Day 2: Our Heroes take a Hike

On Friday morning the three hearty companions awoke in their tent refreshed after a night's sleep on hard, sharp gravel complimented by Matthew's incessant snoring (which he claims helped keep the bears away). With only a few miles of driving ahead of them, our heroes decided to explore the beautiful Land Between the Lakes by taking a five mile hike on "Honker Trail" (note the prestigious name).

After a grueling hike in 90 degree weather, the trio took refuge in the park's air-conditioned visitor center and enjoyed a planetarium show narrated by actor Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: TNG). Afterward, unwilling but undaunted, the travelers returned to the non-air-conditioned Grand Am and continued traveling east with a destination of Mammoth Cave Park.

While en route the group haphazardly stumbled upon a little-known monument called the Jefferson Davis Memorial. At two-thirds the size of the Washington Monument, this granite obelisk stands in the heart of Kentucky to honor the birthplace of the Confederacy's first president, Jefferson Davis. Needless to say, the traveling troup was delighted and amazed at their find.

Finally, in the late hours of June 21 the grateful group established their camp in Mammoth Cave Park and prepared for the adventure that awaited them in the depths of the Earth.