Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Dale Hollow State Resort Park, Kentucky


Besides all of the Tennessee state parks which we love, there are two in Kentucky which we also enjoy. One is Barren River and the one I'm featuring today is DALE HOLLOW STATE RESORT PARK, located on the southern Kentucky border near Burkesville. We've been there several times --but most of today's photos were taken at the end of August in 2007 when we took George's daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Chuck, there for dinner in their lodge. Here's a little history of this beautiful state park.




Dale Hollow Lake--taken from the back of the lodge


Dale Hollow State Park is located in south-central Kentucky in the Cumberland River basin on the Obey River. The huge reservoir created by Dale Hollow Dam covers 27,700 acres in parts of Clinton and Cumberland Counties in Kentucky and Clay, Fentress, Overton, and Pickett in Tennessee. Dale Hollow Dam and Reservoir controls the runoff drainage area of 935 square miles.




This is the Lodge at Dale Hollow where we had lunch.


Both the dam and reservoir are under the oversight of the Army Corps of Engineers. Completed in 1943, the dam and reservoir not only provides flood control, but also generates large amounts of electrical power. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) operates and distributes the electrical power for regional consumption. The dam is 1, 717 feet in length and holds back a lake that is 61 miles long with 653 miles of shoreline, and has a 120-foot depth at its deepest point.



Above is George, me, Kelly and Chuck at Dale Hollow. I'm not that short --since I'm 5'6" ---but the Adams' are just TALL people!!! ha


The lands surrounding the Dale Hollow Reservoir are some of the most scenic in the South. Forest covered hills and sweeping views from some of the plateaus are examples of the natural beauty of the region. We love to go there!



Fishing is considered to be excellent in Dale Hollow Lake. (Hear that, TOM ???) The world record small mouth bass weighing 11 pounds and 15 ounces came from the waters of the lake, within a half-mile of Dale Hollow State Park. The lake also is stocked with white bass, bluegill, crappie, muskie, and rainbow trout, making the lake’s waters a fisherman’s paradise. The park has a marina with a dock and boat slips. The marina has a restaurant and a gift shop. Park facilities also include a pool, picnic areas, campground, lodge rooms and playgrounds.



I'm not sure what Kelly and I were doing---but it looks as if George told us to act like Dale Hollow Statues!!!! Kelly makes a better statue than me, for sure!!!!!


The region-surrounding Dale Hollow State Park is historically significant. Virginia set aside the south-central portion of Kentucky for a military reserve district for Revolutionary soldiers. The South of the Green River lands covered a great portion of southern Kentucky. Many Virginia soldiers of the Revolutionary War moved to what would become Clinton and Cumberland Counties. Cumberland County is also famous as the site of one of the first oil wells in the United States.



I'd like to be on that houseboat out on the lake. You????? OR---maybe I'd like to build a cabin on that little island!!!! Hmmmmmm...


During the winter of 1829, some men were drilling an exploratory well for salt brine. Salt had long been a lucrative business on the American frontier. One way to produce salt was to find a deposit of salt brine, boil the water down and collect the salt. On March 11, 1829 the men drilling for salt water struck instead an oil well. The pressure of the gas and oil underneath the surface forced an enormous geyser into the air. In 1934 the Kentucky General Assembly placed a commemorative tablet stating that this was the site of the first oil well in America. Though there have been many disputes to the claim, the Kentucky oil well remains one of the natural phenomenons of the south central portion of the state.



A pretty young woman and an OLD lady (with horns) were being very silly!!!!! ha


Above and below are pictures we took at Dale Hollow. This is a beautiful state park--so if you live anywhere nearby or are in this area, check it out sometime. They have Eagle Watches in January--which I'd love to go to someday. There are many other special activities and programs going on throughout the year.




Ready to take a trip to Dale Hollow now????? By the way, if you go on Sunday, they have delicious catfish for dinner!!!! George's Dad and Mom love their buffets.

Have a good day. I think (hope) that the worst of our rains are over. Luckily here, we had no flooding--but we did have alot of rain for a WEEK.

Hugs,

46 comments:

Cherry said...

yes, i'd like to be in that houseboat in the little island... in my dreams tonight. ;)

another fantastic place to add in my dream list. in fact, i don't need to dream for you have realized my dreams through your scenic photos. :)

Darla said...

What a beautiful place...love the little islands...you look like maybe you were dancing in that one photo!

Anonymous said...

I was at this place once upon a time. So long ago I had forgotten. Your photos look like you all had a good time.

T said...

Just beautifull!

I learn a little more of my home area from you each time you post.....a mini history lesson. Love it!

Kelly said...

...this place looks great!! Rick, Matty and I and my brother, sis-in-law and niece are going to Cumberland Falls in late October for the weekend. Is Dale Hollow near it? Last year we did Jenny Wiley and had a great time!

Lisa said...

I think you need a group of houseboats to enjoy a houseboat :)

Arkansas Patti said...

I was facinated by all the little islands. Would have to explore. Just beautiful and my kind of place.
Glad you are finally drying out. Was getting tired of cleaning cabinets for exercise.
My outdoor solar lights are finally coming back to life.
Happy first full day of Fall.

SmilingSally said...

That's a pretty place and you got some beautiful shots.

I've updated on my house today.

Busy Bee Suz said...

This looks like a lovely place to visit. Our state parks are just so nice, aren't we lucky???
I really want to go here since it looks like this place makes people act sillier than normal. I love silly!

Harriet said...

Another beautiful place. You have gone to so many wonderful places. I just have to ask, is there a place which you would like to go but haven't had a chance to visit yet?

amelia said...

As usual, gorgeous pictures!!

The little cabin and boat on the lake could be our lake. Very much alike with little islands with small cabins..

Susie said...

Interesting info Betsy. Looks like a beautiful place to visit. And catfish? Yum!

Peggy said...

absolutely breathtaking! Our rains are hopefully over too and floodwaters going down. Have a blessed day!

penny said...

You always take us on such delightful journeys and this one was fantastic.
Thanks Betsy!
I hope the rain stays away...
Pam :)

Beth said...

What a lovely place! And, as always, great photos, Betsy. So interesting to read about them finding oil unexpectedly while looking for salt. That must have been quite a surprise, especially with it shooting into the air. Thanks so much for another interesting read, Betsy.

Connie said...

Mark and I have made plans to visit this park several times, but always something has come up. I'm definitely making plans to go.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

You have show cased another beautiful place.I enjoyed seeing the scenery,but also the fun you had with family while you were there.Thanks.
Blessings,Ruth

Adrienne Zwart said...

Besty, these are terrific pictures. My husband, who grew up in Indianapolis, talks about the family vacations they took to Dale Hollow. Just another place to put on my list of must-see parks. Thanks for sharing!

Dorothy said...

I enjoyed this beautiful post! Betsy, those are not horns, they are "Rabbit Ears"!(smile)

Snap said...

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I could sit for days and just watch the water.

EG CameraGirl said...

The reservoir is so pretty when you look down on it from above. What a nice family!

Karin said...

What pretty scenery! Absolutely relaxing views - I could sit for hours and just enjoy! Glad your rains are almost done! It's been horrible elsewhere hasn't it!

Betty said...

You had better be careful all of the beautiful places you are showing us will lead to many visitors there.I would hate to see it get over run with people.(LOL)
Great post you always have a wonderful smile.
~~ Hugs ~~

LV said...

So glad you two are out an enjoying life and what wonders nature has to offer.This looks like a great place to visit. Trust you and George stay well and continue your lives together enjoying what life has to offer.

Unknown said...

Wonderful natural history lesson! How rich in resources is our great nation? I believe that is the lake in Kentucky near where my sister lives and vacations often. They have done a week on a houseboat and loved it!

Cookie said...

You could work for the state parks department! I love how there are islands in the lake. And no one should call 5'6" short! (since I'm only 5'2" ;) )

Cookie said...

You could work for the state parks department! I love how there are islands in the lake. And no one should call 5'6" short! (since I'm only 5'2" ;) )

Cookie said...

You could work for the state parks department! I love how there are islands in the lake. And no one should call 5'6" short! (since I'm only 5'2" ;) )

Jen said...

Yeah for Kentucky! :D

Anonymous said...

I hadn't heard of Dale Hollow, but have you guys been to Kentucky Lake? I went there several years ago w/ some friends. That's a big lake!
Great shots, Betsy!

Natalie said...

We have not made it there yet but it looks gorgeous. You should check out Cave Run Lake State Park. That is one of our favorites here

Diane said...

Looks like a lovely place, Betsy. I love the water.

Tammie Lee said...

This looks like a wonderful place to spend time. So wonderful that you enjoyed it with loved ones.
Spirithelpers

Diane AZ said...

This is one of the prettiest lakes I've seen. I love those tree covered islands.

Cheryl said...

What a beautiful spot to visit and have lunch. A very nice looking family photo.

Sunny said...

Okay! Now I'm ready for a vacation! What a lovely area. Always enjoy reading your posts.
Sunny :)

Kay said...

That's a beautiful lake.

Kay

Lola said...

More informative info of my favorite state. I didn't know about all this. Wish I had spent more time getting to know about my home state.

Salitype said...

such beautiful place, ...and thank you for the information!

who knows one day i may visit the place and live the dream!

cherie said...

travelling, sure, is a lot of fun, ms. betsy! you make a wonderful statue!!

Mary said...

Looks like a great place to go! You and George could write a travel guide with all the places you've been. You do look short when with George:-) I would not have guessed you were 5'6". I have the same problem with Mike's family who are all over 6', but I really am short.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: That does look like a great place to fish. 11# Smallmouth is amazing, a 5# one is consider big and they fight like crazy.

SquirrelQueen said...

Gorgeous lake, and I would take the houseboat. It looks like you and Kelly and the fellas had a great time.

I really enjoyed the information on the region and park, thanks for the tour.

Hugs,
Judy

diane b said...

You have so many beautiful State Parks and national Parks in your country. You look like you had a very enjoyable day. Thanks for all the info about the park. A cabin on the island sounds good to me. We'll come and visit.

Janie said...

What a beautiful lake. I'd like to explore the islands, and spending a week on a houseboat would be great, too!

Rose said...

this was a very interesting post for me...and yes I am ready to go there!