We look forward to Hidden Cove.

I never have been an “outdoorsman.”

At least in the terms of which “outdoorsman” is generally used.  I don’t own tools.  My waterproof boots were a gift.  I have no idea which way North is.

But I look forward to this place.

It seems as our lives become busier, and our commitments increase every day, I look forward to this place even more.  This little place on the map outside of Mammoth Cave, Kentucky has become such a magical and unexpected part of my life.    I once heard that “happiness is having something to look forward to.”  I could not agree more, and that is exactly what Hidden Cove is.

There are so many things to look forward to in Hidden Cove.  Simple things.

This log palace is nearly completed.  Classic, stylish, and custom.  Jack Moore has an ability to make those like me that contributed very little to it in the scheme of things feel like we are an important part of this place.

I daydream about watching Buckeye games and stepping out on the porch during commercials.

There is always a question, every time, as to what we should bring.  We try to strategize; hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, but inevitably Mrs. Moore will deliver something like lobster tails and completely blow away the expectations.  I look forward to this.  She always outdoes herself.  I also can’t wait to have prime rib in the new house. I mean, you know, if you want, just saying.   No big deal.  That would be cool with me, though.  I mean, just saying, you know, if you want.

I look forward to sunburn on my face after one day outside.

I look forward to being secretly embarrassed about how much my legs burn after walking from the cabin to the Summit, and trying not to show it.

I look forward to bad cell phone reception.

I look forward to a million stars in the sky that you do not see in the city.

I look forward to driving to Saline’s to pick up ice or gasoline.

I look forward to flip cup.

I look forward to more attempted construction work, although I have no idea what I am doing.  (I generally just follow Chris Moore around.  He usually has a good idea as how to do most things, and he operates tools while severely hungover much better than I would with practice).

I look forward to the relaxing sound of the rain falling on the gazebo.

I look forward to having an early morning coffee with Uncle John, and chuckling at his sarcastic remarks.  His clever wit is only surpassed by his impeccable timing.  Especially when it is at 8 a.m. and everyone else is completely vulnerable.  

I look forward to the newest T Shirts.

Samson. I will throw that Frisbee.  Promise.  I will throw it like it has never been thrown before.

Quincy . . . nevermind.

I look forward to seeing Brian’s property develop.  I know he has some serious plans, and the location is exciting.

I look forward to getting on that boat and feeling warm wind carry over.  We almost forget what warm air feels like after months of winter, but there is nothing like it when we get together on the boat.

I look forward to taking out the kayaks for a good workout and relaxing ride.

I look forward to finding a reason to not try the jet skis again.  Ever again.  Never. Never ever.  Never ever again.

I look forward to cigars and bourbon.

I look forward to finding the turtles we have already tagged.

I look forward to entering new turtles into the fleet.

I have never known camping.  I have never known the outdoors like I do when I go there.

I have fallen in love with this place, and I am humbly grateful to be a tiny part of it.

Hidden Cove gives me and maybe even others something to look forward to.  Whether it is completing a project, or just enjoying the simplest detail of nature, maybe relaxing and reflecting on what has already been done.

This is a place where an incredible group of people come together as often as possible.  Some are family,
some are friends.

Some of us are Founders, some are Platinum Club Members, some of us have Guest Passes.

This is a place we all look forward to.

A look back at our Hidden Cove Tee Shirt Designs!

Greetings Hidden Cove blog followers,
Unbeknownst to all of you, we have been hard at work finalizing the design for this years Memorial Day Hidden Cove Shirt.  Before we talk about the 2013 shirt, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the shirts from the last 3 years.

The inaugural Hidden Cove shirt was in 2010, when we gave out the Polygonwrongonal shirt.  Not only did we make a shirt, but we also coined a new word in the process that may forever be used among those in the know.  My favorite part of this shirt is the font for Polygonwrongonal. I think it embodies the word perfectly with its angular funkiness.  If I had to do it again, I would have thinned the lines of the gazebo, made it less detailed, and more out of proportion (exaggerated).

The next years shirt was the "Three Shot Minimum."  I think this shirt has set the bar for which all future designs will be measured, so its exciting to think that we may be able to come up with shirts this nice in the future.  My favorite feature of this shirt is the Hidden Cove 2011 spelled out in the spill from the third shot glass.  This was a nice touch, and a brilliant idea by Lei Moore (comment below if I mixed up who thought of that).

Last years shirt featured an upside down pig which signified my failed pig roast from the year earlier. Maka Pua is Hawaiian for "Raw Pig" because the pig was definitely still raw after the "roast."  I like that this shirt is an inside joke, and people are automatically curious as to the meaning of the shirt.  While we had a definition on the back of the "Three Shot Minimum" this shirt has none, and I like it that way.  I also am glad we were able to hide the hidden cove 2012, by placing it on the apple.

The 2013 shirt brought a variety of challenges, and after many a brainstorming session, heated discussions, a final design has prevailed.  Unfortunately (for you all), I'm not going to share the design with you!  You'll have to come down to good 'ole Kentucky for a classic Memorial Day weekend to see the shirts unveiled.  I don't think you will be disappointed!  In case you are wondering, the new design has nothing to do with any of the other designs posted to this blog.  All of those ideas were scrapped and we started fresh!

If you plan to be in Hidden Cove for Memorial Day, you are encouraged to place an order for your shirt at http://www.hiddencovekentucky.com/gift-shop