Michigan and Ohio

Michigan and Ohio

June 29, 2017

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.

Let's go racin', boys

Let's go racin', boys

June 7, 2017

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).

Southern Indiana is not much different from Kentucky. Is that a good thing?

May 12, 2017

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.

Charlestown redux

Charlestown redux

April 10, 2017

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.

Western Galilee redux

Western Galilee redux

February 16, 2017

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.

North Country

North Country

February 16, 2017

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?

Vegas, Baby

Vegas, Baby

January 2, 2017

Beyond the Strip

Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

November 30, 2016

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!

Country

Country

November 4, 2016

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.

South Carolina

South Carolina

October 19, 2016

Drove down to Clemson to see my Cardinals edged by the Tigers by one stinkin' yard. Rural South always has photogenic stuff.

Chi-town

October 5, 2016

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.

NYC

NYC

August 24, 2016

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.

Peoria TT

Peoria TT

August 17, 2016

"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.

Fancy Farm Picnic

Fancy Farm Picnic

August 16, 2016

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..

Keeneland Concours

Keeneland Concours

August 11, 2016

Before my Road America trip, there was the Concours d'Elegance at Keeneland. Some rare and interesting cars, as usual.

Wisconsin Road Cheese

Wisconsin Road Cheese

August 9, 2016

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.

The Glen

The Glen

July 19, 2016

Had the good fortune to go to Watkins Glen, New York, for a track event. That is near the Finger Lakes of upstate NY. Legendary track that lived up to its glory, set in a glorious part of the country. There's the Corning Museum of Glass nearby, which is a must-see if you are anywhere near Corning.

Big Apple

Big Apple

June 30, 2016

A couple of days in NYC to see my daughters and niece was a delight. Roaming the streets is fun sometimes when the weather is nice. It was nice. Nicer was celebrating my birthday and Fathers Day with them.

On the road

On the road

June 29, 2016

I spent the past 10 days on the road. From Louisville through Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and back home. Had the pleasure of driving US 30 in Pennsylvania from Breezewood to Chambersburg. If you happen to find yourself traveling east on the Pa. Turnpike, get off at the Breezewood exit and take US 30. You'll thank me. Including the hometown of Nellie Fox (St. Thomas, PA). Here are few shots from the Keystone State.

Big Muddy

Big Muddy

June 9, 2016

Our dear Ohio River didn't look too bad the other day. Indiana, west of Corydon, near Leavenworth, Derby and Buzzard Roost.