Taylor Bay Dry Camping

WOW! Little did we realize how pretty and pristine Taylor Bay would greet us. The Forest Service Ranger who recommended the campground was right on. This was our first attempt at truly dry camping. The campground does not offer any utilities, with only a single vault toilet.

However, the camp sites are spacious, gravel and well shaded. The campground includes a paved boat ramp and small dock. The location is near the Energy Lake and Nature Center of Land Between the lakes (LBL). The only requirement is purchase of a $20 annual back country camping pass and all the LBL is yours. I recommend you do yourself a favor and explore the LBL and back country camping. Dispersed Camping is available in all federal lands only for your asking.

We enjoyed a shaded site fairly level and with a good view of Taylor Bay. We could launch our Kayaks from the boat ramp and tour the bay and creek located at rear of the bay. We have so enjoyed our new "boats". We only have to launch a 45 lb. boat and paddle our way around in quiet waters. I can even fish from the boat. No motors, noise or pollution from the kayaks.
We survived dry camping for 4 nights on our water tanks. We showered in the motorhome and utilized the generator sparingly. We enjoyed company from home on Sunday, cooking steaks on the grill and playing in the lake with the kayaks.

We had a near full campground for the 4Th of July holiday. However, not a full campground on such a holiday is great. During the fall we should have the place almost to our selves and a much more quite experience. If I included a map I would have to kill my readers to keep the place a bit secret.

I do recommend you tour the LBL and visit the back country sites. You may camp anywhere off a paved road unless the are is prohibited. This is dispersed camping at its best. Have fun and save my some fish fillets.

Happy Trails,

Barry

Campground Characters 2010

Good ole Boy, Pantie Girl, nude naked picnic table sun bathing, 80 yr. old with motor home having 200,000 miles, Wayne is trouble dog, Vietnam chopper pilot, 70+ sunbather, GOLF CART SERENADE,

"GOOD OLE BOY!"

Now you just never know the mind of a camper. While walking my trusty Dog Bailey, we ventured to the boat dock. This area lends itself to not only fishing but the "soap box" of the campground. While Bailey and I were lounging on the dock, we struck up a conversation with two local fishermen. A husband and wife team, that is.

Somehow the conversation evolved around new medical procedures. This must have been prompted by my mention of a new bionic knee replacement I am in hopes of. My explanation of the need for a new knee set off the seismic response and lecture of the current boat dock preacher. Little did I know?????

The Good Ole Boy just left the set of the "Beverly's" or Andy Griffith. I am sure the used furniture of the household is on the porch or possibly under the canopy of the RV in the Canal Camp ground. But one should not stereo-type. At best the "Boy" can speak English under the vernacular of western Kentucky.

It seems that he has the opinion, based somewhat on his daughter's experience in the nursing field, that some odd experiments are occurring in the Space Lab. That would be SPACE LAB, not Lab on the porch. It seems she has had some limited experience in grating parts to people in need of parts.

His hypothesis is that some experimental cloning is occurring in the space lab. Why would the nations involved go to all the trouble and expense of flying various craft to the stations, building these "wings" just to watch the sun and moon. I mentioned maybe later exploration of other planets, but this fell on deaf and hairy ears. Not to mention the braided nose hair, cut off jeans and shredded shirt with plaid patterns, but I digress.

It seems that "Boy" has the certain opinion that the nations of the new World Order are cloning humans in their mold, zero gravity, in the space lab. That must be It! He extrapolated, (in broad daylight), that they were creating the perfect human to plant among us and finish the World Order formation. Of course I was struck with this expansive and well thought out idea of world domination. After all, his nurse daughter found that grafting skin to burn victims was a common practice. Soooooo, why not create new human beings. Makes since.

Now, all my readers are accustomed to my quiet, shy demeanor and lack of opinions. However, in this case I felt a compunction to mention my kidneys. That's right, particularly my right kidney. It was my response that if I needed a right vs. left kidney, and "they" could grow me one, just put that sucker in my body. I would take my chances with world domination of the new order. Well, this did not bring much response from the "Boy" except to mention that he would never accept such a growth in him.

I just say, "give me his good kidney"!

Dog Pound

Herding horses, goats, pigs and cats cannot be as difficult as herding two vivacious DOGS! Now, granted, they had not had a couple glasses of wine, but bodily requirements seem to be utmost in demand. Now, the puppy, Bella, seems to have a gastrointestinal problem with auto travel. How does a 7 lb. dog puck up 5 lbs of food? I think she does this just to spite Bailey. You know, the alpha female.

Well, needless to say, she grossed up my back seat with puck. Good thing she does not like red wine. Now, no one has lived till they have to pick up poop from two dogs with 6 ft. leashes at one moment. Opening the poop bag, entwined in dogs, smelling each others ass, while I attempt to be calm picking up two piles of poop in full view of all camp ground visitors. I am beginning to know what an octopus feels like feeding all eight arms. Good thing I did not have to wipe asses.

Now, walking two dogs should not be a problem, right. I dare you to try this while sober. For some unknown reason, both dogs want to walk in front of me, crossing leashes and smelling butts. It is even more fun when another dog in the camp ground shows its ass and mingles with my pack. A Chinese fire drill all over again. By the time this walk was over, I wanted to shit all over all dogs. Cats are starting to look Good. I now understand why the Louis and Clark Expedition traded anything to the Indians for dog meat.

Well, they are now laying at my feet like little angles. They must know I am spilling the truth about their behavior. It is really hard to kill them when they are being good. Suckers are born every day. I think I will have to tie them to my leash and walk them all over the campground, smelling all scents on earth and make them pick up my poop. HEY YES, that would be a unique event.

Ok, no more talk of poop. I will be calm in the AM and walk dogs to their heart and butts content. Eureka may sink under the poop, but let it never be said I did not walk my dogs. I just want to know who designed the dog poop bags that are advertised as recyclable!

Happy Trails,

Bailey and Bella

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