Eastern Kentucky: The Great Outdoors is Calling

Warm weather is finally here. The great outdoors is calling, no screaming, for everyone to get up and get out, outdoors that is. It's definitely time to start planning for your excursions out into Mother Nature's wonderful playground.

Most people have their own ideas of what is fun and enjoyable for them. Many people enjoy camping and fishing. Others may want to get more physical with biking and hiking. While still others combine the different outdoor activities. Whatever your preference is, just do it. Get ready and get going.

Mother Nature provides many different opportunities for all of us to get physically fit. All we have to do is go outside and look around. There's plenty to do and see.

If you are a camping bluff, try checking out some of the state's natural parks. For example, in Eastern Kentucky, you can enjoy the many benefits of Jenny Wiley State Park. At this state park, you can enjoy boating, swimming, camping, hiking on the Jenny Wiley Trail, and fishing. The Park also has a fantastic lodge with some of best food in the area. Their catfish is simply delicious.

Another great place to check out Mother Nature's finest is Cave Run Lake located in Eastern/Central Kentucky. This nature lover's paradise has just about everything you can think of. There's fishing and camping, of course. The park has great camping areas set up with bathrooms with showers located in each section. You can set up campers or use tents. There's also a beach for those whose idea of a perfect day is to lay on the beach with a good book. There are bike trails throughout the park. You can also rent ATV vehicles and go roughing it or take horseback rides. And of course, there are lots of walking trails. Believe me, you will do plenty of walking in these great places. From walking to the bathrooms, walking down to the water's edge, to walking just for the pure enjoyment of nature, you will get in plenty of walking. And nature will keep your visual sense stimulated as it provides you plenty to look at. From the tall trees to the wildlife scuttling all about, nature puts on a show. One thing to remember in these parks is that you are just a visitor. The animals live here; it is their home. So, although they may be used to having humans around, they are still wild animals. Treat them with respect and keep your distance.

After a full day of enjoying all the park has to offer, be it boating or fishing, it's time to relax. The perfect remedy is waiting down by the lake. There's nothing quite as beautiful or as relaxing as sitting quietly at the water's edge and watching the sun's fireworks display reflecting off the shimmering water. As it slowly slides behind the mountains, it leaves you filled with a sense of peace and fulfillment.