The Sheltowee Trace Association
A non-profit organization formed to protect, preserve and promote the Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail as a significant national resource for the enjoyment of hikers, bikers and equestrians, and for the value that wild and scenic lands provide to all people.
Discover and Enjoy Kentucky's Long Trail
Sheltowee Trace Association, 63 Burtonville Rd., Tollesboro, Ky. 41189 Phone: 606-584-7744
Email: director@sheltoweetrace.org
Sam King and "Boots"
Sam King and son "Boots" - Cave Run to Rt 1274 - October 2011
Thursday October 6th, 7, 8.
Day 1
The weather was perfect as we set out to hike 50 miles or so on the Sheltowee Trace from Triplett Creek to Natural Bridge. Actually we wanted to end up at Miguels to get some pizza since we have been to the Red River Gorge a million times but never to Miguels. Sounded like the perfect ending to a great trip. My 12 yr old son and I left Louisville bright and early to meet our shuttle taking us from Natural Bridge to Triplett Creek by 8am. The contact did not return my call the night before so I was a little nervous, and it turns out for good reason. The parking lot at Natural bridge was empty and sad looking. I called Steve Barbour to see what he recommended. He told us he would pick us up at Natural Bridge in 4 days and we could drive up to Cave Run lake and leave the car there. "Great plan" I think to myself and headed back to 64 East. Right before we got off of the Mountain Parkway my son realizes that he has forgotten his hiking boots. my patience is a little thin at this point. I drive back to Louisville prepared to throw in the towel before we even hit he trail. I called my wife and told her the news and she says take it easy on him, it was a mistake and that she thinks we should still go. so we get the boots and head back ti 64 East. we arrived at Cave Run with almost 400 miles on the trip meter and a new trail name for my son- "boots".
We hit the trail and finally began to shake the stress of everyday life in the city. the trail on this first stretch was in great shape and easy to follow aside from a tall grass hike following a power line through a valley. I wasn't sure if we were heading the right way but at the top with a quick scout we soon saw that turtle we had been following. The trail was challenging but I think we got in 7 miles before we made camp on a ridge line right off of the trail. It was a good spot and we made dinner that required no water because we knew there was no more water until Clear Creek the next day and we were getting pretty low. After hanging our food we put out the fire and crawled into the tent for some rest. around 11pm several people on horseback rode through with their radios and their beers. "Hello Camp!" one of them exclaimed. We said hello and when they asked how the hell we got there we explained that we walked. This seemed to amaze them as they vanished down the trail. Finally off to sleep!
Day 2 - Of course nature called at about 2am, but after that I slept straight through until at least 5. I was in and out for the next hour or so, just enjoying my new $400 Marmot sleeping bag. That just sounds ridiculous, but I have to say it is a nice morale boost when crashing on the ground. I guess we did a good job clearing underneath the tent because I awoke without too many sore spots, though my left knee was beginning to ache. I couldn't really get the pain pushed all the way out of the back of my mind.
Boots was still sleeping soundly and I began to look forward to some company. I remembered a moment from yesterday when I was hugging Boots as we watched a beautiful sun slip below the horizion. Whenever I see the sun drop out of view like that it reminds me of how temporary our lives are and of how important it is to actually feel happy on a day to day basis. Trips like these keep me happy and I am glad to have my son here to share it with. He may not fully appreciate it now but I feel that taking him camping and backpacking will help shape the man.
Well at this point Boots starts to stir and I remember the fact that we are still quite low on water. In retrospect I can't help but kick myself for not asking the people on horses if they could spare a little water. Maybe I could have scored a beer even. Now I'm reaching- still only 32oz of water back here on the ridge. We broke camp and decide to forgo a formal breakfast of instant oatmeal and opt for the Cliff Bar on the trail sort of experience. Not the optimal plan but I screwed up the water by about 1/2 gallon so it's the only option if we want to sip from our camelback bladders burried deep in our packs. My pack started at 50 lbs. and boots started with 23 lbs. So at least we are a little lighter without the added weight of a bunch of water or something stupid like that. This part of the Sheltowee Trace is void of places to filter water. We had 4.5 miles or so to Clear Creek where we plan to get more water and have a real meal. It was a very long 4.5 miles. The trail was mostly down hill and the growing pain in my knee was again foremost in my mind.
We finally walked upon a paved road and my map told me we were very close to our water source. We Had just finished the last of our water a half mile ago and decided to break out a couple of sticks of Juicy Fruit to whet the old whistle. As you probably already know Juicy Fruit is also a great morale booster. I learned this during a few awkward moments at Grateful Dead concerts. Anyway we made it to Clear Creek in the nick of time and filtered water mixing it with some Emergen-C. To supplement our inadequate breakfast. I soaked my feet in the cold water and realized how sore they had become, but no blisters! Props to Merrell because I had less than 40 miles on my new boots at the time. We decided on the veggie pizza pasta for lunch and I fired up the pocket rocket stove and broke out the dualist cook kit. I love camping gear. I must be the easiest person to buy Xmas gifts for. I like it all. Anyway lunch was delicious although Boots said it was a little spicy. We also enjoyed some ancient multi grain bread with all kinds of good stuff in it. We filled our camelbacks and continued down the trace toward the Clear Creek Furnace. The going was slow. I wrapped my knee with an ace bandage at lunch which helped a little but it was definitely on my mind. When we arrived at the furnace there were two mountain bikers there. These would be the only other people we would actually see on our journey. We chatted with them for a few before getting back on the trail. They said they were thinking of riding up to Natural Arch but as we made our way there it became apparent that they would not make it.
The trail was "more difficult" and full of switchbacks. It was rough going. We began looking for a spot to set up camp and rest the bones. We came across a spot between 2 boulders that would do, but I talked Boots into pushing on a little more. It was worth it as Natural Arch came into view on our right. It was awesome. A small fire pit and plenty of flat area for the tent. I am not sure if you are supposed to camp under arches but there was a fire pit and we practiced low impact camping. I guess we didn't really need the tent, but I have a thing about stuff crawling on me while I try to get my rest. We built a nice fire and I tried out my new backpacking saw. Very nice but I realized the extra weight was probably not worth it. We decided on lasagna and more of that good bread for dinner. I kept the camelback on my knee most of the evening, which I figured couldn't hurt. The sun went down right on time as we were very tired and crawled into the tent and faded off to sleep. Boots was a little scared of the bears but I explained to him that they dont like arches and I thought we would be just fine. Many nice noises to relax the mind as the grip of everyday life loosened a little more. It must have slipped my mind but somewhere before we reached the arch yesterday we lost our map.
Day 3 - I slept pretty well last night. My eyes popped open promptly at 6:15, so I went ahead and started my day. My knee was not bothering me at this point and it faded from thought. I began the morning ritual of packing and rolling and stuffing, then went for the Dualist to heat water for our oatmeal. Again Boots was sleeping in. He had done very well up to this point and I am very proud of him. He has also been doing very well in school so I am not too concerned about the 2 days he missed. I wake him and begin to stir the boiling water into the oatmeal. Boots went with bananas and cream and I had the always delicious apples and cinnamon. We brushed our teeth and started to break camp. From what I remembered about the map it was going to be another long haul to the next water source so after some serious stretching we got after it without delay. As soon as we began to hike the pain in my knee was foremost on my mind again. The trail was well marked again and we tried to make some time on the relatively flat section of trail ahead of us. We reached a ridge top and experienced the best views we had seen so far. This part of our great country is so beautiful it almost looks like a painting. We took a moment from our day and enjoyed a snack and some much needed water with our view. We returned to the trail and began to navigate a few downhill switchbacks, each step was excruciating and I began to realize that it would be very difficult to finish our goal on time. Boots was beginning to fall behind even with my slower pace. We took plenty of breaks and began to ration what was left of the water. We crossed two gravel roads and at the second one there was a huge pile of trash, mostly beer and water bottles, but it was very ugly. Maybe someone had gathered them up and was coming back to get them. A More likely senario would be that the ATV riders or horseback riders discarded their trash without regard to the land or other users. It made me feel sad and I wished I could carry it all out, but that was just not possible. Anyway the sign said it was 5 miles to 1274 and I knew the water source was just beyond that point. Now the milage signs to this point seemed somewhat inaccurate to me, but I held out hope as we made our way straight up the rutted out ATV trail. It is amazing what these vehicles have done to the trail. It is like something out of a horror story. The land around us was beautiful so I tried to focus on that instead the pain in my knee or the pain of seeing the scars left behind on the trail. This 5 miles felt like 20. I kept pushing but it was increasingly obvious that I could not make it much further. I tried not to complain or talk about bailing out for the sake of keeping Boots focused but that was all I could think about. We finally saw the road long after we first heard the sound of cars in the distance. The trail seemed to empty out onto private property and we had to cut through someone's yard to reach the road. At this point we were out of water again so I talked Boots into knocking on someone's door to see if we could fill our containers from their hose. This is when it is great to have kids do the awkward things you don't want to do. Anyway a teenage boy came to the door and said we could fill up and gave us a Dr. Pepper to split. Man was that tasty! He explained that his "pawpaw" was going to be home soon and rushed us off so he wouldn't get fussed at. We thanked him and hit the hardtop looking for the trail blaze, which I never found. We walked for a half mile on the road and I gave in. I picked up the phone and called for a lift back to Cave Run and my trusty Corolla. We walked back to the trailhead where we got water and noticed that "Pawpaw" was home and we exchanged a wave. I was silently grateful for the water we got there just minutes before. We took our packs off and treated ourselves to a little jerky while we waited. Before long our ride pulled up. A very nice couple who chatted us up a little before suggesting lunch at a little mom and pop store. They recommended the double cheeseburger and we each ordered one. They were delicious and Boots decided to top it off with a peanut butter milkshake. We had a nice conversation and talked about the AT. I would like to do a section sometime and as I got into my car to drive home, I started trying to figure out where and when the next adventure would take place. See ya on the Trail!
Thursday October 6th, 7, 8.
Day 1
The weather was perfect as we set out to hike 50 miles or so on the Sheltowee Trace from Triplett Creek to Natural Bridge. Actually we wanted to end up at Miguels to get some pizza since we have been to the Red River Gorge a million times but never to Miguels. Sounded like the perfect ending to a great trip. My 12 yr old son and I left Louisville bright and early to meet our shuttle taking us from Natural Bridge to Triplett Creek by 8am. The contact did not return my call the night before so I was a little nervous, and it turns out for good reason. The parking lot at Natural bridge was empty and sad looking. I called Steve Barbour to see what he recommended. He told us he would pick us up at Natural Bridge in 4 days and we could drive up to Cave Run lake and leave the car there. "Great plan" I think to myself and headed back to 64 East. Right before we got off of the Mountain Parkway my son realizes that he has forgotten his hiking boots. my patience is a little thin at this point. I drive back to Louisville prepared to throw in the towel before we even hit he trail. I called my wife and told her the news and she says take it easy on him, it was a mistake and that she thinks we should still go. so we get the boots and head back ti 64 East. we arrived at Cave Run with almost 400 miles on the trip meter and a new trail name for my son- "boots".
We hit the trail and finally began to shake the stress of everyday life in the city. the trail on this first stretch was in great shape and easy to follow aside from a tall grass hike following a power line through a valley. I wasn't sure if we were heading the right way but at the top with a quick scout we soon saw that turtle we had been following. The trail was challenging but I think we got in 7 miles before we made camp on a ridge line right off of the trail. It was a good spot and we made dinner that required no water because we knew there was no more water until Clear Creek the next day and we were getting pretty low. After hanging our food we put out the fire and crawled into the tent for some rest. around 11pm several people on horseback rode through with their radios and their beers. "Hello Camp!" one of them exclaimed. We said hello and when they asked how the hell we got there we explained that we walked. This seemed to amaze them as they vanished down the trail. Finally off to sleep!
Day 2 - Of course nature called at about 2am, but after that I slept straight through until at least 5. I was in and out for the next hour or so, just enjoying my new $400 Marmot sleeping bag. That just sounds ridiculous, but I have to say it is a nice morale boost when crashing on the ground. I guess we did a good job clearing underneath the tent because I awoke without too many sore spots, though my left knee was beginning to ache. I couldn't really get the pain pushed all the way out of the back of my mind.
Boots was still sleeping soundly and I began to look forward to some company. I remembered a moment from yesterday when I was hugging Boots as we watched a beautiful sun slip below the horizion. Whenever I see the sun drop out of view like that it reminds me of how temporary our lives are and of how important it is to actually feel happy on a day to day basis. Trips like these keep me happy and I am glad to have my son here to share it with. He may not fully appreciate it now but I feel that taking him camping and backpacking will help shape the man.
Well at this point Boots starts to stir and I remember the fact that we are still quite low on water. In retrospect I can't help but kick myself for not asking the people on horses if they could spare a little water. Maybe I could have scored a beer even. Now I'm reaching- still only 32oz of water back here on the ridge. We broke camp and decide to forgo a formal breakfast of instant oatmeal and opt for the Cliff Bar on the trail sort of experience. Not the optimal plan but I screwed up the water by about 1/2 gallon so it's the only option if we want to sip from our camelback bladders burried deep in our packs. My pack started at 50 lbs. and boots started with 23 lbs. So at least we are a little lighter without the added weight of a bunch of water or something stupid like that. This part of the Sheltowee Trace is void of places to filter water. We had 4.5 miles or so to Clear Creek where we plan to get more water and have a real meal. It was a very long 4.5 miles. The trail was mostly down hill and the growing pain in my knee was again foremost in my mind.
We finally walked upon a paved road and my map told me we were very close to our water source. We Had just finished the last of our water a half mile ago and decided to break out a couple of sticks of Juicy Fruit to whet the old whistle. As you probably already know Juicy Fruit is also a great morale booster. I learned this during a few awkward moments at Grateful Dead concerts. Anyway we made it to Clear Creek in the nick of time and filtered water mixing it with some Emergen-C. To supplement our inadequate breakfast. I soaked my feet in the cold water and realized how sore they had become, but no blisters! Props to Merrell because I had less than 40 miles on my new boots at the time. We decided on the veggie pizza pasta for lunch and I fired up the pocket rocket stove and broke out the dualist cook kit. I love camping gear. I must be the easiest person to buy Xmas gifts for. I like it all. Anyway lunch was delicious although Boots said it was a little spicy. We also enjoyed some ancient multi grain bread with all kinds of good stuff in it. We filled our camelbacks and continued down the trace toward the Clear Creek Furnace. The going was slow. I wrapped my knee with an ace bandage at lunch which helped a little but it was definitely on my mind. When we arrived at the furnace there were two mountain bikers there. These would be the only other people we would actually see on our journey. We chatted with them for a few before getting back on the trail. They said they were thinking of riding up to Natural Arch but as we made our way there it became apparent that they would not make it.
The trail was "more difficult" and full of switchbacks. It was rough going. We began looking for a spot to set up camp and rest the bones. We came across a spot between 2 boulders that would do, but I talked Boots into pushing on a little more. It was worth it as Natural Arch came into view on our right. It was awesome. A small fire pit and plenty of flat area for the tent. I am not sure if you are supposed to camp under arches but there was a fire pit and we practiced low impact camping. I guess we didn't really need the tent, but I have a thing about stuff crawling on me while I try to get my rest. We built a nice fire and I tried out my new backpacking saw. Very nice but I realized the extra weight was probably not worth it. We decided on lasagna and more of that good bread for dinner. I kept the camelback on my knee most of the evening, which I figured couldn't hurt. The sun went down right on time as we were very tired and crawled into the tent and faded off to sleep. Boots was a little scared of the bears but I explained to him that they dont like arches and I thought we would be just fine. Many nice noises to relax the mind as the grip of everyday life loosened a little more. It must have slipped my mind but somewhere before we reached the arch yesterday we lost our map.
Day 3 - I slept pretty well last night. My eyes popped open promptly at 6:15, so I went ahead and started my day. My knee was not bothering me at this point and it faded from thought. I began the morning ritual of packing and rolling and stuffing, then went for the Dualist to heat water for our oatmeal. Again Boots was sleeping in. He had done very well up to this point and I am very proud of him. He has also been doing very well in school so I am not too concerned about the 2 days he missed. I wake him and begin to stir the boiling water into the oatmeal. Boots went with bananas and cream and I had the always delicious apples and cinnamon. We brushed our teeth and started to break camp. From what I remembered about the map it was going to be another long haul to the next water source so after some serious stretching we got after it without delay. As soon as we began to hike the pain in my knee was foremost on my mind again. The trail was well marked again and we tried to make some time on the relatively flat section of trail ahead of us. We reached a ridge top and experienced the best views we had seen so far. This part of our great country is so beautiful it almost looks like a painting. We took a moment from our day and enjoyed a snack and some much needed water with our view. We returned to the trail and began to navigate a few downhill switchbacks, each step was excruciating and I began to realize that it would be very difficult to finish our goal on time. Boots was beginning to fall behind even with my slower pace. We took plenty of breaks and began to ration what was left of the water. We crossed two gravel roads and at the second one there was a huge pile of trash, mostly beer and water bottles, but it was very ugly. Maybe someone had gathered them up and was coming back to get them. A More likely senario would be that the ATV riders or horseback riders discarded their trash without regard to the land or other users. It made me feel sad and I wished I could carry it all out, but that was just not possible. Anyway the sign said it was 5 miles to 1274 and I knew the water source was just beyond that point. Now the milage signs to this point seemed somewhat inaccurate to me, but I held out hope as we made our way straight up the rutted out ATV trail. It is amazing what these vehicles have done to the trail. It is like something out of a horror story. The land around us was beautiful so I tried to focus on that instead the pain in my knee or the pain of seeing the scars left behind on the trail. This 5 miles felt like 20. I kept pushing but it was increasingly obvious that I could not make it much further. I tried not to complain or talk about bailing out for the sake of keeping Boots focused but that was all I could think about. We finally saw the road long after we first heard the sound of cars in the distance. The trail seemed to empty out onto private property and we had to cut through someone's yard to reach the road. At this point we were out of water again so I talked Boots into knocking on someone's door to see if we could fill our containers from their hose. This is when it is great to have kids do the awkward things you don't want to do. Anyway a teenage boy came to the door and said we could fill up and gave us a Dr. Pepper to split. Man was that tasty! He explained that his "pawpaw" was going to be home soon and rushed us off so he wouldn't get fussed at. We thanked him and hit the hardtop looking for the trail blaze, which I never found. We walked for a half mile on the road and I gave in. I picked up the phone and called for a lift back to Cave Run and my trusty Corolla. We walked back to the trailhead where we got water and noticed that "Pawpaw" was home and we exchanged a wave. I was silently grateful for the water we got there just minutes before. We took our packs off and treated ourselves to a little jerky while we waited. Before long our ride pulled up. A very nice couple who chatted us up a little before suggesting lunch at a little mom and pop store. They recommended the double cheeseburger and we each ordered one. They were delicious and Boots decided to top it off with a peanut butter milkshake. We had a nice conversation and talked about the AT. I would like to do a section sometime and as I got into my car to drive home, I started trying to figure out where and when the next adventure would take place. See ya on the Trail!
