Place, Big south fork national river http://www.nps.gov/biso/ and the cumberland river.

There are lots of campgrounds in the area ,I will be at Grove campground near corbin KY . http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/camplon.HTM

There is cabins,a lodge and more camping near there at http://www.state.ky.us/agencies/parks/i75frames/cumbfal2-body.htm

I plan to use this outfitter, http://www.ky-rafting.com/canoe.htm

I would like to see all you there!!

I have to just float down a easy river in the sun to feel alive. MADDOG

I don't have experience in white water.

Did a great float trip in Alaska (2 rafts) down the Kenai River. Camped and fished for the weekend with friends.

We kinda all split expenses. Anything like this on the Lyme Float? Group rafting maybe? The only boat I have is a small flat bottom aluminum boat for fishing out on the pond.

I didn't figure you would ever want to come back to KY since that is where you got your tick. I wouldn't much blame you. I have no idea where I got mine but I'm sure it was here.

I got a deer tick off of me last summer so I think I might have gotten reinfected or is that possible? Just seems like I started getting worse after that.

Anyway, back to the fun. That trip sounds like alot of fun. We love camping and that's where I got my tick last year.

We live very close to Barren River Lake so that's where we camp. We have been to Cumberland Falls a few times but never camped there. Stayed in a cabin.

Is this trip something you do every year and how many lymies come? I've never been in a canoe or kayak but it sounds like fun. We have a pontoon. That's much easier to paddle.LOL

The only exception is when I am eating strange berries,off of weird bushes. He HE HE ( Hope Charlie sees this one)!

We started the lyme float last year,it is to be a yearly event.

We wan't to move it arround so everyone gets to come.

I wanted to have the trip in Nebraska at the neobrara, but no one wanted to go there.

I really wanted to float the green river through the Canyonlands National Park. I could not afford the gas money this year. 500 bucks worth ,probably wind up being 600.

We only had 6 people last year show up,but they all were the creme of the crop of people. Each and every one are dear to me now.

Hope it will be as wonderful as last year!!!

Did you know... I lived there for a while... on the Tennessee side. Beautiful area!

I just emailed the park (Cumberland) to see what's available for sleeping. If I am not having to be in VA... I will hope to be THERE with you!

Yes.. follow the "V".

------------------
If you get the choice to sit it out or dance...

Almost 700 miles ONE way! I didn't realize it was that far! YIKES!

OH NO! Don't make me FLY again! NO MADDOG!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

How far is it for you? Must be about that far, at least, eh?

Well... Dippity do dah. I wouldn't say this to just anyone, ya know ... but... I GUESS you're worth going THAT far for. hehehe

You never know, you just might see me there. Right now I am too sick to make plans but I hope I will be feeling better by then.

Actually, I am a wee bit better but I'm just afraid to tell anyone. So that's a secret. LOL Usually when I say it I think I jinx myself and get sicker again so I just try to keep my mouth shut. That's so hard to do, too.

I really would like to come. If I think I can I will talk to you about it as time gets closer. It sounds like a lot of fun. Plus I would like to meet some of you.

Oh, I was never at Cumberland Falls, it was Lake Cumberland. I asked my hubby and he cleared it up for me. You know, with this lyme brain I don't know where I've been. Cumberland Falls isn't as close to me as I thought it was. Lake Cumberland is only about an hour away but not sure about Cumberland Falls. I'll have to look it up and see. I'm sure it's not as far as it is for you or Tincup.LOL

Sapphire the cumberland falls are right near cumberland lake but I think at one end of it.

TC you probably know of some neat local area things to see on the down to rest up days between floating. MADDOG

Hope you can make it! Maddog picked a wonderful place last time. We ALL enjoyed the trip. As I sit here in the muggy nasty dreary cold.. I see the photos we have from the Buffalo River.. and all of us sitting in the water.. canoes and kayaks on the shore.. and remember how sunny and warm it was. Soooooooooo nice!

Charlie, Jenny, Melanie, Just Don, Maddog and I all floated down the river in several places... went to caverns, historical places... picnics.. suppers.. mountain shops.. park areas... etc. We stayed overnight in different places.. some camped in campers and some in tents in the National Park.. some stayed in a southern style, down home, bed and breakfast just outside the park. Some shared rides to get there.. some shared rooms to cut expenses.

Hey hey Maddog...

Ehhhh.. what's 700 miles these days? I was just whining to whine. You know... one of those days... hehehe

Actually.. I liked the out west place you were talking about too. And it would be close to Just Don... who SHOULD be making plans to go THIS time too... no excuses!

But I do like this area that you picked. Glad it is close to you.. or closer than Arkansas, at least.

As for knowing stuff to do? I was there in that area for a season.. about 9-10 months or so.. WORKING.. sooooooooo... not much time for extra activities.

From what I remember.. the most exciting thing to do in the wilderness area where I lived was to get out on the road and drive west.... just to watch the time change back an hour.. then drive east towards home and watch it change again.

I hiked and explored a lot in the woods.. but as far as "going out"... I am afraid I was too woodsy.. was involved in much historical/nature research... and didn't see much other "human" activity.

BUT.. never fear. If there is fun to be found... anywhere around....

I will be right there... in fun's face.

I checked out the Woodland cabins at Cumberland Falls. They have 15-20 steps to get up and down.. so if stairs are a problem for anyone.. the lodge may be a better deal?

Just Don... (Who I have had on my mind for a long while now trying to come up with some answers)...

You said..

"Now count me as one of the most stupid people but tell me what happens when a canoe overturns with a seriously disabled person aboard that cannot walk at all???"

They wear life jackets and float until they are helped... just like folks who can walk who end up in water over their heads.

I use to lead canoe trips years ago.. for the park. I am THRILLED to hear they are providing access for folks who wouldn't normally have a chance to canoe. In parks.. if you can't walk on trails.. there is not much to do. This will open up a whole new BEAUTIFUL world for folks.

And keep in mind.. not EVERYONE dumps the canoe over 50-60 times in a 1/2 mile stretch of river... like YOU did! HA!

JUST KIDDING! I was actually VERY surprised at the level of skill Just Don had .. especially in a Kayak!!! He done REAL good and went many miles!

You said... "OR what happens when nature calls during the middle of the trip."

Sometimes folks have someone with them to assist them... sometimes group leaders assist... and sometimes... folks do the same as you, me, and the little fishies.

As YOU remember.. we had someone with us who had IV lines.. who could NOT get them wet. It worked out well for them... as the boat, luckily, stayed upright the whole time.

Ok.. just visiting.. gotta get back to the old grindstone.

Glad to stop by here for a smile.

I am going to buy that winning lottery ticket soon.

I will be by to pick you up for the lyme float.

Maddog....I hope all goes well and you all have a great time. Sounds like fun.

My health is improving enough lately that I think I would be able to do something like this.

Hopefully, the finances will improve enough too.

The only problem is, our 5th wheel camper is 38 feet long and we can't just camp anywhere. It takes a big site for it. I guess I could call up there and see if they have anything it will fit on. It's not it just fitting but it needs to be a site not too hard to get into.

Hubby isn't real great at backing this thing. Don't tell him I said that though.LOL The first day we got it he run over the things in front of the gas pump and it tore up the outside of it.(we got it fixed) He has gotten better at it but I still get really nervous when we go someplace we've never been.

On second thought, maybe we can just rent a cabin or something. If we all do meet and yall mention that to him, I will tell him someone else told you.LOL

Hope to see you all there.

A pull through site is exactly what we would need. It sure makes it easier to get in to. We have one site at the lake here we like and if it's not available, we don't go. Mainly because it's right on the water and the others aren't and it's the only one easy to get into.

Oh boy, I'm getting camping fever. I absolutely love it. As soon as I know whether we can go or not I will call the campground and see what they have.

Anyone driving to there from around the PA/OH border? Yeah you huh Maddog?

LOL

I live on the oposite side of Ohio near Cincinnati.

You are lucky,you live near the Youghiogheny don't you?? I have never got to run that river but I wan't to some day.

http://www.rafting.com/youghiogheny-river-rafting.htm

There is a middle section that is easy class 1 to 2.

MADDOG

Don't expect meditation and somber introspection though, it's a party and a pretty strenuous one at that.

Any of you that need help getting around of course those of us that can assist will.

Tincup can teach you to canoe in 30 seconds.... like she did us who had never been near a canoe.

I don't see why you couldn't bring the kids...just don't expect me to babysit or change diapers.

We do sip cheap beer at times.

But only a few and nothing dangerous.

I have a river code of ethicks.

I wont ever drink when on the river alone.

I only get loaded while floating on innertubes on the local river here when it is 95 degrees, and i am with my brothers.

I still don't know if we can come or not. I was feeling better but am now herxing or having a relapse. I was trying to make up for lost time and I over did it.

Anyway, if we don't bring the camper we could bring the pontoon. Would that be a good idea or not? I don't think I will be able to do much. I know I can't hike or canoe if I have to paddle. Could we get a motor?LOL Who knows, by then I may be better.

Anyway, let me know about the pontoon. I would rather bring the camper but just not sure about finding a good site easy to get into. This sounds like a lot of fun.

Take care,
Sapphire

And then there was Charlie, oh my, way past explanation.

All the girls danced all night in hula skirts.

And the local authorities know each one of all those people personally.

I don't believe anything I hear and only half of what I see.LOL Are you going to be there? Sure sounds like fun.

He probably doesent have a chance ,my skinny lyme emaciated legs are shure to win.

But then i don't know??? HE HE HE HE

MADDOG

Maybe the losers could all cook supper and gather the wood for the campfire. And the winner could sit around the fire and get waited on hand and foot. Now that sounds like a camping trip.

Don't have chicken legs but do have a type of turkey wattle thighs. Does that qualify as an entry??

What the h--- has happened to my body.

Here's a thought....you know that Trimspa commercial with Anna Nicole Smith saying, 'you want my body?'. Since Lyme I couldn't pay people enough to 'want this body'!! LOL!!!

Sorry dude, but I'd win hands down, no contest!!!

Don, I think that is wishful thinking. VERY wishful thinking. Don't know about all those babies but all those girlfriends. Couldn't you just farm them out to your friends while you are gone? Your friends probably wouldn't mind.

I know the real reason you aren't coming...you are afraid you will have to carry Maddog back up the hill along with his kayak. I'm sure we could all help. Surely between all of us we could "git er done".

Aklnwlf,I don't know about the dog rules at the campground,or on the river?? I do know that barking all night will get the campground host real mad. And not let Lymies get enuf rest.

(If they dont bark at night) they would be nice to have along. My neighbor has black lab 30 feet from my house that Barks me awake constantly,leaving me exhausted.

We float a day and go to see the sights a day ,float a day and go to see the sights a day, resting up for another day of floating.

I expect to make one of the days a cookout day and slow cook my barbecue for all.

Like, umm... well, people float on Lake Tahoe... ya don't go very fast, understand, but there are no ticks. If you want to zoom, there's the Truckee River right close. And if ya wanna 'float' on a mountainside, there are lots of those there too and I know a couple real easy beautiful nearly level trails, as well as a couple of the more vertical kind. All without ticks. Best time of year is July, when the Eastern Tickzone is rather uncomfortable.

Oh, and depending on which end of the lake you're at, there's South Lake with the cheap rooms and casinos and buffets and all that. Not my cuppa tea, but for the comfort-prone, there it is. Otherwise there are cabins for rent (with very advance reservations) and lots of excellent state campgrounds.

Dan

Blow me over.

You guys have been doing this for a while, and I never knew??

Maddog, would you allow me to come after all we've been through?

..and some folks will be boozing??
I've heard enough. Where do I sign..

Uh..ticks, huh?

Well, I've really been digging this product, called Bugrepel.

All herb based, and it seems to have passed my very rigorous testing standards here in tick central.

I say, if you're going to a ticky location this year..grab that if you can.

If I can go, I'll bring some and share lavishly.

Mo

Haven't you heard?? We don't have lyme disease in KY. We do have tons of ticks but none carry LD. IF only that were true.

Maddog,

I expect to get to judge the contest as long as the thongs and speedos are left at home.LOL Do you know who is coming yet for sure? I'm not absolutely positive yet but planning on it.

I would like to drive up there one day and check it out and see if they have any good sites our camper will fit on. If not, I would like to rent a cabin.

I would say that when you all come back from KY you will be saying yall. LOL

I stayed there last year late in the summer and found no ticks at the campground. And I am a tick watcher.

Grove campground has a lot of good spaces.I prefer C loop as there is allso hiking near by,and some private camping spots.

I have tenative plans to go there week after this week to scope it out even beter. And get some digital picks.

I may be there next sunday through wens or thursday. Hopefully my back will allow me to take the big kayak if not I will take the EZ play boat. http://www.wavesport.com/kayaks/ez/ez.php

MADDOG

I would like to come up for the weekend--but am not taking little boys camping--scope out any Day's Inn or something else cheap but clean in the area.

Thanks,
Linda

We arrive on Sunday and set up camp.We meet on
sunday eve at the camp ground to make plans for monday and get to know each other.

Hopefully we float an easy stretch of the river on monday. Class one watter. Then plan each day based on how we feel and what people want to do and see or float. I will shure look for these hotels. MADDOG http://www.google.com/local?hl=en&lr=&q=motels&near=Corbin,+KY&sa=X&oi=localr

Well, sold my cabin but didn't make as much as I'd hoped.

Also my poor dog is tweeked that I was gone for so long. If I'm coming I'm gonna have to bring him.

He's such a pain.

As you can imagine 3 weeks in Alaska was costly so I'm gonna have to camp in a tent with my dog.

He shouldn't be to barky. Also do you all stay at the same campsite or change everyday??

I'll hang around camp while you folks float. Those hiking trails that you mentioned sound right up my alley. Barky Butt would enjoy it too.

I'll call the number that you listed for the camp area and get some info.

Chat with you soon.

There are showers in the main john there.

Them walk in sights are so private I was tempted to use a tent there myself.

Well crap, I'm getting sick again. Will call my LLNP tomorrow. They started to decrease my meds just this month and boy do I feel it.

Anyways, forgot I have a LLNP appt. on the 24th. Go figure. Will try to get fixed up before then and will shoot by for a couple of days sans barky butt.

I'm sure 'no dogs allowed' at an LLNP appt. LOL!!!

Hope I can get to feeling better before then.

I can't believe it but I might have to stay at a motel and just plain old wimp right out.