Research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. 
Let's address this criteria in order to establish our results as pure and scientific. Shall we?
​
Systematic Investigation: Our research was randomly systematic. Does that count? We chased the warm weather according to the "official" temperature as we made our way from the snuggly tent or yurt each morning. We chose our mode of transportation  car/foot/bicycle then sought the morning cup of coffee. We made careful observations of the temperature and formed a decision about which direction to proceed. Invariably it was south! As we followed the sunshine further and further south, we met new friends, changed directions, got into long conversations, then changed directions again.  We stumbled upon many random authentic experiences as we kept ourselves open to fun and adventure.  Ok so, not so systematic. 

Establish Fact: (and opinion) 
We established two primary facts. 
1.  There are SO MANY great beers out there and it is imperative that we try them all! 
2. When there is only one beer in town, it is the BEST beer around!
But most of all, we have also established the fact that we need to do more research! 

Reached New Conclusions:
We reached the conclusion that we really like our Appalachian Caribbean way of doing things, We will we will continue to bring you great clean fresh beer in a fun relaxed setting, and we will try our best to spread the peace and contentment of a life well lived. ​

My husband once told me that a tribe of Pygmies, who lived exclusively in the depths of the forest, were taken to the edge of their homeland to view a clearing. They could not understand this world where elephants are the size of ants. 

He also once told me that scientist determined that women have evolved to have a better sense of smell.  He gave me countless "scientific" reasons for this that all made sense to me. I'm a sniffer. I have to smell something to understand it. So I was easy prey. YEARS later he overheard me retelling the story with scientific evidence to back it up. He confessed!

At this point there has been no confession regarding the Pygmy-elephant-ant story. So it still stands and its lessons can be applied to the next event that happened at the Lilly Pad.

Last weekend as I was busy in the food truck (Sauced Frog) I heard the word "cougar" waft my way. I looked out to see a gathering of guests with their phones out chatting about whether they were seeing a cougar or a bobcat. I mean we do back up to a national park and we are very wooded and rural. So it is a possibility.  The crowd was focused on a low point downhill on the driveway, some distance away, tucked into the overhanging branches of a wooded area. 

I caught snippets such as "It's coming toward us!" "OMG what is it?" "Is it dangerous?" 

My food truck helper and I joined the crowd. Could it be? Haha, yes! We looked at one another, giggled, then she bravely  walked toward the wild cat to the horror of the crowd. 

Yes. It was our pet kitty who jumped into Mavry's arms and snuggled her happily.  The reaction of our guests was priceless. We all had a good laugh. 

It's just a matter of perspective

This brewer is stoked about the new fermenters. Each is a 15 barrel fermenter and will allow us to MAKE MORE BEER! Isn't that always the goal? 

These kegs were once at Crafty Bastard. So they must come with good vibes and proper seasoning. The brewing community is amazing. Brewers don't compete with one another, they share. They share ideas, equipment, inventory, and a true love of beer.  When a bunch of brewers gather, there will be lots of geeking out on beer, drinking beer, and celebrated successes.

So here's a cheer to the makers of beer!

May we keep sharing, keep creating, keeping lifting our glass to comaraderie and always drink beer!

I love this room. Everything about it. I love the ferns hanging from the ceiling that Del tends to as if they are his babies. I love the peppers and palms that line the windows that wrap around the room. I love the lights and the woodwork. I even love the roadkill stuffed bobcat that adorns the mantle above the televisions.
But most of all, I love the new addition of radiant floor heating. 

Del and Kieth burying the PEX that will deliver the hot water that will warm our toes.

Looks like a yard sale. All this has to fit back in!

More gravel

There is so much to see in this shot. I love how the reflection of Del, the tractor, and myself can be seen on the TV.  It puts us all in the picture. On the mantle above the TV is the cross eyed bobcat, a purple hat (remnant of an amazing retirement party) and a dinosaur poster gifted to me by my wonderful third graders. You can also see Del's well attended to gorgeous ferns and the wrap around recycled windows. But best of all, look at those working men! Thank you!

Now it's time to enjoy the space.


posted by Marte

 The contents of this beautiful package were cacao nibs from Belize. Cacao nibs are the dried cracked seeds of the Cacao tree. (Theobroma). Research has found evidence of its culinary use in Mayan and Aztec cultures dating back thousands of years.

​Del's buddy, Roger, owns Lamanai Chocolate Company in Belize. Del visited him back in January of 2018 and was completely intrigued by the process and captivated by the beauty of the people and the place. 

Del's mind never stops. So along with having a great time, making new friends, learning new things, listening to the howler monkeys and touring the rainforest, he was cooking up a plan. Hence we present to you Lamanai Cacao Pale Ale made with cacao nibs from the Lamanai Chocolate Company fresh from Belize. 

From there to here!  Thank you Roger and family for the generosity of your time and the inspiration for this delicious brew.

Many of you know the evolution of the Lilly Pad, but for those of you who don't and are interested, here we go.

Roughly 22 years ago our family moved to Morgan County. We were attracted by the abundance of state parks and wildlife areas. There is so much to do here! There is rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, wild flower tours, birdwatching and general playing in the outdoors. 

We found our "paradise island" just adjacent to the Obed Wild and Scenic River.  We are a short hike to the national park with it's gorgeous scenery, waterfalls, and untamed rivers. 

But, as is our nature, we wanted to share. Our first friend to camp with us shared his experience with some of his friends. The word spread that we were camper friendly and  before we knew it we had an impromptu campground and we loved it. But with more guests come more upgrades. Now we have a Nano brewery, food truck, and soon to be renovated campground. Please stay tuned here for that development. We open camping on certain weekends. Stay abreast of that on social media at Lilly Pad Hopyard Brewery and The Sauced Frog. Our good friend has camping available a mere 2 miles from us, just across the gorge on the other side of park property. 

As of today, Oct. 1, we are allowed to self distribute our beer. We are working diligently to expand our brewing capabilities in order to do so. Our dog, BIG, was the overseer of the project. We don't know what we would do without him!

Keep visiting us for more on All Things Lilly Pad.
​

Test Post