Canal Fog

There are visions in each day when the beauty of the world displays itself at unexpected moments.

The late afternoon "fog" fell upon the Canal Campground gently and was embraced by the welcome sun. I shared the moment with my 2ND best girl, Bailey.

It is my experience, although limited, that the best moments seem to be those most unexpected. Now, this moment occurred while walking Bailey toward the Canal entrance with a good view of the trash dumpster. Sublime light. However, the moment presented itself and my thoughts jumped to those souls lifting upward into the sun on a beautiful late spring day. I do hope more days end in this fashion. After all, this experience has to surpass the traffic, noise, rush to home that many experience. I am blessed to have the opportunity to enjoy this moment.

A thunder storm rolled in shortly after this moment, but the lower temps and cool breeze makes the rain a soft evening. Soft days are to be embraced and kept in the memory. Like holding hands with your best girl, sitting by a fire watching the water changes colors as the sun sets. Now that is bliss.

Now, this moment of bliss has passed and the dogs, Bella and Bailey are wrestling at my feet, the rain has returned and bison burgers are on the grill. Not a dull moment on the canal.

Happy Trails,

Weather Forcasting 2010

As the weather in the Commonwealth of Kentucky can be varied and unpredictable, the advent of scientific forecasting has enhanced the camping experience in the Lake Barkley area. Hence the reliable forecasting stone.

Situated at the entrance to the Canal Campground, the forecasting stone is consulted by campers, rangers and all inhabitants of Grand Rivers, Ky.

Although during the recent record rains and resulting floods, the stone remained above water but water pooling under the rock predicted the resulting flooding of the campground. The following conditions are a reliable predictor of weather in the immediate area.

1) Stone wet on sides = rain

2). Stone jumping up and down = earthquake

3). Stone white on top = snow

4). Stone swinging side to side = windy

5). Stone gone = tornado



As you can read on the sign, these are just a few of my favorite predictions. The Corp of engineers should be commended for their insight into all things weather related and retention to a since of humor. As always, Happy Trails to all.

Rubber Rates

THE LITE SIDE EXPERIENCE

Every now and again, you meet people who make an impression upon you. As we have frequented the Lite Side Restaurant on many occasions, we enjoy each visit and are entertained by Bob and Irene. Let me explain!

The Lite Side is at Grand Rivers, Kentucky along the shores of Kentucky Lake. While Grand Rivers is dominated by "Patti's" 1800 Village, the Lite Side has the corner on original dining. Now, this begs the explanation of dining. The experience begins with the welcome of Irene and Bob. This duo have added pleasure to the area for almost 20 years. The menu changes daily with original recipes by Irene. But this is only the obvious part of the experience.

Now, Bob is actually "Ralph Crampton". You know, the "Honeymooners" of the 1950's. Bob has the gift of slight of eye while cunning of the cat to lure you into his story. Not so light on his feet, Bob, aka, Ralph, can dance his way into a good story. Self deprivation is a classic for Bob, but he is capable of the laying on blame to his dear wife Irene. Irene has her own character, but she will never make her way to the moon, via Ralph. Bob is a Vietnam Vet but not one to make a point of the fact. He does cook a mean breakfast casserole, if pressed. Do not offer Bob a knee joint for he will accept. As Bob slides effortlessly across the kitchen floor, the bad knee does not slow this Dancing with the Stars candidate. If you truly enjoy the lite side, do not indulge in the Bison Bob Sandwich. I do remember that Bob promised to deliver the vodka to our camp site at Canal.

Now for Irene. The dame of the bakery. Irene can be explained as a gentle Betty White. Of course this includes a bit of the bawdy Betty, but the class shows through. Irene can turn a good phrase with cutting slashes into Bob when necessary. But there is love in that bread. Ahhh the bread. Fresh pastries each morning of about any flavor imagined. A loaf of the Irene bread is near perfect bliss. The muffins capture the imagination with so many flavors, a bakers dozen cannot cover all the varieties. Miss Irene seems to please all customers with fresh pastries, flowers and new stories involving Mr. Bob.

Please do yourself a favor and visit Irene and Bob (Betty and Ralph) on your visit to the Grand Rivers, KY area. This is a DO NOT MISS. Tell them Barry and Denise sent you. This will not result in free food but maybe a smile and good laugh. Who knows, maybe we will get a free muffin next visit.

Happy trails,

Barry & Denise. (Rubber Rats)

Eureka Camp Ground

Our long planned visit to Eureka Camp Ground materialized this weekend. Little did we know of the events to unfold during our stay. Now any reader of this blog will understand when I say, "we know not what to expect". That has remained consistent with this adventure.

Having selected a site in advance, after a visit via auto, I arrived prior to Denise in order to prepare an excellent camping adventure. The site was a bit narrow but my motor home skills prevailed and camp was pitched. Denise arrived with our new camper "Bella". Now Bella is our new puppy. A vivacious little mixed or hybrid dog, the breeds of which I cannot spell. However, she is wonderful, spunky and a never ending experience for my companion, Bailey.

Our evening was calm, however, an old man camp by, sporting a long white beard and mentioned collecting animal's, 2 x 2. We experienced rain Friday evening. Saturday was very wet but I managed to use my camping skills, catching a number of catfish, and prepared a sumptuous evening meal. My camping skills are so well honed, that not only did I catch, skin, clean and prepare dinner, I also cleaned the kitchen. What more can be expected from a true explorer such as myself.

However, Saturday evening opened with a "shock and Awe" show not unlike a war zone. We had near 12 inches of rain creating rapid growth of Lake Barkley. Our camping neighbor awoke to water lapping at the rear of their trailer and effected a quick move to higher ground. Now, our site was not in such danger, however, we did move the coach a bit higher prior to our trip to a well prepared lunch at the Lite Side. We will discuss the Lite Side in a future post. As the day wore on, water took command of our site and we to moved to much higher ground. I did see that old man again with quite a few critters following him.

I did use my negotiating skills to convince the park ranger not to disconnect our electric service due to rising water. This paid dividends as we could continue 50 amp power through the night and into Monday. Yes, I did say Monday. I volunteered to stay behind and clean, cook and break camp on Tuesday. Someone has to do all the work. The water has continued to rise, however, I have about 12 inches on the electrical junction before I must disconnect. The damns are releasing record levels or volume of water and perhaps this will keep my site with power. Oh the sacrifices I make.

The camp hosts and range have been more than helpful. We can recommend this site and camp ground to all. The camp ground offers many water front site (even prior to a flood) so bring the fishing equipment. Alas, I must depart tomorrow for more work orders. We have booked a return visit to Eureka in the coming weeks. Hopefully, no more Ark builders will stage a convention in this area.

Happy Trails