Day 35 - Farewell Fabulous Fink Farm

Wow! Ouch!! That's me pinching myself. I can't believe our frolic at fun-filled Fink Farm fades for 2017. What an amazing time it was. Yesterday morning Mike Fink and I enjoyed the Greenbriar CC for a beautiful morning of golf. Well, the morning was beautiful - the golf was far from spectacular. But, what an unexpected treat. Mike is a great golfer and we had a great outing.

Later that evening we were supposed to join the Fink's for a family birthday celebration, but Lizzy had a close encounter of the regurgitory kind. She got all woozy and couldn't keep her Kentucky vittles down. She spent most of the day in bed and we had to pass on the evening's festivities; very sad. Fortunately, a little time and a lot of Graeter's Ice Cream has her all fixed up and ready to roll tomorrow morning.

Gunner is especially sad to see us go. He is quite a handsome gentleman and just loves to show off. Seems one of his favorite pastimes is a good, evening photo shoot.

And...

...what's any self-respecting farm without your quota of Z-Donk's. Yes folks, it's true. If a lusty male zebra finds himself in the same pasture with an amorous female donkey, sometimes they decide to roll in the hay rather than eating it. The result are offspring that are punished; like mules, the kiddos have no "love" gene.

Z-Donk's

Mike's a believer that a person should "wear out" rather than "rust out," so something's always going on at Fink Farm. If they're not mowing, feeding the livestock, or moving dirt, they're birthing new Longhorn baby cattle. What a great experience it is just to be here.

It hard to say what we'll miss the most: Keeneland, the Kentucky countryside, the camaraderie, or just kicking back and relaxing on the Farm.

That's the apartment on the left. That's Gunner on the right.

Back door entrance directly from  the barn itself.

Our spot! Not bad sharing covered parking with the animals and the farm implements.

 Final evening comes to a close. Farewell friends! Till next year...

Day 34 - Barn Quilts

It's springtime in Kentucky!

If you believed the weather forecasts for Lexington, Kentucky you'd never get out of bed, let alone making a 200 mile drive through the countryside. Life's funny like that. Seems the more we try to outsmart mother nature, the more we are likely to miss out on.

Today was just such a day. The forecasts was 30-40% chance of rain. That translates into fabulous, dramatic skies as backdrops for your pictures. As you know, by now, Lizzy loves the barn quilts that decorate the landscape here in Kentucky. Now, that's not to say they're around every corner, but with all the amazing scenery here. they're more like accents. Barns, on the other hand, do dominate the landscape; they're literally everywhere. The come in all colors, shapes and sizes, but lots are flat black with contrasting trim adorning the barn doors or windows.

Barns can be almost any color imaginable. The quilt designs, once again, are emblematic and unique, Each is like a family "coat of arms."

Today's outing took us south and west of Lexington through little towns like Nicholasville, Danville, Loretto, and Gravel Switch. As a matter of fact, if any of you make plans to travel in Kentucky, do yourself a favor and drive or ride Gravel Switch Road; you won' regret it. It's Heaven on asphalt.

Kentucky spring was strutting her stuff today. The temps were in the high 70s and low 80s. The breeze was perfect and the clouds put on a show that was awe inspiring.

Many of you have offered warm responses and comments to our blog. We really appreciate hearing from you, so don't be shy. I try to answer any and all letters from home. Several have commented on the photos and asked about camera selection. Today's photos were all shot with my trusty phone. That's right folks, the secret to great photography is being someplace where it makes no difference which way you point the camera. Kentucky is just such a place. Of course, it helps to hold the camera or phone steady when you excitedly press the button. It's hard...but it's worth it.

Tomorrow is a special treat! Our host, Mike, is taking me to play golf at a beautiful course nearby. I'm so excited. In fact, I cut my bourbon ration short today and am retiring early just to be ready for tomorrow. So...stay tuned!!

Keep those cards and letters coming!!

Day 33 - Boyd Bonanza

Some may recall that our odyssey last year connected us with long time school buddy, Randy and his wife Denise, the Boyds. Turns our their daughter lives in Kentucky and their multi-month, 5th-wheel travel adventure finds them here in Lexington. They, like us, love it here. We've had several opportunities to connect, and we've taken full advantage.

We mentioned the big fat Greek Easter spread at their daughter's. Next, they invited us to their towed, Taj Mahal for dinner. We enjoyed another yummy meal at the awesome campgrounds of the Kentucky Horse Park where their Hilton on wheels was tethered.

Earlier this week we had them over to the barn to meet Gunner and enjoy some home cooked Lasagne. Gunner was more than accommodating and cordial and the dinner was great!

Randy and Denise at Fink Farm

Lenny's Lasagne

Finally, we enjoyed a day traversing scintillating Kentucky backroads en route to Woodford Reserve Distillery for a tour and tasting; tasting is my favorite part at Woodford. Then on to Frankfort for a four mile stroll to include parts of downtown, the capitol building, and a Frank Lloyd Wright treasure.

Capitol Building - Frankfort Kentucky

We've had a blast with Denise and Randy! Sadly, we leave Kentucky and the Fink Farm on Monday and likely won't see them again for a while. We've enjoyed every minute. It's really special when you can be miles from home base and still get together with warm friends. 

We encountered a few more blips on the radar this outing; but I think that's all a part of life. If you live long enough, or participate in enough adventures, you're going to encounter a little rain. This trip included the water leak and 2000 mile detour back home, a cancellation of a concert we had prepaid to attend today in Memphis, and the cancellation of the place we were to stay in Wells, Maine. next month. Well...every cloud has a silver lining it seems!

Here's the place we found at the eleventh hour in Maine. Now who's complaining? It, too, is a farm, an organic farm. The operators supply you each day with fresh eggs and produce from the crops they grow. Maybe...just maybe...it's not so bad that the condo in Wells. ME cancelled.

View of the Barn Apartment where we'll stay.

Living area inside the apartment.

 Patio and view. The eggs and produce are delivered here.

See ya around...keep those cards and letters coming.

Days 27-29 - Reflections while chillin' on Fink Farm

A lot of things have changed since we started traveling six years ago. Most of that falls into one category - our attitude. 

2011-12

Son Jordan came to DFW for a Thanksgiving visit in November of 2010. We wound up renting bikes and doing some day-tripping. Bikes had been in the family since the early 70s, but both Jordy and we had been bikeless for 5 or 6 years. Seems like that one short experience at Thanksgiving was all it took to remind us of what we had been missing. So…while Liz and her sisters decorated the house in December of 2010, I visited the BMW dealership in Fort Worth. One up close and personal look at a gorgeous 2010 BMW R1200RT was all it took; the rest is history at its best.

Almost immediately Liz and I discovered the Lone Star BMW Riders Club and became avid members. Our mission was to find a group of kindred souls that loved the open road. For the most part, that’s what we found. Within six months of joining we had become terminally addicted to two-wheeled, life-on-the-road. The recipe then was “Mach II - Hair on Fire.” Many folks say that motorcycle riding is as close as you can get to flying on terra firma. Not having flown a plane, I can only trust their opinions, but I love leaning her over and pulling serious G’s.  It seemed  almost no one was prepared to ride as fast and lean over as far as would suit me. Looking back, I’m sure it was not fun to ride with me in those days. Liz was then and now, my best riding buddy. Nobody is better at putting up with my bullshit ways that Lizzy; thank goodness!!

Tail of the Dragon - 2011

2013-14

An unusual turn of events altered our path in 2013. The Tourmeister "icon" of the LSBMWR group made a lifestyle change and resigned his post. Never one to back away from a challenge (not to mention a leadership role) I became his replacement. Tourmeister, for those that don’t know, is a motorcycle term for “travel agent.” How cool is that? It’s a ready made excuse to live on the bike while finding every twist and turn on the planet (for us, the USA and Canada portion of the planet). We took the job seriously and began living on the road. A good portion of that time was escorting groups of great friends around this great country of ours. Tourmeistering totally consumed us and was one of the greatest experiences of our lives. Having retired in June of 2012, it was the perfect transition.

Our tenure as Tourmeisters probably was a period of mixed reviews. It cannot be said that our travels were not ambitious including almost every part of the country except the Northeast (Alaska was the biggest adventure). While we usually chaperoned groups ranging from 12 to 40+ bikes, many others didn’t attend because they were, shall we say, gainfully employed. Add to that, lots of folks just don’t like to spend days astride a gasoline-powered thoroughbred.

It was during this period that Lizzy and I discovered that wanderlust is a terminal addiction. We found that riding in a group, even if you are the leader that others follow, is more restrictive than what we were seeking. Further, our two-wheeled tastes morphed from dragging pegs in the corners, to safely savoring the scintillating scenery. We resigned as Tourmeisters and intensified our life of leisurely two-wheeled travel.

2014-present…

One of the things we wanted to do when we bought the BMW RT in 2010, was to paint the border of the US with our motorcycle tires. Little did we know that adventure was just a light snack. We’ve checked that box, but oh so many more along the way. If you had told me in January of 2011 that one could name a state or city (not to mention small roads, parks, sights and cafes) within the 49 continental United States, and we could picture your reference, I’d have laughed out loud. Well, guess what?; It happens frequently.

Hard to believe, but true. We've loved every mile and every minute!

Finally, the Fink Farm. Our first visit to Lexington Kentucky was back in the fall of 2012. We left a club ride called the Autumn Colors Ride, and headed east alone. The adventure began with a cantankerous tire that persisted in leaking whenever we stopped. That was our first lesson in motorcycle survival 1.01. Once we realized that repairs are a part of any travel agenda, we became more at home on the road. Liz fell in love with all the Kentucky barns adorned with colorful quilt designs. Those are akin to European coats of arms; no two are the same. 

For me, it was being surrounded in an entire landscape of scrupulously manicured bluegrass. Bar ditches, prevalent almost everywhere in the country, are either non-existent or serenely camouflaged in Kentucky. So, if you avoid the Interstates and travel exclusively “back roads” as we do, you’re treated to an experience akin to riding through the front and back yards of fastidious Kentuckians throughout the state.

Cosmic great fortune landed us at a remote, garden spot on the eastern border of Lexington Kentucky. A write-up on VRBO.com depicted a barn apartment on an exotic animal farm. How cool is that? Well, nothing is ever quite like you envision it. That was true of this experience. Fortunately, is was exponentially better than imagined. We love it so much this marks our 4th stay and 2nd full month here. I can’t believe I got bored during our 1st, 10-day stay here. Keep in mind that was during an era when the sole purpose of a bike was a source of adrenaline. Today, it is better defined as the premier travel experience for land based exploration. 

The Finks - Awesome Folks!

Our buddy - Gunner

For the past few days we have just lived here in Kentucky. While KY weather, like in Texas, is fickle, it almost never presents a 24-hr period without some sunshine. Our host explained that summers get hot! When she finished her thought with, “I mean in the 80’s!,” it was all we could do to suppress our laughter. I’m sure 88 degrees is very hot in Lexington; but I wonder if is is even in the league with our 100+ days in Texas.

Staying in one place for an extended period, in essence living there temporarily, has countess advantages. For starters, the costs are much less than “road-tripping.” Not only is the daily rate lower, but you can grocery shop and prepare your own delicious meals for less than eating out. Gasoline expenses diminish as well. Before long you’ve settled into a routine that suits the environs. We just love riding anywhere around the Lexington area. The scenery is stunning and the laid-back vibe just suits. 

Finally, an unexpected plus is to get better acquainted with our hosts and neighbors, the Finks. These people rule! We enjoyed a night on the town that was truly special. Today, we prepared lasagne for our guests tomorrow night, Randy and Denise. Since lasagna is a labor of love, it only made sense to make enough to share with our hostess, Michelle. 

Life is good here on the farm.

Day 26 - So...you think you're a stud?!

Meet WAR FRONT

He's nothing more that your basic, run-of-the-mill, $80M lady pleaser. He's paid $300K, twice a day from February-July to make babies. Nice work if you can get it - right guys?

War Front is syndicated meaning you can enjoy a piece of his action (figuratively). You make a little whenever he makes whoopee; and he makes a lot of whoopee. As a bonus, you can bring your mares to him. The minimum you pay for a share of War Front is $2M. How many shares do you want?? Because he's such a "stud," he only works twice a day for 6 months a year. That way, you keep him virile and never waste a precious drop. But, I digress.

If you don't wish to put all your mares' eggs in such an expensive basket, there's always the likes of ORB.

Meet ORB

This guy only rents for $7500 a performance; and he takes the stage three times daily. Life's tough on a stud farm. Claiborne Farms is the home of a dude perhaps you remember; his name is Secretariat. Below is what remains of him:

Here lies Secretariat

Perhaps, this seems like a small grave site for such a huge stud, but, traditionally you only bury the head, heart and hooves of a horse. Man O War was an exception; he was fortunate to go all in one piece.

You'd be licking your chops if you had his job! Meet BLAME

Three guys have succeeded Secretariat in his stall at Claiborne Farms

Nice place for a stud to call home!

I'd better run; Liz is needing me back at Fink Farm...wink, wink!!

Day 23 - Kentucky Horse Park

Man O War Statue and Burial Site

No trip to Lexington is complete without visiting the Kentucky Horse Park. It's like the Statue of Liberty in New York. It addresses everything equine. Man O War was a "stud" (literally and figuratively). This dude only lost one race and that was due to an expert jockey move on a horse named Upset (whoa!). However, Man O War beat Upset on five other occasions. His remains dwell here at KHP.

 Man O War Statue Kentucky Horse Park

One of the most interesting things we've encountered are the innumerable number of breeds of horses. This is true of the draft horses as well. Of course, we are all familiar with Budweiser's Clydesdales. But, did you know the Clydesdale is far from the biggest draft horse. There are several breeds that are larger. Pictured below is the grand daddy of them all, the Belgian. It don't get no bigger than this! Also, somewhat unique to the Clydesdale are the fuzzy feet appropriately named, feathers. Clydesdales are originally from Scotland as one of only two fuzzy-footed equine draft horses. Shires are very similar to Clydesdales in size shape and color, but are from England. They also have feathered feet.

 Belgian Draft Horse - as big as it gets!

The entire area around Keeneland is picturesque. We love this area so much! It just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Here are a couple snaps from our travels between venues this morning.

Ah...Kentucky! This photo pretty much says to all...

One of Lizzy's favorites, the barn quilts. They're like family coats of arms.

Day 23 - I Love the Smell of Keeneland in the Morning

7:00 am - Main Track at Keeneland Facility in Lexington

Sunrise at Keeneland Race Track - Lexington Kentucky

It’s always tough rolling out of the sack for an early morning rendezvous at  Keeneland Race Track in Lexington, but it’s always been more than  worth the effort. This morning was no exception; in fact, it may have been the most action ever for us.

For those that don’t know or haven’t been there, Keeneland is an awesome facility for those that have an equine bent. It's part race track, part stables, part training facility, and part sales facility for Thoroughbreds. At any given time there might be as many as 1100 Man O War wannabe's hanging there. The coolest thing is that you can go there for free and get up close and personal with the equines and their jockeys and trainers and the Keeneland staff. Of course, there are rules: 1) Not free or available on race days; 2) No touchy the horsies!

Horses, it seems, do their training early in the morning. We recall arriving one morning at 7:30 am when the weather was warm and...no horsies. All had trained hours earlier and were bathed and back in their cool stalls.

Today was special because it's racing month at Keeneland, but no races on Tuesday. The place is packed with equines and buzzing with early morning action. I don't know, but I suspect that because of the number of horses on the premises, that only those that were racing were allowed to train on the main track today. It also appeared that they had scheduled times to train and were queued up waiting their respective turns. This made it especially fun for Lizzy who loves getting up close and personal with the magnificent athletes.

Queued up and waiting...

Hey, dude...who said you could take my photo?

 Giddy-up!!

After their workouts it's bath time and, of course, these athletes are hungry. They eat somewhere around 20 lbs of hay, grass and grain in some combination each day. Add to that 6-10 gallons of water. Each has its own unique sound as it cruises the track at full gallop. Some grunt, others wheeze and some are almost silent. No matter what, your heart beats big-time as you watch them rip around the track.

Early Morning Workout Time

The track Sentinel

After watching the workouts, we went behind the scenes and saw them getting bathed and fed. Keeneland is a very special place. We much prefer the more intimate visits than to attend on race day.

Waiting for bath time...

Just hanging...

Keeneland Winners and their colors...