Crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel

July 29, Tuesday: Today was all about traveling. We drove to the Virginia Peninsula. After skirting all the large cities, we came into the Hampton Road Area. This includes Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake too many people and too much traffic. The highlight of the day besides arriving at our campground safely, was going on and through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel. Yes, 17.6 miles of bridge and 2 tunnels. I will let the pictures speak for us. Been there... done that.........Don't have to do it again!!!!!!!!!!

We are staying at the Kiptopeke State Park 3 miles from the tunnel. Again a great place and not full. Lots of space and lots of trees. While we were sitting outside Larry and I could not believe after 11 weeks, we finally made it to the East Coast. Larry also came up with a few more facts:

Total Miles: 5427

Tanks of Gas 8

Cheapest Gas 3.67

Highest Gas 4.12

Tanks of Diesel 12

Cheapest Diesel 4.52

Highest Diesel 4.98

Good Night!!!!!!!!

Good News

Building on Campus

July 27, Monday: Good News this morning, the Vet called and Sobaka's lump is benign. This is a big relief. Yeah for him!.......Yeah for us!

Big thunderstorm last night the rain woke us up. Not too much wind but lots of rain, lightning, and thunder. This morning very humid but should be good weather to head into town.

Bell Tower on UNC Campus

Walked around the town of Chapel Hill. Went into a few stores. Then walked to the campus for a little history lesson about UNC. The campus is just about the whole town. It sits on the end of the main street of town. UNC of Chapel Hill was established in 1793. It opened its doors in 1795 making it America's first state university. Very pretty campus with lots and lots of trees. It has a teaching hospital which is a huge part of the campus. Several construction areas which made it a little difficult to get around. Larry was disappointed because the Basketball Museum is closed on Mondays. He would have enjoyed going through it. We were going to try to head to Durham to visit the Duke University but ran out of time. Guess we have to leave something for the next trip.

We had lunch at Mama Dip's. It is very famous in town for its regional food. After lunch Larry drove around to see some of the outlying areas. It is always fun because when you become geographically challenged you see more than you thought you would.

This evening took a nice walk with the dogs in our park. Not very many people about so nice and quiet. Glass of wine while looking at the atlas to decide our next destination. Looks like we are heading to Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay area.

Good night!!!

Chapel Hill and UNC

1. Campgrounds at Chapel Hill

July 26, Sunday: Packed up and going to Chapel Hill. We figure if the news from the vet is good we will keep heading East if not, we flip a U-turn and head for home.

Travel fairly easy today until we were about 30 miles from our campground. We hit the back end of a thunderstorm. It must have been bad because there was still alot of rain and several cars were parked under the overpasses. Everyone was going slow so just stayed on the freeway. That little black car doesn't look so good now. Lesson here...........DO NOT TOW A BLACK CAR!!!!!!!!!

Finally found our campground it is in the middle of nowhere and great. At first we were not sure as there are several permanent sites and sometimes that cannot be good. but this time it worked out well. Very quiet and we are in a small forest. Since we did not arrive until 4pm decided to shut it down and enjoy our campsite.

Tomorrow into Chapel Hill!

Good night!!!!

Still in Ashville

1. Winner of one of the pony competitions

2. Winner of 3-Gaited competition

3. Oops picture hit wrong one

4. Campground in Ashville


July 25, Saturday: Well, look at this.........it is raining!!!! Many people commented it was because Larry washed the car. Staying another day just to give Sobaka a little more time. Still not himself.











Larry was going a little stir crazy so took a drive to the historic town of Hendersonville. Cute! Cute! They have really done a nice job on preserving the area. Had lunch at an Irish Pub. Walked around some of the shops.











On one of our trips to the vet, Larry notice a lot of horse trailers in this WNC Agriculture Center so we stopped to see what was going on. There was a horse competition and the finals were tonight at 6pm. Best of all it is FREE! So home to feed and walk the dogs.











This competition is a Saddlebred competition. They pull carriages, 3-gaited steps, 5-gaited steps and more. What beautiful horses and riders. The costumes are almost as nice as the horses. Even though we do not know the fine tuning on the judging it was fun. Larry and I were chuckling because this is what we wanted to do in Tennessee or Kentucky. Good thing we came to North Carolina.











We like to plan some outings but really enjoy the impromptu moments on this trip.











Home, walk dogs, make coffee, and bed. Hopefully we are off to Chapel Hill tomorrow.











Good night!

Sobaka to the Vet

July 22,23,24, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday:
Sobaka had developed a lump on his bottom and when we took our morning walk, I notice it seem to be getting larger. Our camp host was very helpful in recommending their own vet. So off Sobaka and I went for them to fit us into their schedule. At this time I would like to point out we had planned a day into the Smokey Mountains. Just not meant to see the interior road of the mountains, I guess. Well, we were hoping for a clogged anal gland but no such luck. We had to take him back on Thursday so they could do a biopsy.
Now on Wednesday while Sobaka and I were at the vet for about 3 hours, Larry and Lottie stayed home to wash the RV. Lottie, of course, was the supervisor and Larry was the washer.
Well, he got 1/2 of it done. I dropped Sobaka off at home and headed out for some nail therapy. Larry and the dogs took a nap.
Thursday, after dropping Sobaka back at the vet, I went to WalMart to shop for some groceries.
Larry washed the other half of the RV. Several people stopped and were very impressed with his work. It really was a big job since it has not been washed since we left home.
Picked up Sobaka around 3:30pm. He is still pretty groggy. We should have the results by Monday or Tuesday. Didn't get much sleep as Sobaka was very restless. I slept on the couch with him part of the time and part of the time he slept with Larry on the bed.
Friday morning Sobaka still out of sorts and I am sure pretty sore. After much discussion, Larry and I decide to stay put for today but will still try to head eastward tomorrow. Besides now that the RV looks so nice, it makes the CRV look really, really bad. I decide Larry's job today is make the tow car as pretty as the RV. My job, you ask, fight with the computer to catch up on the blog. If Sobaka is doing better we will head out tomorrow.

2nd Day At The Biltmore Estate

1.
1. The roof top panels with GV
2. One of the lightning rods on roof
3. A small portion of the garden area
4. One of the ponds on the Esplanade
5. The greenhouse



July 21, Tuesday: We were glad that our tickets were good for two days. Arrived at the Biltmore early as we had signed up for the Rooftop tour. Surprise1 we have the same guide as we had for the first tour. This is odd because each of the staff does only one tour a day. We were glad because he had a good voice that carried which helped Larry hear. We headed up to the third floor to begin our tour. We were able to see more guestrooms that were being renovated and should be opened for 2009. An interesting fact about the wallpaper the manufacturer in France can only make 10 inches a day. The reason is it is hand woven on a loom just like the original. Now you know Larry, he starts calculating and he figures it would take around 120 working days to finish just one room.


On the balcony of Mr. Vanderbilt's bedroom, our guide pointed to west where there was a second mountain range and informed us it was about 15 miles away. He also told us that used to be the boundary of the Estate. To add a different perspective... if rode the perimeter of the property on horseback it would take you a week.


When we walked out on the rooftop our guide pointed out the lightning rods all around the roof. They have a lot of lightning storms here. These rods are wired to a devise down in the basement. So far no one has figured out how they worked but they did. I could go on and on about the details but they are toooooo numerous. Okay, one more thing about the roof. Under the slate tiled roof there are panels made from copper. Every other panel had George Vanderbilt's initials G with a V over the G. circled with acorns and leaves for good luck. Now the G and V were originally gold-leafed. Several guest wrote in their letters about the golden glow from the roof as they approached the Estate.


After the tour we went back to the basement to see the indoor swimming pool with 5-6 individual dressing rooms next. He also had a state of the art gymnasium. The kitchens, pantry,


canning room, and florist room were also in the basement.


After some refreshment in the stable, we walked around the grounds. This involved several ponds and gardens. They estimated the landscaper planted 3 million plants and trees to complete the gardens.


As you are driving around you are reminded that this Estate is still a working "farm". It has cornfields, grape vineyards, some crop which we could not identify, and cattle.


Needless to say IT IS VERY IMPRESSIVE.





Goodnight!!!!!!!!!

First Day at the Biltmore Estate

1. Larry and Jo on upper lawn area

Looking down to the Estate

Male servant quarters

Water fall as we were driving out

July 21, Monday: Ready to go the Biltmore Estate. What a beautiful view of "The Castle" from the upper lawn area. It is about about 1/2 mile from the front entrance. It already looked massive from this height. Can hardly wait to see it up close. It really does look like a French Castle but inside it did have a homey feeling. I know, I know, 175,000 square feet, 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, and 46 chimneys may not feel real intimate but George Vanderbuilt actually lived in the "house" from the day it was finished until his death. They started construction in 1889 and finished in 1895. They built a train spur up to the front of the construction site so they could deposit all the materials and equipment. Guess it helps when the family fortune was in the railroad industry One thousand men worked 6 days a week for 6 years. This actually built up the little village that was already there. We entered through the gates and drove 2 miles to the welcome center than another meandering 3 miles to the Estate. The man they hired to do the gardens wanted you to come from the train station by carriage on a relaxing 45 minute ride. This way you would be relaxed and ready to enjoy your visit. Vanderbuilt wanted his family and friends to enjoy the house and entertained quite often. Thought it was interesting that he was a bachelor when he plannned and built the house. He did not marry until 3 years after the house was built

The "Castle" is 4 stories high with a basement and a sub-basement totaling 6 levels. This was so interesting because of the all the innovative things that the architect and Vanderbuilt incorporated. Of course, you have to realize the technical things that were coming out at that time in our history. Larry and I were impressed how well the servant quarters were built. They used the same white oak on the floor and trim. Only the female servants had rooms in the "Castle" the male servants quarters were over the stables. Those were not opened to us. The kitchen staff had quarters in the basement. He also paid New York wages. This alone had a waiting list to work at the "Castle". You can tour the house on your own with or without audio.

After talking to a few people, we decided to take an extra tour( yes, more money...15.00 each)

This was the Behind the Scenes Tour. It included the organ gallery, Mrs. Vanderbuilt's Dressing area and bath, the butler's pantry, and the sub-basement area. The interesting thing about the organ gallery, which has these huge pipes, is the fact he did not have an organ installed while he was alive. The organ that was ordered ended up in the Soul Church in town because their organ needed to be replaced. Now that is not the only interesting fact.......The young man who helped build the pipes originally installed when the house was built is also the man who built the organ that was eventually donated 100 years later. One of life's little interesting facts.

Larry was very impressed with the 3 coal boilers in the sub-basement. The house had hot and cold running water in every room plus heating in every room. At the time they did not know if they were going to go with AC or DC power so they put both in. The hard thing to remember was this was in the planning stages during 1885. Pretty innovative. Our guide said it would like going into Bill Gates house nowadays.

Headed home to take the dogs for a brief potty break. Then back to the Winery on the Estate for a self guided tour. Larry decided we needed a nice dinner out so we ate at the Bistro. One of the restaurants on the Estate. We had Halibut with a nice glass of Merlot. Not a bad way to end a very busy day.

Another interesting fact.........Biltmore is still privately owned. This says something because most of the old "Houses" are usually owned by the state. Some of the rooms are still being renovated and will be opened in the Spring of 2009.

Good Night!!!!!!!

To Ashville or Bust

July 20, Sunday: It is 104 miles from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to Ashville, NC. Sounds easy, right!?! It took us 20 minutes to go 1/2 mile from our campground to the main road out of Pigeon Forge. From there to I40 east it was bumper to bumper traffic. It took us 1 hour to go 14 miles. Good thing we were not on a tight schedule. We drove alongside the Great Smokey Mtns. Very impressive! We are hoping to drive into them from the NC side. They are about 1 1/2 hours from our campground.
3 hours later we arrived at our campground just south of Ashville. This campground is very nice with a small lake which you can catch and release. You do not need a license either. Maybe Larry can do some fly-fishing. Our camping site is next to a little creek that feeds into the lake. There is a little pathway where we can walk the dogs down to the lake. Nobody can park along three sides of us. We are like in a little cul de sac. We are really lucking out on some of our sites.
The weather has been in the high 80s. Not too much humidity. People here say they are in a drought. It is hard for us to imagine because everything is still so green. Weeatherman says there is a threat of thunderstorms for the next few days. Will see.


After our longer than we thought day, we decided to just take a leisurely walk around the campgrounds and lake. Had dinner and headed for bed.



Tomorrow off to visit the Biltmore Estate!!!

Icemaker changes daily plans

July 19, Saturday: A water leak in an icemaker line changed the plans for today. Larry looked at it but decided to call in the Mobile RV Repairman. Of course he won't be able to come until 3pm. Although he did say if everything went well with his other calls he might be earlier.

So no drive to the Smokey Mountains. Alas, what should we do with this day. NO not That!!!! Let's clean!!! (Jo's idea) Larry climbed on the roof and we cleaned all the vents. They were pretty dirty because of all the storms we have been in since we left home. Cleaned the two fans on the dashboard. Did laundry.

The repairman arrived at 3pm fixed the leak fairly quickly then asked Larry if there was anything else. He said since we had already paid the service charge he may as well look at everything we needed. He fix the surround sound. He showed Larry how to remove stovetop so I could clean underneath. The whole bill was only $134.00.

Another quiet evening. Walked down to the clubhouse where they had a local singer and her son. They sang country, contemporary, and gospel. It was outside so we able to take the dogs and sit on the grass to listen for a little while.

Leaving tomorrow for Ashville, NC

Good Night!!!!!!!!

Leaving Horse Park

July 18, Friday: We had to leave the beautiful Horse Park in Kentucky. We moved to Pidgeon Forge, Tennessee. Took all day because we took a wrong turn just before we came into Pidgeon Forge. Finally arrived at 4pm. The campground is pretty crowded because of the regular activities here and there is a 2 week softball tournament. Pideon Forge is like Branson. We were not aware of this before we came. Must have had our heads in the sand. After the spaciousness of the Horse Park this campground feels real closed in. Not sure if you can tell but Horse Park is my favorite park so far.

Our neighbors' daughter is playing left field in the tournament. They are from New Jersey and have come here every year for this tournament.

Tomorrow we are packing up the dogs, treats, food, and water and heading into the Smokey Mountains.

Good night!

Pictures of Horse Farm Tour

Here are the pictures that go with the tour.

1. Keeneland Race Track

2. One of the Stud Farms Stable

3. Broodmares with their colts/ they are already pregnant with another foal

4. The stud... Tis Now

Tour of Horse Farms

July 17, Thursday: Up early and off to the Horse Park to meet up with our guide who is going to take us to see the Keeneland Race Track and some Horse Farms. As we were driving around Sam, our guide, pointed out a few housing tracks and commercial building that used to be old horse farms. A true look at the modern times where a lot of the farms are being sold to big developers and some are being taken over by "corporate farms". They are predicting that in 30 years most of the Farms will be gone.
Our first stop was the Keeneland Race Track. This track is alot smaller than Churchill Downs. We both really liked the smaller track. This race track is not only known for its racing but also for the auctions that are held twice a year. This is where the yearlings are auction that hopefully will make it to the Kentucky Derby and other races.
Next stop is the Stud Farm. As we were driving up to the really nice "house" it turned out to be the Stud offices with the stables behind it. These horses live in better houses than most of us. One of the studs was bought for $21 million. He is studded out around 300 times a year which takes place over a 3 to 4 month period at $300,000 for each service. This payment is not due until the foal is born. If you do the math that is $90,000,000 a year. Not bad for a $21 million investment. Sam was explaining how this is really where the money is. The racing is a very small part. It is the breeding that Big Business is into.
After the tour we stopped at this quaint tavern to have lunch. OHHHHHHHH good food.
Now we get to see the brood-mares and their foals. Almost all foals are born between January and April. All foals are deemed 1 year old the following January. So you can see the earlier they are born the older "1 year-old" they are. They start racing when they are 2 years old. If you want to enter your colt or filly in the Kentucky Derby, it has to registered at its first birthday for $25,000.00 then another $25,000.00 on its 2nd birthday. Now remember there are only 20 horses that run in the Derby. There are anywhere from 35,000 to 40,000 foals born just in this area each year hoping to make it to the Kentucky Derby.
Now I have to say most of the previous comments of our day are from Larry because you do not want my ranting and raving of this whole process. If you would like to hear some of my comments (many of which Larry agrees with me) e-mail me.
We were glad to hear about some of the retirement farms for some of this magnificent animals. But what about all the others???????????????
It was a 3 hour tour so time to go back for a little walk with the dogs before we walked through the Saddleback Museum. We even made it all the way through this one.
Quiet evening. Sat outside with the dogs before getting ready to head out tomorrow.

For some reason I am having trouble with my pictures hopefully (after I stop cussing) I can retrieve them to show you.

Pictures from the Horse Park

Hopefully this work!!!!!!!!!

1. Draft Barn

2. One of the stars in the Hall of Champions

3. Andulasian at Show of the Breeds

4. The Big Barn where mares and foals are stabled

A Day At The Horse Park

July 16, Wednesday: Off to the Horse Park for a look at all it has to offer. It opened at 9am and we were there right on time. First to the draft horse barn to visit the different breeds of draft horse. Yes, there are more than Clydesdale draft horses. These horses pull carriages around the park if you do not want to walk. It is amazing how how gentle these giants can be. After our visit with them we headed towards the area for the Hall of Champions. Of course on the way we made a quick stop by the farrier to check how the horses are shooed. Pretty interesting, he had a Shire draft in to be shooed with the Shire's friend just out the door. Apparently some horses like to have their partner around all the time. The farrier said he could shoe 13 to14 thoroughbreds a day but only 2 to 3 drafts. Alot more weight and alot more work entailed.

The Hall of Champions is an arena where they show a few of the retired horses that get to live out their lives in the Horse Park. Some were trotters, dressage, and saddlebred. Their records were very impressive even for people (like us) who don't really understand all of the details.

Then we walked over to a large area to see the Parade of Breeds. I am not going to explain all of the different breeds they showed but we thought it was very interesting even for novices like us.

Now to the Big Barn to see the Mommies and Babies. Now we were not sure what we liked best the horses or the Big Barn. This barn was built in the 1800's with wood and is still standing today. I cannot remember the dimensions but hope you can get an idea from the picture.

Back to the rig for a quick bite to eat and walk the dogs.

After our little break back to the Park to visit the International Horse Museum. We were there for 2 1/1 hrs and did not get all the way through before they closed the door. It started with prehistoric horses to modern day different breeds and everything that involves horses.

Tonight is a relaxing evening. We took the dogs for a very long walk. Actually I met with some people and talked with them while Larry took off across this field with the dogs. Good thing I stayed behind because he found a fenced area where the steeplechase is run and let the dogs off leash. They loved it ran and ran. They have not been off leash for 9 weeks. Needless to say they were a little tired on the walk back to our campsite.

Our campsite backs up to the primitive campsites. It must be about 200 acres. You can come in the entrance ...drive across grassy area and pitch your tent or sleep in your car. Not too bad!!!!

Lexington Horse Park

1. Town of Paris
2. Black fences? Where are the white ones.
3. Tobacco fields
4. More farms




July 15, Tuesday: Headed to Lexington by way of country roads. Now this is our favorite travel mode except when we go on some "gray roads". This day was NOT a good "gray road" day. It took us much longer to get to Lexington than it should have taken us. Pretty road but very narrow and some curves. Oh well, can't win them all. Finally arrived at the Horse Park State Park. Very pretty would recommend this place to everyone. It is next door to the Kentucky Horse Park. There is alot of construction going on because they are getting ready to host the World Wide Equestrian Events. This is quite an honor since it has never been held in the United States. It is usually held at different locations but again a "first" because they can hold all the events here at the Kentucky Horse Park. There are 8 events held over a two week period from Sept. 25, 2010 to Oct. 10, 2010. Even though there was a lot of construction it didn't inter fer with any of the programs we wanted to see.


We went for a ride around the area so Larry could see some of the farms. I drove so he could see better. Found a great little town, Paris. No not France......Kentucky. Headed back on a "gray road" (ok, we are slow learning) got to see some great country but glad we were in the CRV and not the RV. This road showed us how the real people live.


Finally, made our way to Georgetown right next to Lexington. Oh to my surprise!!!!!!!! there is a Cracker Barrel. Larry insisted we stop. Being the "good little woman" I said all right.

Backside of Churchill Downs

1. Morning bath
2. Upclose and personal
3. One of the trainers. The horse is 16 hands (big)

July 14, Monday: Up early this morning to head back to Churchill Downs to take a tour of the stable area and watch the horses early morning work-out. The tour took us in a van to the Backside of the track. Our guide, Gene, was very knowledgeable. This was understandable once he explained that he had been coming to the track for 46 years. He started as a young boy coming with his father to watch the early morning work-outs. Now he is retired and giving these tours.


I have to say it was amazing to be so close to the horses as they went by. Afraid they were sometimes too fast for the camera. We were able to stand close to the fence. Gene asked us not to make any sudden moves because it could scare the horses.


What to say about the stables???????? They are better than some of the houses I lived in growing up. The trainers really run the stable area and hire all the people who work there. It is a city unto itself. Dormitories, church, and a school to help the workers, mainly Mexican, to learn English. I wonder how these people feel about taking care of an animal that may live better than most of their families.


After the tour Larry and I ate breakfast, it is only 8am, across the street at Wagner's Cafe. This cafe has been serving owners, trainers, jockeys, and fans since 1922. It was fun to be part of a tradition.


Back to the RV for a little R&R. Larry was going to drive back to Bowling Green to see the Corvette manufacturing plant but unfortunately he woke up from his nap with a migraine headache. It is 1 1/2 hr trip one way with an 1 1/2 hour tour which may be delayed then 1 1/2 hour trip home. Too long to leave the dogs so I could not drive him. Maybe next time.


Tomorrow we will be moving to Lexington which is about 74 miles from here.

Home of the Kentucky Derby

1. Front of stadium/1/3 of the whole
2. One of the historic steeples
3. Larry playing jockey
4. Larry at the starting gate





July 13, Sunday: We slept in this morning but woke to rain on our roof. Golfers were still teeing off. They are a hardy group here. We packed up and headed to Sheperdsville. Traveled on Hwy 62w actually a country road. We passed the Jim Beam Distillery the world's largest bourbon brewery. It is a very large plant in the middle of nowhere. Sheperdsville is about 35 miles from here. It is approximately 20 miles from Louisville. Very convenient without being right in the city. Set up and drove to Churchill Downs, the "Home of the Kentucky Derby".


I must say it is very impressive. There is something to be said about actually being in a place you have always heard about. We went through the museum. It is very hands on. Before we finished all the exhibits we were called to go on a tour of the grounds. The grounds are very large. Funny they don't show that on TV. Our guide said that on Derby Day it takes a hour to walk through the tunnel to get to the grandstands. It is about 200 yards. Took us 2 minutes!


For 2008 approximately 154,000 people attended the Derby. 100,000 of those are in the center of the track and cannot see the race. These tickets are about $182.00. Apparently, people just buy them to party hardy and say they have been to the Kentucky Derby. The grandstands tickets start at $300.00. But even if you wanted them there is a waiting list of 3 to 5 years. There are 150 betting windows that are only used on Derby Day the rest of the year they are closed. The other windows are in another area and they are used all racing season. Larry thought it was interesting that on Derby Day THE Kentucky Derby Race is the 10th race of the day. That means there are 9 races before and 2 after.


After our tour, we headed back inside to see the rest of the museum. Larry thought because of his size he would play jockey on a simulated race. However, sitting on a horse like a jockey he could not make it through the whole race. He said his upper thighs were killing him. Of course, he would of caught the lead horse if he didn't have to quit. Jo was the trainer and did not attempt the feat.


Very nicely done. Very interesting even for non-horse racing people like us.


Well, to bed because we signed up for a 7am tour of the backside of Churchill Downs. We get to see the stables and watch them exercise the houses.


Larry and Jo

Finishing Bardstown

This is in the middle of town/hope you can read

July 12, Saturday: Started the day by going to the Women's Civil War Museum in town. Quite amazing how many women became spies in the war. Or is it???? Several even disguised themselves as men. A couple of them became commanders of troops. Of course when they were found out they were shipped home. The museum was housed in the former home of the Talbot family. This is the family who owned the Talbot Tavern we ate at last night.

After the museum, we drove north of town to visit the campus of the Sister's of Charity of Nazareth. This operated as a college for several years but now is used for retreats and also a hospital and home for the disabled. The campus was very peaceful and boasts several hundred variety of trees with many ponds.

Then we explored the south of town. Rolling hills, farm land, and old houses were some of the views. Started to rain so headed back into town for a late lunch/early dinner. Chose a restaurant called Kurtz Restaurant. It was established in 1937 when the family started serving meals in the lower floor of their home. Now the 3rd generation is still serving meals but they use the whole house. We had soup, sandwiches, and a piece of pie.

Went back to our beautiful campground for a walk on the golf course. Larry gave the dogs and me a first hand description of 3-4 holes that he played yesterday. It was a beautiful night for a walk. However by the time we went to bed it was starting to storm. Thunder, lightning, rain, but not too much wind. These storms I don't mind.

By the way, update Aprille's Mom had surgery and her prognosis is very good. Thanks for your prayers!

Also Larry has been keeping track of our expenses and I mean all of our expenses. Three years ago when we came back East we averaged $135.00 a day. This trip so far we have averaged $158.00 a day. Not bad because he includes food, gas, souvenirs, entertainment, vet bills, chewing gum, OK you get the idea. Actually, this is no mean feat because diesel alone is now $4.68. When you hold 100 gallons it adds up fast.

Corvettes than Golf!!!!!!!!!

Larry with his shots / The first tee 1ooft from rig

July 11, Friday: 7:30am must be a golf day! Every other morning we are not up until 8:30am. Larry didn't want to be late after all he had 100 ft. to walk to the golf course. He managed to get there - check-in- and get his tee time of 9:20am. He was shocked that he was teeing off by himself on a Friday morning. Golf was only $32.00 and that included a cart. Another reason Larry likes Kentucky. Larry said the course was gorgeous. It is set in the State Park on 550 acres of rolling hills and lots of trees. Very quiet with only one major road running by it. He was surprised how lush and green the course was. Especially since it did not have any sprinkler system.

I need to point out while Larry was golfing, I stayed home to do housecleaning chores like "a good little woman". Actually, it was 51/2 hours of alone time. Oh, yeah, after golf Larry came home, showered, and took a nap. Jo, showered after housecleaning and went to the laundrymat and did laundry with no air-conditioner. Larry offered to do laundry but it really was his day to kick back and relax.

We headed downtown for an early dinner at the Old Talbot Tavern. Remember I mentioned it yesterday. What atmosphere. We had a great dinner. I had a Kentucky dish called Kentucky Hot Brown. It is ham and turkey on toast covered in Morney sauce w/melted cheddar cheese. Larry had blackened catfish w/coleslaw and southern green beans. (I had a bite of his green beans ok maybe two bites). We started dinner with a Burgoo soup. This is pulled pork and pulled beef with vegetables. OHHHH very good. Oh, wait a minute, forgot about Larry started with a 5 shot sampling of bourbon. Needless to say even after walking around town after dinner Jo drove home. Larry really is enjoying Kentucky and Bardstown.

A Beautiful in Bardstown

The new Courthouse The old Courthouse and part of Third Street

July 10, Thursday: Today we went to view this very quaint town. First off to Federal Hill the house that inspired Stephen Foster to write My Old Kentucky Home. Some say it was his most sentimental ballad. We have been through many old plantation home but this one had rooms that were very large. The usual four rooms downstairs and four upstairs but much larger.The third story was a ballroom. It was struck by lightning and when they rebuilt they lowered the ceiling from 14 ft. to 8ft. We could not go up to that floor because of fire regulations. Bummer!!!

We met some people on our tour that told us more places to go. Kentuckians are very proud of their state and were surprised we drove from California to see it. Thanks to Larry!!!

After the tour... to lunch... we were determined to find mexican food. We need our fix. No Mexican food since Thermopolis, Wyoming. We found a good one on 3rd Street which is the historic street of Bardstown. We ordered our food and a "medium" Margarita. Thank goodness, would have hated to see the large. I had Carnitas and Larry had Chile Verde. Both of them were very good and should hold us for a few more weeks. Such Californians!!! After lunch/dinner were drove around part of the historic district. We forget how many homes and businesses are over 150 years old. Good to see a lot of them are being restored. Went around the round-about a few times and Larry said it reminded him of England. Boy, now there is a story! In the middle of the round-about is the old Courthouse which we finally got a picture of down the street. We also saw the new Courthouse which actually looks kind of old.

Headed back to the campground for a relaxing evening. Walked the dogs on the cart path of the golf course. That is after the golfers were finished. Great evening!!!!!!!!!!

Good-bye, Nashville ... Hello, Kentucky

Larry and is dream Corvette


Dale Earhardt,Sr. and Jr.

July 9, Wednesday: Kentucky was a place Larry really wanted to go. Now I know why. Corvettes, Horse Farms, and Bourbon this is the place. Just pass the Kentucky border is a town called Bowling Green. It so happens to manufacture the Corvette. Unfortunately, the plant was closed to re-tool for the 2009 models. It is closed from July 1 to July 11. However, the museum was opened. Actually, Larry was able to contain himself and not drool on any of the beautiful cars. Larry asked the gentleman at the gift shop why they did not have a '67 Corvette Fastback with a 427 motor - 425 HP on display. The gentleman was quick to say that they had one on loan last month. He also said they are quite rare since they only made about 200 of them. The one on loan was worth $450,000 to $500,000. It helped Larry to understand why they did not have one on display now. Larry has that motor in the garage at home and hopes to eventually put it in the '57 Chevy. Who knows stranger things have happened.

We headed to Bardstown to stay at My Ole Kentucky Home State Park. It is completely surrounded by a state run golf course. It has only water & electric and $18.00 a night. Of course, Larry added golf to his Kentucky fun. Tonight a free bus is picking us up right here in the park to take us to an outdoor production of Stephen Foster ... The Musical. We thought we had no problem until we realized we had lost an hour coming from Bowling Green to Bardstown.

So we hurried set up camp, walked and fed, change clothes and off we went. What a great show!!! It is local talent from the various colleges. Good weather, too. The play takes place in Pittsburg and in Bardstown where his cousin lived in a home called Federal Hill. This is the home which inspired him to write the song My Old Kentucky Home. He is the first American composer. He is also the only composer that wrote two state songs. My Old Kentucky Home became the state song for Kentucky and Swanhee River is the Florida state song. It was amazing how many songs he wrote especially since he died at the young age of 37 years.

This town is steeped in history. John Fitch lived here when he invented the steamboat. It is the largest producing area of bourbon. The Talbot Tavern on the town square that really is a round- about is a place where Lincoln, King Phillpe of France, Daniel Boone, Jesse James and more had stayed. It had been serving travels for 225 years.