The next episode of KET’s Kentucky Life spotlights the Breaks Interstate Park, whitewater rafting down the Russell Fork River, and a digital restoration project for ancient documents and scrolls at the University of Kentucky.

The episode airs Saturday, Aug. 8, at 8/7 pm and Sunday, Aug. 9, at 4/3 pm on KET, and Monday, Aug. 10, at 7/6 pm on KET2. 

First, Kentucky Life treks out to the Breaks Interstate Park, which straddles the Kentucky and Virginia states lines and is known as the “Grand Canyon of the South.” The name “Breaks” is derived from the break in Pine Mountain created by the Russell Fork of the Big Sandy River as it carved a 1,000 foot gorge on its way to the Ohio River.

Then, Kentucky Life rafts down the Russell Fork River, where adventure seekers from all over the world visit every October to ride the rapids created when the John W. Flanagan Dam releases its summer reservoir. The river offers all ranges of rapid classifications, creating fun for families and professional thrill-seekers alike.

Finally, Kentucky Life visits University of Kentucky’s Digital Restoration Initiative, which strives to preserve particularly delicate historic items, such as ancient text and scrolls—some of which haven’t been widely seen in more than 2,000 years! The team’s processes are unique and influential, even catching the eye of the long running television series, 60 Minutes.

Kentucky Life is a KET production, produced by Chelsea Gorham. Segment producers for this episode are Chelsea Gorham, Gary Pahler and Jim Voskuhl.

This year is Kentucky Life’s25th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, the program will include special Memory segments, in which each of Kentucky Life’shosts—Byron Crawford, Dave Shuffett and Doug Flynn—will revisit some of their favorite stories over the years. 

KET is Kentucky’s largest classroom, where learning comes to life for more than one million people each week via television, online and mobile. Learn more about Kentucky’s preeminent public media organization at KET.org, on Twitter @KET and at facebook.com/KET.