The last day of March I spent at my home in the city, a small
town called Paducah in Western Kentucky with a big city feel and just minutes
from Land between the Lakes. Located in
the middle of the Arts District in Lowertown (we will talk about this
later). April is right around the
corner, spring is in full bloom and the Quilt Show will be her in just a few
weeks which we will also talk about later (it too late to book a room anywhere
close to this town now for that event, because it is a big one! Even Land between the Lakes will be full of
visitors.)
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| Quilt Show |
As for this event ….. Paint the Plugs
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| Paint the Plugs Lowertown Beautification |
It was
relatively quiet in town as the local artists where painting the fire
hydrants. The paint added great
character to the Arts District and is much appreciated by the locals. That was last week.
As I was saying before I got sidetracked …..April 1st
is tomorrow so today is the day to get out those hummingbird feeders because
the hummingbird scouts are going to be coming around looking for a place to
bring their friends. I want to be ready
in the city as well as at the lake to invite them to my places. So I will encourage you to get out the sugar
and the water and mix 1 cup of plain white sugar into 4 cups of plain clear
water and fill up your feeders if you are in our area because the little scouts
are going to be buzzing through real soon.
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| Ready for the Hummingbirds |
The
beauty of nature is endless so take a few minutes and enjoy it every day. Watch spring unfold before your very eyes and
be grateful for the miracle of regeneration.
April
3, 2016
April Fool’s Day has come and gone (thank goodness for
that because I am such a sucker for those pranks) and I survived
unscathed. I had to work my real job the
last couple of days and I am happy to have this day off. My real job is as a retail pharmacist which
is high stress and fast paced that’s why I like to able to stop and be still
and practice gratitude for the lovely things nature offers. On my way to work on April Fool’s Day I was
up and out early and caught the most beautiful sunrise on the water. I wanted to
share it with anyone and everyone who would appreciate it as much as I would.
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| Sunrise April 3, 2016 |
So this is what I got to enjoy before going into the
pharmacy Friday morning. Every time I
watch the sunrise or the sunset I marvel at the power and awesomeness of our
Creator. That’s one of the reasons I
love being on the lake so much. I am
constantly reminded of just how blessed we are to be able to enjoy all the
things that life has to offer. All we
have to do is stop, be still, and enjoy them. Spring brings millions of chances to see the miracles of nature in the blossoms and flowers alone. For example look at these…..
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| Lilacs |
Lilacs just starting to bloom and if I had "smellovision" you could even enjoy their scent. Then there this little squirrel out enjoying the weather and the mushrooms poking out too.
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| Coming up for air. |
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| Squirrel in the Sunshine |
That catches us up to today the 3rd of
April. I am back in the city and the
wind has been blowing and the trees are shedding their blooms. I took my little dog Tobi out for our morning
walk and took a moment to record this…
Pictures are so much more powerful than words, but
words can sometimes relay things that pictures cannot such as history and facts. So I will digress here with the photos and
give you a little history and a few facts about the Land between the Lakes.
Land Between The Lakes (LBL)
is a 170,000-acre national recreation area in Western Kentucky and Tennessee
located near I-24, about 90 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just south of
Paducah, KY.
HISTORY: Land Between The Lakes is an inland peninsula formed when the
Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers were impounded, creating Kentucky Lake and Lake
Barkley -- one of the world's largest man-made bodies of water. In 1959, when
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began construction of Barkley Dam on the
Cumberland River, many recognized the recreational and environmental education
benefits of what would soon become Land Between the Lakes, a near-island
between two man-made lakes.
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy created Land Between The Lakes National
Recreation Area. LBL was formed to demonstrate how an area with limited timber,
agricultural, and industrial resources could be converted into a recreation
asset that would stimulate economic growth in the region. Land between the
Lakes is the country's only such national demonstration area.
LBL became a reality in 1964 when Rushing Creek Campground, LBL's first public
recreation facility, opened. Today, Land between the Lakes is the focal point
of a $600 million tourism industry; it remains one of the most visited
attractions in Kentucky and Tennessee.
The Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers flow very close to each other in the
northwestern corner of Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky, separated by a
rather narrow and mostly low ridge. This area where they are only a few miles
apart had been known as "Between the Rivers" since at least the 1830s
or 1840s. After the Cumberland River was impounded in the 1960s and a canal was
constructed between the two lakes, Land between the Lakes became the largest
inland peninsula in the United States.
Variety Of LBL
Trails Make This A Recreation Paradise
With
more than 200 miles of trails winding their way through rolling woodlands and
along isolated shorelines, no wonder the USDA Forest Service's Land between the
Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts of all
types. You can hike, ride horseback or
mountain bikes, motorcycles, or ATV in LBL.
Jeeps are welcome too.
LBL's
hiking trails are especially diverse. Visitors of all skill levels will find
trails that meet their needs. More extensive hiking networks include the
65-mile-long North/South Trail; the 14-mile Canal Loop, which is a shared-use
trail with mountain bikers; and the 26-mile Fort Henry system, which traces the
path of General Grant's troops during the Civil War.
Each
trail network has its own distinctive features, Canal Loop has a rugged beauty,
North/South showcases LBL's diversity, and Fort Henry has Civil War history.
Shorter
hiking trails wind through the Environmental Education Area near The Nature
Station. These trails offer scenic beauty as well as educational opportunities.
The longest, at 4.5 miles, is Honker Trail, which covers such varied terrain as
woodlands, meadows, and the lake shore. Center Furnace Trail, at .3 miles, is
literally a walk through time, offering a glimpse at the region's role as a
major iron ore producer in the early 19th century. Long Creek Trail, at .2
miles, is handicapped accessible.
Mountain
bikers have fast discovered LBL; thanks in part to its newly expanded mountain
bike trail system. Canal Loop was opened to mountain bike use in 1997, and
offers some of the most challenging riding in the region. In fact, Canal Loop
has been the site of several National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA)
sanctioned events in recent years.
Bikers
wanting a less challenging ride can choose the Energy Lake Mountain Bike Trail,
which covers scenic forest and lake shore terrain and stretches approximately 14
miles. Jenny Ridge, at 12.5 miles, blends hilly terrain offering scenic vistas
with less rugged portions through streams and forests. LBL's horseback riding
trails have been newly expanded, as well.
With
LBL's Wranglers Campground fast gaining a reputation as the region's premier
horse camp, trail riders from around the country have begun descending on LBL
in record numbers. Thus in 1997, LBL's horse trails were doubled from 40 miles
to 80 miles. Horse trails depart from Wranglers and cover a variety of terrain,
from woods to the lake shore. Many also pass by historic sites, such as the
ruins of the Laura Iron Furnace.
Another
fast-growing sport is the use of motorcycles and All-Terrain Vehicles, and
Jeeps. LBL has the first federally designated area set aside just for ATV use -
the 2,500-acre Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area. ATV enthusiasts from
hundreds of miles away have long known about Turkey Bay and its varied and
challenging landscape. Turkey Bay riders can splash through mud and water or
ride up and down varied terrain. Turkey Bay is also an informal campground, and
many visitors will make a weekend of their ATV experience.
Kentucky
Lake & Lake Barkley Fishing
Kentucky Lake is a main
stem reservoir on the Tennessee River. This is the lowermost of nine reservoirs
that stair step their way down the Tennessee River from eastern Tennessee.
Kentucky Lake was impounded by the completion of Kentucky Dam in 1944. The dam
backs up about 160,000 acres of water (that’s about 155,339 football fields),
which is the largest of Tennessee Valley Authorities’ (TVA) reservoirs. TVA
operates the Tennessee River system to provide year-round navigation, flood
control, electricity, recreation, and water supply. The water levels at
Kentucky and Barkley Lakes fluctuate from winter to summer. Winter pool is 354
(fasl) elevation, and rises during April to reach summer pool of 359 (fasl) by
May. Summer pool extends until the week after the Fourth of July holiday, and
then the water level is slowly lowered back to winter pool by December.
Kentucky Lake lies parallel to its sister lake, Lake Barkley. Lake Barkley was
built in the 1960’s by the US Army Corp of Engineers, and is connected to
Kentucky Lake at the northern end by a navigable canal.
Recreational boating, wildlife viewing and fishing can occur year around at
Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. During the winter months, many boaters take
advantage of the water’s view to watch eagles nesting in tall trees along the
shoreline and swooping down to feeding on fish. Other migratory birds pass
through the area making bird watching a must for outdoor enthusiasts. For those
that like to hunt more than watch, those migratory birds include geese and
ducks. Late winter brings out the anglers for some crappie fishing, which last
well into May. In February and March the crappie are found in deeper water
along the secondary creek channels, but move very shallow by April. By then,
black bass anglers are starting to enjoy some trophy bass fishing. Black bass
stay active along the shoreline throughout the spring, and move to the deeper
ledges by summer. During late summer, fishing shallow for feeding bass in the
backs of embayment offers some great top water action. Follow that up with some
fall Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley fishing along the rocky shoreline and woody
structure.
If you prefer some relaxing fishing for pan fish, such as bluegill, Kentucky
Lake offers that also. However, be ready to have your line stretched. Kentucky
Lake offers some nice size bluegill, but is also home to the 2-pound red ear.
The red ear belongs in the sunfish family, but feed along the bottom for snails
and small clams, hence the name shell crackers.
The lakes regularly host some of the country’s most outstanding fishing
tournaments. Tours that visit our lakes for the tremendous bass population
include the locally based and nationally recognized FLW series, Stern Series,
and the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League. Another regular visitor is the
prestigious Bassmaster Elite Series. Not to be out done by the bass leagues are
the crappie tournaments. Our lakes are known for some of the best crappie
fishing in the U.S. We are visited yearly by Crappie USA and Crappie Masters.
Both are outstanding tournament series. These are just a few that visit the
area yearly.
If you prefer fish on the larger scale, then Kentucky Lake has that also.
Kentucky Lake has an excellent population of blue, channel, and Flathead
catfish. The channel catfish prefer the embayment, while the blue catfish
prefer the main river channel. The catfish normally move shallow, and into
rocky areas to spawn during June. The best fishing for blue catfish is during
the summer months. The main thing to key in on is current in the river channel.
During the summer months hydro power at the Dam is pulling water, this creates
current along the river channel. This current also makes for some fair fishing
for white bass and striped bass. A great area to fish for white bass is in the
canal. The lake also offers other fisheries such as sauger, yellow bass, and yellow
perch.
In addition to all the fishing, the large embayments of Kentucky Lake can offer
hours of enjoyment for the recreational boaters. Whether it is just sitting and
soaking up the sun, or the thrill of skiing or tubing, there is something to do
for all the outdoors men, or women, in your family.
Peace to you until we meet again.
April 4, 2016
Good afternoon friends.
Today was another day in the pharmacy and the weather was fabulous while
I spent the day indoors. I did manage to
capture a great sunrise photo that once again made me count my blessings. How can we not be filled with gratitude when
we see something like this….
Some things are just worth getting up for. It’s been a long day for me but I am going to give
you a few more facts about one of my favorite places in the USA……Land between
the Lakes.
Lake Barkley
& Kentucky Lake Boating
Kentucky
Lake and Lake Barkley are well known as a water lover's playgrounds. Our Lakes
are large enough to accommodate all sizes and types of water and pleasure
crafts. Common types of watercraft that frequent the lake are personal
watercraft (PWC), deck boats, pontoons, runabouts, houseboats, speed and
powerboats, ski boats, and fishing boats of all sizes and types. The 184 mile
Kentucky Lake is bordered on the east by Land between the Lakes, one of
Kentucky’s most visited attractions. Inside this 170,000-acre play land you can
live out any type of outdoor recreational activity imaginable. Hike, bike,
hunt, fish, camp and relax inside this non-commercialized haven of nature’s
preserved beauty. Kentucky Lake is the largest man-made body of water east of
the Mississippi River and one of many of a chain of lakes in Kentucky and
Tennessee constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Army Corps of
Engineers.
Covering over 160,300 acres of land, there is room for everyone, Kentucky Lake
was created upon the completion of Kentucky Dam, a 206-foot embankment built in
1944. Kentucky Dam's construction was part of a federal plan to control floods
in the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and develop their tributaries. Located in
the Western Kentucky, beautiful Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake are within a
day's drive from most of Middle America, making these beautiful lakes a popular
boating and watercraft destination.
Lake
Barkley & Kentucky Lake Golfing
When it comes to Kentucky golf,
Western Kentucky's Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley golfing is way above par.
Home to more than 25 area golf courses carved out of West Kentucky Countryside,
with tree-lined fairways, many overlooking the Lakes that will challenge
any one's golf game, from beginners to seasoned pros. Kentucky Lake & Lake
Barkley are fast becoming a favorite resort destination for the avid golfer.
With the area's mild climate, you can enjoy golfing year-round. So come to
Kentucky Lake/Lake Barkley - just a short approach from anywhere. Western
Kentucky boasts over 25 beautiful courses to choose from!
For the delight of any golf enthusiast, the Kentucky Lake and the Western
Kentucky area offers beautifully landscaped, excellent courses. From beginner
to professional, you will find a course that challenges every facet of your
game.
The Kentucky Lake area has a variety of golf courses to test the skills of
every golfer. From 9-hole executive courses to 18-hole championship courses,
Kentucky Lake offers you a great golfing experience at a great value. The Lakes
are the premier destination for golf in Kentucky so come try our fine courses
out today!
I highly recommend the golf course at Mineral Mounds State
Park just off of I-24 on exit 45. You
really should check it out. It’s shady,
beautiful, and not usually very crowded especially on the weekdays.
Peace to with you until we
meet again.
Lakehousesupplies.com
