Quarry time

As I sit and listen to the sleet hitting my windows and bouncing off the sidewalks outside, I am reminiscing about warmer days. Thus, I may be bringing you several summer themed posts here shortly. I know you, too, long for the bright sun and longer days to pull you through that Seasonal Affective Disorder. So here is your dose of summer fun for the day.

Over the summer we usually long for new places to explore, particularly ones with free access to water. The Kentucky summers get hot. You have heard me mention that a few times now, and don't worry, you'll hear it again. If there is one thing I cannot stand it is being hot and sweaty with no water to swim in. While there are plenty of lakes, creeks, and rivers around for swimming, let's be honest, sometimes the thought of diving headfirst into a scum-lined swimming hole isn't everyone's idea of refreshing. I hate the thought of something I can't see touching my precious little leggies as I float around on a lake. It is something I am learning to overcome, but it takes time.

This is what brings us to The Quarry. The Quarry is just that, a quarry. It was once mined, and since it fell out of use it filled with rainwater. It was used for many years as a local scuba certification site, since the water has great visibility, but the owners capitalized on the giant hole they owned and started opening it up to the public a few years ago. It is surrounded by controversy and is threatened by lawsuits, constantly, due to the fact that rednecks pay their admission (usually 10-15 bucks) and sneak in beer even though everyone who enters signs a waiver and a disclaimer stating that they will not consume alcohol on the premises. Ultimately, since the quarry is in LaGrange, a few miles outside of downtown Louisville, one of these idiots tries to drive home and wrecks their car on the windy roads from the quarry to the city.

Other than the blatant disregard for policy, it is usually a good time. Now, be warned, you will see more skin than you ever dreamed of, and most of it is covered in tattoos. If you imagine a bar-star kinda guy, one wearing an Ed Hardy shirt, getting caught in some sort of freak storm that melted his shirt onto his bare skin, this is the population you will see. I am pretty sure I was the only human within miles that did not posses some sort of personal expression in the form of permanent ink. The crowd is loud and rowdy (and usually quite drunk). They cheer on everyone for anything, especially when someone steps up to any number of the jumping points around the edge of the hole.

Let's talk about the hole. This hole is probably about 40+ feet deep. There are giant fish in it. It is several football fields wide. The water is bright blue and crystal clear, at least compared to any other body of water you find in the bluegrass. You must bring your own floaty or one will be provided for you. People float around in the warm water on air mattresses, inflatable animals, water wingies, pool noodles, dingys, anything that floats. Hundreds of people. Don't worry about how you look, obviously no one else there cares, they are too busy having a good time. Everyone parks their car around the edge of the hole and grills out/lays out/drinks/hula hoops. So be prepared to give your car a bath when you leave. It will be covered in that red dusty clay that is kicked up.

My friend, Kues, swan-diving off of a cliff into the water.

Along the edge of the hole are several designated jumping points. There are designated "in or out" points, too. This is because the edge of the quarry is lined with boulders that can fall in at any time. We've seen a few roll down the outer hill between cars before. Yeesh, hope you have boulder insurance. The jumping points are pretty high up, for people like me who do not appreciate heights. People line up to take their turn and jump (James and I jumped together once. I jumped to shut him up about and I won't do it again). When they are on the platform the people down below cheer for them and yell things like "You can do it!", or "Show me your boobs!", depending on how late in the day it is. It is a long fall into the warm water, then you hoist yourself out with the rope and do it all over again.

Music blares from all around the edges of the water, BBQ smoke fills the air, people are swimming and splashing and dancing. A good time is had by all. Just remember to bring your ID, your admission money, sunscreen and a floaty and you are set for a good time at The Quarry. Also, leave your judgements at home, but maybe remember to bring your dignity, no one needs to see your boobs.