After the scary ordeal of crossing those two skinny bridges we were both ‘happy to be at our next campground. Also we were glad we would stay for three days before charging on toward Virginia. We camped at the Canal Campground, another COE Park.
Since our campground is located just a few miles north of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, we drove down the scenic road to the land between the lakes and man, oh, man, everything was so very vibrant green and lush!
Driving around we found the remains of an old iron ore smelter that had a pull out to a historical marker with tidbits posted about the history. The iron ore smelter is adjacent to a road we then explored and discovered Hematite Lake. We noticed a 2.4 mile hike around the lake and although we didn’t do the hike the day we discovered it we made a plan to return the very next day to do it.
Hematite Lake is so named because of all the ore found around the lake and that is why the smelter was located nearby. The remnants of the smelting process yielded lots of variously colored pieces of hematite along the shoreline of the lake. We found pieces that were glossy black, purple and vibrant blue along our path.
But best of all was enjoying a nice hike in the lush woodlands around the lake. The lake at times was so still there were magnificent reflections of the clouds on the water. About halfway around the lake a 1/4 mile (practically new) boardwalk took us over the swampier parts of the lowlands where we saw many birds and frogs and turtles.
The most interesting sighting of the day was an American Woodcock. About the size of a robin these short legged stocky woodland birds are solitary and rarely seen so we were delighted to watch this one probing the ground for earthworms. Having forgotten my good camera we were unable to capture a photo of it so we only took our memories of it with us.
Our three day stay at Canal Campground was just what the doctor ordered. What a nice and relaxing place to spend some time. We both would like to return to this area someday for further exploration but it quickly became time to press on…
Another great COE campground and looks the weather was cooperative, too.
ReplyDeleteContinued safe travels.
Yes this was a nice stop and we would like to spend more time here in the future...
DeleteJust wondering. Has anybody used the good sams extended warranty? Please reply to ezduzit1988@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWe use it and have since we have been on the road. Used it three times with two great experiences and one not so good one.
DeleteThank you!
DeleteThe cloud reflection would help calm the nerves after the near miss. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteWater, of any kind, in general has that effect on me...
DeleteHow lucky to see a woodcock. I know all about not having my "real" camera with me when something important shows up. My phone just isn't good enough. Hope where you are/are going is cooler than here in the foothills in Virginia. It has been low to mid 90's here since late May. I've never seen it so hot here so continuously. My friends in Sebring Florida report temps in the mid to upper 80's. How can that be?
ReplyDelete