In an effort to regain some of the time I lost during my visit to the caves, I planned a marathon day -- 86 miles -- my longest day of riding to date. The ride back up to the TransAmerica trail was easier than the route down to the caves, but headwinds continued to sap my strength.
Here's a shot of my ferry ride across the Green River, the waterbody into which the cave's rivers flow.
The river, like the park itself, was full of lush greenery, which contrasts with the neighboring farmland. Before the farmers cleared western Kentucky of its hardwood forests, the state boasted fantastic elm, oak and chestnut groves.
Here's a random shot of the day. All in all, it was a beautiful day to ride a bike, and despite my ambitious mileage, I thoroughly enjoyed the day's ride.
If you look closely at the bottom of the picture, you'll notice a schoolbus heading down the road. After coal trucks, schoolbuses were the most inconsiderate drivers. I constantly marveled at the fact that these people, who are entrusted with the lives of young children, showed absolutely no respect for my safety as they whizzed past me at 50 mph.
I finally limped into Rough River Dam State Park just as an evening rainshower began, and I was relieved to see that the campground still had empty sites. Over the last few miles I had developed a nagging suspicion that the campground would be full on this, the first night of Memorial Day weekend.