One of the best things about being in Cincinnati is how close you are to Kentucky. This in no way diminishes my experiences here in Cincinnati, I just have great love for the Bluegrass State and I was hoping there would be a good reason to cross the Ohio river this trip. Thankfully, a hilltop park in Covington, KY, called Devou – with its fantastic views of the Cincinnati skyline – provided just such an excuse.

As I have limited photographic ability (I can press the button and hope for the best), I left the picture taking to my traveling companion. Instead, I perched myself on top of a picnic table to take in the fresh spring air and the beautiful view bellow. The park was fairly full: couples enjoying the coming of the warmer weather, and  people walking their dogs. I was feeling good to be in Kentucky. Looking around me, I noticed how clean the park was. No garbage, no graffiti. It was a pristine area and a great place to watch the sun set over the city before enjoying another delicious meal of chili. What a perfect night.

In Happier Times

The sun began to set, and the magic hour for photography was just about to begin. I rejoined my companion higher up on the hilltop. He was lining up his shot and chatting with a local who was just beginning to get his camera ready. Everything was great. My Kentucky did not disappoint. That is, until the voice from the speaker of the police car in the parking lot boomed out:

“The Park is now closed. Please proceed to your cars.”

The local beside us quickly dismantled his tripod. My companion and I shared a glance. I knew we weren’t packing it in just yet. He was only moments away from “the shot”. The local, however, was already making his way down the hill after bidding us a hasty but friendly good-night. As I turned to reply, the officer shouted out again.

“You are now being cited.”

What? Of all places to run afoul of the law, it had to be here in my beloved Kentucky. Companion be damned, I began a chaotic sprint towards the car. When he caught on, my companion grabbed his camera and followed. These are what became of the pictures of the magic hour:

As we ran down the hill toward our car, cameras in tow, I think I discovered the secret to keeping a park so beautiful: heavy and strict enforcement of the law. I can respect that.