Summer Camping Trip

First of all the McCallister's aren't big campers not because they don't enjoy it, its just not their first choice on a vacation. Even though its not their first choice they don't mind trying new things and are always up for an adventure. Being that we weren't alone on this trip it made it more memorable and worth going camping again.

Ray's sister Marie did all the planning for our trip to Kentucky at the Mammoth Cave National Park. The destination was in the middle for all that were coming to camp at our site in tents. The park had (real) bathrooms near by and showers. It was a relief at the end of the day.  Being that this camping excursion was more modern than our last experience it was more my style.

Everyone arrived Thursday afternoon/evening. Ray's sisters Marie and Shawn are naturals at camping. They have all the needed cooking supplies, food and much more. They also know the best ways to make dinners on the fire called (tin foil dinners) packed full with vegetables, meat, fish, or whatever you in the mood for that night. When I think about camping I think hot dogs, PB&J's and mostly junk food but not this camping trip it was great home cooked meals over the fire each night.

Friday being our first full day at the Mammoth Cave Park. Breakfast was prepared by Marie and Bubba. A wide selection of: pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, milk and juice. The morning was low key every one mingling. But the afternoon our first Mammoth Cave tour was scheduled. This tour was shorter it was more of a kid friendly tour. We did this one first to see how the kids would handle it, if they did well we knew we could do a longer one that was more physical.  

After the tour we all decided to try some of the walking paths. The one we took lead us to the green river at Sunset Point. The view was beautiful and was a great stopping point for pictures. After break time it was time for more walking trails. We tried a different trail thinking we knew where it would lead us when in the meantime Craig (brother-in-law) wasn't impressed with the trails and not knowing where we were as we go to the end. Luckily there was a map that would lead us back to our campsite. In the end it was a nice hike by all.

Saturday was the busiest days for cave tours since they were all sold out. So the afternoon was left up to us for entertainment. Marie and her family visited Dinosaur World. Ray's other sister Shawn and her husband and I went horseback riding at the local tourist attraction. As we each got on our horses we waited for our guide to show us the way. Our pathway was the hour tour. Being that were not all active horseback riders we didn't expect the unknown. As our horses continued on their path our guide lead us off the path to the woods up a hill and says to us "Y'all come on". And we all look at each other "like with a for real glance". He says again "Come on y'all". Shawn in the front lead the way up the hill in the woods. My horse was third in the lineup, Ray behind me and Josh in front. Josh's horse like to stop on slope of the hill which told my horse it was ok but left me scared and nervous for my life. At times I would scream for Josh to keep going so he would kick his horse in action to make it up and over the hill back on flat ground. Eventually we did make it back to flat ground, was nice to not feel as nervous and to enjoy the scenery.

Nighttime was filled with card games and smores!!!!

Sunday was our last morning we got to spend with Shawn and Josh. We had our last tour scheduled for 9:30 bright and early so Shawn and Josh could enjoy it before they had to leave to go back home. This tour was longer and different than our first. The entrance was amazing with all the stairs going deeper down in the cave. As we made it to the bottom there were benches for everyone to sit, relax and listen to our guide teach us about the cave. Not long it was time to keep moving to see the Niagara Falls. This was what I saw in pictures prior to going into the cave so I was mostly excited to see this!

After our tour we said our goodbyes to Shawn and Josh. Our afternoon was spent relaxing, eating, sleeping and walking before our big trip the next day on Monday.

Thank you to Marie for planning our annual trip for bringing all the food and always cooking breakfast. Thank to Shawn for bringing food as well, games and just being you. The McCallister's look forward to next years trip and what it has to bring.