Snow brings fun, beauty to Clarksville area

Gaylynn Westover, center, brought her children Caitlin (15, left) and Gavin (12, right) to the Dunbar Cave State Natural Area. With less than an hour before sunset, the trio took advantage of the hills that weren't available in their neighborhood. Photo by David W. Shelton

Old man winter made a rare, if not welcome, visit to Clarksville this weekend, leaving behind six inches of snow. The wintry weather closed schools and businesses throughout the Clarksville area, but put smiles on the faces of children of all ages throughout the region… including that of this writer.

Business Clarksville visited Dunbar Cave State Natural Area on Dunbar Cave Road Saturday afternoon. Since their neighborhood doesn’t have any hills for proper sledding, Gaylynn Westover brought her two children, Gavin (12) and Caitlin (15) to play in the white stuff. Westover had just gotten off from work, and knew she had less than an hour of sunlight before the park closed for the day.

Gavin and Caitlin wasted no time. Using trashcan lid-sized toboggans, the two well-bundled-up kids went right to the nearest hill. Their laughs easily overpowered the ducks, geese, and swans which paddled away in nearby Swan Lake. Before long, a snowball fight broke out, leaving both kids and their mom completely covered in snowy white.

The park itself was a picture of winter serenity, giving the few visitors a sweeping vista that shows the glorious beauty of Clarksville’s most storied park. The old bandstand was covered in snow; icicles dangled from the bat-friendly gate to the cave itself, and tell-tale footprints revealed every step that visitors had made since the storm.

Clarksville doesn’t get measurable snow very often, so we invite our readers to enjoy this winter wonderland to the fullest. Be safe, stay warm, and have fun!

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