Following the Buffalo Trail

From Mike:

We learned today (you'll learn where later down) that the settlers making their way into Kentucky followed the trails made by thousands of migrating buffalo making their way to the plain.  Having to make their way through heavily wooded hills, the trails of the buffalo made the easiest path.   Quite a difference from the interstates of today.

   In Massachusettes, we made our way past the second highest point on Route 90.  We will be making our way back to Route 90 and  plan on taking a picture of the corresponding sign in South Dakota.

The first states flew by.   Although each state warmly welcomed us,  we barely got a chance to say hello.  

Pennsylvania had wonderful fields full of corn and haystacks.

Emily drove ahead of us and met us at Dickinson, which is known for their red chairs, and their attractive chair models.

Driving through Maryland on the National Freeway (Route 70, through Route 68) was absolutely spectacular.  I wish we could have stayed longer to ride our bikes on the Bike Trail.

When they talk about Wild and Wonderful West Virginia they must be talking of  Route 79 south from Morgantown to Charleston.  This was a route I would not want to do in the winter!  Hills and Hollows were an understatement.  What beautiful country!!  We wished we could have taken one of the very few exits to see what was behind the mountains we were going through.  The Blue Ridge parkway had fewer curves it seemed...well maybe not, but on the Blue Ridge you aren't going 70 mph down hill.

Kentucky felt like a gentlemen's state.  Karen wanted to take pictures of all the wooden horse fences, and hopefully we will get some, but I didn't want to miss the 3:00 o'clock tour at Buffalo Trace Distillary.  (Did you know to be called Bourbon a whiskey has to  have at least 51% corn, must be aged  a minimum of two years in Virgin Oak Barrels which can only be used once, and can have no added coloring or flavoring?  )

Here I am breathing the "angels share".  The air in the warehouses was sweet with evaporated Bourbon.  Roughly 4% of the Bourbon leaves the barrel each year due to evaporation. A 10 year old Bourbon has only 50% of the original amount left in the barrel.

And yes, the buffalo crossed the Kentucky River right near this water tower. 

      We arrived at Thomas, Zoe, Tammy, and Joe's house around supper time.  We'll post pictures soon.

--Mike