Save the Hemlocks

It has been brought to our attention that the Hemlock trees in Hidden Cove are at risk of an aggressive attack by an intruder called the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid.  This is a non-native insect that has been destructive to the Hemlocks through neighboring states, and areas near our property. 

What to look for:

In regard to definition, according to the National Park Service:

The Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (Adlges tsugae) is an aphid-like insect that covers itself with a white, waxy “wool” which acts as a protective coating for the insect.  Adelgid infestations are easily recognizable by the appearance of tiny “cotton balls” at the base of hemlock needles.  The “wool” is most conspicuous on the undersides of branches from fall through spring.  Without successful intervention, the hemlock woolly adelgid is likely to kill most of the hemlock trees in the park.

Example of a HWA infected Hemlock:

More information can be found at: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/hemlock-woolly-adelgid.htm

The Hemlock tree has been documented to have a lifespan exceeding 200 years, and has for this reason had a tremendous impact on the ecosystems of inhabiting areas.  With such a lifespan, it has known few threats with the exception of HWA.  Midwestern and Eastern States, namely Tennessee, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky have seen the damaging effect of HWA on Hemlock population.

Why is this important to us? 

For some of us, visiting Hidden Cove is mostly about family, exploring, relaxing, and Flipcup rivalries.   We may not know the details or impact of each piece of nature we see.

This is a Hemlock Tree:

It should look familiar.  Here are a few reasons why the Hemlock trees are important:

• The Hemlock trees, due to their size, are integral to the natural design and structure of Hidden Cove.
•  Hemlocks sustain themselves.  These mammoth trees rely on a dense wet ecosystem, and the canopy of a Hemlock naturally creates this below its stem. The oldest Hemlock is 500+ years old. 
• The shade provided from the Hemlocks have a huge impact on the ecosystem below the water.  If the shade across Nolin Lake currently created by the Hemlocks were to be lessened, it would challenge the current aquatic ecosystem entirely.  Less food, fewer fish, life would dwindle.
• If you use any type of suntan lotion above SPF 15, you need the Hemlocks. (You know who you are).
• To have fallen trees of this size would be devastating.  Especially considering the log cabin, RVs, and other residential structures we have placed below them.
• Birds rely on the Hemlocks for their homes.  We rely on the birds for pest control.  Although at times it seems the mosquitos are everywhere in Hidden Cove, it actually could be much, much, worse.
• We are not renaming Hemlock Way.

What can we do?

At this point we are ahead of the attack and intend to keep it that way.   

There is a specific type of insecticide designed to protect Hemlock trees from HWAs.  It is applied to the roots of the tree and it will absorb into the soil, and then into the tree.  Any HWAs that feed from the sap of a protected tree will die.

This insecticide will save the trees.

This insecticide is expensive.

Jack and Lei are making the initial investment toward preventative protection of many trees in area that they have determined to be the most detrimental to the property if lost. Timing is crucial and we have to be prepared.  There are many Hemlock trees in the area at risk and this is where we can all contribute.

SAVE THE HEMLOCK CONTRIBUTION OPTIONS

In harmony with the Hidden Cove fashion, with each investment to the Save the Hemlock Campaign there will be exclusive Hidden Cove swag rewarded based on contribution.  There will be several donation options, to summarize:

Donation 1: THE INDIFFERENT
For those that read this blog, and are generally uninterested, but do not want to be gossiped about for lack of participation, there is this option.  Contribute $10 and receive another Hidden Cove coozie.  This one says “Save the Hemlock.”

Donation 2: THE TREE HUGGER
You are a true loyalist to Hidden Cove.   You want to Save the Hemlocks but also are bringing enough beer for everyone next time.  Contribute $20 and receive the limited edition “Save the Hemlock” t-shirt.

Donation 3:  THE ALL WEATHER TREE HUGGER
You are as loyal as the tree hugger, but also committed in the less comfortable seasons.  You likely have higher Platinum Points than the Tree Hugger, own a pair of Storm Chasers, and know how to start the Gator.  Contribute $30 and receive the limited edition “Save the Hemlock” long sleeve t-shirt.

Donation 4: THE HEMLOCK DEFENDER
You bask in the shade of the mighty Hemlock.  In that shade you require no sunscreen, no bug spray.  You are one with nature and no Hemlocks will die on your watch. Contribute $40 and receive the exclusive “Save the Hemlock” hoodie!

Donation 5: THE ANGEL INVESTOR
For those that wish to go further, call Jack and Lei at 614-273-9266.

We are serious about this cause, and want to be proactive while in the preventative stage.  Hidden Cove means so much to us all. The loss of these trees could be more than uncomfortable, it could compromise the landscape of the entire area.  We won’t let that happen.

This campaign will run through September 30^th as this effort is preventative and we must stay ahead of the HWA.  ORDERS ARE NOW CLOSED- Thanks for all that supported this effort!
Orders will be available in Hidden Cove for pickup.

 

Thank you for your contribution.

A wonderful weekend stay at the Lodge

I just returned home from a lovely family weekend retreat in Hidden Cove.

I’m grateful to have such a wonderful place to visit when I want to get away from the normal grind of my everyday life.  

This weekend’s visit was special, because I was able to share two days with my parents and my aunts and uncles.

Hanging out in the Lodge after everyone arrived Friday evening.

We had a fantastic time.

The natural beauty of the property was breathtaking.
The melting snow and ice around the area highlighted the waterfalls and streams we have surrounding us.  

The spring-like temperatures helped us enjoy a long hike and hang out around the campfire together.

 

The cabin was such a warm and inviting place to stay.  

The improvements being made to the Lodge were ideal for this weekend. 

The bar looked great, and with the new ottoman bed, the Lodge was able to accommodate the seven of us quite nicely.

The best part of Hidden Cove is how perfect it is for really spending time with one another. 

 Throughout the weekend, we all really enjoyed each other’s company. 

We shared drinks, we shared stories, we shared laughs and we shared memories.

We are so blessed to have this place, and each other. 

As the weather improves, I anticipate even more great family getaways.  

Hopefully we will see you in Hidden Cove soon.

  

Glass - A thing of the past.

Hidden Cove has become the Moore family destination.   

It’s a prideful place of work, and a place of relaxation.

We rush to Hidden Cove, at every chance we can,

Some by air, some by land, some of us in caravan.

After many years in this place, simple troubles are inherent.

Glass bottles pose a threat that is not obviously apparent.

Broken glass is a threat to safety, some evident, some unforeseen.

(Not to mention, it is a serious pain in the ass to clean).

We ask that we all bring cans, and move in a new direction,

In respect to the land, our safety, and garbage collection.

Please consider cans, not bottles, the next time you pack,

Or else, above all, you will have to answer to Jack. 

John Phil's Memorial - Thank You.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for John Phil’s Memorial.  

Many drove and flew from far away to make it that weekend, some cooked and some baked, some dug and some built, some prepared and some planned.   Many contributed financially, which allowed us to make John’s wishes happen.

Thank you.  We know that this is exactly what John Moore wanted.

The day of John’s Memorial was important to us in each of our own ways.  In summary, it was a day of family and friends, a day of good food, a day of great beer, and too many cigars.  We told stories of him, stories of us, and we admired the recent developments of his prized Cathedral Falls.  We laughed, we cried, but we laughed more than we cried.  We know this is exactly what John Moore wanted.

We spread his ashes among Cathedral Falls, and later hosted 70+ people that day.  The location looked incredible, the acoustics boomed from a small stereo, the drinks were cold, and the jokes were quick.  We know this is exactly what John Moore wanted.

This will become a place that we all go to celebrate John.

John Moore was a very direct man, an easy man to understand.  A man who preferred to enjoy the good rather than dwell in the bad, his Memorial was just that.

We will always remember John Phil Moore, and his favorite place in Hidden Cove will continue to develop, in his honor, as he intended.

On Friday, May 24^th, six humans and two dogs squeezed their way into a van, already filled from top to bottom with supplies, to make a journey down to a remote area in Kentucky. It’s a trip I’ve made three times before, but this time was set to be a whole new experience. For the first time in three years, I was able to take part in Hidden Cove’s Memorial Day weekend family festivities.

We arrived late and went to work getting our camper equipped with electricity and running water. After a bit of settling in, we made our way down to The Lodge and joined our family for conversation and drinks; there’s really no better way to decompress after a four-and-a-half-hour drive (at best).

Saturday morning I awoke to see the transformation Hidden Cove has gone under since my last visit. The Truitt family camper, has come to rest upon the hillside of The Sanctuary (tentative name), steps have been sculpted into and around the hillside, the area’s utilities are more permanent and desire paths connecting many points of interest are becoming well-trodden. The Lodge is a charming work of art, still in progress, that flows seamlessly with its surroundings. Everything has its place and works with the natural beauty of the land. It’s a lot to fathom, the amount of thought, time and effort that’s gone into creating such an exciting yet relaxing destination.

The unveiling of the 2013 commemorative Hidden Cove Memorial Day t-shirts took place Saturday night. It was a heartfelt moment while receiving a depiction of the Hidden Cove Founding Fathers portraying Mt. Rushmoore forever immortalized on a t-shirt. The design is well thought-out and timelessly stylish.

Thank God beer doesn’t stain cotton quickly because most of the family then gathered to play a marathon game of flip cup: a Hidden Cove Memorial Day weekend tradition. There was fierce competition but in the end someone had to be force-fed a well-aged bourbon cherry… most likely more than once.

 For me, Sunday was a lazy day filled with recuperation, relaxation and hydration. There couldn’t possibly have been better weather for this weekend. Not at all humid, a cool breeze kept me comfortable by an afternoon bonfire built specifically for s'mores. Structure leisurely worked its way into the day with the First Annual Hidden Cove Beer Tasting. From IPAs to specialty beers, there was a large variety to choose from. My favorite was between Victory Brewing’s Summer Love Ale and Hoyt's homebrew; both are excellent for future reference in crafting a custom Hidden Cove beer in my opinion. We spent the evening chatting together about many things including our beer palates until tasting became drinking.

There’s much I could say about my trip to Hidden Cove for Memorial Day weekend but you really just need to be there and experience it yourself to understand. I look forward to future visits, hoping to help with the ever-transforming topography and memory of the land.

The sense of support, loyalty, acceptance and love make us all a family; something this destination wouldn’t be the same without.

This one time at Hidden Cove I....

...Played Flip Cup for FOUR!! hours ... seriously that was Flip Cup on a whole other level.

...Lived dangerously, climbed  a boulder in the middle of the lake, and practically plummeted to my death... I mean I jumped into the lake with no lasting complications.

...Saw a Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Summer Tanager, White Breasted Nuthatch, Indigo Bunting, and Red Bellied Woodpecker.... I'm a novice birder so that was a total highlight!

...Learned that if I were to be a James Bond villain, I might give Odd Job a run for his money. Sorry about the lost frisbee, Blake!

...Got a super sweet, official, Memorial Day t-shirt that really impressed my grandmother and mom when they came to visit me last weekend. Charles, you may find yourself overwhelmed with T-shirt design requests. You've been warned!

...Hiked around Hidden Cove National Park, saw some waterfalls, a huge hemlock tree, home grown mushrooms, and just general natural beauty that is Kentucky.

...Experienced the overwhelming awesomeness that is ANY event or activity hosted by the Moores. I can't say I expected to help color the beer tasting sign, but I'm guessing the cooler full of extra craft beers was payment for my ability to stay in the lines!

...Learned that Hidden Cove has a logo, official font, website, blog... so fancy! Like the Grey Poupon of rustic, family getaways! Did I just come up with the unofficial slogan of Hidden Cove?!

Some blog followers and family members might be wondering who this crazy lady is blogging about Hidden Cove?!

 Here's a brief backstory.... I have known the Moore Family for a long, LONG time. I knew Lauren way back when we were teammates playing softball at a very young age, and Charles and I were very good friends in high school. Lucky for me, Charles is one of the few people I have kept in touch with from high school and I was pretty surprised when he invited me a few months ago. I assumed that our lengthy chats about music, sharing said music on Dropbox, the blog we started about music, and the fact that I live in Kentucky may have had something to do with the invite. I agreed to go because who doesn't like hiking, drinking, catching up with friends, and chillaxin' on a boat? I also figured if I didn't have fun, I could always just high tail it down to Mammoth Cave for some hiking and bird-watching.

Needless to say, I did not make it to Mammoth Cave because Hidden Cove was a BLAST! During the introductions, I was overwhelmed with like 100 names and 50 pets. I think it ended up being more like 20 names and 10 pets but you get the picture... I cannot believe the cabin. It's awesome. I know it is still a work in progress, but what a cabin it is shaping up to be! I think my favorite part of the cabin is that porch. It is perfect for some high-quality bird watching. The tour included a trip to Cathedral Falls. The falls provided an enchanting trickle that was so pretty. The walk was also great because I had the resident Poison Ivy spotter to protect me from those pesky plants. Thanks Lauren! I was poison ivy free when I left!

A bit later, some of us went on the boat and Jet Skis. Let me pause my reflections to warn future visitors. Should you find yourself driving over the Nolin Dam, please get an accurate estimation of the number of boats on the water. If you do not, you might want to double back or just confidently make something up. If you waiver, you will not live it down and can expect a few jokes. The best part of being on the lake was watching everyone ride the jet skis. Hilarious! A bit later was Wine Hour and the presentation of the t-shirts. At this point, I learned that there were three previous designs and they were all pretty bad a! But I think that this year's was the best! After everyone put their t-shirts on, more wine was drank, a delicious Shrimp Boil was prepared for dinner, and then it was time for Flip Cup.

Flip Cup is a big deal! It lasted four hours and it may have lasted longer if there had not been a shortage of beer. The most clear memory of Flip Cup was bourbon cherries. This picture clearly depicts my feelings about bourbon cherries.

Sunday was a pretty slow-moving day. I nerded it out with my binoculars and bird books, got the rest of the tour and saw Holly Falls, and enjoyed a delightful beer tasting.  I discovered a few IPAs that I really enjoyed at the tasting and one I did not. Stone Ruination is on the same level as bourbon cherries to me. ICKY. But Hoyt's Homebrew was surprisingly my favorite beer. I can't wait to see what the official brew of Hidden Cove will be!

Monday might have been my overall favorite day. It was another day of perfect weather. We went back out on the boat to have some more fun. Swimming and jumping from giant rocks was awesome once I got past my fear of heights. But the best part was having some fun with my waterproof camera. Video importing still in progress... but there are some good videos! Like Cory's selfie flip. It's pretty sweet!  We also saw the Bald Eagle while boating and then saw the Great Blue Heron right by the dock when we were coming back for lunch. To top the weekend off, we ended it with a porch sit, nice visit, and I tried to convince Charles to become a fellow bird-watcher. Only time will tell if he's converted...

The whole weekend was just wonderful. Hidden Cove is an amazing place but it was the people that made it so much fun. Thanks Moore Family for such an awesome, fun, great time!


 

2013 Commemorative Hidden Cove Memorial Day Tee Shirt Unveiled!

Feast your eyes on the tee shirt design for 2013!  We are really proud of what we came up with this year, and would love to hear your thoughts.

Since we didn't have any notable events from 2012 of which to create the shirt off of, I decided to go off of the idea of using the outline of Kentucky as a basis for the design. First I used the words Hidden Cove in the negative space of the Kentucky outline.  I next just used the Kentucky outline and placed the state of Ohio to mark where Hidden Cove is.  I like the idea, but it didn't make for a spectacular shirt.

Next we used designs that incorporated a park ranger or national park emblem of sorts. This was based on a comment from one of Jack's friends that "This place is like a nature preserve!" After that we looked at possibly using some phrases as the focal point like "Happy Camper" and "Cabin Fever."  Some of those actually looked pretty good.  Unfortunately we were not able to gather unanimous approval from the selection committee, so it was back to the drawing board.

At work one day an idea flashed into my head that we could use the concept of Mt. Rushmore as the tee shirt design.  If we were able to replace the presidents with those men involved with creating Hidden Cove, perhaps it could make for an interesting shirt.  Its also a heck of a lot easier than carving their likenesses into solid rock.  I had Lei send me pictures of Jack, JP, Brian and John at angles.  I was able to photoshop their faces into their respective places using some perspective and skew tools.  Once they were blended in, I imported into Illustrator and used the live trace feature to create a simple enough image for a screen print.  We decided a circular image surrounded by "Hidden Cove National Park" would fit the bill nicely and shazaam, we were nearly there.  It was decided the image looked best when it was in a subdued color and we also desired that the image look "worn."  So I added some layers on top of the image which replicated a worn out and faded image layer.  The resulting product got unanimous approval from the selection committee and is not far off from the image you see before you.

One of the interesting wrinkles that presented itself, was the fact that due to the colors chosen, the female shirts actually required the negative image and the guys shirts required the positive.  Turned out to be a little bit of a pain, but I think it was well worth the trouble.

I hope you enjoyed the story of our tee shirt design for 2013.  We'd love to read your comments below!