the woods of the park. We also had some tent campers around us too.	10-19-07_416-r.jpg original file (2337 kb) (pp:0) The bunkhouse came with 6 bunk beds able to sleep 12. It's a simple design but was clean and insulated from the cold. Electric was also provided. Swifty claims his top bunk. :)
10-19-07_417-r.jpg original file (2224 kb) (pp:0) OakShadow took a top bunk next to Swifty.	10-19-07_418.jpg original file (2894 kb) (pp:0) A dirt and gravel road lead to the bunkhouse. We parked as close as we could and unloaded.	10-19-07_419.jpg original file (2927 kb) (pp:0) As you can see there was plenty of yard but lots of trees and great nature views around the bunk house.	10-19-07_422-r.jpg original file (2437 kb) (pp:0) Kwan, another local fur, getting settled into her bunk.
10-19-07_426-r.jpg original file (2955 kb) (pp:0) Swifty really liked the park. Kwan's dog kept close to Swifty where she always got lots of petting.	10-19-07_427.jpg original file (1939 kb) (pp:0) Kwan gave us the evil eye for taking her picture. Kind of a silly oxymoron since she was taking our photo. She was jesting with us. ;D	10-19-07_429.jpg original file (1244 kb) (pp:0) Swifty and OakShadow hanging out in their bunks.	10-19-07_430.jpg original file (1583 kb) (pp:0) Me and Swifty joking around.
10-19-07_431.jpg original file (1946 kb) (pp:0) All hail the mighty Swift!	10-19-07_436.jpg original file (1976 kb) (pp:0) Once we got settled I started cooking (cutting on a cutting board) before we all got ready to go out.	10-19-07_438.jpg original file (1863 kb) (pp:0) Kwan's cute dog Maddy.	10-19-07_440-r.jpg original file (2215 kb) (pp:0) Maddy, "You don't see me... and if you drop any food I'll be right here."
10-19-07_442.jpg original file (1469 kb) (pp:0) Look ma I can fly!	10-19-07_443.jpg original file (1646 kb) (pp:0) Here I am "WhiteShepherd" sorting supplies.	10-19-07_447.jpg original file (1593 kb) (pp:0) I made a so-so "Indian" meal the first night there. People seemed to like it. But I wasn't that impressed.	10-19-07_448-r.jpg original file (2158 kb) (pp:0) add desc
10-19-07_449.jpg original file (1827 kb) (pp:0) Friday was Kada's birthday! She loves chocolate so I got her a German chocolate cake and we all sang happy birthday. :) Afterwards I gave her a present (Dog Whisperer full 2nd season).	10-19-07_451.jpg original file (1304 kb) (pp:0) Dishes was a family affair with Kwan asking questions geared to make sure us guys did it "right". ;D	10-19-07_453.jpg original file (1723 kb) (pp:0) Around the public well. :)	10-19-07_455.jpg original file (3040 kb) (pp:0) Path to the bunk house from the back of the camp registration building.
10-19-07_462.jpg original file (3382 kb) (pp:0) Entrance to the camp registration. (photo taken from behind the camp registration building)	10-19-07_464.jpg original file (2065 kb) (pp:0) This, I think, is one of the best group shots of the trip! (Kada-Ru was taking the picture.)	10-19-07_488-r.jpg original file (2583 kb) (pp:0) This is a natural bridge formed by prehistoric massive water system. There are caves here as well.	10-19-07_489.jpg original file (2096 kb) (pp:0) This is me and the Swift man exploring. We have stopped on a large piece of fallen limestone. The bridge was HUGE.
10-19-07_499.jpg original file (1475 kb) (pp:0) There were lots of places to explore under the bridge.	10-19-07_502.jpg original file (1762 kb) (pp:0) Entrance to some caves.	10-19-07_504-r.jpg original file (2852 kb) (pp:0) It was a sunny day and the bridge was a pretty contrast to the forest.	10-19-07_505.jpg original file (2582 kb) (pp:0) Another scene of the forest from the other side of the bridge.
10-19-07_509-r.jpg original file (2363 kb) (pp:0) Someone spots Kada!	10-19-07_511-r.jpg original file (2140 kb) (pp:0) The shape of the cave rock in various geometric shapes was just amazing on it's shear scale of size.	10-19-07_515-r.jpg original file (2678 kb) (pp:0) Here is Swifty following a trail.	10-19-07_516-r.jpg original file (2685 kb) (pp:0) Here, Kwan is exploring where water juts out of the rock and flows down the cave wall. It leaves a trail of moss and minerals.
10-19-07_517.jpg original file (2804 kb) (pp:0) The shear beauty of the place was indescribable! There were caves everywhere and the huge old rocks intermeshed with the old growth of nature was like some fantastic prehistoric dream only rarely seen but in fantasy.	10-19-07_520-r.jpg original file (2607 kb) (pp:0) There was a LOT of rock climbing. Each trip bringing another breath taking view.	10-19-07_521-r.jpg original file (2821 kb) (pp:0) "I am Kwan! Queen of the mountain!" Note: Swifty said he was the competing queen! ;D Lot of good fun!	10-19-07_522.jpg original file (2154 kb) (pp:0) This is me, WhiteShepherd. No one noticed this before but after seeing the photo everyone thought this rock looked like an elephant.
10-19-07_523-r.jpg original file (2810 kb) (pp:0) Trail walking we found lots of rocks that protrude from the earth. Great for hide and seek.	10-19-07_525-r.jpg original file (3286 kb) (pp:0) A LOT of hill climbing with creeks often running between them.	10-19-07_526-r.jpg original file (2969 kb) (pp:0) In this land trees and rocks constantly compete for the highest peak. Of course, trees continue to grow with proper settings so I believe the trees are going to win the battle. Though the rocks will be there long after the trees are gone.	10-19-07_527-r.jpg original file (3118 kb) (pp:0) Many caves large and small. Just perfect for the bats.
10-19-07_528-r.jpg original file (2511 kb) (pp:0) Kwan taking in all the scenery!	10-19-07_529.jpg original file (2441 kb) (pp:0) Kwan and Kada-Ru stop there exploring for a picture shot! Yay!	10-19-07_538.jpg original file (1892 kb) (pp:0) This photo of OakShadow should give you an idea of the size of some of these places.	10-19-07_539-r.jpg original file (2260 kb) (pp:0) Sunlight would kit the creek flowing through and reflect up on the rock. You could see all the ripples flowing outward in the wavy light shows.
10-19-07_542.jpg original file (2920 kb) (pp:0) There was many trails to follow.	10-19-07_543.jpg original file (1998 kb) (pp:0) Swifty and OakShadow.	10-19-07_544.jpg original file (1964 kb) (pp:0) add desc	10-19-07_546.jpg original file (59 kb) (pp:0) add desc
10-19-07_547.jpg original file (1857 kb) (pp:0) Exploring the bridge again.	10-19-07_553.jpg original file (2162 kb) (pp:0) Trees grew right out of the rock many stories above us!	10-19-07_554-r.jpg original file (1845 kb) (pp:0) I found this flower and Kada took a picture of it. It just has that passing feel of "fall" that went over the whole valley.	10-19-07_555.jpg original file (2132 kb) (pp:0) This giant rock formation looked like a giant whale with it's mouth open.
10-19-07_556-r.jpg original file (3421 kb) (pp:0) Finding new caves often meant following the creeks.	10-19-07_557.jpg original file (2428 kb) (pp:0) Look how high the creek cut through the rock.	10-19-07_558.jpg original file (3046 kb) (pp:0) There are MANY trails in the park great for hiking. They range from 2 to 300 miles in length.	10-19-07_560.jpg original file (2463 kb) (pp:0) Following creeks is a great way to find caves.
10-19-07_562.jpg original file (2449 kb) (pp:0) add desc	10-19-07_563.jpg original file (2067 kb) (pp:0) A soft fern growing out between two old giant rocks.	10-19-07_564-r.jpg original file (3028 kb) (pp:0) Kada caught me trail walking.	10-19-07_565-r.jpg original file (3119 kb) (pp:0) Then she asked me to turn around.
10-19-07_567.jpg original file (2994 kb) (pp:0) The hills are soil on hard rock (mostly limestone). It supports a diverse platform of plants and animals.	10-19-07_568.jpg original file (1270 kb) (pp:0) The fading of fall flowers.	10-19-07_570-r.jpg original file (2826 kb) (pp:0) Trees even grow out of the rock shelves!	10-19-07_573.jpg original file (2388 kb) (pp:0) In this moisture rich land moss and liken commonly grow on the rocks.
10-19-07_574.jpg original file (2769 kb) (pp:0) We are near the camp welcome center where they have stone paths built in the 1930s-1940s by the Kentucky WPA.	10-19-07_577.jpg original file (2871 kb) (pp:0) Traveling the trails from time to time we'd come across a bridge.	10-19-07_578.jpg original file (2879 kb) (pp:0) Kwan and Swifty taking in the natural beauty.	10-19-07_579.jpg original file (3144 kb) (pp:0) Look hard and you might find a cave... ;)
10-19-07_583-r.jpg original file (2347 kb) (pp:0) We are now exploring a system by the name of X-cave. This cave is dry and not to hard to walk.	10-19-07_584-r.jpg original file (2104 kb) (pp:0) It doesn't take long to go DEEP within the earth.	10-19-07_585.jpg original file (1951 kb) (pp:0) Minerals wash away at different rates leaving unique shapes, colors and formations.	10-19-07_586.jpg original file (1807 kb) (pp:0) This is "cave coral" and is the mineral deposits left by splashing watter.
10-19-07_587-r.jpg original file (2137 kb) (pp:0) Down, down, the cave goes. :)	10-19-07_588-r.jpg original file (2302 kb) (pp:0) add desc	10-19-07_589-r.jpg original file (2227 kb) (pp:0) add desc	10-19-07_591-r.jpg original file (2167 kb) (pp:0) add desc
10-19-07_592-r.jpg original file (2261 kb) (pp:0) add desc	10-19-07_595-r.jpg original file (2599 kb) (pp:0) This is a stalactite that appears at least 30 feet in length (doesn't all fit in camera). It takes 250 years for a stalactite to grow 1 inch. Guess how old this piece of living mother earth has been growing?? :)	10-19-07_597-r.jpg original file (2554 kb) (pp:0) Running water leaves heavier deposits of minerals.	10-19-07_601.jpg original file (1629 kb) (pp:0) A REALLY big cave cricket.
10-19-07_603.jpg original file (1894 kb) (pp:0) A brown bat in X-cave. Kwan teased that it was a stuffed bat because it wasn't moving. It is fall and hibernation time for bats.	10-19-07_604.jpg original file (1379 kb) (pp:0) Not only did cave chambers open up in the left and right, there were also vast tunnels that went up above our heads.	10-19-07_605.jpg original file (1468 kb) (pp:0) Ok look it's another stuffed bat says Kwan. ;D	10-19-07_607-r.jpg original file (2516 kb) (pp:0) At one point in X-cave we came to an exit way above a cliff.
10-19-07_608-r.jpg original file (198 kb) (pp:0) The last cave we entered was a system by the name of "Laural Cave". It is a BIG cave and navigation can be a little tricky (though not as hard as Bat cave). The camera kept picking up this strange mist that we never saw. Perhaps it was an old cave ghost to warn us? :)	10-19-07_609.jpg original file (163 kb) (pp:0) Laural is a "living" growing cave with water running through it. It can get quite wet and muddy at times.	10-19-07_610.jpg original file (209 kb) (pp:0) Clusters of bats hang on the walls here.	10-19-07_612.jpg original file (202 kb) (pp:0) They seem to group together and "chirp" loudly at each other when they compete for space.
10-19-07_614.jpg original file (193 kb) (pp:0) This way they really look like little flying mice!	10-19-07_615.jpg original file (237 kb) (pp:0) Some little black bats hanging together.	10-19-07_617.jpg original file (219 kb) (pp:0) And for your entertainment the X-Wing bat fighter!	10-19-07_618.jpg original file (194 kb) (pp:0) They seemed to prefer cracks in the walls slightly recessed from the rest of the cave.
10-19-07_620.jpg original file (222 kb) (pp:0) This is a neat basin that was formed smooth by falling water. Notice how wide it is at the top then as the flow decreased the basin form got smaller farther down.	10-19-07_621-r.jpg original file (226 kb) (pp:0) Traveling through Laural Cave was neat but we had to be careful. The cave is staggered with underground pools which we had to navigate around by clinging to walls.	10-19-07_622.jpg original file (206 kb) (pp:0) The rock in Laural took many different shapes.	10-19-07_625-r.jpg original file (252 kb) (pp:0) Some pretty mineral deposits left by running watter.
10-19-07_627-r.jpg original file (255 kb) (pp:0) Dripping water from the ceiling makes it's own mini rock basin pools.	10-19-07_628-r.jpg original file (216 kb) (pp:0) OakShadow taking pictures in Laural Cave.	10-19-07_629-r.jpg original file (243 kb) (pp:0) Small stream of watter flowing through the cave near an entrance.	10-19-07_631-r.jpg original file (208 kb) (pp:0) The ceiling was VERY tall in Laural.
10-20-07_004.jpg original file (1235 kb) (pp:0) Carter Caves runs a GREAT haunted trail around Christmas. One of the visitors decided to dress as Santa and chase monsters. :) Here Kada poses for a picture.	10-20-07_012-r.jpg original file (2277 kb) (pp:0) We saw this guy wandering the woods that night. Hmm, he seems to look familiar.	10-20-07_014-r.jpg original file (1882 kb) (pp:0) Ah yes, it's just William Shatner here to kill Santa for taking to much attention. Time for a new Generation. :)	10-20-07_465.jpg original file (3262 kb) (pp:0) Following a trail behind the welcome center we found a "beautiful" little picnic area by a stream and cave.
10-20-07_468.jpg original file (3103 kb) (pp:0) Over the river and through the woods...	10-20-07_469.jpg original file (3112 kb) (pp:0) Following the creek the trees were amazing.	10-20-07_473.jpg original file (1961 kb) (pp:0) A little seed pod sat on a moss covered stump. I just thought it was pretty.	10-20-07_474-r.jpg original file (3069 kb) (pp:0) A kid was breaking rocks near a natural bridge. We told him to stop and leave the place as he found it so others could enjoy it.
10-20-07_476-r.jpg original file (2932 kb) (pp:0) Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you tomorrow, your only a day... a... way!	10-20-07_477-r.jpg original file (2911 kb) (pp:0) Kwan thinks it's funny I'm being such a mother hen. ;D	10-20-07_479-r.jpg original file (2739 kb) (pp:0) Swifty in the ZONE!	10-20-07_482-r.jpg original file (2863 kb) (pp:0) Aww! Kwan decides to hug the cute Swifty!
10-20-07_483.jpg original file (2218 kb) (pp:0) I suggest to Kwan that she check out the ceiling from the big rock.	10-20-07_487-r.jpg original file (2688 kb) (pp:0) ...and what a view it is!	10-21-07_001.jpg original file (2842 kb) (pp:0) Camp registration center.	10-21-07_023.jpg original file (2046 kb) (pp:0) The drive home was a pretty one. Full of life and memories.
10-21-07_024.jpg original file (2198 kb) (pp:0) Clear blue skies on a fall day.	10-21-07_029.jpg original file (3014 kb) (pp:0) It was pne of the best of trips. But who knows.. next time may be even better. :)