A Little Road Trip for a Bucket List

Hubby:  "Want to take a little road trip?"
Me:  "Sure, where to?"
Hubby:  "Well, you know I've wanted to visit Mammoth Cave for years."
Me:  "Yeah.  Since I've known you."
Hubby:  "How about there?"
Me:  "OK.  When we leaving?"

As the preparations developed, he kindly explained that the entire trip would entail 5 hour drives each of three days.

First we'd head for Canaan State Park, WV where we would spend two nights.
Next, just about 5 hours away, Mammoth Cave, KY. to spend two nights.
And finally, Blackwater Falls, WV for the last two nights.

We set out on a beautiful day and it was, indeed, just about 5 hours (not including stops) to Canaan.

Getting into the mountains always makes me happy.

 Sitting and looking down at the pool, we couldn't help but be nostalgic for the days when our boys were with us....I could see them diving and swimming, rolling down the hill, feeding the deer.  Although it is a beautiful place, it has just a tint of sadness that those days are gone.

 We took a hike in the beautiful forest....the peacefulness is amazing.

On one of our hikes we caught this view of the lodge where we stayed.
Want to check out Canaan?  Click here
It is a hospitable and modern place, with fabulous rooms.

On the third day of our trip we set out with no little excitement to get to KY and the Mammoth Cave.
On the way, we stopped at Elkins Sewing Center, Elkins WV.  http://www.elkinssewingcenter.com/
as a treat for me.  I have been wanting to get a Row by Row from a shop in WV since it is one of my favorite states.  Now I'll always be thinking of this most delightful shop.  They sell and support Viking sewing machines...the girl who gives classes broke my heart telling me everything I could enjoy there.  It is truly a wonder and if any of my dear readers get in the vicinity, do yourselves a favor and stop in!
  Once back  in the car, Larry gave me the map - I opened it up....and opened it up....and opened it up and exclaimed "Oh, my gosh!  Larry!  This is a looonnnnggg way!"
And it was!  The 5 hour trip turned into a 10 hour trip!  There were a couple of times when it looked like we might have to change our itinerary, but we hung in and drove in to the parking lot at about 10:30 or 11:00 PM.

I have to say, our welcome wasn't very warm.  The young man at the counter of the lobby clearly had better things to do, and his directions to our cabin were less than clear.  Keep in mind that it was pitch dark and we had no idea where we were nor where we were to go.  His directions included just a few words, something like, "find the trail, count off 7 cabins and that's yours."
Umm "find the trail?"
Fortunately Larry had packed flashlights.  We wandered around a bit until we found what seemed to be the head of a trail...and eventually it was paved.  As we approached cabin 1, I had to flash the light across the front to see the number.  And then, dragging our bags, we carefully paced off 7 cabins. 
When I opened the door, it looked quite charming inside, but our cottage had a serious case of b/o!  We were both exhausted, and Larry was getting concerned because of my asthma...he figured the smell of the old cottage might get to me.  I tried to assure him that it didn't seem so bad and that once we'd made the second hike to the car and back, we should get a good night's sleep.  The morning would bring a better frame of mind.
And it did.  For whatever reason, my asthma never reacted to the smell and the day went beautifully.  Lar was very tired from the drive, so I walked the grounds by myself and then we took a hike, killing time until our tour of the cave.

Larry had booked us for the Focus Tour.  He had no idea that it was undoubtedly the best of the tours.  From what we understand, many of the tours simply take you through many areas of the caves that are quite plain...just big open caverns.  This one, according to the Rangers, is the most interesting section with so many formations.  It is also the tour to take if you are an avid photographer...they allow flashes, and make time for one to set up tripods and take all the time they like to take pictures.  Had I known, I probably would have taken our better camera.  As it was, my phone would have to do.

It was so nice to have accomplished this trip to see something that hubby has long wished to see...it made the butt-numbing ride very worthwhile!
But now, we were faced with another long, long trip.  I suggested we get out early, which we did, and for some reason, it also took us slightly less time getting back to West Virginia.

One of our favorite places on the planet....Blackwater Falls State Park

 The lodge.

 The laurel was full in bloom.

 How many times I've been down these steps with a toddler on my hip? 

 The "cave" where, forty years ago our kids would hunker down and hide.  Fenced off now.  But I felt like I could still hear the echo of their laughter.

 "Where there's a will".....

 We hiked up to find another view of the falls across the canyon.

And then we drove about 5 hours and were home.  And ready for our next adventure.