Summer 2016 - Kentucky Horse Park

Excited to get to Kentucky Horse Park

Statue of Secretariat

Marine Staff Sargent Reckless. Bought in October 1952 for $250 by Marines of the 5th Marine Regiment from a Korean stableboy. He varried heavy 75mm recoilless rifle shells up steep terrain where vehicles couldn't go. He made 51 solo trips in a single day under heavy enemy fire, transporting over 9,000 pounds of ammunition and helped carry wounded soldiers down from the front lines.

The Big Barn, where they keep the Big Horses

Pete's Big Boy

Let's see how Gary measures up

A stop at the Police Barn

Junior's getting a bath!

Time for a quick tour on the wagon ride

We get a demonstration in the Big Barn on putting their harness.

The Hall of Champions highlights former racing stars.

Marion Marauder looks amused we're coming to see her.

Accelerate, was purchased for $380,000 by Hronis Racing at the 2014 Keeneland Yearling Sale.  did not race until April of his 3-year-old season.   soared to become a multi-millionaire sensation, and one of the top racehorses of his generation.

 

 

Summer 2026 - Cumberland Gap

We arrive at our first stop, Cumberland Gap

Nice site

We check out the Wilderness Road Trail

Walking in the shadow of the early settlers

Oops.  Didn't wear my water shoes

The historic Cumberland Gap

We continue to the Tri-State Peak

This pyramid was erected around 1915 by the Tennessee Daughters of the American Revolution to commemorate the work to create the historic Cumberland Gap, opening up the West.

Almost to the peak

The Tri-State Peak Monument sits at 1,990 feet of elevation inside Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, allowing you to stand in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia at the exact same time.  

Always a great hike.

 

Summer 2026 - 1st 2 weeks July

 

Month started out with the 3 Free Days at the Recreation Areas.  It sure brought people out!  They had to shut down the Parks temporarily because there was no parking left.

The Army Corp of Engineers wanted to stress Water Safety.  So I made packets up with information to hand out.  For families with young children I added activity books and Bopper the safety dog tatoos.  They were very excited.

It was a super hot weekend.  We had been without air-conditioning the previous 2 weeks.  We were given an air-conditioned truck to work out of but was too hard to keep getting in and out of truck to help people.  They had us close shop the 3rd days and do area checks instead.  

Had lunch at the Dam overlook.

The following weekend (our last) a ranger brought in a portable Ir conditioner from home.  Think the Walking. Stick wanted to come in.

Dounya the intern gave it some love

I told Gary we should take the car up to the clubhouse!  Geared up to go get the car.

One last week of gate closing duty 

One last jigsaw puzzle  

A fun new experience but it's getting pretty hot here so time to move on.