Polly's Bend

There are parts of Polly's Bend that (I hope) will never change.  The fog still rises off of the Kentucky River each morning,  the wildlife does it's best to keep you up at night and the road in is as narrow and twisty as ever.  I discovered a few key changes this trip, chief among them being the addition of...

Horses, Horses & more Horses!

Cinco, the Tennessee Walking Horse foal - at 3 months

I'm cheating a bit, Cinco doesn't actually live at Polly's Bend.  He belongs to Matt (Pat's Son) and lives a bit the the North.  He Just fit in so well here...

This is me on Ripper, a Kentucky Mountain Horse.  

We tried to get a shot that shows the cliffs in the background.   Much harder than it sounds.  Ripper and I spent both mornings that I was at PB wandering around exploring.  What an amazing way to see the farm.

Before you freak out, Daddy, I did not go exploring on horseback alone.  

Aunt Ruthie and her horse, Lolita, joined me.

See? I'm riding!

Louisville

When I remember childhood visits to Louisville I picture a giant, sprawling, confusing jumble of never-ending streets. The Louisville I returned to when visiting Will is much more well organized with a small town feel.  It is hard to reconcile one with the other, and interesting to think that the difference has more to do with my change in perspective than the city itself.

Will and I managed to get in some quality time while he was studying for the GRE.  Turns out those flash cards can be pretty fun. He wouldn't let me turn it into a drinking game...

A return to rural living...

After leaving Chicago, I headed back down to the Louisville area to meet up with the family. Brother Will lives in Louisville and Daddy Steve was visiting the area with Pat and Gloria Kerouac.  Daddy, Pat and I went on a Southern Indiana State Park -hopping extravaganza (Poor Will had to work).  We visited the Falls of the Ohio, hiked around some fossil beds and explored the Charlestown, IL area.

The Falls of the Ohio is where Lewis and Clark met before beginning their expedition in 1803.  There is a rather alien-esque bronze set to memorialize the occasion.  Who knew gentlemen were so tall in 1803? 

This is the Colgate clock, visible from the Downtown Louisville area.  It is the second largest clock in the United States, and used to be in place at the Colgate plant in New Jersey.

Buckingham Fountain

Yet another view of the Chicago skyline.  I can't seem to get enough!

And yes, this image does look familiar...it's the "Friends" fountain.

Hancock Tower

Drinks with a view!  

Retro in Roscoe Village

My home for the week here in Chicago is a great little neighborhood known as Roscoe Village. Lots of very quaint little bars and restaurants, and even a festival set for my arrival weekend!  We had friends over to Amanda’s place for a pre-party and then headed over to Retro on Roscoe for some festival food and retro music.  The food choices at the Retro fest rival the best of the fried Tri-Fest offerings…everything is dipped in chocolate.  I even managed to meet up with Jason and Coco, and to meet their little girl Reese.  Blast from the past, retro all around.

Cubs Game

Right down front!  Thanks to Amanda's friends, Wrigleyville was awesome!

In the beginning...

Welcome to my very first extended vacation blog posting!  It comes a few days/weeks late, but I’ll just pretend no one noticed…

So far I have visited Henderson, KY (home sweet home), Louisville, KY, Mammoth Cave, Lexington, KY, Indiana Dunes State Park and Chicago, IL.  I am counting yesterday, and my trip to Chicago, as the official start to my Grand American Tour.

Special Thanks to my brother Will for helping to choose which platform to use (research is really much easier when you have someone else do it) and David, the bartender at Blind Pig, for the wireless usage, beer and Charlie Chaplin fix.

Indiana Dunes State Park - August 3

Where Kate learned how hard it is to hike uphill in sand...

Ellis Park and Camel Races - July 30