Hartig Park

[Flyin6]

Today, we did another day hike through Hartig Park in Gallatin County, Kentucky

The Hartig family donated the expanse of land for all to enjoy. I am not sure about their relationship with the USS Langley. From what I recall, the Langley was the very first aircraft carrier where biplanes once launched into the maritime skies.

Today we were joined by long-time Army friends.

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Gerry led off as "Flight-Lead."

If any of you ever watched the History Channel's show about Black Hawk Down, Gerry was the narrator and appeared many times during the show. He was one of the survivors of that intense battle,
He and I went through flight school together starting way back in 1979. We served in our first aviation unit together. We later served together in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Still, later on, we were both Comair, airline pilots together. He went on to Jet Blue where he is an Airbus Captain today when I went off to the desert wars.

His wife Deanna is a total hoot and both are fun to spend time with.

https://warrantofficerhistory.org/PDF/Blackhawk_down_3-4Oct93.pdf

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The entire park is crisscrossed by numerous trails. We ended up doing miles and many of them on the northern and western sides.

The girls were having a hoot!

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The trails are set up for walking, bicycling, or horseback riding.

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Every once in a while, the view opened up to something spectacular.

This overview captures a majestic wide sweeping north bend in the Ohio River.

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Near there we came across a very old family burial plot.

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Some of the trails were flat, but many were very steep going in both directions. I like going straight up for the aerobic benefit but dislike steep downhill because my knees are all worn out from Army life and decades of running.

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We came across this area of purple wild flowers. It went on for acres.

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If you hike there, pick up a map because cell reception is spotty, and pay close attention. We found several places where trails were mismarked which led to some confusion. But since we didn't have anywhere to be anytime soon, we just went with it.

You will encounter very old stone walls, ponds, streams, outcroppings and heavily vegetated areas. I recommend this park for a 4-5 hour before lunch or dinner hike. From there it's a short drive over to Warsaw Kentucky where you can eat at Jewell's restaurant, a local favorite place.

[Flyin6]

Give the place a visit if you're in the area, you'll be glad you came.

https://visitgallatincountyky.com/camping/hartig-park-wildlife-reserve/