by Doug Welch
Chapter 5
Love at the Lake
The morning sun peeked over the wooded hills as we drove toward the lake.
Lake Cumberland was one of the largest freshwater lakes in Kentucky. It extended for miles through an old watercourse which had been dammed to create it. All along the shoreline, wooded hills and ridges loomed, creating spectacular views of the shimmering water and meandering shoreline.
Near Jamestown sat Lake Cumberland State Park, which was our destination. I drove along the winding road that led to the park. The thickly wooded forest bordered each side of the road.
“How are you feeling, Sis?” I asked.
“Better, the woods help.”
The night hadn’t been an easy one. Neither of us had felt like cooking breakfast, so we decided to drive to the park lodge to eat. We’d rummaged through our old hiking gear to find some usable clothing, backpacks and hiking boots. Fortunately, we both kept gear at the farm and it was still in serviceable condition.
The sun lay just over the horizon when we arrived at the lodge.
Parking the car, we walked to the lodge's restaurant.
We sat at a table near the overlook windows, and gazed at the lake. The waters sparkled in the morning sunlight, and we could see the wakes of boats heading out from the marina.
“Still beautiful,” I said.
Alex pointed to the marks on the shoreline. “It is. The water’s low, though.”
I agreed with her. “They’re working on the dam. When they finish, it’ll fill back up.”
We ate in silence, each preoccupied with our own thoughts. After we finished and paid the bill, we walked out to the car, opened the trunk, and loaded up. I’d thought to bring our old walking sticks, and handed Alex hers. “You know where we’re going, right?”
“Oh, yes.”