Return to Civilization

An early tour meant I had to wake LLP early and we had to have the entire campsite packed up by 8. Somehow I had to convince him to eat too. And guess what? It worked! A healthy breakfast, enough tasks that he felt useful packing up, and we even managed to pack the tent up the right way on the first try!

Bright and early we arrived once again at the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center. LLP got once more chance to roam the exhibits, learning about sink holes, sandstone, geologic timescales, and critters from the caves. Then we loaded the bus to take the Frozen Niagara tour. (He said the bus is his favorite part of the park).

You know how sometimes you visit a place, and even though there's no way to accurately capture it you still take 100 photos? The portion of the cave we saw this morning is one of those places. We arrived to the blasted entrance and, being the first tour of the day, entered to hundreds or thousands of cave crickets. A short ramp took us to the natural section of cave where there were many traditional cave formations. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns, soda straws, drapes, and cave bacon. Yep, cave bacon. We ducked our heads (well I did, LLP not so much) and headed to see the huge formation this section of cave is named for. We also also entered a dry section of cave protected by sandstone and shale above.

It's only been a few hours, but already looking at my pictures I can tell they're rubbish. But I took them just the same and I'd do it again, if only as a faint reminder of the beauty just below the surface.

After our bus ride back (now only tied with the the cave as the best part of our trip) we loaded up and said goodbye to Mammoth Cave. 65N has nothing on the national park, but I couldn't help thinking, "Wow, Kentucky is beautiful!" Soon we were through Louisville, crossing another river, and entering our fifth state on this journey.

Let me pause to give Indiana a tip. If you advertise a visitor center on the highway it's helpful to post signage directing visitors to that center. If you have construction on the entrance ramp to get back on the highway it's helpful to post appropriate detour signage. I'll leave it at that.

The rolling hills of Kentucky caught my eye, but Indiana seems to be the prepubescent girl waiting to come into her prime. Spring hasn't yet delivered its charms. Or perhaps she's the broken old woman who's spring has long since past. Either way, our trip into Indianapolis was nothing more than the line between dots on our map.

Upon arrival at our hotel all I could think is "Thank you oh blessed, sweet shower!" Even LLP was happy to wash off several days of camping. I sprang for the hotel with an indoor pool, and we enjoyed it for a bit this afternoon while trying to adjust to a time change. While arranging dinner I let LLP watch tv. His constant request for every item advertised was a strong reminder why we don't have network tv at home. He's tucked away in bed, and hopefully dreaming of race cars in preparation for tomorrow.

Wild Goose Chase

A trip to the camp store this morning got us well on our way to fixing those bloopers from Sunday. LLP was eager to go hiking and explore the area. Our entire morning routine was quick and we were on our way.

Our first official stop for the day was the Mammoth Cave Visitors Center. We were just in time for the morning hike, so we jumped on that.

We got more history on the short hike than we were prepared for. Mammoth Cave was originally a mine, worked by slaves, and the first visitors came to tour the cave 200 years ago. The first tour guide was Stephen Bishop, a slave. His owner wrote about him as extremely knowledgeable about not only the cave, but geology as a whole, and most importantly someone who understood people. Several guests came to the cave and asked specifically for Stephen as their guide. Other early guides were also slaves, and quickly became nearly as knowledgeable about the cave as Stephen.

I can't do the details justice, so please visit here to find out more. The men working this cave deserve more of your time than a few sentences on this tiny blog.

After our official hike we decided to explore some trails on our own. This gave me the chance to attempt an explanation of slavery to LLP. Breaking down a barbaric and devastatingly embarrassing piece of our history was incredibly difficult but absolutely necessary. The basic concept is horrific enough, we can save the nitty gritty for when he's older. But I don't want to white wash history for him, and I'm glad that he's beginning to see a few of the shadows our nation has. And the idea that all people are NOT equal had never entered his imagination. In his words, "That's mean. That would make me really sad."

On our hike we took time to practice our listening skills. As is the case with most small children LLP was in need of serious practice. When his little legs needed a break we would stop and close our eyes. He'd tell me everything he could hear. We heard lots of birds, water front the river, people on the trail behind us, and even the wind rustling through the trees. It was a fun way to get in our walking breaks while exploring our senses.

We hiked down to the River Styx for a beautiful view. LLP decided there was one dolphin living in the small pond at the mouth of the cave. And perhaps an octopus as well. Sometimes I'm in awe of his imagination, other times I admit my best course of action is to roll my eyes and move on. This was a little bit of both.

We were told there was a boat on the river, and so we went in search of an afternoon activity. Quickly we found the Green River Ferry, a small ferry that takes you across the river for a total distance of about 60 yards. Thinking this surly wasn't the boat much loved by children and highly acclaimed we continued our search.

We followed the signs for Dennison Ferry Day Use Area. Perhaps this was the fun ride. Nine miles of curvy roads of varying inclines later I was about to turn around when I saw an old, one lane dirt road and another sign. I figured we'd gone so far already, let's take the turn. What's another mile or two?

Or three or eight or however long it was. It seemed to be the dirt road that went on forever. We reached the end to ins a simple canoe launch. Nothing to rent, no big crowds, and 30 steep stairs to the river. It almost felt like we we're the last two people in the world. And I knew we would never survive the zombie apocalypse if that's what was coming.

We made our way back to the visitor center to find someone perhaps a little more knowledgeable. We learned that the river boat mentioned, pictured, and alluded to in signage has been out of operation for perhaps a decade. We are told of a cave tour via boat 35 miles south in Bowling Green, and because we're on an adventure we decided to make the trip.

Lost River Cave has thrived as a tourist attraction (trap?) for 100 years. We learned about the blue holes that drain into and through the cave. Blue Hole Four was once thought to be 467 feet deep, and the river to the cave only 400 feet long. This made it the shortest And deepest river. We now know that the hole is a mere 16 feet deep, but there are tunnels That flow from the river to the cave for more than 400 feet.

Our guide took us into the cave on a small boat, and the entrance is so low all passengers have to duck to make it through. The water is a cool 48 degrees, but only three feet deep in the cave. The cave was flooded in 2011, so most stalactites did not survive. We heard several tales from over the years, some more true than others. We enjoyed terrible jokes, and hearing about all all the tall ales made us feel a bit better about our own wild goose chase earlier in the day.

In my ongoing search for free wifi we stopped at Burger King on the way home. LLP says this was the best part of his day, so next time I might leave him home. Maybe.

Nectar from the Gods

I awoke to screaming this morning at 5:00 am. It was way to early to be up, especially after a late night, but Little Long Patch had a nightmare. While I was able to console him and get a little more rest I should have known it was a sign of things to come for the day.

Once we were up for the day LLP was a big helper with packing our bags and loading up the car. He even carried the ice bucket when we filled up the cooler. Of course this meant it took an hour longer to actually get out, but we were in no hurry and I was happy to see him contributing. Someday he'll be waiting on me instead.

We took a short drive over to the Parthenon. Upon our arrival we walked around the pond and saw a mama duck with ten tiny ducklings. This seems to have been a bigger hit than the Parthenon itself. We also got to watch a few geese swim and eat the willow leaves drooping into the lake. I'll take it as a subtle reminder from the universe that no matter what we humans create there's always more wonder in nature itself.

 LLP and I took a stroll through Centennial Park and he decided we should have a picnic. We enjoyed our morning snack back at the pond watching the ducks. The trees provided a shade canopy from the hot spring sun. We ate, talked to Dad, giggled, and dreamed. It's these little moments that I hope he will remember no matter where our journeys take us.

 We decided to skip Music Row, and headed to the Pancake Pantry for lunch. I've never been a huge pancake fan, though they're an easy fix and I won't turn them down. These were not regular pancakes though. These were like nectar of the gods. Manna from heaven. Far and away the best pancakes I've ever had, and I highly suggest you factor in a visit to the Pancake Pantry should you find yourself in Nashville.

Afterward we met up with some old friends at Fido's. Dog friendly, with patio seating, a nice place to catch up or even do some writing. I got a nice preview of the teenage years ahead with LLP. While it was nice to catch up we both had to part ways, and LLP and I were on our way to Kentucky.

That's when things started to go slightly awry. My phone, and therefore my GPS, decided it had had enough of road trips, and decided to keep killing the battery. LLP had the idea we'd be in the car all day, and was restless and whiny. It was only an hour and a half drive, but we stopped three times.

Upon arrival at Mammoth Cave National Park (mile 1040) we realized the tent poles we'd fixed after our last trip were broken again. Eventually we were able to get set up though, and we headed to the camp stove to get our firewood. We arrived at the store two minutes after closing. We rummaged the campsite, and adjoining sites, for any dry wood that could serve us. We finally got a small fire going and I was able to cook a little dinner. We even roasted a few marshmallows. LLP was concerned the fire was out so fast, especially considering how much time we spent collecting wood. I'm sure we'll have an early visit to the camp store tomorrow, and in the meantime he's learning a lesson in how the payoff of hard work can go by quickly if you aren't careful.

After our fire we took a walk to the old Mammoth Cave railroad cars. Neither of us expected to find a train here, but we were both happy to learn about how the train helped those first visitors enjoy the cave 200 years ago.

On our walk back to the campsite we found enough wood for another tiny fire. I forgot to pack the flashlight, my phone is dying,LLP is tucked in his sleeping bag, and I'm enjoying the last few warm coals for the evening. We'll be here for a few nights, which will be good for both of us. We forgot to bring a flashlight, and I had trouble with the lantern. Both of those things can be fixed, and we're reminded once again not to sweat the small stuff. Instead we can focus on exploring the beautiful life around us.

Music Highway

As we started the drive Saturday I wasn't sure if I was brave or crazy- who takes a 5 year old on a giant road trip? Turns out I was both, and my risk paid off.

The drive itself was fairly uneventful. At mile 350 the rain tried flirting with us. We mostly scorned her advances and she finally took the hint and we ended the day with warm weather and blue skies.

We crossed into Arkansas at mile 384. If you've ever been to the Texarkana border you know it's not exactly breathtaking. One moment the overpasses have stars and outlines of Texas, and the next you're looking at outlines of Arkansas. No matter how simple a border I always get excited, and this one was no different. When we crossed that state line I felt like our adventure had truly begun. Unfortunately Little Long Patch got the idea that every overpass was a state line.

By mile 428 I'd straightened him out, and we took a pit stop. The weather was chilly, so we decided to eat in the car. LLP told me it was a car picnic, and showed me how much fun we could have. In our minds we saw ducks, and crazy birds attacking the flag. We saw flowers and fields. For a few moments we weren't simply in the dirty parking lot of a gas station.

Mile 646 gave us an iconic state crossing, and LLP got his fist view of the Mississippi River. I also realized that parenthood has changed me. In the past I would have marveled at the giant bridges, the wide flowing rivers, and the beautiful cities. while they're still wonderful sights, they have noting on watching the awe I see on LLP's face when he takes in the sights himself. My joy is exponentially heightened from seeing his.

We learned a little about Memphis, and made some plans for when we stop there on our return trip. LLP wasn't thrilled to hear we didn't get to stay in Memphis, but I suppose this is one of those times he needs to learn that good things come to those who wait.

Interstate 40 between Memphis and Nashville is known as the Music Highway. We felt we were Born to be Wild, enjoying a variety of music. LLP also requested we go hang gliding, because why not? We arrived at our hotel outside Nashville in time for dinner, and decided after a day full of driving it was time to play. We took the short drive in to The Grand Ole Opry.

Who takes a 5 year old to the Opry?! At 9:30 at night?! Turns out I do, and it was worth it. We saw a variety of talented artists, both old favorites and up and comers. I'll admit I was a little disappointed at the touristy feel of it all, but we're tourists, so we went with it. LLP was excited to go to a concert, even if he wasn't quite sure what he was getting in to. We got to stay up late, and burn our energy after sitting all day. And while he didn't make it through the whole show, who could ask for a better goodnight song?

An Unexpected Treasure

Today's leg of the journey was a trip we've made many times, and started like most of the others.

Feed P before we get in the car.

Mile 31: "I'm really, really hungry. I didn't eat enough at lunch." Thankfully I suspected this and was prepared to come to the rescue. An applesauce to go paid off

Mile 33: "I love you mommy." Yeah, mama's got this! Score one for me. Or so I thought before hitting

Mile 42: traffic. Lots of traffic. Oh yeah, I guess I shouldn't have planned an easy ride on 35 on a Friday afternoon. Or anytime on 35. Around this time P and I had a thrilling conversation about time and distance to get to his grandparents house (our first stop). The gist of the conversation was that it was going to take "a really, really long time,"

Mile 122: we're doing this, more than half way there! And with a big yawn " I'm super tired and I need lots of sleepy bears to snuggle. And I'm sooooooo cold." Mama was ready for this one too with both sleepy and blanket within easy reach. I'm starting to think I actually do know what I'm doing.

1/2 a mile to our destination, as I'm changing lanes and preparing to exit the highway, I have a banshee for a child. Apparently he's bored, and screaming like a crazy person is the solution. P got a nice little lecture about not screaming in the car. Mama got to stop the car and take a deep breath. Tomorrow could be a very long day indeed.

We had a quick family dinner at P's favorite restaurant, Whataburger. I noticed when I gave him a haircut earlier this week I missed a spot giving him a little long patch, and I decided this is what I'll call him from now on. So Little Long Patch (or LLP for short), his grandparents and I enjoy some silly time. Mostly we antagonize each other, but only in the most loving way.

So far our journey has been par for the course. But when I get to my parents house I find the gold mine. A memoir written by my great grandfather. Henry Louis Fenner was born in 1901, and captured his memories and history for his family in 1987. 29 years later I've had my first glimpse, and I can't wait to read every page. Anecdotes, pictures, historical events, and a timeline from his parents past my birth. It's a beautiful find and one I'd never dreamed of seeing. So great grandfather, thank you so much for sharing your life with me. You're helping me realize that my writing may also be valued one day by those nearest to my heart.

On the Road Again

2,583 Miles

13 Days of driving

Eight states

Four crossings of the Mississippi River

One of the best parts of homeschooling? It doesn't have to be at home! We take that to heart in this family, and we can't wait to get on the road again. Or at least some of us. For this trip we decided to leave Dad at home and fend for himself. In the meantime P and I are ready to hit up old friends, make new friends, visit old stomping (learning to walk?) grounds, and explore places we never thought we'd go. We've packed our bags, probably forgotten a few things, and we're anxious to start our latest journey. I'll be attempting regular updates during our trip, so keep your fingers crossed for decent wifi. Of course we'll be off the grid a bit for part of this trip too - so don't hold your breath.

These gypsies are headed down the highway....

A Beautiful Disaster

We've been up to all sorts of adventures since we checked in last, and it's about time we caught up. P has been hesitant to try new art, so the last month we've really focused on that area. It's brought us closer, and we've both learned lots in the process. For the Easter holiday we dyed eggs and explored mixing colors and using different techniques. I loved seeing him come up with creative ways to decorate his eggs.

He also found the perfect race car for rainy days. After a little tune up in the garage it was ready to go. I'm hoping this summer we can work out a little drive in movie experience for him in the backyard..

One thing P has learned is that we need to clean up after every project. He's become very useful around the house, and as you can see he even learned to mop.We rearranged the house so he could have "school" space, his own play room, and we could keep his toys out of the bedroom. This has really helped him learn to pick up after himself - and saves my sanity! We still have work to do, but I'll take progress.

 We've also been working at making more friends in the homeschool community. Today we were lucky enough to have a new friend, and fellow homeschooling neighbor, come over for some play time. The kids (with a bit of help) made bird feeders. We took the opportunity to talk about the parts of a bird, different kinds of birds, where they live, and what they eat. I've never been particularly interested in birds, but the joy on little faces as they watched and waited for the birds to try out the new feeder was enough to pique my curiosity. In a few days we'll be hiking, and I think I have some homework to do before then. Anyone know a good resource for the birds of Kentucky?



Each day we're building a little more of the foundation P will take with him in life. It isn't all roses. In fact we had quite the kerfuffle the other day over a writing assignment I'd given him. I've found though that there's beauty in our choice to homeschool and we can pace ourselves. Taking things in stride, one disaster at a time our life is taking shape. I won't say I like every moment, but at the end of the day I can say I love every minute.