Many of the students were able to enjoy a continental breakfast at the Brookstown Inn before embarking on this wonderful journey West. Bags were loaded, hugs and kisses were exchanged between families, and within a short amount of time the crew was on the road.
We stopped for a slightly rainy, but still delicious, picnic lunch in West Virginia. Even with the rain, the group enjoyed the meal and getting to know one another while huddled close under the picnic shelter. This year we have a good mix of students from all over North Carolina, as well as some from South Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Mississippi, Connecticut, and Illinois. The students are enjoying playing the "name game", as I call it, and travel as a pack during stops.
Upon arriving in Louisville, KY, the crew visited Churchill Downs, home of the oldest consecutive-running sporting event in America (as the group learned today). The Kentucky Derby Museum gave the group a look into the making/training of a Derby horse and its jockey. During our tour of the facility we were able to witness an actual race on the track. For many in the group it was their first experience seeing a horse race. They enjoyed picking a winner and cheering their picks on throughout the race. It was an exhilarating experience for all.
After checking in at the hotel, the crew traveled a short distance to Joe Huber's family farm and restaurant in Starlite, Indiana. We enjoyed a family style meal consisting of fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, and sweet rolls that melt in your mouth. After tonight I think most of the students realized they will not go hungry on the Grand Western Tour!
The day ended with time spent enjoying each other's company on Joe Huber's beautiful farm.
Tomorrow we get a slightly later start which means more beauty sleep for all before our journey continues to St. Louis!
Signing off-GWT
