So we woke up early Saturday craving some nature time and decided Pennyrile Park was the spot. Packed the minivan with snacks, bug spray, and fishing rods. Kids were bouncing off the walls before we even hit Highway 109.
First Stop: The Lake
Rolled into the park around 9 AM heading straight to the boat dock. Paid $5 for a fishing license at the ranger station. Pro tip: bring your own nightcrawlers – the bait shop here charges double. My little dude caught a sunfish right away while my daughter kept tangling her line. After two hours we had six bluegills worth keeping.
- Skunked on bass despite trying every lure
- Old dude next to us landed a monster catfish
- Learned the hard way park benches get scalding hot by 11 AM
Trail Mix Disaster
Figured we’d hike the Woodpecker Trail before lunch. Total rookie mistake packing trail mix with M&Ms. Chocolate melted everywhere turning our snack bag into a sticky sludge bomb. Kids whined for a solid mile until we found that giant oak with shade.
Spotted three deer near the creek crossing! Grabbed blurry phone pics before they bolted. My boots still have mud caked in the treads from that muddy bank near marker 7. Wear waterproof shoes if you try this trail after rain.
Picnic Pandemonium
By 1 PM everyone’s hangry. Unpacked sandwiches at shelter #3 near the playground. Some jerk let their dog poop right by our table – watch your step. Kids inhaled PB&Js then made a beeline for the swings while we cleaned up.
- Fire ants invaded our chip bags within minutes
- Forgot ketchup for the hot dogs (always double-check the cooler!)
- Park ice machines were out of order – glad we brought extra
Afternoon Blast
Let the kids loose at the aquatic center. Two hours of water slides and screaming. Meanwhile I snuck in a power nap under the giant maple trees. Pro move: claim the hammock spots early before they’re all taken.
Wrapped up with mini-golf as sunset hit. Course needs maintenance – hole 5’s windmill was jammed. Still beat my wife by three strokes even with the broken obstacles. Kids traded arcade tickets for rubber snakes at the gift shop. All in all? Solid family day. Next time we’re renting kayaks instead of fishing.
