Great field trip organized by the Louisville Photographic Society to Old Friends Thoroughbred horse retirement farm near Midway, Kentucky. Derby winners Silver Charm and War Emblem, and many other big-time stakes winners, are there in retirement along with their not-so-famous friends. They love to chew on the fences. Fun fact: Horses have the second-largest eyeballs of any land animal, second only to the moose.
Had the good fortune to attend a wedding in Colorado and visit with some great friends. Here a few from Pearl Street Mall and the wedding venue at River Bend in Lyons.
Up to the city to visit with my daughter, niece and nephew. Got in a few shots in between.
Concours: an exhibition or contest, especially a parade of vintage or classic motor vehicles in which prizes are awarded for those in the best original condition. That was where I was today, at Keeneland Concours d'Elegance with the Kentucky Region of the Porsche Club of America. The event benefits Kentucky Children's Hospital. I could not even start to capture the amazing cars at this event, but it was fun trying.
My bud Anthony and I set out for a tour of Michigan on our bikes last week. The Ville to Indy to Orchard Beach State Park near Manistee, Michigan the first day, 460 miles to camp. Bourbon and cigars were awaiting. Then, north to Petosky and Kilwin's for Polish food and caramel apples. Next stop, Mackinaw City via the Tunnel of Trees (M119) along the lake shore. We traveled along the Lake Huron shore to Ann Arbor and made the obligatory stop at Zingerman's for great deli. Next day, Anthony headed home and I went to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, then to Cleveland. Visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, then the Liberty Aviation Museum near Port Clinton, Ohio, then on to Youngstown, Ohio. Managed to get a few pics.
Flat track motorcycle racing, a truly American sport, came to Lexington's Red Mile harness racing track last weekend. There are factory teams (Harley-Davidson and Indian), but most of the riders were mom and pop-based. It was fun to watch in person, and it will be shown on NBCSN some time (lot's of air time to fill, no doubt).
Nice to get out into the boonies in warm Spring weather. Lest we forget that rural America is reflected in our body politic and in our food supply. And then there has to be a place to get a cold one.
With the arrival of some beautiful Spring weather, at last, I was able to get out and about on the bike to Southern Indiana. Meandering around, I re-discovered the abandoned munition facility near Charlestown, Indiana. This is a huge land mass that is in the process of being redeveloped as an industrial park, yet many of the old buildings remain.
Lisa and I were lucky enough to visit the Western Galilee area of Israel recently for a meeting and some free time. Besides the wonderful food and time with friends in Nahariya, Akko/Acre and Majd al-Krum, we got to Zippori National Park full of ancient mosaics and the ruins of a mansion. Thanks to all of you.
The real North Country, northern Vermont. Jay Peak and environs. Porsche Parade 2016. Ben & Jerry's country. Took a drive to Canada, just a short trip away. And what's up with that Wheel House?
Beyond the Strip
Out on the bike again with my pal, Marc. Had to stop at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg (Anderson County, Kentucky) for some samples and stories from Bubba, a tour guide who was off-duty but happy to talk shop. Then, on the way home, crossing railroad tracks, I spotted a line of old rail cars. Whoa, what an unexpected treat!
This amazingly-warm weather has been great. Climate change isn't all bad, at least sometimes. It did gave me a chance to get out on the motorcycle and that's a good thing. Here are a few shots from rural Kentucky that caught my eye. Too bad this dry Autumn has kept the leaves from revealing their normal splendor.
Drove down to Clemson to see my Cardinals edged by the Tigers by one stinkin' yard. Rural South always has photogenic stuff.
Quick visit to the Windy City with my bride, who was there on business all week--studying for her boards (to be re-certified in pediatric cardiology). Not one to pass up a photo op, I roamed around for a while. And check out the cool living room with fireplace. OK, it is a miniature at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Drove from Louisville to New York, through Pennsylvania, of course, to take Sydney her car for Senior Year at Brandeis. Took Old US 22, roughly from Harrisburg to Allentown. This road takes you through some real Dutch-country towns and is fun to drive, but for the occasional traffic. Then, to NYC to pick up Sydney's art (see stairwell) where my car was towed within minutes of arriving (see log book at the impoundment lot). Then, to Waltham, Massachusetts, through unbearable traffic out in the middle of BF Connecticut (for no apparent reason). Gee, don't I love the Northeast? Everything is just easier there--and cheaper. Then, schlepped back to NYC, with just enough time for a quick street-shoot and St. Patrick's Cathedral, and flight home. Ah, Home-Sweet-Home.
"TT" means tourist trophy. The idea of this kind of motorcycle race was brought over to the states after WWII. So, since 1947, there has been the Peoria TT sponsored by the Peoria Motorcycle Club. The AMA Grand Nationals were held on August 14 on this dirt flat track with pros from around the country. While the racing was cool, the crowd and especially the kids were great to watch. It is a true subculture of flattrackers. The night before, the Galesburg Motorcycle Club conducted races at its home track out in the middle of BF Illinois. Here are some pics from both events.
On the first Saturday of August, St. Jerome Parish in Fancy Farm, Kentucky, has a picnic at which a political free-for-all occurs with pols, hecklers and jokesters compete for attention. This goes on during the usual church picnic kind of activities. It was on my bucket list, as I had never been. I will spare you the shots of the politicians and stick with the people-watching..
Before my Road America trip, there was the Concours d'Elegance at Keeneland. Some rare and interesting cars, as usual.
My track adventures led me to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, to Road America ("The National Park of Speed"). The track is just over 4 miles long, which allows high speeds and a modicum of space between cars. I got to see the control room, too. The competitive Ferrari event that was held during our stay was interesting and there were some freakin' crazy cars, but the best part was making some new friends. Got to see a nice part of the state, too.
