Down the Creek with a Paddle – Beats the Alternative
When the Hostas finally, after a long and cold Winter, start pushing the warming earth, that’s when I usually come out of the cave. It’s like my very own Bat Signal. Only it’s not trouble that calls the Great Bear out of his hibernation.
It’s water.
Kentucky, as is it written in A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to Kentucky, can boast more moving water than any other state in the Nation. Save for Alaska. Now, I can’t, with accuracy, say that the afore mentioned statistic is true or not. And to be quite honest, I’m far too lazy to do the research. Maybe lazy is not the right word. Hmmmmmm. Motivation. That’s it. I lack motivation for the research of such statistics.
At any rate, after loading the Necky kayak and fully caffinating myself, I pointed my Volvo west. Destination? Frankfort, Kentucky and the Elkhorn Creek.
At the put in.
What’s that you say? You don’t have your own boat or even gear? No worries. My friends at Canoe Kentucky have everything you need. Canoes, Kayaks, PFD (personal flotation device – otherwise known as Life Vests) and paddles. Those fine gentlemen, for a modest fee, will even pick you up and schlep you back to your car. If you are uneasy about the water all together, a guided trip can be arranged.
From towering Palisades, to rolling farmland, from class II – III whitewater to fine Smallmouth bass and bluegill fishing in deep, cool pools, Elkhorn Creek has it all. The creek will meander about some of the prettiest country around and if you’re lucky, you’ll fall out and go for an unexpected swim. Who doesn’t like surprises? That being said, it’s best to leave you’re cell phones and other “damaged by water” items in your car. No need for GPS. The creek will take you where you need to go.
Merrily Down the Stream
Like camping? Try the Elkhorn Campground. If that isn’t your cuppa, there are a number of fine Hotel/Motel establishment just a few miles west. I’ll just say, the Elkhorn Campground is smack on the edge of the Elkhorn Creek and having a river/creek sing you to sleep is just about better than anything. Save for free beer and money.
I’d like to tell you that there is a cute little Mom and Pop in the immediate vicinity that serves Kobe beef and cold beer in 50 gallon buckets, but much like my date with the very pretty French princess from Braveheart, it’s a dream. But fear not, Downtown Frankfort has a variety of eateries that are sure to please.
So what are you waiting for? It’s getting warm. Why not take an un-chlorinated swim?
It’s better for your hair.
All photos by C.A. Downs III
- If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
- Share
- 3 Comments
