Louisville, Kentucky

Stop 1: Lunch in Kentucky

For our first stop in Kentucky we had lunch under an umbrella of trees. The sun was shining and smiles were bright as we began to get to know each other. How exciting it is to be starting a journey like this together with such amazing people.

Turner and Alex gave a smile as we sat and relaxed!

Carter wasn't too excited about taking a picture but he did it anyway just for me!

This group of girls were laughing and carrying on!

Isn't it funny that girls and the boys are all separated? I wonder how long it will last......

Stop Two: Kentucky Derby Museum, Church Hill Downs
Louisville, Kentucky

After a 530 mile ride the group stepped off the bus in Louisville, Kentucky. First on the agenda was a trip through the Derby Museum. Many of the kids enjoyed playing games and checking out the history within the museum. After the museum fun we were lead out into the courtyard of Church Hill Downs. We were given brief history of the facility and the famous Kentucky Derby. Then we were able to see a horse race and meet and take pictures with several jockeys. All of which made this a great stop!

"I loved seeing the horse race and seeing where the world's largest horse race takes place. I'll never forget it! It was so neat!" -- Margaret Willetts

I think Turner might be winning this race? They found the games inside the museum exciting!

The group tour through the courtyard. They have the winning Derby horse's silks on display.

Suites over looking the race track can go for as much as a quarter million dollars a year!

Front row seats for a horse race, the first horse race for many in the group!

I think there might have been some "betting" going on . Too bad all they got was bragging rights.

The group is anxiously awaiting the finish of the race! The second favorite number 8 horse took the victory!

One of the cool parts of the tour was seeing and meeting several jockeys. They had just finished the race that we were watching.


Did you know that they check a number that is tattooed inside the horse's lip to make sure they are the correct horse for the race? Fun fact from the tour.

Stop Three: Joe Huber Family Farm
Starlight, Indiana

The group dined on an amazing meal of fried biscuits, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

After dinner they also liked playing on the farm, even the boys had a great time on the swings.

"The Huber Farm had awesome food! It was some good southern cooking."
--Blake Bozymski

"The Huber Family Farm was so yummy! It tasted like my grandma's cooking. I also really liked the ducks!" --Callie Hennis

McKenzie appears to be winning the swinging race.

What an amazing view!

The girls are all smiles..........

Feeding the ducks was fun for us and them!


When they got tired of swinging they had a jumping contest!

An amazing sunset to close out a wonderful first day, full of adventure! And to think, we've only just begun.

Hey, Hey, Hey.....Goodbye!

In the early morning hours of June 19th the group of friends met once again, only this time to depart together! At 6:30 sharp our family of 51 teenagers, 4 chaperons, and a bus driver rolled out of the Brookstown Inn in Winston Salem, NC. It's hard to imagine that are only just beginning the trip of a lifetime!

After much anticipation we finally meet!

We entered Bryant Hall surrounded by strangers, we left surrounded by friends.
One of the most exciting parts of the Western Tour is meeting the group that you will call your family during the 33 day adventure!
On June 18th the Staff members, chaperons, tour members and their families gathered in Bryant Hall at Salem College to begin the experience of a lifetime.

With many smiling, eager faces along with a wonderful meal the evening was a great success and the energy of the group radiated in the air! Although we are only just beginning the fun has already started.

Ready to Roll?

June 19th is fast approaching, are you ready to hit the road? Here are some helpful reminders before we leave!

Tips:

• Bring your favorite movies along, they are great for the bus! (No rated R movies will be shown on the bus!)
  
• Don't pack your suitcase too full, you won't have room for things that you purchase!
• Just in case you get cool on the bus, you might want a light blanket. (Just remember you will have to keep up with it.)
• The new all-in-one detergent and fabric softener sheets are wonderful! Put several in a ziplock bag and your all set.
• Pack a couple large ziplock bags in case something gets wet. That way everything else will stay dry until you can wash.
• Laundry bags or trash bags work nicely for dirty clothes.
• Multi-plug adapters are not necessary, but are helpful! Many hotel rooms have only one or two outlets, this makes charging cell phones and using hair dryers, etc. interesting.
• Write down the phone numbers for your credit and/or debit card companies. If these are lost the numbers will be useful!
  

Meet the Staff

Ken Hayes - President/Owner

As a teacher, coach, and Athletic Director in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system for 33 years, I have devoted my professional life to young people. I served as Tour Director of Winston-Salem Grand Western Tours for those same 33 years and then became President/Owner thirteen years ago. Travel is an important aspect of my personal life as well, with excursions throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe, and Asia. I also enjoy playing golf. It is my sincerest hope that our young people take every opportunity to experience life to the fullest, which is why I offer the Winston-Salem Grand Western Tour. Perhaps you will join us this year!

Glenn Jordan - Tour Director (picture coming soon)

Upon returning from each of my seven stints with The Grand Western Tour, I never failed to realize that I'd just lived one of the most positive stretches of the year. Thanks to all of you for making round eight possible, my fourth as tour director.

I've spent 19 years teaching middle school, the past 14 at Western Rockingham Middle School. Over the years, I've taught seventh and eighth grade social studies, math and science. I also coach track and field.

I enjoy long, daily walks with my 82-pound pit bull and a yellow lab, tipping the scales around 110. I also enjoy history, music, politics, sports and gazing at Kansas wheat fields through a bus window, but not always in that order. Once again, thanks and I look forward to the summer.

Kristen Edwards - Chaperon

This is Kristen's fourth summer traveling with The Grand Western Tour.

Kristen graduated from Appalachian in 2003 and has just completed her 7th year teaching. She has taught in Pilot Mountain for 5 of those years. Kristen has taught 6th, 4th and 3rd grade and is also the varsity girls soccer coach at East Surry High School.

Kristen enjoys watching and competing in sports, being outside, and playing with her dog, Belle.


Lucy Dillard - Chaperon

Lucy graduated from Western Carolina University in 2005 and has taught Social Studies for four years. For the two previous years she coached dance and taught at North Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters Degree at North Carolina State University.

Lucy enjoys watching sports, baking and doing craft projects.




Randall Gunter - Chaperon

Randall Graduated from James Madison University in 1990 with a BBA in Business Administration. He has just completed his tenth year teaching for Patrick County Schools in Virginia. During that time, he has taught U.S. History, Civics, and 6th-7th grade math. Randall is also a sponsor of the Woolwine Junior Beta Club.

In his spare time, Randall enjoys traveling, fishing, attending live music events and photography.