Mount Vernon, just off Exit 59 of Interstate 75, is in Rockcastle County, which when included with its surrounding counties offers an abundance of caves to visit and explore.

     Great Saltpetre Cave has been used for countless activities including saltpeter mining in the early 1800's. Since then there have been weddings, Masonic meetings, country music radio shows, family outings and even the production of a movie, "The Fire Down Below" starring Steven Seagal. And last year, the preserve was the site of the NSS National Convention.

     The weekend starts off with registration on Friday at 11 am or you can come earlier in the week and enjoy the area even more. The preserve is 300 acres of mostly wooded area with several acres of camping that are split into a "Party Camp" and a "Family Camp". The creation of two "Camps" allows you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors or stay up all night so as not to miss any night owl activities. The NSS Convention brought 1100 campers to this preserve last year.

     Friday night will include a Howdy Party that will provide for interaction with old and new friends as well as sign up sheets for cave trips and other activities.

Beginning Friday afternoon the kitchen will be open throughout the weekend for breakfast and lunch

     On Saturday morning, cave trips will begin, both guided and self led. Other activities for the day include a photo contest, cave map contest, children's activities, hayrides, speolocourse and a climbing contest. If the July temperature becomes unbearable while shopping at the vendor section, the Crooked Creek swimming hole awaits, complete with rope swing and zip line. The preserve also includes several miles of hiking trails both on and off the property. For those that are shopping addicted, the preserve is only a few miles from the city of Berea with its many gift shops and antique malls.

     As the evening approaches, there will be a banquet under the shelter followed by a caving program inside Great Saltpeter Cave at Echo Auditorium. Door prizes will be awarded prior to and after the program. Slightly later, there will be live music in the cave or outside (we haven't decided yet). Then just before you wind down for the day, you can engage in mud wrestling with people who out caved you during the day.

     If you have any questions about this yearly caving event, please contact Wayne Barton at barton@fuse.net or call 513-961-5183.

Hoping to see you there.